Industry News

A survey by the Associated General Contractors of America concluded that approximately 62 percent of firms are unable to fill skilled trade positions--jobs that require a set of skills and knowledge but not necessarily a postsecondary degree. Seventy four percent of firms also predict a deficit of qualified skilled trade workers as baby boomers retire over the next five years.

Franklin Bronze Precision Components LLC, Franklin, Pa., announced promotions and implementation of a significant number of continuous improvement suggestions, all geared toward improving production processes, product flow and quality, ultimately resulting in reduced time to market.

Siemens PLM Software, Plano, Texas, appointed Brenda Discher to a new position for the company: senior vice president for strategy and marketing.

Weiler Abrasives Group announced the launch of a national fundraising campaign, Leading a Warriors' Charge, in partnership with Workshops for Warriors, a nonprofit school that trains, certifies and helps place veterans, wounded warriors and transitioning service members into advanced manufacturing careers.

Big Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc., Hoffman Estates, Ill., appointed Gillian Campbell marketing communications manager.

Big Data! The Sensor Revolution! IoT! Industry 4.0! These terms are flying about with promise of improvements in capacity and efficiency, ushering in the "Third Industrial Revolution!" There is always hype when talking about what new technologies can deliver, but I see real and significant potential advances and will come to those who have the boldness, vision, and technical talent to effectively and efficiently develop these new technologies.

Gleason-Pfauter Maschinenfabrik GmbH held a grand opening ceremony for its facility in Studen, Switzerland.

Eriez Manufacturing Co., Erie, Pa., announced that Hi Pro Equipment Inc., Kalamazoo, Mich., earned the 2017 Merwin Sales Award.

The Whittemore Co., Addison, Ill., added the cutting tool brands of Precision Twist Drill, Dormer, Pramet and Union Butterfield to its already broad portfolio of products it represents.

LMT Onsrud LP, Waukegan, Ill., hired Chris Stewart as the composites application specialist covering the U.S. and Canada.

Teradyne Inc., North Reading, Mass., and the shareholders of Mobile Industrial Robots ApS, Odense, Denmark, announced the acquisition of privately held MiR for €121 million ($148 million) net of cash acquired plus €101 million ($124 million at the current exchange rate) if certain performance targets are met extending through 2020.

Jtekt Toyoda Americas Corp., Arlington Heights, Ill., welcomes ACI Machine Tool Sales LLC as the latest edition to the company's distribution network.