Industry News

Forkardt Inc., Traverse City, Michigan, announced the acquisition of the intellectual property (IP) Soft-Touch technology assets from General Manufacturing Systems, a supplier of custom workholding products in Saginaw, Michigan. With Soft-Touch, Forkardt strengthens its advanced custom and highly specialized workholding capabilities and IP portfolio for challenging applications in the automotive and aerospace markets, such as the manufacturing of aluminum die cast materials and thin-walled components where part deformation is a concern.

Tacoma, WA, November 12, 2019 — Stellar Industrial Supply today announced that CEO John Wiborg is the first male named to the W.I.S.E. (Women Industrial Supply Executives) Advisory Council.

When parts manufacturers enter the world of Industry 4.0, in which their operations are data driven, they will need production control software, such as a program for enterprise resource planning or materials requirement planning. In his new book “How to Implement a Manufacturing System,” Martin Bailey covers the best practices and pitfalls when implementing an MRP/ERP system.

Leading power tool manufacturer Festool opts for a six-component force/moment sensor from Kistler to develop its new jigsaws. The compact piezoelectric quartz load cell captures forces and moments during the sawing process: a key advantage for testing new jigsaws and validating saw blades.

A report from McKinsey & Co., “The Future of Work in Black America,” highlights the challenges American workers will face during the next decade as automation continues to take away blue-collar jobs. While the negative effects of automation are expected to hit all demographics, black American men are the group who will be most affected.

Welders, machinists and other blue-collar workers may not have the jobs that are talked about most on the Space Coast, but recruiters say those employees are the ones needed most. Although they compete with each other for job candidates in the Brevard County job market, local companies agree that it's very hard to hire manufacturing workers in the area.

GF Machining Solutions and GF Piping Systems are further enhancing their direct sales and service support to customers in Mexico with the opening of a new Nuevo Leon joint headquarters. In late October 2019, the companies conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the 75,000-sq.-ft. facility.

According to a new market report pertaining to the global manufacturing operations management software market, the global manufacturing operations management software market is projected to reach a value of US$ 17 Bn by 2027. The MOM software market is projected to expand at a CAGR of ~10% from 2019 to 2027. Growth of the market can be attributed to the shift of manufacturing toward digitization.

Abrasive Technology announces it has increased the strength of its leadership team. Bart Carter has joined the company and will be responsible for sales and marketing. He will relocate to Abrasive Technology’s Lewis Center, Ohio, corporate offices.

Dorner’s facility in Guadalajara, Mexico, (Dorner Latin America), is already expanding its manufacturing capabilities by now building its popular-selling 2200 series modular belt conveyor for customers throughout Latin America. Dorner Latin America is staffed with experienced employees well versed with Dorner’s entire product line.

Mitutoyo America Corp. announces a sponsorship agreement with Titans of CNC, a free project-based education platform that helps guide students and teachers on CNC machine operation and programming. The Academy provides over 3,000 free online courses in CAD, CAM and CNC machining techniques, and is used by over 45,000 members in 170 different countries.

Star SU LLC will be exhibiting at the 2020 SHOT Week Supplier Showcase in Las Vegas, Jan. 20-21, 2020. Entering its fourth year, the SHOT Week Supplier Showcase was developed in conjunction with the SHOT Show as a dedicated event for suppliers to present their products to shooting, hunting and outdoor manufacturers.

Although the book doesn’t cover machining parts, “Blowout” by Rachel Maddow, host of “The Rachel Maddow Show” on MSNBC, does examine an industry that’s a major consumer of precision machined parts—oil and gas.

Wildeck Inc. has earned MHEDA’s (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association) MVS (Most Valuable Supplier) Award for 2020. Each year, this distinguished industry honor is award to MHEDA’s member companies that demonstrate a consistent, documented commitment to their dealer network, employees and community.

Amsted Seals and Forming, a global leader in sealing solutions and metal fabrication, has acquired Clark Seals Ningbo, to be renamed Amsted Seals Ningbo (ASN). The IATF-certified seal production facility, built in 2012, incorporates the latest in manufacturing, testing and quality control systems to supply oil, grease and bearing seals to customers in Asia and the wider global market.

IoT technologies have perhaps been most visible in the consumer market. Applications that once seemed futuristic are now almost commonplace. Consumers order groceries and household supplies by speaking at a voice-enabled connected device. Wearable smart watches and activity trackers help consumers meet their fitness goals. Homeowners can keep tabs on their house or apartment while they’re miles away and use a smartphone to turn up the heat, arm the security system, and even feed pets.

Broadening its presence in Canada, GF Machining Solutions and GF Piping Systems will open a new joint headquarters to further strengthen direct sales and service support for Canadian manufacturers. The companies broke ground for the 67,000-sq.-ft. facility located in Ontario in late October 2019.

Fusion Coolant Systems, manufacturer of an advanced coolant and lubrication system for CNC machines called “Pure-Cut,” has seen some of the largest automotive, aerospace and medical device manufacturers around the world come through their doors. The global emphasis on sustainable development has played a dynamic role in Fusion’s recent success, with companies looking for a cleaner, safer and more efficient alternative to traditional cutting fluids. With multiple customer visits scheduled every week, Fusion has expanded its facility and capabilities to set them up for long-term success.

The late Jerry Magnuson is a legend in the hot rod racing and aftermarket industry. Extending his love of the sport beyond the track, Jerry and his wife, Maureen Magnuson, started Magnuson Products LLC, Ventura, California, after many years of designing and building supercharger kits for the aftermarket. The company also supports OEMs.

Has your workplace received low safety grade scores because it has a poor program or, worse, no written safety program in place at all? Having an expert safety manager is optimal. For companies that do not have the resources, there are outstanding online programs, such as those offered by Occupational Health & Safety and the National Safety Council, that provide excellent free and paid content and classes for Occupational Safety and Health Administration 30-hour training, first aid, CPR and more.