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Analysis: Manufacturers beginning to operate like software companies

An online San Francisco Chronicle report posted Feb. 18—"Hacker ethos comes to the factory floor"—suggests that large and small manufacturers alike "are beginning to think and operate like software companies." And, just for the record, that's a good thing, say the authors: Mark Muro, a senior fellow and the policy director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, and Kelly Kline, the economic development director and chief innovation officer of the city of Fremont, Calif.

Toolcraft plans further expansion

MBFZ toolcraft GmbH, Georgensgmünd, Germany, recently announced that it has secured extra site space for future expansion at its Handelsstraße site, according to a Feb. 8 company news release. Toolcraft, which has manufactured precision parts made from metal and plastic for 27 years, said its expansion plans are the result of steadily increasing demand.

Tool Story

One of the largest cutting tool companies in the world began as a kitchen-table operation in a remote part of Israel

Stef Wertheimer is the founder of Iscar Metalworking, which began operations in 1952 as a one-man tool shop in northern Israel. Today, Iscar is a multinational business, 80 percent of which was purchased in 2006 by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Co. In a wide-ranging interview with Cutting Tool Engineering Editorial Director Alan Rooks, Wertheimer recounts the history of Iscar and his project of developing industrial parks throughout the Near East.

Focus: Kennametal

Cutting Tool Engineering Editor Alan Richter sat down with Carlos Cardoso, the chairman, president and CEO of Kennametal Inc., at the recent IMTS 2008 show in Chicago.

The 7-minute report addresses Kennametal's goals for diversification and expansion globally, and how that has impacted the company's worldwide sales. Cardoso also notes tht Kennametal will continue co-development tools with others because that's what's best for customers.

And find out whether Cardoso sees any major acquistions or mergers in the near future for the industry.

Digital manufacturing group aids national cybersecurity adoption

The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), Chicago, announced Feb. 10 that it has issued $15 million in national contract research awards that include funding to test and aid compliance with the nation’s cybersecurity standards for digital manufacturing, according to a news release from the group. The money will be distributed among six new projects with 27 DMDII partners in 17 states.