Industry News

Steven Smith has been named president of CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies, Mason, Ohio. He will be responsible for managing CNC Indexing’s daily operations as well as building a new national distribution network in the United States.

Abtex Corp., Dresden, NY, a leading manufacturer of brush/machine deburring solutions for the manufacturing industry, recently promoted Damian Clemens to Systems Group Manager. Clemens joined Abtex in 2014 when his company—Nihmble Technologies—was acquired by Abtex.

Okuma America Corp., Charlotte, N.C., recently named Ted Winkle as coordinator of the company's Houston Tech Center (HTC). Winkle will oversee management of all HTC activities as well as support sales and Okuma's distribution partner Hartwig.

The United States Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), a leading trade association for the North American cutting tool industry, recently launched Careers In Manufacturing, a website that promotes careers in manufacturing and provides resources for students, educators, parents and manufacturers.

Meister Abrasives USA Inc. in December 2015 added an advanced CNC manufacturing system to its lineup, making it possible for the North Kingstown, R.I., company to manufacture large diameter external wheels in the United States using equipment, materials and a manufacturing process identical to those used by its parent corporation in Switzerland. The new CNC system is said to be capable of producing large vit CBN and diamond abrasive wheels up to 1,225mm (about 4') in diameter.

Solar Manufacturing Inc., Souderton, Penn., recently named Adam Jones to the position of Midwest region sales manager for the manufacturer of vacuum heat treating and brazing furnaces. Jones will maintain and promote sales for Solar Manufacturing throughout the Midwest.

GTI Spindle Technology, Manchester, N.H., recently announced plans to open a new state-of-the-art spindle repair facility in Raleigh, N.C., this month. The new 5,000-square-foot facility will provide full-service spindle rebuild and repair services. The new facility also will provide on-site predictive maintenance services, including vibration analysis routes for customers who want to ensure maximum uptime and reliability for their shops.

Roush Yates Engines in December announced a partnership with Mastercam that makes the CAD/CAM software company the “Official CAD/CAM Software” of Roush Yates Engines. “Mastercam’s commitment to innovation and first class customer service perfectly align with Roush Yates Engines’ vision,” said Doug Yates, president and CEO of Roush Yates. “Their dedication to providing state-of-the-art software tools for CAD/CAM manufacturing, and superior software products are why Roush Yates has partnered with Mastercam.”

Osborn, a leading supplier of industrial brushes, polishing compounds and buffs, recently hired Steve Economos as its Western territory sales manager for its Load Runners® division of idler rollers, cam followers and rail systems. As sales manager, Economos is responsible for managing, motivating and growing Osborn’s sales team in California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Texas and Montana.

Peter S. Jung, who has specialized in creating and managing marketing and sales tools using emerging technologies, is the new marketing manager for Methods Machine Tools Inc. Jung will be responsible for branding and content creation for the company's digital, print and website media. In addition, Jung will oversee the company's sales collateral, trade shows and open houses.

The Gleason Corp. announced a new name and operating structure for Distech Systems effective Jan. 1, 2016. Acquired in May 2014, Distech will now do business as Gleason Automation Systems, and will operate as a division of The Gleason Works.

OMAX® Corp., a global leader in advanced abrasive waterjet technology, has increased the capacity of its state-of-the-art training center in Kent, Wash., to provide OMAX and MAXIEM® JetMachining® Center owners with enhanced resources for improved productivity and profitability. As a key element of the company’s headquarters and manufacturing campus, the training center features a new technology classroom that supplements an existing equipment lab.

Haas Automation Inc. will host its semi-annual 4-day HaasTec open house at its Oxnard, Calif., headquarters March 17-20. The event will include machine demos, factory tours and a catered lunch, according to the company. The previous HaasTec in 2013 drew nearly 3,000 attendees from 44 countries, and the company expects this year's event to be even bigger. 

Körber Schleifring, the Hamburg, Germany provider of grinding machine technology and its North American arm, Miamisburg, Ohio-based United Grinding Technologies, have merged under the new brand name United Grinding  Group — Körber Solutions, a move that expands the company's global market position in relation to technology, service and volume.

The opening of the new facility included a traditional Japanese Kagami-Biraki ceremony, where a barrel of sake is broken open with wooden mallets. Several customers, dealership representatives, city officials, Shigiya employees and other invited guests were present for the event. 

Osborn, a leading supplier of industrial brushes, polishing compounds and buffs, recently announced that Kevin Pearson has been named territory sales manager for Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. Pearson, who will oversee technical sales within his respective territory, has more than 20 years of sales experience in the southeast region of the United States, and has sold a variety of products for the extrusion, injection molding, stamping and casting industries on the distributor, aftermarket and OEM levels.

GF Machining Solutions has appointed a new director of sales and a new director of applications to its leadership team. Don McMillan and Tony Salvado now fill these critical roles to enhance the sales, service and support for the company’s milling, EDM and laser texturing solutions.

Seco Tools LLC, the North American subsidiary of Sweden’s Seco Tools AB, in October announced organizational changes and employee promotions within its Canadian sales organization. With 24 years of experience in the industry, including 10 years at Seco, Branko Hohnec brings a wealth of expertise to the role of general manager for Seco in Canada. Hohnec worked as a production manager as well as in distribution before joining Seco in 2005. For the past decade, he has been the managing director for Seco in Slovenia.

In response to increased demand across the country for its advanced abrasive waterjet systems, the OMAX® Corp. has expanded its sales force. The Kent, Wash.-based company added Brad Tumbleson as regional sales manager to serve customers throughout Southern California.

While the October 2015 Manufacturing ISM Report on Business showed continued growth, the report's overall PMI registered 50.1 percent, a slowdown from September's reading of 50.2 percent, reported the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).