Industry News

TYKMA Electrox, Chillicothe, Ohio, a worldwide supplier of industrial laser systems, in February introduced a new brand identity following the year-old merger between TYKMA Technologies and Electrox Laser Marking Systems.

Bunting Magnetics Co., Newton, Kan., which produces a line of metal detection, magnetic separation and material handling equipment, recently promoted Robert Bunting to general manager of the company's Magnet Materials Division, which is located in Elk Grove Village, Ill.

Gear Motions, a leading precision gear manufacturer, has named Paul Andruszko vice president of its Buffalo, N.Y., operations, which includes its Oliver/Pro-Gear and Niagara Gear divisions. Andruszko has more than three decades of experience in the gear industry, and most recently served as general manager of the company's Niagara Gear division.

Solar Manufacturing, Souderton, Penn., recently announced that Marty Benegalia, president of Southern Thermal Systems, will assume the role of a sales representative focusing on areas in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Louisiana. Benegalia joins Solar Manufacturing with a technical background of 20 years in metallurgy and heat treating, as well as experience in the petrochemical and oilfield equipment industries.

Forklifts—the workhorses of the plant floor—are more valuable than ever at ITAMCO (Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Cos.). The Plymouth, Ind.-based manufacturer of gears and other precision components connected its forklifts to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which integrates machine tools and other manufacturing equipment with networked sensors and software.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Coherent Inc., which began as a laundry room startup in Palo Alto, Calif. Now widely considered a world leader in laser technology headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., Coherent invites those attending the upcoming Photonics West Exhibition to help celebrate this milestone at a champagne reception from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Coherent booth, No. 1101.

PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P., Auburn, Mass., a leader and solution provider in motion control and positioning components and systems, this week announced the promotion of James Deichmann to director of sales for the U.S. Western region. His experience gained in 15 years with PI USA will be beneficial in leading, managing and training the company's West Coast sales engineering organization with the goal to grow the company and further develop customer relationships.

GF Machining Solutions, Meyrin, Switzerland, announced in January that Antonio Faccio replaced Bernhard Kasper as head of the European market region, according to a Feb. 1 company news release. Kasper, who held the position for more than 15 years, will retire this summer. Faccio, the former head of GF Machining Solutions Italy, holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has an excellent expertise in computer numerical control.n

Cleaning Technologies Group LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio, this week announced the promotion of Greg Allen to the position of innovation engineer, according to a Feb. 2 company news release. In his new role, Allen will lead Ransohoff Innovation efforts as well as coordinate R&D.

Houghton International Inc., Valley Forge, Va., recently announced the appointment of Kevin Smith to the positions of senior vice president of Houghton International and president of the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and global automotive and aerospace markets. Effective Feb. 1, Smith is based in the company's Manchester, U.K. office, and reports to Houghton International CEO Mike Shannon. Smith will assume responsibility for the general management of Houghton's EMEA region and the global leadership of Houghton specialty product lines for the major transportation industry segments, including automotive and aerospace. He also becomes a member of Houghton's executive committee.

What started out as a little tool and die shop 50 years ago has evolved into an industry powerhouse in the design and building of low profile conveyor platforms, and Dorner Mfg. Corp. is still going strong, the company reported in a Feb. 1 news release recounting the company's history. To commemorate its 50th year in business, Dorner will hold an open house and other celebratory events in June.

Matrix Design LLC, South Elgin, Ill., opened a new sales office in Indianapolis, which will be lead by Tim Fenner, who recently joined Matrix as a sales specialist. Matrix Design develops, builds and installs robotic automation systems worldwide. The Indianapolis office gives the company a more focused presence to better serve industries in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and surrounding regions.