PT/MC sales experience slight retraction according to PTDA's July 2008 Market Outlook Report Data
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) released July 2008 month-end trend data for distributors and manufacturers of power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) products.

U.S. distributors’ overall sales of PT/MC products fell 1.1 percent in July 2008 compared to June 2008. When matched up against sales in the same month last year, sales in July 2008 were up 10.2 percent. Accounts receivable collection days increased 2.6 percent since June 2008. The confidence index of U.S. distributors for July dropped 0.2 points to 5.4 (on a 10-point scale).

Canadian distributors were the only category reporting a gain in sales in July 2008, posting a 2.0 increase over June 2008. Sales over the same period last year were up 6.4 percent. Accounts receivable collection days dropped dramatically, by 19.3 percent compared to June 2008. In July 2008, the confidence level of Canadian distributors was held constant for the sixth consecutive month at 5.7 (on a 10-point scale).

U.S. manufacturers’ sales dropped 3.9 percent in July 2008 when compared to June 2008. Sales in July 2008 climbed 14.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Orders in July 2008 were down 2.7 percent over June 2008. The confidence level of U.S. manufacturers rose 0.1 points to 5.4 (on a 10-point scale).

Canadian manufacturer’s sales decreased 3.5 percent in July 2008 compared to June 2008. Sales were down 0.9 percent when compared to the same period last year. The confidence level of Canadian manufacturers increased 0.1 to 5.0 (on a 10-point scale) from June to July 2008.

Product-by-product sales between June 2008 and July 2008 reflect the overall decline in sales experienced by U.S. and Canadian manufacturers. Only three of nine product categories for U.S. manufacturers—shaft couplings, variable speed drives and gear products—posted increases in sales. For Canadian manufacturers, four product categories posted double-digit gains—mounted bearings, clutches & brakes, shaft couplings and gear products.

For more information, visit www.ptda.org.

Click here to view the July data charts pdf.

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Atlas Copco opens Compressor DC for North America
Atlas Copco Compressors LLC has opened a new distribution center in Rock Hill, S.C., as part of their commitment to work to ensure a 24-hour delivery of in-stock parts to customers across North America.

“Through our new distribution center in South Carolina we have the capability to deliver spare parts within 24 hours or less if that’s what the customer needs,” said Paul Hense, president of Atlas Copco Compressors LLC. “Our customers no longer have to worry about overseas shipping or potential delays in customs – they know they’ll get the parts they need the next morning, significantly reducing any downtime they may be experiencing.”

The distribution center is staffed by more than 30 full-time employees, who manage the shipping of an average of 1,000 order lines every day.

The opening of the new North American distribution center coincides with Atlas Copco’s North American headquarters relocation to Rock Hill from Westfield, Mass. The distribution center is part of a 187,000 square feet facility, consisting of corporate offices, manufacturing and distribution space for Atlas Copco portable and stationary compressors. The facility is also used for the production of compressors for the many multi-brands within Atlas Copco.

This brand new manufacturing and distribution center ensures flexible manufacturing inline with customer needs. This flexibility allows for entire production lines to be changed from screw compressors to piston compressors within a matter of hours.

The company’s service program includes a 24-hour emergency support service hotline: (877) 2 GET ATLAS COPCO, or 877-243-8285.

Learn more at www.atlascopco.com.

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ITC Judge finds violations of Pass & Seymour’s GFCI patent rights
Sept. 25, 2008 — Pass & Seymour/Legrand (P&S), a leading provider of electrical wiring devices and home systems, announced today that a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) judge ruled that a number of Chinese manufacturers of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) have violated P&S’s patent rights.

ITC Administrative Law Judge Carl C. Charneski’s rulings followed an evidentiary hearing that took place June 2-12, 2008, in an investigation based on complaints filed by P&S in August and December 2007. The complaints alleged, among other things, violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing into the U.S. GFCIs which infringe six P&S patents.

The following companies were named in the investigation:
Chinese companies:
General Protecht Group, Inc.
Shanghai ELE Manufacturing Corp.
Shanghai Meihao Electric, Inc.
Wenzhou Trimone Science and Technology Electric Co., Ltd.

U.S. companies:
Cheetah USA Corp. of Sandy, Utah
Colacino Electric Supply, Inc., of Newark, N.Y.
The Designer’s Edge, Inc., of Bellevue, Wash.
General Protecht Group U.S., Inc., of Atlanta, Ga.
GX Electric of Pompano Beach, Fla.
Ingram Products, Inc., of Jacksonville, Fla.
Lunar Industrial & Electrical, Inc., of Miami, Fla.
Nicor Inc., of Albuquerque, NM.
Orbit Industries, Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif.
Quality Distributing LLC, of Hillsboro, Ore.
Universal Security Instruments, Inc., of Owings Mills, Md.

General Protecht Group U.S., GX Electric, Ingram Products, Lunar Industrial & Electrical, Quality Distributing, and Universal Security Instruments settled with P&S before Judge Charneski’s rulings.

Judge Charneski upheld the validity and enforceability and found infringement of all six of the patents asserted by P&S. The P&S patents at issue were U.S. Patent Nos. 5,594,398; 7,154,718; 7,164,564; 7,212,386; 7,256,973; and 7,283,340. Judge Charneski ruled that GFCIs made or sold by General Protecht Group, Shanghai ELE Manufacturing, Shanghai Meihao Electric and Wenzhou Trimone Science and Technology Electric infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,594,398; 7,212,386; and 7,283,340. Judge Charneski also ruled that GFCIs made or sold by Shanghai Meihao Electric infringe U.S. Patent No. 7,154,718 and that GFCIs made or sold by Shanghai ELE Manufacturing infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 7,164,564 and 7,256,973. Cheetah USA, Colacino Electric Supply, The Designer’s Edge, Nicor and Orbit Industries have distributed the various infringing GFCIs in the United States.

The next step in the ITC process is for the full International Trade Commission to review Judge Charneski’s ruling together with any appeals and make a final decision by December 24th.

“Judge Charneski’s ruling affirms the special and innovative nature of our products and our company,” said Pat Davin, Vice President and General Manager of Pass & Seymour/Legrand. “Innovative safety and productivity enhancing products are important ingredients of what our company brings to the market.”

P&S has a related suit pending in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, seeking additional damages. There, P&S is also pursuing infringement claims against Hubbell Incorporated of Orange, Conn., for infringing a number of patents in issue in the ITC ruling and other patents.

Pass & Seymour/Legrand is a leading provider of electrical wiring devices, accessories, and home systems in North America. For more information, visit www.passandseymour.com.

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Danfoss announces major expansion in Illinois
Danfoss is doubling its Loves Park, IL, facility that produces variable frequency drives, adding both production and office space. Continued domestic and global growth for Danfoss Drives necessitates the expansion in order to accommodate the additional equipment and personnel required to meet increasing demand. After expansion, the entire facility will be LEED-certified and registered with the US Green Building Council. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) green building rating system promotes sustainability in design and construction practices in order to increase operating efficiencies. LEED-certified buildings lower operating costs and increase asset value, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Danfoss Drives, Loves Park, designs and manufactures variable frequency drives (VFDs) for efficient control of AC motors used in applications that include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, water and wastewater, food and beverage, material handling, petrochemical, and a multitude of industrial applications. VFDs can have a significant impact on energy savings while simultaneously improving process control, which are key driving factors behind the global market growth.

“As both our domestic sales and export business for Danfoss VLT® drives have grown exponentially, so has our need for increased production capacity and additional office space. The expansion will allow Danfoss to accommodate the 250 additional employees we have identified will be required to support our growth while maintaining the level of service our customers have come to expect from us.” says David Holmgren, Purchasing Manager.

Danfoss Drives moved into their current state-of-the-art facility in 2001, located on 18 acres of land in Loves Park. The new building expansion will fully utilize the remainder of the 18 acres, which has necessitated the purchase of an adjacent 17 acres of land to ensure the possibility of contiguous expansion beyond 2011. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held September 16, 2008, with the goal of having the additional facilities completed and fully operational by third quarter 2009.

2008 also marks the 75year anniversary of Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of precision mechanical and electrical components, with locations in more than 120 countries.

For more information contact Danfoss Drives at 800-432-6367; salesinformation@danfoss.com; www.danfossdrives.com.

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Parker's Hose Products Division offers new quick reference guide to simplify the selection process
Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has released a new Hose Products Division Quick Reference Guide (Bulletin 4400-B13) to help customers make the right product connection in the least time. The attractive eight-panel, four-color, glossy guide is three-hole punched so it can be added to any binder as a fold-out directory to the division's hydraulic, Push-Lok®, suction and return, transportation and refrigerant hose products. Now available from Parker's Hose Products Division and new to the Quick Reference Guide are 451TC and 471TC Twin Tough braided hydraulic hoses that eliminate the labor and material costs required to manually bundle two separate hoses using tie straps or plastic sleeves. An expanded offering of F42 specialty hydraulic hose is also available, as is new compressed air hose (CAH) for industrial air compressors. To request the new Hose Products Division Quick Reference Guide, call 440.943.5700 or visit the Parker Store retail location near you.

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UMass Lowell opens new BioManufacturing Pilot Plant
Corporate partners donate $600,000 in equipment to speed ideas into production

UMass Lowell opened a fully automated BioManufacturing Pilot Plant today, made possible through equipment and services donated to the University by three main corporate partners: Invensys Process Systems (IPS), Wyeth Biotech, and Dakota Systems. Equipment to be donated by Millipore will be used in an adjoining lab that works in tandem with the pilot plant. Together, the four companies' contributions are worth $600,000, UMass Lowell officials announced.

The new pilot plant and lab will help Massachusetts biomanufacturing companies bring new biopharmaceuticals closer to commercial production.

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Fabtech is coming, are you registered?
Find a year's worth of solutions in only three days at the 2008 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show October 6 – 8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As North America's largest metal forming, fabricating & welding exposition, this show provides hands-on access to the products and technologies you need to remain competitive.

Make plans now to attend the 2008 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show. You won't want to miss this opportunity to see and compare the latest industry innovations from leading suppliers and find solutions to your specific challenges – all in one place.

For questions and information, please call 800-733-4763 or visit www.fmafabtech.com.

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New SME DVD reveals how poka-yoke lean process can help your shop eliminate mistakes
Poka-yoke is the Japanese term for mistake-proofing or setting up measures to prevent mistakes and the negative impact they can have on your shop’s bottom line.

Currently available to purchase at www.sme.org/store, the DVD’s purpose is to help manufacturers come as close to perfection as possible. Part of the Shingo Prize-winning Manufacturing Insights Video Series, it measures and evaluates the modern and practical methods for getting quality right the first time.

Through more than 30 informative minutes, viewers are not only introduced to such poka-yoke practitioners as Fuchs, but also effective processes and tools such as and on lights, sensors and counter-measures, which go as far as shutting down production lines when errors occur.

Viewers are given an inside look at companies such as Saline Plastics, ConMed Linvatec, and ESYS Engineered Systems. They will see how they are using mistake-proofing to help reduce costs, increase quality and accelerate customer delivery time. In particular, the DVD reveals how Saline Plastics uses the process to build customized automobile instrument panels for Ford Motor Company.

Order the DVD online at: www.sme.org/store, or call (800) 733-4763. Reference UPC 898544001719; Order Code: DV08PUB8.

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DuPont Building Innovations announces price increases
DuPont Building Innovations announces price increases up to 15 percent in the United States, effective Sept.30, or as contracts permit, for DuPont Weatherization Systems products. Due to the accelerating price increases of oil-based feedstocks and energy, raw materials continue to be subject to significant cost increases.

“DuPont Building Innovations is taking these actions in response to a step-change increase in raw material, energy and transportation costs,” said Todd Apple, DuPont Building Innovations director for the Americas. “We have worked to insulate our customers from these inflationary cost pressures by absorbing the cost increases, driving efficiencies in our processes, and by cutting costs. However, given the magnitude of the realized cost increases, DuPont is no longer able to fully absorb or otherwise address these higher costs.”

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Castrol Industrial saddened by loss
Castrol Industrial North America Inc. (“Castrol Industrial”) announces with profound sadness the passing of Todd Mitchell, President of its Americas region, on August 19, 2008. Todd’s death was unexpected and very sudden. He is survived by his wife and three young sons.

Todd’s leadership, professionalism, and sense of humor will be greatly missed. He brought to us great people skills and an ability to motivate the team with authenticity, determination and a great openness to dialogue. He has made a very big difference in a short amount of time and we will miss his huge personal qualities as well as the great leader and businessman.

Todd was a member of the Castrol leadership team for the past two years, after holding a variety of roles since joining Castrol’s industrial business in 2001. He had just assumed the role of Castrol Industrial Americas President on July 1st of this year.

As Todd’s family begins to process this unfathomable loss, Castrol will be providing support in various ways, including employee contributions to a trust fund established for his sons. Castrol personnel, themselves, are coming to terms with the sudden loss of their friend and colleague.

Todd’s successor will be named and announced in the coming months. In the interim, Dave Fuerst has been appointed to fill the role of Castrol Industrial Americas President. Dave has most recently been a key member of the leadership team for four years, serving in various sales director roles, after many years of field and other business experiences.

For more information, visit www.castrol.com.

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NAED and NAW launch health insurance program
Group health insurance plans designed for NAED member companies
The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) announces that NAED members are now eligible for the health insurance plans offered by NAW.

The NAED/NAW Health Insurance Program offers comprehensive group health insurance plans with flexible benefit options. The health plans are fully insured PPO plans, designed for NAW direct members, and available to all NAED members as a result of NAED’s membership in NAW. All members, not just distributors, are eligible to participate.

The program uses a Trust established by NAW, which is an arrangement that allows participating member companies to join together to obtain coverage under a single policy of insurance. The result of the Trust is a large risk pool that may lower insurance premiums for many businesses that would otherwise have to buy insurance on their own. It is currently available in more than 40 states, with additional states being added as they become available.

“We understand that providing health insurance benefits is a huge financial challenge for many of our members. The variety of health insurance plans and programs available could mean tremendous savings for companies choosing to participate,” said NAED President Tom Naber. “I am excited that the partnership between NAED and NAW allows us to extend this valuable opportunity to our members.”

The NAED/NAW Health Insurance Program offers member companies numerous PPO plans with flexible plan design and benefit options, including:
-- Varying deductible and coinsurance levels, and prescription drug programs
-- Consumer-driven, cost-saving options, featuring health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and more
-- Additional products, including dental and life/AD&D insurance

Contact NAED Customer Service at (888) 791-2512 or customerservice@naed.org for more information on the NAED/NAW Health Insurance Program.

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Viega hosts John Siegenthaler in a Fall hydronics seminar October 14 and 15
Viega, a leading supplier in plumbing and heating systems, is hosting the Viega Fall Hydronics Seminar with John Siegenthaler on Oct. 14 and 15, 2008. The seminar will combine a full-day technical program on contemporary hydronic system design with unique networking opportunities in beautiful New England.

To extend a warm welcome, Viega will kick off the event with an authentic New England-style clam bake complete with lobster, New England clam chowder, steamed mussels and clams, corn bread and a variety of spirits on the afternoon of Oct. 14 at Viega’s state-of-the-art Educational Facility in Nashua, N.H.

Along with dinner, attendees will be given the opportunity to take photographs with Viega’s custom-built Orange County Chopper and sign up for discounted 2009 Viega training courses.

On Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., John Siegenthaler, an industry leader in the field of hydronics, will present a seminar at Viega’s Educational Facility on some of the latest materials and methods of modern hydronic heating including: smart pumping, hydraulic separation, heat metering, homerun water distribution systems and thermal accumulators. If you are unfamiliar with these systems or the benefits they offer you should attend this seminar.
The complete seminar package (lodging, meals, course materials and continuing education units where applicable) are provided for the low price of $325. To register, contact Meg York or Gwendolyn Steele by emailing meg.york@viega.com, gwendolyn.steele@viega.com or calling 1-877-843-4262.

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