Archive for January 4th, 2010
by Doug Chandler January 4th, 2010
Several news organizations are reporting that GE plans to reorganize its Consumer & Industrial unit, based in Louisville, Ky., moving the industrial operations under GE Energy as part of a new Industrial Solutions group, and renaming the C&I division GE Appliance & Lighting. Jim Campbell, president and CEO of C&I, will continue to lead the Louisville-based operations, according to Jere Downs of the Louisville Courier-Journal.
GE sought to spin off or sell the Consumer & Industrial Division in recent years, but changed course last year to refocus its consumer products division on energy-efficient products.
Louisville Courier-Journal story
Clarification
Related Topics: Channel Chatter
by Doug Chandler January 4th, 2010
IndustryWeek is relaying a story from Agence France Presse, reporting that workers at two copper mines in Chile have gone on strike. Miners at Codelco’s Chuquicamata and Mina Sur mines, which together account for about four percent of the world’s copper production, are calling for a 7.5 percent pay hike. Codelco is owned by the Chilean state, which produces around 1.6 million tons of copper per year and employs around 5,600 workers.
IndustryWeek story
Related Topics: Channel Chatter
by Doug Chandler January 4th, 2010
Ideal Industries, Sycamore, Ill., has added to its hand-tool manufacturing capacity with the acquisition on New Years Eve of Western Forge, a tool manufacturer based in Colorado Springs, Colo. The company makes pliers, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches at a 345,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Colorado Springs. The move adds to Ideal’s emphasis on “made in America” products and expands its tool offering in OEM and retail markets.
Randy Thompson, a 22-year Ideal veteran, will lead Western Forge as general manager.
Related Topics: Channel Chatter, Mergers & Acquisitions
by Jim Lucy January 4th, 2010
Perma-Cote, Gilmer, Texas, has added Promellis Inc., as a representative for Quebec and Eastern Ontario, Canada. Promellis Inc.is an electrical manufacturer’s representative with sales offices situated in Blainville, Quebec and in Quebec City, Quebec.
Related Topics: Channel Chatter, Reps' Role
by Jim Lucy January 4th, 2010
The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., fell 5.7 points in December to 48.2 points. The index failed to top the critical 50-point threshold for the first time since July, indicating modest deterioration in the business environment following a period of steady, if slow, growth over the last several months.
By contrast, EBCI for future North American conditions rebounded in December following declines in each of the two previous months. At 64.3 points, the index posted its tenth straight reading above 50 points, with a 6.3-point gain relative to November suggesting the degree of anticipated improvement in conditions over the next half year increased in the latest month.
The EBCI gauges the business confidence of the electroindustry in Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America, and is based on the results of a monthly survey of senior managers at NEMA member companies. Those companies represent more than 80 percent of the electroindustry. Details
Related Topics: Channel Chatter
by Jim Lucy January 4th, 2010
Ballard Power Systems, Vancouver, B.C., will supply Daimler AG fuel cell products for the auto manufacturer’s fuel cell car and bus programs. The agreement provides for minimum revenue of approximately $24 million over eighteen months from April 2010, with roughly equal distribution in 2010 and 2011. Ballard Power Systems is a clean energy growth company with product leadership in fuel cell power solutions, focused on the material handling and stationary power markets.
Details
Related Topics: Channel Chatter, Green News
by Jim Lucy January 4th, 2010
Legrand/Pass & Seymour (Syracuse, N.Y.): Scott Bausch has been named director of product marketing and will lead the company’s commercial and residential product marketing sections. He joined Legrand/Pass & Seymour in 2004 as a product line manager and most recently served as the marketing manager for commercial and industrial products. Bausch earned a B.A. degree from St. John Fisher College and his MBA from Franklin University.
Related Topics: Channel Chatter, People on the Move
by Jim Lucy January 4th, 2010
MDU Construction Services Group (Bismark, N.D.): Craig Keller has been named COO of the company. He has worked for MDU Resources Group Inc. companies since 1986. MDU Construction Services Group Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Resources Group Inc. that specializes in electrical line construction, pipeline construction, inside electrical wiring, cabling and mechanical work, fire protection and distribution of specialty equipment. Details
Related Topics: Channel Chatter, People on the Move
