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Excecutive Hotline
Raytheon Gets $36 Million Contract For Artillery Shell
Raytheon Co. has received a $36 million contract for a high-tech artillery round that can be guided by GPS that moves the project into field testing.
In development in Tucson since 2007, the Excalibur project has produced two variants. The “la” variant has been fired more than 300 times in combat since it was released. The “lb” variant has had 50 test firings since August. The shell is designed as a long-range guided projectile.
Icon Aircraft Closes on $25 Million Funding
Icon Aircraft has closed a $25 million round of equity funding that will allow the company to finance the manufacture of its new sport plane.
The Los Angeles-based maker of light-sport aircraft said the round will fund it through the completion of its engineering development program, manufacturing setup and the beginning of production of its A5 amphibious sport plane.
The funding round was led by venture investors Satyen Patel and Bart Becht, who have joined the company’s board. Patel formerly headed Nike’s operations in Asia, while Becht is chief executive of U.K. consumer products company Reckitt BenckiserbizWatch .
Icon will receive $15 million initially, with an option for an additional $10 million.
FarWest Steel Lands $38M Tax Credit
Farwest Steel Corp.has received a $38 million New Markets Tax Credit to help finance a $48 million regional steel fabrication and processing center at the Port of Vancouver.
Established in 2000, the New Markets Tax Credit program is a federal tax incentive designed to help spur investments into businesses and real estate projects in low-income communities.
Eugene, Oregon based Farwest paid about $5.1 million in June for 20 acres of land at the port on which to build the center. The company plans to relocate about 100 employees to the port and expects to create an additional 125 jobs with an average annual salary of $40,000.
According to the port, this is the first New Markets Tax Credit financed project in Clark Co. The port and Farwest worked with the city of Vancouver to secure the financing. which comes from funds contributed by the National Community Fund, National New Markets Fund and the Brownfields Revitalization program.
Nevada Offering Tax Breaks to Solar Panel Maker
The state of Nevada and Clark County (which includes Las Vegas) are offering tax breaks and other incentives to land a large solar panel manufacturing plant. The Silver State is offering incentives to China's ENN Group to locate a plant near Laughlin. The plant would produce 3 million to 5 million solar panels a year and employ hundreds of people, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Precision Castparts Buys Primus Intl.
Precision Castparts Corp. continues to expand its business. The Portland-based company announced it intends to acquire Primus for $900 million in cash.
It is the fourth acquisition for the manufacturer of complex metal components used in aerospace, energy and other heavy industriesin the past month.
Bellevue, Wash.-based Primus makes complex components and assemblies used in the global aerospace industry, including by industry leaders Boeing Co. and Airbus . It employs about 1,500 and operates seven manufacturing facilities.
“Primus has assembled a group of world-class manufacturing assets, both through acquisition and greenfield construction," said Precision Castparts CEO Mark Donegan in a statement. “In addition, Primus and our existing aerostructures businesses – which have complementary, but no overlapping capabilities – will share best practices to improve our combined cost structure and ultimately increase our collective customer penetration."
Boeing, GECAS Finalize Order for 747-8 Freighters and 777-300ERs
Order has a list-price value of $2.9 billion 747-8 Freighter a new model for the GECAS portfolio of airplanes
Boeing and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric have finalized a firm order for two 747-8 Freighters and eight 777-300ERs (extended range) airplanes.
The order marks the completion of an agreement originally announced during the Paris Air Show in June. At list prices, the order is valued at $2.9 billion.
"We are pleased to finalize this contract for two 747-8 Freighters and eight 777-300ERs," said Norman C.T. Liu, president and CEO of GECAS. "These 777s, along with the 777 order we placed last March, will help us meet the growing airline demand for long-haul passenger airplanes. The two 747-8 Freighters broaden our cargo portfolio with an efficient freighter that enables our customers to support the growing air cargo market."
The 747-8 Freighter is a new model for the GECAS portfolio of airplanes.
Fisker Automotive to Add 100 More Jobs
Fisker Automotive plans to hire 100 more workers as it expands its new corporate headquarters in Anaheim California.
The maker of hybrid-electric cars plans to have up to 400 workers by the end of the year up from 300 currently, company spokesman Roger Ormisher told the Orange County Register. Fisker had just 50 employees in January 2010.
Ormisher said most of the new positions in Orange County will be engineering and technical jobs.
Including related contract workers, there are about 600 people now working at the company.
Fisker is planning the first deliveries of Karma, its $100,000 hybrid-electric sports car, to be in July and August, the Register said.
Fisker moved to Anaheim earlier this year when it outgrew its site in Irvine. The company has raised $1 billion, including a $529 million Energy Department loan, and received $21.5 million in grants and loans from the state of Delaware, according to the Register.
General Dynamics C4 Systems Receives $56.4 Million Contract for Radios
General Dynamics C4 Systems has received a $56.4 million contract to produce several thousand tactical radio systems for soldiers.
The order, for different versions of the Rifleman and Manpack radios, will have the Scottsdale, Arizona based unit of
General Dynamics make and deliver 6,350 of the radios as well as offer training and supplies.
The radios are the first that will enable individual soldiers to have tactical and secure battlefield communication in a handheld module.
The majority of the devices, 6,250 of them, will be for the Rifleman versions, and the order likely could get larger. Department of Defense documents indicate the U.S. Army could purchase 190,000 of the Rifleman radios and 50,000 Manpack radios.
Intuitive Surgical Buys Sunnyvale Buildings
Medical equipment maker Intuitive Surgical has bought three buildings near its headquarters in Sunnyvale to support expansion, the Oakland Tribune reports.
The company did not disclose the sale price for the buildings, which total 235,000 square feet in space. Colliers International handled the deal.
The report notes that Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto and Menlo Park have seen numerous tech and other companies expand recently, which could mean that space will soon become more difficult to find.
New 'Next Generation' Manufacturing Company Opens Shop in Concord, CA
Innovative Precision Manufacturing (IPM) announces its shop opening in Concord, California. IPM is a full service CNC machine shop manufacturing precision, machined components for the aerospace, medical device, defense, semi-conductor, specialty automotive, and oil industries.
IPM’s capabilities include precision CNC mill and lathe capabilities with tolerances down to .0001 of an inch, manual machining, fabricating and NC capabilities. Using the very latest in CAM software, manufacturing techniques, and quality control execution IPM offers all the capabilities and cost-effectiveness of a large manufacturer, but with the small company service.
Orbital Sciences Gets $26 Million Contract For Target program
Orbital Sciences Corp. has received at $26.4 million U.S. Navy contract to build target vehicles for practice maneuvers.
The project covers the Coyote sea-skimming target, which is developed and manufactured at Orbital’s facility in Chandler, Arizona.
The program develops target missiles that achieve speeds of up to 2.5 times the speed of sound and allows the Navy to practice its self-defense systems.
Van Horn Aviation Expanding in Tempe, Arizona
Van Horn Aviation, a manufacturer of helicopter rotor blades, is expanding its presence in Tempe.
The company is planning to double its workforce in the next year. The new facility it is purchasing is four times the size of its existing location, company officials said.
The company signed two contracts recently. The first, with Bell Helicopter, would have its composite tail-rotor blades distributed by Bell’s subsidiary Aeronautical Accessories. The second will provide main and tail rotors for MD Helicopters’ 530F model.
The company is designing a third production line for its rotor blades at the new facility.
“We currently produce about 80 percent of our parts and conduct 100 percent of manufacturing in-house for two lines of tail rotor blades,” said President James Van Horn.
Manufacturing space is tight in our present facility, and we must be established in the new building before we start main-rotor blade production next year.”
Motor Excellence Opens Facility in Flagstaff, Arizona
Motor Excellence opened its new 13,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Flagstaff in May.
The idea is pretty simple: make a better electric motor. Motor Excellence is making its first applications on a bicycle, but it has bigger designs.
It’s already working to install its motors in a car. Unlike traditional electric vehicles, which have a centrally mounted motor more akin to the traditional gas-powered models, Motor Excellence would have four motors mounted directly at the wheels.
Siemens gets $17.2M Contract for Atlanta Streetcars
Siemens Industry Inc. won a $17.2 million contract to build four new streetcars for Atlanta — and they’ll be built in Sacramento at Siemens Mobility Division, a railcar and locomotive plant.
Siemens contracted with Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit to deliver the first car by 2012, with revenue service beginning in early 2013, according to a statement from the company.
Siemens Mobility also was recently tapped for a $83 million contract for 19 light-rail vehicles in Houston.
Gregoire: $3M for Aerospace Training in Washington
About 500 workers in the aerospace industry will receive training as part of a $3 million Workforce Investment Act funding package announced by Washington state leaders in May.
At Boeing Co.’s Renton factory, Gov. Chris Gregoire said the $3 million in funding includes $1.6 million to train the workers for aerospace industry jobs; $1 million to buy equipment and classroom space for training; $300,000 for buying equipment for the Renton Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center as well as the Inland Northwest Aerospace Technology Center in Spokane; and $100,000 to recruit future engineers.
“This investment is a double win for Washington state. It helps those individuals negatively impacted by the national recession receive training to move toward a stable and good-paying career. And it ensures our aerospace workers have the cutting-edge skills needed to design, build and maintain the aircraft of tomorrow — helping our 650 aerospace companies grow and create new jobs,” Gregoire said in a statement.
Suntech Adding 30 Workers in Goodyear, Arizona
Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. is increasing production at its Goodyear manufacturing plant and adding a third shift with about 30 employees.
With the additional shift, the Chinese solar panel manufacturer expects to be able to produce 50 megawatts of panels a year at the facility it opened last fall.
With the hires, Suntech now has about 101 employees in Goodyear.
The hiring is part of a planned ramp-up in panel production the company had in mind when it opened in Goodyear.
Medical Device Startup Moves to San Jose, CA
Stealthy startup C8 MediSensors Inc. has moved into the former Nortel Networks space at 6375 San Ignacio Ave., San Jose.
The company needed more space for its manufacturing and growing business.
Founded in 2003, the private company makes a non-invasive glucose monitoring device for diabetes.
“When I first met with Bob McNamara [CEO] and his team, I was immediately impressed with their excitement and passion for their product,” said Councilman Ash Kalra. “San Jose is still the innovation capital of the world, and despite the recent economic difficulties, San Jose remains committed to attracting forward-thinking, job-creating companies like C-8.”
Kalra said C8 MediSensors’ decision to manufacture its technology in Edenvale is expected to create more than 60 new jobs by the end of the year, 500 jobs by the end of 2012, and 1,000 jobs by 2013.
C8 MediSensors recently received $400,000 from the San Jose Redevelopment Agency to acquire industrial and manufacturing equipment under a capital equipment and assistance agreement.
Tesla May Seek Funding for SUV or Minivan
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk said the company may raise additional funding for its third electric car, the Model X electric sports utility vehicle, VentureBeat reports.
Palo Alto-based Tesla is developing a new vehicle aimed at buyers interested in an SUV or a minivan.
Details of the car will likely be released later this year, Musk said in the company’s earnings call in May.
Tesla is currently working on its second car, the Model S sedan, which is aimed at first-time electric car buyers. That model is expected to hit the market in the summer of next year.
Intel Unveils 3-D Chip Technology
Intel Corp. in May announced that transistors using a three-dimensional structure will be put into high-volume manufacturing.
Santa Clara-based Intel called the development "a significant breakthrough in the evolution of the transistor, the microscopic building block of modern electronics. For the first time since the invention of silicon transistors over 50 years ago, transistors using a three-dimensional structure will be put into high-volume manufacturing."
Intel said it will introduce the 3-D transistor design -- called Tri-Gate -- into high-volume manufacturing at the 22-nanometer node in an Intel chip codenamed "Ivy Bridge."
A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter -- more than 6 million 22nm Tri-Gate transistors could fit in the period at the end of this sentence.
Grant County SGL/BMW Carbon Fiber plant Ready for Occupants
The new SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers factory building in Moses Lake, Washington has been completed.
The $100 million factory in Grant County is a joint venture of BMW Group and SGL Group. It will make carbon fiber composite material for auto parts to be used in new energy-saving BMW automobiles.
Taser Gets Large Order for X26
Taser International Inc. has received two orders for its X26 stun guns totaling more than 1,200 devices.
Scottsdale-based Taser sold 1,080 of the devices along with 59,000 cartridges to an unnamed international agency. Another 200 X26s were sold to an unnamed U.S. agency.
Taser manufactures of a line of stun guns and related products for use by law enforcement and military units.
Schilling Robotics Sells Three Remote Systems
Deep-ocean robotics manufacturer Schilling Robotics has sold three new remotely operated vehicle systems to contractor Subsea 7.
Schilling Robotics, which is based in Davis, CA will deliver the three systems in the second quarter
Telefunken for $53M
Renesas Electronics Corp. has agreed to sell its Roseville Oregon manufacturing plant for $53 million in cash to Telefunken Semiconductors International LLC.
Telefunken plans to continue operating the plant to supply its customers and those who had been using Renesas products.
A close of the deal is expected May 2 for the plant which manufactures mixed-signal, high-voltage chips used in the automotive industry and others.
The Roseville plant manufactures 5,700 wafers per month and employs 590 workers.
Telefunken plans to run continue running the 8-inch wafer line at the Roseville factory to manufacture its own products and the products for its strategic partners.
Boeing Needs Suppliers for Ramp UP
Boeing is ramping up all five Boeing production aircraft in the next year, and is depending on suppliers to make it possible.
That was the core message delivered by John Byrne, director of structures and aircraft materials, and supplier management Boeing Commercial Airplanes, at the Feb. 8 Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance conference in Lynnwood.
In his presentation, Byrne points out that company is raising the rate from 42 to 60 aircraft a month by the first quarter of 2013, with 10 separate “rate breaks.”
This phrase refers to increases in production rate, such as the two jumps the 777 production line will make, to an all-time high of 8.3 a month.
Other aircraft rising in production are the 737, 747,767 and 787.
In his presentation Byrne said that Boeing Commercial Airplanes currently buys 300 million parts and components yearly, a number that will jump to 500 million in 2013.
Esterline Unit Gets $190M F-35 Fighter Contract
Esterline Corp. said its Los Angeles-based Engineered Materials division has been selected by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. to supply parts for the F-35 Lightning II fighter plane in a deal worth more than $190 million.
Bellevue, WA-based Esterline said its L.A. unit will supply sealing and low observable products for the plane, which Esterline calls “the most advanced strike aircraft in the world.”
“Our cutting edge technology is part of the unique blend of materials that will help the F-35 Lightning maintain air dominance whenever it is called upon,” said Rick Gentle, president of Esterline Engineered Materials, in a statement.
Greenbrier Nabs $325M in New Railcar Orders
The Greenbrier Cos. recently said it has received orders for $325 million in new railcars.
The Lake Oswego, Oregon-based maker of railcars and marine barges also said it expects to come close to matching analysts expectations of a one-cent per share loss in the second quarter, while increasing sales by 40 percent to $280 million.
Its new orders call for 4,200 railcar platforms, the majority of which are double-stack intermodal platforms. The rest comes from boxcars, covered hopper cars and several car types for the European market.
Delivery of the orders is expected later in 2011.
The orders are the latest in a series of good news for Greenbrier.
In December it announced a $135 million order for around 2,000 railcars. That followed news in September about a $200 million order for 3,200 railcars and in August about a $130 million contract for 700 covered hopper cars, 1,000 double-stack platforms and the modification of another 1,100.
The company also said in August that it would be adding 260 jobs to its Gunderson manufacturing plant in Portland.
Intel to put $5B into Arizona Chip Plant.
Intel Corp. said it will invest more than $5 billion to build a new chip manufacturing facility in Chandler, Ariz.
Santa Clara-based Intel said the announcement was made by CEO Paul Otellini during a visit by Barack Obama at an Intel facility in Hillsboro Ore.
"The new Arizona factory, designated Fab 42, will be the most advanced, high-volume semiconductor manufacturing facility in the world," the company said.
Construction of the new fab is expected to begin in the middle of this year and is expected to be completed in 2013.
While more than three-fourths of Intel’s sales come from outside of the United States, Intel manufactures three-fourths of its microprocessors in the United States. The addition of this new fab will increase the company’s American manufacturing capability significantly.
Fab 42 will be built as a 300mm factory, which refers to the size of the wafers that contain the computer chips. The project will create thousands of construction and permanent manufacturing jobs at Intel’s Arizona site.
Boeing Announces $2.6B Order For 33 737s
Boeing Co. said International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) has finalized an order for 33 737-800 airplanes.
The aerospace giant said ILFC, a subsidiary of American International Group Inc., wants to modernize its fleet with the new Renton, Washington-built airplanes.
Shimadzu to Expand Canby, Orgeon Plant
Shimadzu U.S.A. Manufacturing, Inc. is planning a more than $5 million expansion of its Canby manufacturing that could produce more than 50 new jobs in the next three years, Gov. John Kitzhaber announced. The Canby plant is a primary U.S. manufacturing site for Kyoto, Japan-based Shimadzu, a $3 billion maker of measuring tools and diagnostic equipment used in health care and aerospace industries, among various other research and industrial applications.
The expansion plans include adding a 54,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to the plant as well as an expansion of a high-tech machine shop in the existing facility. Construction is expected to begin in June.
Phoenix Aviation Firm Heads to Mesa, Arizona
A Phoenix aviation firm is moving its repair plant and 250 jobs to Mesa. The East Valley Tribune reports the company, Able Engineering, had considered moving its operations to other states but is staying in the Phoenix region.
Electric Motorcycle Company Zero Motorcycles Inc. Names Karl Wharton Chief Operating Officer.
Santa Cruz-based Zero Motorcycles said Wharton has more than 20 years of business experience, including more than a decade in the motorcycle industry, most of it at Triumph Motorcycles.
“Karl is a proven leader with a strong track record of success and we are proud to have him join the team,” said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “He understands virtually every aspect of our business, and with his leadership, we are even better equipped to achieve our long-term goals of building a ‘better motorcycle’ and a strong company. I have every confidence in Karl and look forward to his help in achieving our vision and developing the electric motorcycle market.”
ON Semiconductor Invests $30M in Oregon
The Phoenix-based chip maker announced last year that it was going close its local fab plant at the end of 2010 because of its age and the lack of chip demand. But that closure was delayed with a pickup in semiconductor sales until the end of second-quarter 2011, said ON spokeswoman Anne Spitza. In addition, the number of jobs that will be lost — 187 employees and 28 contractors — is lower than the initial estimate of 350.
In Gresham, Oregon the 8-inch wafer plant will grow by more than 45 percent, adding capabilities for 110-nanometer and 250nm processes, officials said. To support the expansion, ON plans to hire 25 regular staff members and another 45 contractors before the end of the year.
Chile’s LAN Buying Three Boeing 767s
LAN Airlines in Chile is buying three Boeing 767 jetliners worth $493 million.
According to Chicago-based Boeing Co., LAN ’s fleet now consists of 28 767-300 extended range planes and 11 767-300 freighters.
Boeing builds the 767 at its Everett, Washington facility.
Boeing Nabs $1.53B Contract for Navy Sub Killers
Boeing Co. has landed a contract worth $1.53 billion from the U.S. Navy to manufacture six P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
Boeing will deliver the six Poseidon, 737’s ‘lethal twin’ planes. The majority of work will be done at Boeing facilities in the Seattle area.
The P-8A Poseidon passed a key series of tests in January and “performed as expected.”
The Navy is slated to buy 117 of the maritime and patrol aircraft, in a deal valued at $40 billion. Boeing’s P-8A aircraft contains sophisticated detection equipment and weaponry that are designed to find and sink submarines that could threaten aircraft carriers.
Mori Seiki to Open Davis, CA. Factory, Hire 150
Mori Seiki, the Japanese machine tool manufacturer, has reached a deal for bringing a factory to Davis, California.
The company has agreed to buy 14.5 acres in Davis on which it will invest $50 million to build and equip its first U.S. manufacturing plant.
Mori Seiki will employ about 150 people at the 185,000-square-foot factory, said representatives from Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization, the city of Davis and the company that is helping with the project design.
The plant will be constructed next door to Digital Technology Labs on Faraday Avenue, which is Mori Seiki’s innovation center. The factory and DTL combined will employ 230 workers, putting Mori Seiki in Davis’ list of top 10-largest employers and one of its biggest private employers, said Katherine Hess, the city’s community development administrator.
At 185,000 square feet, the Mori Seiki factory will be Davis’ largest non-residential structure, she said. It also will be the city’s most expensive, with $30 million going toward the land and building, and $20 million for fixtures and equipment.
The Mori Seiki project stands out in yet another way. It is the largest industrial project that SACTO has helped attract to the region in two years, said Barbara Hayes, SACTO executive director.
Davis was competing with Chicago for the plant. SACTO and Davis have been working most of the year to attract Mori Seiki.
Mori Seiki officials hope to start construction in 2011, said John Buckel, a partner with Capital Partners Development Co., which owns the DTL building and is helping Mori Seiki with due diligence and conceptual design on the factory.
The factory is expected to produce 100 machines a month, with gross sales of more than $115 million a year, according to SACTO.
Boeing: China Orders 200 Planes Worth $19B
Boeing Co. confirmed that the Chinese government has approved an order of 200 Boeing planes worth $19 billion, including 777s and 737s.
According to a Boeing statement, the deal for 200 planes, which will be delivered in the next three years, “positively impacts more than 100,000 jobs.”
“With the outstanding support provided by the United States government, this deal is a win-win for the Boeing-China partnership, which is approaching its 40th anniversary,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Seattle-based Boeing Commercial Airplanes division, in a statement.
Boeing projects that China will need 4,330 new airplanes worth more than $480 billion over the next 20 years.
Power-One Officially Opens Phoenix Facility
Workers at the Power-One facility in Phoenix work on assembly of an inverter destined for a U.S. home or business. The company officially opened its doors in early February.
Power-One has been operating at its Phoenix building since October and has hired about 40 people. Plans call for the inverter manufacturer to hire about 350 over the next two to three years.
The facility, in a 122,000-square-foot building that once was the home to Avnet Inc., will help the company produce a range of inverters. The devices allow for power collected from various renewable devices, from solar panels to wind turbines, to be converted from direct current to alternating current.
2 Leaders: Let's Keep Medical Manufacturing in Wash.
Washington state’s medical technology companies are significant exporters, but they sometimes source parts and assemblies from out of state.
Two state organizations are collaborating to encourage these companies to buy in Washington.
Leaders of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound and the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association, , have been meeting for the last year to improve the situation.
“Tom and I have been talking for at least a year or so, trying to see how we can connect manufacturers in the region, that have the ability to manufacture medial devices,” said association President Chris Rivera, referring to Center for Advanced Manufacturing Executive Director Thomas McLaughlin.
Rivera added that they both hope to “keep more manufacturing in the state of Washington, so we can keep those jobs here and continue to keep the sector here.”
McLaughlin said the budding collaboration is a natural outgrowth of the work his Kent-based organization been doing to encourage in-state manufacturing in other industries, including aerospace and green energy.
Central to the collaboration is simply communicating to medical technology companies the local manufacturing options open to them, of which they may not be aware.
McLaughlin said the two groups’ memberships are complementary, adding that they haven’t yet decided what form the collaboration should take.
“He’s (Rivera's) more tied to the research community, the software community. I’m connected with hard goods, those people who put a metal in a machine and make something,” McLaughlin said.
SoloPower Ore. Plant Will Create 500 Jobs
SoloPower Inc. said that a new plant in Wilsonville, Ore. will ultimately create 500 new jobs.
San Jose-based SoloPower, which makes flexible, thin film solar cells and modules, announced that it raised $51.6 million in new venture funding and was seeking another $20 million in an energy loan to build a manufacturing plant in Oregon.
The initial phase of the expansion will be the construction of a 75 MW manufacturing line which will create 170 new jobs. Upon completion, SoloPower said, the facility is expected to have nameplate capacity of 300MW, employ approximately 500 people, and have a total investment of approximately $340 million.
"Over the past year, SoloPower has considered several alternative sites. Oregon is an exceptional location for our long-term growth," stated SoloPower CEO Tim Harris."SoloPower greatly appreciates the partnerships it has formed with the State of Oregon, the Oregon Department of Energy, Clackamas County and the City of Wilsonville. Oregon's business friendly environment, excellent support programs, and highly skilled work force made locating our new manufacturing facility in Oregon an easy decision."
Eaton Names Edwards Manager of Aerospace Group’s Engine Business Unit
Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced that Brian Edwards has been named manager of the Aerospace Group’s Engine Business Unit in Irvine,Ca. effective Jan. 1, 2011.
Edwards joined Eaton’s Aerospace Group in 2002 as manager – supply chain for the Hydraulic Systems Division in Jackson, Miss., and went on to become plant manager. He also served as plant manager for the Hydraulic
Benchmade Knife Deepens Designer Talent
It's been a busy few months for Portland-area knife manufacturers, with acquisitions, partnerships and expansions driving activity.
The latest news is from Benchmade Knife Co., which announced in January new partnerships with three renowned custom knife designers, including Oregonian Bill Harsey Jr.
Harsey is best known for his ergonomic knife designs, and his folding and fixed-blade knives are used by several U.S. Special Forces units. He's joined on the Benchmade team by Butch Ball, known for his decorative designs, and Paul W. Poehlmann, who created a widely used patented locking mechanism for folding knives.
The announcement comes three months after privately held Benchmade acquired Wilsonville-based Lone Wolf Knives Inc. for an undisclosed amount. And this summer, the company added 20,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space to its Oregon City plant.
Meanwhile, Benchmade rival Leatherman Tool Group Inc. announced an expansion of its own in December, acquiring a majority stake in Zweibrüder Optoelectronics GmbH & Co. KB, a Solingen, Germany-based company that makes flashlights. The deal not only added a leading flashlight brand — LED Lenser — to Leatherman's portfolio, it also nearly tripled the Portland firm's work force.
Boeing Completes Summit Aeronautics Purchase
Boeing Co. said it’s completed its purchase of Summit Aeronautics Group, of Helena, Mont., for an undisclosed price.
The aerospace giant said Summit employs 135 people and makes parts for Boeing’s Everett-built 747, 767 and 787 wide-body planes, as well as parts for Boeing’s military aircraft.
Summit will operate as a division of Boeing Fabrication, called Boeing Helena. It supplies parts and technology for Seattle-based Boeing Commercial Airplanes, a division of Chicago-based Boeing.
Summit makes products from titanium and other hard metals including 747-8 fail-safe bars, which allow the flaps to move on the wings; 787 edge frames that fit around the doors; and 767 main-landing-gear beams, which facilitate the landing gear rotation, Boeing said.
Bigelow Aerospace Begins Big Expansion in Las Vegas
More than a few doubts were raised back when the signs went up at Warp Drive and Skywalker Way in North Las Vegas, and again when Bob Bigelow spoke of hotels in space for the ultimate vacation. But after two successful launches of Bigelow's homegrown Genesis Spacecraft, the aerospace industry isn't laughing anymore.
Now, Bigelow is briskly moving into new territory. A 185,000 square foot addition to the Bigelow Aerospace plant in North Las Vegas represents the birth of a global industry. It is way beyond research and development. It's a production facility for spacecraft, a factory for building habitats for use on the moon, or Mars, or beyond.
"The only purpose this addition has is for production. We have three spacecraft, three production lines and the assembly plant you would normally have," he said.
Bigelow expects the plant to be open for business by this time next year. It means his lean workforce of 115 would expand by an additional 1,200 new positions -- engineers, technicians, and support staff.
Systems Division in Charleston, S.C.
Northrop Grumman Celebrates Grand Opening of Expanded Salt Lake City Manufacturing Facility
Northrop Grumman Corporation's Navigation Systems Division recently celebrated the grand opening of a new 50,000 square foot facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The company's Salt Lake City facility, located on West North Temple Road, now measures 275,000 square feet and is home to approximately 750 engineering, manufacturing and support staff. The site, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008, is primarily a production facility for defense and commercial navigation systems and was expanded to accommodate growth across multiple programs. The Salt Lake City plant builds and tests highly precise navigation systems, gyroscopes and accelerometers for both military and commercial platforms and also features a highly automated circuit card assembly operation.
The Salt Lake City manufacturing business area produced a record number of Fiber-Optic Gyro (FOG) navigation products and G-2000 Dynamically Tuned Gyro instruments in 2010. The facility expansion will enable continued increase in production across multiple product lines manufactured in Salt Lake City in order to support the demand for Northrop Grumman's precision navigation systems.
Boeing Received a $1.6 Billion Contract from the U.S. Navy
The Navy plans to purchase 117 of the Boeing 737-based P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.
“Providing these production aircraft to the Navy fleet on schedule is our No. 1 goal,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. “This is an exciting day for Boeing and the Navy and a testament to the P-8 team’s hard work and determination.”
"This first production contract represents a significant commitment by the U.S. Navy to recapitalize its force of long-range maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft," said Capt. Leon Bacon, P-8A deputy program manager for the Navy. “Ensuring that this capability arrives on schedule and within budget remains our primary objective.”
Boeing will begin final assembly of the first LRIP aircraft at its Renton, Wash., facility this summer. The Poseidon team is using a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 production system. All P-8A-unique aircraft modifications will be made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.
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Raytheon, Ball Aerospace Land NASA Contracts for JPSS
Weather Satellites
Raytheon Co. has been chosen by NASA to provide ground control for a pair of new weather satellites, a cost-reimbursement contract valued at $1.4 billion.
Raytheon’s Aurora, Colorado office will create ground-control systems for the Joint Polar Satellite System, a program for which the first satellite is scheduled to launch in 2014.
Raytheon will design the ground control hardware, software, and related services for JPSS mission operations through 2018.
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Sub-Zero Brings Jobs to Goodyear, Arizona
Sub-Zero Inc. is bringing more than 100 jobs to the Valley as the company opens a Phoenix manufacturing plant in Goodyear and shifts work from Wisconsin to an existing Phoenix facility.
The company announced in August that it will spend $68 million to improve the 440,000-square-foot Palm Valley 303 building, which will house 288 employees from an existing Phoenix plant as well as new hires. Sub-Zero, which manufactures luxury refrigerators, freezers and wine storage units and is based in Madison, Wis., will build staff at the new the facility during the next seven years.
The Phoenix plant will remain open as Sub-Zero previously announced it will move jobs from Wisconsin to that facility. The new Goodyear operation will manufacture two product lines previously built in Wisconsin.
Goodyear officials estimate economic impact of the 100 jobs is about $218 million. The overall economic impact of the new plant opening is expected to be $1.7 billion over the next seven years.
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Recent Gov’t Contracts
Northrop Grumman Corp., Aerospace Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $20,000,000 contract modification which will provide replenishment spares relative to the Global Hawk Block 20 battlefield airborne communications node joint urgent operational need effort.
Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $35,580,508 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0052) to exercise an option for the procurement of 33 center barrels and loose and miscellaneous parts for the F/A-18 A-D aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and is expected to be completed in October 2013
The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., is being awarded a contract to rotary wing head. There are no other locations of performance .
Aerojet General Corp., Cordova, Calif., was awarded an $8,088,294 contract which will manufacture empty warhead cases to support the precision lethality MK82 quick reaction capability program
Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., was awarded a $12,472,304 contract which will provide consoles for integration onto MC-130W aircraft.
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Pacific Aero Tech Sold to McNally Industries
McNally Industries LLC said it’s acquired Pacific Aero Tech Inc., of Kent, Washington for an undisclosed price.
McNally Industries is a privately held aerospace and engineering company that has its executive and administrative offices in Denver and manufacturing and engineering operations in Grantsburg, Wis., Denver and Albuquerque, N.M.Pacific Aero Tech repairs, overhauls and distributes airplane cockpit and passenger windows and avionics for commercial aircraft.
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Deal Sells 50 Boeing 737 Jets to Russia
A Russian state-owned company said in September that it will pay $3.7 billion for 50 new Boeing 737 Next Generation airliners that will then be leased to the national carrier Aeroflot. Russian Technologies, which manages the government’s stakes in a dozen regional airlines, said in a statement that the deal also includes an option to buy a further 35 jetliners.
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Boeing to Crank Out Even More 737s Per Month
Boeing Co.’s Renton, Washington plant will get even busier in three years. The company is upping its production rate to 38 planes per month in the second quarter of 2013.
The decision comes just a few months after the aerospace giant increased the production rate to 34 737s per month in two years. The current rate is 31.5 per month.
Boeing cited a backlog of 2,000 orders for 737s as well as current options for plane purchases that customers are expected to exercise.
“Increasing production is in response to customer demand for this airplane,” said Jim Albaugh, Seattle-based Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, in a statement.
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Solar Manufacturer Lands in Phoenix
Power-One Inc., a solar and wind inverter manufacturer, is the latest renewable energy company to land in Phoenix.
The company announced its move to the Valley at a press conference in September. The factory is expected to create about 350 jobs with production starting in November.
“With a strong workforce, access to intellectual resources through our relationship with Arizona State University, and support from Gov. Jan Brewer, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, we are confident that Phoenix is the best place for Power-One to establish its first manufacturing base in the U.S.,” said Richard Thompson, president and CEO of Power-One.
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Boeing: North America will Need $700B in New Airplanes by 2030
Boeing Co. said the North American market will need about 7,200 new airplanes in the next 20 years, worth about $700 billion.
The aerospace giant said new airplane deliveries will be spurred by airlines retiring less fuel-efficient planes and replacing them with more fuel-efficient models. (Boeing defines North America as Canada and the U.S., and includes Mexico in its Latin America forecasts.)
Boeing officials expected a 3.4 percent increase in North American passenger traffic over the next 20 years, and predicted 71 percent of new airplane deliveries during this time would be single-aisle airplanes like its Renton-built 737.
Boeing said it expects twin-aisle planes like its Everett-built 787 model to account for 16 percent of all airplane demand in the next 20 years. Larger planes like its Everett-built 747 model won’t see much demand in North America, accounting for only 1 percent of the predicted market.
Demand for smaller regional jets will decline over the next 20 years, Boeing predicted, with only 4 percent of the total airline investment expected for that jet market.
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TMJ Implants Bought by Utah Investment Firm
Joint-replacement prosthesis maker TMJ Implants Inc. of Golden Colorado has been bought out of bankruptcy by Salt Lake City-based private investment firm Crocker Ventures, the buyer announced.
TMJ makes implants for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder.
Crocker said that as part of the acquisition, it is building a new facility in Golden, opening this fall, to house manufacturing, order processing and customer service functions for TMJ. It said that sales, marketing and administration will be based in Salt Lake City.
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Edwards Lifesciences Set to Open Utah Plant
The new 300,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will add up to 1,000 new jobs in the area.
Irvine-based heart-valve maker Edward Lifesciences on Monday will celebrate the opening of its new manufacturing facility in Draper, Utah, as part of its future growth plans.
The new 300,000-square-foot plant will create up to 1,000 new jobs in the coming years and replaces Edwards' former space in Midvale, Utah.
Edwards, which reported net income of $57.5 million in the second quarter, develops technologies for structural heart disease and critical-care monitoring platforms.
The company plans to produce cardiac surgery systems products and accessories for its transcatheter heart-valve technology at the new facility.
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Surprise AZ. Brentwood Industries Deal Could Bring 40 Jobs
The Surprise City Council is expected to approve a development agreement that could bring manufacturing jobs to the city.
The council will consider an agreement with Pennsylvania-based Brentwood Industries. If approved, the company will build 125,000-square-feet of manufacturing and assembly space. That would create 40 full-time jobs.
The city expects to waive approximately $80,000 in plan review and building permit fees in order to facilitate Brentwood’s selection of Surprise as its business site.
Brentwood would manufacture filter media and plastic medical packaging at two facilities inside the Southwest Railplex. The property is located northeast of Litchfield Road and Peoria Avenue.
Phase II would feature a 75,000-square-foot facility for the manufacture or assembly of packaging for medical devices. The facility would be open within 60 months of the effective date, according to the draft agreement.
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Solexant to Build Solar Plant in Oregon
Solexant Corp. executives announced the company’s plan to build a solar module factory in Gresham, Ore., east of Portland.
News of San Jose-based Solexant’s plans first emerged in late May when its request for a $25 million loan came before the Oregon Department of Energy.
The location of its planned manufacturing plant, however, remained a question.
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Volkswagen Electronics ReSearch Lab Expanding, Hiring, in Bay Area
Volkswagen of America is expanding its Bay Area research lab -- where researchers "design the cars of the future" -- with plans to move from Palo Alto to a larger, 157,000-square-foot office building in Belmont, and hire 25 or more engineers, reports the San Mateo County Times.
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Boeing Announces More than $10 Billion in Orders
Boeing Co. announced more than $10 billion in new plane orders, including orders for 30 777-300 extended range planes from Emirates Airlines, 40 737-800s from GE Capital Aviation Services and Norwegian Air Shuttle exercising purchasing rights for 15 737-800s.
Boeing said the Emirates order, worth between $7.7 billion and $8.6 billion at list prices, included 18 of the Everett-built 777s that were previously attributed to an unidentified customer on its website. Dubai-based Emirates already flies 86 777s and has another 16 on order.
The 737 order from GE Capital Aviation Services, is valued at about $3 billion at list prices. Boeing builds its 737s in Renton.
The 737 order from low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle is valued at $1.15 billion at average list prices. The Norwegian airline is exercising purchase rights from a 2007 order for 42 737s.
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Raytheon Gets $368 Million Navy Contract in Tuscon, Arizona
Raytheon Co. received a $368 million contract from the U.S. Navy to produce the Standard Missile-6 for three years.
The extended-range, anti-aircraft missiles will begin delivery in early 2011. Raytheon whose missile division is based in Tucson, also will handle parts and system design engineering under the contract.
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Boeing Says Bigger 787 Final DeSign Done
Boeing Co. said it’s done with final designs of its new 787-9, a bigger version of the 787 it’s currently assembling in Everett.
The aerospace giant said the first 787-9, which seats up to 290 people and has a range of up to 8,500 miles, will be delivered in late 2013.
“Firm configuration means the airplane’s structural, propulsion and systems architectures are defined and not changing,” said Mark Jenks, vice president of 787-9 development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a statement.
Boeing said it collaborated with airline customers and others to determine the “options".
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Air China Buying 20 Boeing 737-800s
Air China said it will buy 20 Boeing Co. 737-800 airplanes that the Chinese airline expects to receive between 2013 and 2015.
In a statement, Air China said the deal is worth about $1.4 billion but added that “Boeing has granted ... significant price concessions” for the Renton (WA) -built airplanes.
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CoorsTek to Buy Advanced-Ceramics Business of Saint-Gobain
CoorsTek Inc., which makes technical ceramic and specialty material components, said it has agreed to buy the advanced-ceramics business of France's Saint-Gobain SA.
The deal is valued at $245 million.
Under the agreement, Golden Colorado based CoorsTek said it will acquire certain business properties held by Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials, including advanced-ceramic facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Saint-Gobain's advanced-ceramics business reportedly employs some 1,100 workers at 14 sites and posted 2009 sales of $165 million. One of its ceramics plants is at 1225 Aeroplaza Drive in Colorado Springs.
CoorsTek -- a descendant of a business that was spun off by the Adolph Coors Co. in the early 1990s -- was taken private by a Coors family trust in 2003.
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Vestas’ Colorado Plants Will Get Work From Canada Order
Vestas Wind Systems said it’s received an order for 79 wind turbines, capable of generating 142 megawatts of power, from Capital Power Corp. for a wind farm in British Columbia, Canada, and the turbine maker’s Colorado plants will be involved in filling the order.
Capital Power, a power company based in Edmonton, Alberta, ordered 44 V100-1.8 megawatt turbines and another 35 V90-1.8 megawatt turbines for the proposed Quality Wind Project, Vestas said. The turbines will be delivered in 2012 and the order includes a 10-year service and maintenance agreement, the wind turbine manufacturer said.
Vestas’ manufacturing plants in Colorado — its blade plant in Windsor, a nacelles plant in Brighton, and a towers plant in Pueblo — will get work from the order, said Vestas spokeswoman Aili Jokela via email.
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Schilling Takes Orders for New Deep-Sea Robot
Schilling Robotics LLC in Davis, CA, has developed a new, more compact remotely operated deep-sea vehicle for use by the inspection, maintenance, and repair industries as well as drill support and medium-duty construction markets.
Schilling, which makes deep-ocean robots used for science, technology and industry, has sold two of its new HD Remotely Operated Vehicle systems to a customer for delivery in August, a news release said.
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Tesla Projects Vans, SUVs to Follow Sedan
Tesla Motors showed plans for a van, cabriolet and SUV that may be built on the same frame as the Model S sedan it expects to roll out in 2012.
Tesla Motors Inc. has shown potential investors "freaking bad ass" plans for electric SUVs, cabriolets and vans to follow its planned sedan.
Unlike the company's only existing electric car that it has actually delivered, the Roadster, the sedan and other models shown in the road show would be completely built by Tesla. The sports car body and frame is now produced by Lotus, whose British factory is closing for renovations before Tesla can produce its sedan, causing a gap during which the company will be delivering no cars.
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Sunbelt-Turret Steel, Inc. opens California Service Center
Sunbelt-Turret Steel, Inc is a distributor of special bar quality carbon and alloy hot rolled and forged rough turned bar stock in sizes up to 28” diameter. The facility has high-production, close tolerance saws providing unlimited cutting capacity for one off pieces or thousands of cut to length blanks.
Centrally located in Dos Palos, this new 100,000sq ft facility has brought a familiar name to the local manufacturing community. A regional sales office for the Pacific Northwest was also opened in Portland, Oregon.
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Raytheon Receives $97M Contract for Air Decoys
Raytheon Co. received a third contract from the U.S. Air Force for production of miniature air-launched decoys. The work is valued at $96.7 million and will be based out of the company’s Tucson, AZ. missile unit.
The decoy flight vehicles weigh less than 300 pounds and has a range of 575 miles.
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Solexant Plans Massive Oregon Solar Plant
Solexant Corp.’s loan request will be reviewed by an advisory committee to the Oregon Department of Energy’s state Energy Loan Program.
If approved, it would be the largest loan in the program's roughly 30-year history.
The company plans to build the plant in stages. The first phase would have about 100 megawatts of module manufacturing capacity per year.
When the company first applied for the loan in November it listed an address in Fairview at 3256 N.E. 230th Ave. in which it would occupy an initial 126,000-square-foot building.
A news release from the state said the company is considering sites near Gresham, which could include Fairview, and near Wilsonville.
Privately held Solexant is a four-year-old, venture-backed developer of what it refers to as “ultra-thin-film solar cells."
The company has raised $22.5 million in two investment rounds, according to the Gartner report, but remains in what it called “semi-stealth” mode and hasn’t provided details of its manufacturing process of module performance.
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Tesla to Buy NUMMI Plant, Build Cars With Toyota
Toyota is investing $50 million in Tesla and the partnership will produce 1,000 new jobs in the short term. Telsa President Elon Musk said over the long-term he thinks the partnership will create 10,000 jobs.
The deal was announced a much-anticipated news conference at Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters.
Musk said the state is providing a sales tax abatement of about 10 percent on capital equipment purchasing — or somewhere around $20 million over the next couple years.
Tesla will produce its Model S sedan in 2012 at NUMMI and hopes to ramp to 20,000 vehicles within 12 months. But Tesla plans to produce many different types of vehicles using its drive train technology.
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Boeing Signs 20-year Lease At Renton Airport In Washington
Boeing Co. has signed a 20-year lease agreement at Renton Municipal Airport, a symbol of commitment to the 737 amid recent rumors the company may be developing a new jet.
The aerospace giant and city officials said the deal includes two 10-year options.
Boeing management has been moving toward decisions about whether it will re-engine the current 737 with more efficient engines to compete against new competing aircraft from Embraer and Bombardier, or build an entirely new narrow body aircraft.
While most analysts have expected Boeing to re-engine the 737 as an interim step, on the grounds that even 787 technologies don’t seem to offer enough efficiency gains over the current 737 designs to warrant the cost and risk, at least one analyst recently suggested Boeing may be “leaning” toward a new design.
Boeing is the largest manufacturing employer in Renton, accounting for about 12,000 jobs, or 30 percent of the city’s total, 9,000 of them at the 737 plant, according to a December 2009 story about the airport and Boeing.
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Robotics Company Curexo Raises $13.2M
The Fremont, CA. company, which makes a surgical robotic system for total joint replacements, also said its technology has received FDA clearance for orthopedic surgery. Boeing Starts Production Line For A160 in Mesa, AZ
Boeing Inc. has started production of a new aircraft, the A160T remote-piloted helicopter, at its Mesa facility.
Work has started on one of the five test planes and while the company awaits orders for the multi-use aircraft.
“We have plans to build more in the future,” said Tony Ham, Mesa site leader and operations director for Boeing.
The project has about 40 employees pulled from Mesa’s Apache line and other Boeing facilities to work on the A160.
Boeing plans to sell the aircraft only in the U.S. and expects to gear up production and hiring once the orders come in, but that may still be months away, Ham said.
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Seattle-Area Industrial Outlook Improves a Tad
The Seattle area’s industrial real estate market showed a bit of an improvement in the first quarter compared with the last quarter of 2009, according to a real estate firm.
According to the Seattle office of Jones Lang LaSalle, there were only about 113,000 square feet of industrial space available at the end of the first quarter of 2010, compared with more than 208,000 sq Ft available at the end of the fourth quarter 2009.
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Rolls-Royce Oakland Facility Wins $6.2M Navy Contract
Rolls-Royce Engine Services-Oakland, the repair and overhaul facility of the British engine maker’s aerospace defense unit, won a modified $6.2 million Navy engine repair contract. ReVolt Gets $5M, Could Build Portland Factory
Swiss battery-maker ReVolt Technology LLC received a $5 million federal stimulus grant which the company will use to move forward on its plans for a Portland manufacturing and research center.
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Amkor Technology Sees
Revenue Skyrocket
Amkor Technology Inc. saw first-quarter revenue increase by 66 percent and posted net income of $44 million, easily besting last year’s numbers.
Chandler-based Amkor posted net income at 24 cents per share for the quarter, compared to a loss of about 12 cents for the same time last year when the semiconductor industry was being hammered by lack of demand.
The company, which makes semiconductor assembly machines and offers testing services benefited from growing demand as manufacturers geared up in computers, telecommunications and consumer electronics, officials said.
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Vestas Restarts Production at Windsor Plant, Lands Big Order
The Vestas Americas wind turbine blade plant in Windsor, CO. has restarted production after work halted earlier this year due to the global recession, a company spokesman said.
And the Danish parent company -- Vestas Wind Systems A/S, announced it has signed the largest single order in company history.
Vestas said it had signed a "Master Supply Agreement" to build, deliver and maintain wind turbines capable of producing up to 1,500 megawatts of power in 2011 and 2012. The order includes an option for expansion to another 600 megawatts that can be exercized in 2010 and 2011, Vestas said.
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Orion Spacecraft Still a Go
Speaking at NASA’s space launch center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., President Obama said the Orion spacecraft being built by Littleton, CO.-based Lockheed Martin Space Systems will become a U.S. rescue vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS). Orion’s technologies will likely be involved as the U.S. sends astronauts deeper into space.
“We will build on the good work already done on the Orion vehicle,” Obama said.
The news means hundreds of Lockheed Martin Space Systems employees and subcontractors will continue working on the $8.2 billion capsule, despite NASA planning to cancel the Constellation manned-space program. Orion was part of the Constellation program.
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Aerojet Gets $50M NASA Contract
Aerojet is a subsidiary of Rancho Cordova, CA. based GenCorp
The space propulsion systems to be developed and delivered include cryogenic and electric propulsion for spacecraft.
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Arizona Solar Company Sets Lp Manufacturing in Santa Clara
Arizona-based First Solar Inc., a publicly traded maker of thin-film solar modules, is expanding its Bay Area presence by opening a manufacturing and research facility in Santa Clara, according to public records.
The company has submitted plans with the city of Santa Clara to renovate 110,025 square feet for office and a manufacturing facility, as well as an equipment yard, at 1025 and 1035 Walsh Ave.
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Boeing Ramps up 777, 747 Production
Boeing Co. said it will speed up production of its Everett-built 777s and 747s, citing “increasing customer demand in the recovering airplane market.”
Boeing said it will accelerate the 777’s production rate to seven planes per month from the current five and increase 747 production to two planes per month from the current 1.5.
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TriQuint Plans $60M in Capital Spending, Eyes Strong 2010
TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. entered 2009 much like every other high-tech manufacturer — with uncertainty.
It ended the year on a major growth spurt.
Now, the Hillsboro,Oregon based chip-maker is planning $60 million in capital spending this year. Of that, $20 million will be directed at the company’s Hillsboro fab for new manufacturing equipment and a gas handling facility for additional cleanroom space.
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Arizona Structure Technologies Scores Three Contracts
Arizona Structure Technologies has landed three out-of-state contracts totaling $140,000.
The Phoenix-based company, which specializes in steel structures such as pedestrian bridges, received an $85,000 contract to provide steel to Steel Placement LLC of Phoenix for a project in Fort Riley, Kan.
The company also has received a contract from Structures Inc. from Englewood, Colo.That project was for $32,000.
The final contract, for $23,600, was with Salls Brothers Construction Inc. of Albuquerque.
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Lockheed Wins $36.8M Apache Contract in Arizona
Lockheed Martin has won a three-year, $36.8 million U.S. Army contract for work at its Arizona Support Center in Gilbert on advanced targeting and piloting systems used on AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Specifically the contract calls for Lockheed personnel to provide support, such as refurbishing and modification, for the Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor and Modernized TADS/PNVS systems.
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Boeing Tanker Deal Worth 12K Washington State Jobs
If Boeing Co. gets the contract to build the U.S. Air Force’s new tanker refueling aircraft, it will create up to 71,000 jobs in the U.S., including some 12,000 new jobs in Washington state, according to U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell.
The Democratic senator from Washington cited a report by Sonecon LLC, which said that if Boeing develops and produces the tanker, it should lead to the creation of up to 70,706 U.S. jobs over the life of the contract.
Cantwell said she’s been assured by management of Boeing that the “bulk” of the tanker work would be done in Washington state.
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Boeing Develops Phantom Eye Surveillance Aircraft
Boeing is working to broaden the offerings of its Unmanned Airborne Systems division through development of a surveillance aircraft — powered by a hydrogen-fueled Ford compact truck engine — that will be able to loiter at high altitudes for up to four days.
The Phantom Eye prototype, now being assembled by Boeing Phantom Works in St. Louis in collaboration with the Kent, Washington-based Unmanned Airborne Systems unit, is to fly in early 2011, said Phantom Works spokesman Chris Haddox.
The project is internally funded, and is part of an effort by Boeing to catch up in the unmanned aircraft market, currently dominated by Northrop Grumman and General Atomics.
The demonstrator will have a 150-foot wingspan, and will carry a payload of as much as 450 pounds up to 65,000 feet in altitude.
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Boeing Plans Oregon Expansion
Boeing Co. plans to pump at least $100 million into its Gresham, Ore., plant in the next three years, creating up to 152 new jobs.
The Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer has filed an application to receive the benefits of an existing enterprise zone; the company could receive up to 15 years of property tax deferrals on some investments.
Boeing Portland already employs more than 1,500 people in Gresham.
The majority of the investment will fund a 60,000-square-foot expansion of a chemical processing plant.
Boeing uses the suburban Portland plant as a milling operation. Workers there are responsible for critical machined metal components used in the company’s commercial aircraft, including the new 787 Dreamliner. Work includes making gear boxes, engine mounts, carriages and flight control systems.
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Blended Winglet Boast: 2 Billion Gallons of Fuel Saved
The makers of the blended winglets you see at the tips of some airplanes are boasting that the world’s airlines have saved 2 billion gallons of jet fuel by using their product.
Seattle-based Aviation Partners Boeing, which is a joint venture between Boeing Co. (and Aviation Partners Inc., of Seattle, said the winglets are now used on more than 3,700 airplanes and 21 types of planes.
Company officials said they’re adding winglets to planes at the rate of more than 400 planes per year. The winglets are installed on new planes and are also retrofitted onto existing planes.
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Benchmade Knife Goes Out on the Cutting Edge
Military troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are issued a spartan cache of equipment.
But many receive a utility knife -- a large number of which have been produced by an Oregon City-based manufacturer.
Orders to fulfill demand from U.S. military and law enforcement agencies amounted to almost half of Benchmade's 2004 production, leading the company to record revenue.
Government sales, however, have sharply since 2005, but that doesn't worry Benchmade officials. "We lost the amount we anticipated losing from government sales. But nongovernment business is up almost 100 percent year-to-date," said Greg Mooney, Benchmade marketing and sales vice president.
Eighteen-year-old Benchmade Knife is owned by founder Les De Asis. The company makes about 50 different styles of knives.
Since January 2004, the company has boosted its employment roughly 30 percent, to 178.
The company's knives are made in the Oregon City manufacturing facility, in the shops of metro-area contractors and from suppliers across the United States.
" At the same time, the company is looking for ways to boost production here. "Our goal is to make the best use of our assets here and not to have to shift [production] somewhere else in the world," he said.
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New Manufacturing School Aims to Combat Worker Shortage
Hoping to build a steady supply of skilled recruits, several Oregon manufacturers are backing a new charter high school.
The Clackamas Academy of Industrial Sciences opens next fall on the campus of Oregon City High School. The four-year school has space for 50 freshmen and 50 sophomores from across the region.
It is sponsored by the Oregon City School District and Clackamas Community College, but is administered by several large manufacturers: ESCO Corp., Benchmade Knife Co. Inc., Oregon Iron Works, Miles Fiberglass & Composites Inc., and Pioneer Pump Inc., among others.
“We want the work force of the future,” said Rick Murphy, Benchmade’s director of finance and a board member of the new charter school. “For us, it’s imperative we get students, workers, as young as possible to get thinking about what we want to do.”
The Oregon Manufacturing Workforce Strategy says the state needs 53,000 skilled workers in the next 10 years. Most of those will replace retiring baby boomers.
Manufacturing employs more than 200,000 workers across Oregon.
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Kyocera Solar Chooses San Diego For First US Plant
Kyocera Solar has decided to locate its first U.S. manufacturing facility in San Diego.
The Scottsdale-based division of the electronics manufacturing company announced plans for the move as it attempts to move toward global production of 1 gigawatt a year.
The company expects manufacturing to begin at its Balboa Avenue facility by the middle of this year. The 30-megawatt plant will cater to large-scale solar implementation.
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Hurco Direct Continues to Expand in Southern CA.
Hurco Companies, Inc. selected Randy Flores to lead the company’s direct sales initiative in Southern California. As the owner of D&R Machinery in Arizona, Flores has represented Hurco for 10 years and has accumulated 20 years of industry experience.
Flores recently hired two sales engineers, Paul Parducci and Dennis Thackery, who will help Flores reintroduce the value of Hurco technology to machine shops throughout Southern California. Hurco has significantly expanded its product line in the last five years with significant research and development resources devoted to 5-axis and multi-tasking technology. Hurco continues to develop software features that advance the capabilities of job shops.
Hurco opened the Southern California Technology Center and Showroom in March of 2009 and immediately assumed direct responsibility of sales, service, and application support throughout the region.
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Scott Anthony is National Sales Manager at Rem Sales
Rem Sales, exclusive North American importer of Tsugami Swiss-type automatic lathes, has appointed Scott Anthony as national sales manager. Bradley Morris, president of Morris Group, Inc., made the announcement recently at a company meeting. Morris Group is the parent corporation of Rem Sales.
“Scott has over 20 years experience in technical sales and marketing management,” said Mr. Morris. “He has a thorough understanding of the selling process through a national distribution network, and with a strong emphasis on customer care. We are pleased to have him on board to manage our Tsugami line.”
Scott Anthony held various sales and sales management positions at Gerber Scientific, Naiad Marine, and Magnatech LLC, all manufacturers of motion control systems.
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Metris USA Changes Its Name to Nikon Metrology.
Following the announcement in late October of Metris becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, the corporate name of Metris USA has now changed to Nikon Metrology, Inc. Under the Nikon brand, Nikon and Metris will synergize their respective strengths with regard to a strong brand and cutting-edge technology, and together will offer products that feature innovative technology and a broad range of functions.
Nikon Metrology, Inc. uniquely blends Metris’ innovation leadership in metrology with the globally recognized Nikon brand.
“We are delighted to be able to join forces under the flag of the powerful Nikon brand”, states Myles Richard, managing director of Nikon Metrology, Inc. “Together, we will grow our leadership position as an optical metrology innovator, leveraging the strengths of our highly skilled technology teams. By continuing to pursue product development, Nikon Metrology, Inc. will enhance its superior technological position, and provide its customers and business partners with strong, well-balanced, sales and service organizations.”
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Marubeni Citizen-Cincom Inc. and Hartwig, Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership
Hartwig, Inc. of St. Louis, MO, the largest distributor of CNC machine tools in the central and mountain United States, and Marubeni Citizen-Cincom, Inc. a supplier of Swiss-type turning centers, signed an agreement to form a strategic partnership taking effect January 1, 2010.
The six states in the mountain region including Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho will become authorized distributors of Citizen’s Swiss product lineup for the Hartwig organization. The Mountain Region will join Hartwig’s current territory representation for the Citizen line in the states of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
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Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Achieve ISO 9001:2008 and EN/JISQ/AS9100: 2004
Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corporation recently announce they achieved ISO 9001:2008 and EN/JISQ/AS9100: 2004 certification.
Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corp. has continued to grow on all fronts: technology, personnel, equipment, processes, manufacturing space, production volume and has now achieved the ISO 9001:2008 certification. Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corp. has demonstrated its commitment to quality and the manufacturing of products for its U.S. manufacturing operations by achieving this goal.
In accepting the registration certificate, David Nilsen, director of quality assurance for Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corp. “The achievement of ISO 9001:2008 reflects our continuous effort and commitment to achieve superior product quality and reliability for our current customer base and new client prospects.”
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Jim King to be Sr. Vice President of Sales for Okuma
Jim King has joined Okuma America Corporation as thesenior vice president of sales. Mr. King will be responsible for leading the Okuma sales team and spearheading the relationships with the Okuma distributors in North and South America. He brings to Okuma nearly 30 years of experience working in industrial markets, including automation and control software.
Mr. King comes to Okuma from Siemens Energy and automation where he served as the director of strategic channel development. While at Siemens, he was successful at bringing discipline and structure to the distributor network, resulting in significant sales increases.
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Methods Announces Installation of Three Kiwa HMC’s in Arizona
Methods Machine Tools Inc., announced that they recently delivered and installed three Kiwa-Japan KH-41 horizontal machining centers at the Prescott, Arizona Manufacturing Facility for Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Each of the Kiwa systems includes a 40-tool ATC and a full 4th axis.
Sturm, Ruger & Company is using the Kiwa machining centers to machine the slide for their Ruger® SR-9® striker-fired pistols. “The new Kiwa HMCs replaced older twin spindle VMCs,” says Mr. Mike Scoggins, chief manufacturing engineer at Sturm, Ruger & Company. “We have received multiple benefits since putting the HMCs in production including the ability to combine operations, improve part quality, reduce cycle time by 20% and minimize part changeover time from 1 day to under 5 minutes.”
Mark Lang, group vice president at Sturm, Ruger & Company, added, “Due to the compact size of the Kiwa KH-41, we have been able to increase our manufacturing efficiency by allowing us to have one operator run three machines because the distance the operator has to walk between machines is minimal, as well as this equipment supports our Lean Manufacturing initiatives.”
The KH-41 has a simple, compact, efficient design that’s only 60.2” wide. Despite its small size it can handle a wide variety of work pieces, providing an ideal entry-level factory automation solution. The high performance KH-41 has a full rotary B-axis and can be installed in the same space as a vertical machine. With a 400mm pallet machine, this HMC can accommodate large work pieces up to 21.7” x 33.5”.
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NTMA Sets Date for Irvine, CA Purchasing Fair
The National Tooling & Machining Association has announced it has selected two sites for Contract Purchasing Fairs for 2010. The fairs will be co-sponsored by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
For the first time a theme has been chosen for the fairs: “Bringing Work Back to the U.S.A.” The organizers will put heavy emphasis on attracting customers that have sent work to other countries, in hopes of convincing them to attend the fairs and meet U.S. metalworking vendors that can make their products back in the U.S.A.
These fairs are part of a bigger picture that the NTMA and PMA are working on through their One Voice Legislative Advocacy Coalition to get the federal government to lower government mandated costs that hurt U.S. companies’ ability to compete. The overall goal is to help U.S. companies compete in a global market and help U.S. manufacturers increase their sourcing of work in the U.S.
U.S. companies that have capabilities in all kinds of metalworking sectors and looking for potential new customers should take a serious look at attending one of the events. U.S. companies with a need to find U.S. metalworking vendors should also investigate attending. More information on the fairs will be released later but the sites for the fair is: May 12, 2010, Hyatt Regency Hotel Irvine California.
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Omax Names Arnie Ruiz Regional Sales Manager
Omax recently introduced Arnie Ruiz, their new regional sales manager for Louisiana and southern Texas. Arnie comes with 20 years of experience as a Class A journeyman in the tool and die industry. Throughout his career, he developed and built automated systems and robotics for machinery processes and trained operators on how to use various equipment. He was a tooling and automation supervisor for Steelcase, an international office furniture manufacturer. For 15 years, he worked for an Omax distributor in southern California and was responsible for activities ranging from application to installation to sales.
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Okuma Technology Institute Opens at Utah’s Davis Applied Technology College
Okuma America Corporation, Hartwig, Inc. and Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) formally opened the new Okuma Technology Institute with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a 3-day celebration of manufacturing technology. The 3-day event was attended by representatives from local businesses and manufacturing facilities from 8 states.
The event kicked off with a presentation on the State of U. S. Manufacturing by Peter Borden, president of the American Machine Tool Distributor Association. Mr. Borden discussed challenges faced by manufacturers across the US and in Utah, as well as a general forecast of future manufacturing activity.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by DATC president Michael Bouwhuis who recognized Larry Schwartz, president and COO of Okuma America and Gary Hartwig, president of Hartwig, Inc. President Bouwhuis thanked them for their vision and their contributions to education and manufacturing, stating that, “In my career, this is the most exciting partnership we’ve ever created.”
Throughout the three days manufacturers and students were treated to machining demonstrations and seminars on productivity improvement, including lean manufacturing and automation. Representatives from members of Partners in THINC were on hand to discuss manufacturing technology and peripheral equipment including gaging, tooling, work holding and software.
The Okuma Technology Institute will help educate and train DATC students to become CNC programmers and machinists. The facility also serves as a showroom for Hartwig, Inc. to demonstrate Okuma technology.
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California Gubernatorial Candidate Poizner Addresses LA/NTMA at TCI Precision Metals
TCI Precision Metals (TCI), announced that TCI hosted over 130 members and friends of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (LA/NTMA) . The attendees heard California gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner speak about the crucial need to cut personal and business taxes to improve and maintain a healthy economy, as well as job creation and quality of life. With the economy showing few signs of improvement and the threat of more and higher taxes, the message resonated well with members.
“The way to job creation and improving government health is through cutting both business and personal taxes, which will increase demand, allowing businesses to grow and increase employment,” Steve Poizner says. “The 10-10-10 plan we’ve designed will improve the business climate and put the state back on a solid footing.”
“The manufacturing sector has always been key to creating prosperity and higher living standards,” says John Belzer, president, TCI Precision Metals. “Small to mid-size companies are the most responsible for job creation, growing the economy, generating wealth, paying taxes and inventing the future. California is at a critical juncture and must work toward improving manufacturing’s ability to compete and prevent the loss of jobs to other states and countries.”
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Methods Holds Multitasking Machining Seminars
Methods Machine Tools Inc., held two Multitasking Machining Seminars on December 16, 2009 at their Sudbury, Massachusetts Technology Center. The complimentary seminars showcased new multitasking strategies for machining precision parts and were well received by over 100 manufacturing professionals.
The first seminar featured the Nakamura Super NTMX .
Attendees learned how the NTMX’s unique twin ATC design makes it easy for all levels of operators to take advantage of the latest in B-axis machining technology.
At the second seminar, named The Tools You Need to Succeed, participants viewed live machining demonstrations and learned how to reduce setup time by 50% or more on their current multitasking machines. Attendees were also able to review their own prints and parts with Methods’ applications experts.
In addition to the seminars, attendees were able to view demonstrations on Nakamura’s latest turning centers, including 3-turret, 3-Y axis machining on the new Super NTY3-Jumbo, high speed thread whirling on the Super NTY3 and quick-change tooling demonstrations on the WT-100.
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Utah Distributor Celebrates 50 Years in Machine Tool Industry
Mazak Corporation congratulates Smith Machinery Co., Inc. as it celebrates 50 years of business in the machine tool industry. Founded by Edward and Tracy Smith in 1960, the Salt Lake City company has been the exclusive distributor of Mazak machine tools in Utah, Montana, western Wyoming and Idaho (excluding the panhandle) since 1977.
The Smith family has served the manufacturing industry in the mountain states for four generations. Its long history in the region has allowed it to develop a customer first philosophy where focus is placed not on sales but on providing total manufacturing solutions. In addition to installing, integrating and servicing advanced machine tools, the company also provides on-site personnel training and applications support.
“The secret to Smith Machinery’s continued success over the last 50 years is its commitment to the customer,” says Brian Papke, president, Mazak Corporation. “By placing an emphasis on establishing strong partnerships with manufacturers and job shops, Smith Machinery is able to provide the expertise and equipment that customers need to increase profitability and expand operations.”
Smith Machinery’s focus on the aerospace (commercial and defense), energy and medical industries has helped it develop a strong understanding of the complexities behind multitasking technology, 5-axis machining applications and Palletech, Mazak’s pre-engineered automation system. It has used this knowledge to increase the capabilities of its customer base.
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Hardinge Appoints New Distributors in the US
Hardinge Inc. has announced an alliance with three US distributors: Gosiger, Inc., Hartwig, Inc. and Morris Group, Inc. These three groups will have exclusive sales and support responsibilities for Hardinge products in virtually all of the United States. Over a transition period of the next few months they will replace current Hardinge distributors and direct sales and service support groups.
“We are honored to be working with this caliber of companies that will sell and support our products in the US market,” says Rick Simons, president and CEO of Hardinge Inc. “All three distributors bring at least 50 years of history and a team of well-trained sales, service and applications people to assist in future sales and provide service support on existing Hardinge equipment in the field. Adding our brand names take these three companies back to the roots of machine tool representation where they each began decades ago. Their reputations as capable, comprehensive, and professional organizations make for a perfect fit with Hardinge.”
“Hardinge is a strong company with strong brand names of Hardinge, Bridgeport, Kellenberger, Hauser and Tschudin. We have a loyal customer base who appreciates the benefits of buying machines and accessories with our brand names. We are confident in entrusting our customer relationships to this group and are also pleased that these three top-level distribution companies have confidence in Hardinge. We believe our products complement their existing strong machine lines,” continued Mr. Simons.
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MCAM NorthWest Becomes Value-Added Reseller for Autodesk
MCAM NorthWest Inc., a leading provider of CAD/CAM-related products, services and training, announced it is becoming an authorized value-added reseller (VAR) for Autodesk, a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software.
With the addition of Autodesk’s broad range of digital design software solutions—including AutoCAD software, its flagship design and documentation solution—MCAM NorthWest now is able to offer its current and potential customers a much more broad range of CAD options as a compliment to its line of Mastercam CAM products.
Tim Rowley, the co-founder of MCAM NorthWest, expects the addition of Autodesk to double his company’s sales by 2012.
“MCAM NorthWest is dedicated to offering our customers the very best CAD/CAM solutions and services available in the marketplace,” he says. “The addition of Autodesk’s fine array of products to our current offerings is proof of our commitment to excellence.”
Earning the distinction as an Autodesk VAR means MCAM NorthWest’s staff demonstrates in-depth technical and industry knowledge and a commitment to customer service. It also has proven that it
provides its customers with the world’s leading 2D and 3D digital design software solutions, as well as the highest-quality training and support.
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Flow International Receives Multiple Orders for Aerospace Projects
Flow International Corporation a leading developer and manufacturer of industrial waterjet machines for cutting and cleaning applications, has announced receipt of approximately $11 million of orders for several new projects in its Advanced segment. These orders are for Composite Machining Center abrasive waterjet and routing machine tool systems to be completed over the next 12 to 18 months. The majority of the purchase orders are from Airbus supplier partners working on multiple Airbus programs.
These new orders are in addition to the previously reported backlog of approximately $20 million, as of the second quarter ended October 31, 2009, for Flow’s Advanced segment.
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SME and IMTS Unveil Plans for IMTS 2010 Emerging Technology Center
Showcasing the most innovative technological developments for the manufacturing industry, The International Manufacturing Technology (IMTS) Show 2010 will present the Emerging Technology Center (ETC) in partnership with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).
The ETC made its debut at IMTS 2004 and is the place where the manufacturing community gathers to view the future of manufacturing technology. The theme for the 2010 ETC is “Knowledge-Based” or applying knowledge-based management across the full spectrum, including technology, manufacturing, people, and business. Past innovations featured in the ETC include nanotechnology, now commonly used throughout the industry, as well as the 2008 debut of MTConnect®, a series of open standards that address manufacturing systems interoperability on the shop floor.
“We are very excited to have SME on board as a partner,” says Peter Eelman, vice-president, exhibitions & communications for IMTS. “SME is well-known as a primary resource for independent education and dissemination of technology. We look forward to again opening the window on future technology developments that will interest all of our visitors.”
Throughout IMTS 2010, the Emerging Technology Center will be located in the North Building lobby of McCormick Place.
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Machine Tools Supply Announces Pending
Acquisition of Cutting Edge Tool & Supply
Machine Tools Supply recently announced the pending acquisition of Cutting Edge Tool & Supply, of Chatsworth, California, as a wholly owned subsidiary of MT Supply Inc.
Growth by MTS in the San Fernando Valley over the past year has led them to seek the best possible platform for providing the highest levels of services to this market area.
“We have successfully implemented several AutoCrib based inventory management systems in the valley,” states George Ponce, president of MTS. “And with that success we knew that an acquisition of this nature would further establish us in this territory and position us for continued growth.”
Since their inception only six years ago, CET has become established as a premier customer service based organization in the San Fernando Valley. Mr. Ponce also stated, “Cutting Edge Tool & Supply, as a leading industrial distributor in this market, now being enhanced with the value added services and products offered by MTS, will be a stronger business partner to their customer’s going forward.”
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Methods Machine Tools Appoints Phil Janiszewski As Marketing Manager
Methods Machine Tools, Inc., a leading supplier of innovative precision machine tools, has appointed Mr. Phil Janiszewski as marketing manager.
“We’re pleased to have Phil on board,” commented Mr. Jamie Hanson, director of corporate development at Methods Machine Tools, Inc. “He brings over thirty years of experience in the manufacturing, machine tool and tool accessories business and will be a valuable addition to our team.”
Prior to joining Methods, Mr. Janiszewski spent seven years as marketing manager at Koma Precision, Inc., a supplier of rotary tables, angle heads, and live tooling. In his role there, Mr. Janiszewski managed all areas of marketing from database design, advertising, brochure / catalog design, to web site design and tradeshow layout / coordination. Before his marketing career, Mr. Janiszewski worked in outside sales for fabrication and machining services, metal stamping and injection molding equipment, EDM machinery, and high speed vertical machining centers.
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Applied Materials Buys Semitool for $364M
Applied Materials Inc. said it has agreed to pay about $364 million in cash to buy Semitool Inc.
Semitool supplies electrochemical plating and wafer surface-preparation equipment.
Applied CEO Mike Splinter said the acquisition will help the company make smaller, more powerful devices.
Semitool will be operated as a business unit of Applied’s Silicon Systems Group. No mention was made in the announcement about whether Semitool Chairman and CEO Ray Thompson would continue with the company.
In the most recent fiscal year ended Sept. 30, Semitool posted a net loss of $11.4 million, or 35 cents per share, versus net income of $6 million, or 19 cents per share, last year. Revenue dropped 42 percent to $139 million.
Applied expects to start the offer soon and projected the deal to close by the end of year.
The company on Nov. 11 said it plans to cut its work force by up to 1,500 positions, and reported fourth quarter net income of $138 million, or 10 cents a share, a 40 percent drop from the previous year. Revenue dropped 25 percent to $1.53 billion in the quarter.
The Semitool purchase is the second of the month for Applied after acquiring substantially all of the assets of Advent Solar Inc. for an undisclosed cash amount on Nov. 6. Albuquerque, N.M.-based Advent Solar develops technology for crystalline silicon photovoltaics.
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Arizona Lands Solar Manufacturing Facility
Arizona received its first official announcement of a solar manufacturing plant since putting up manufacturing incentives when Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. announced it would locate a facility in the state.
The plant, expected to have an initial production capacity of 30 megawatts, will begin production of the solar panels in the third quarter, Suntech officials said.
"Bringing manufacturing jobs to the U.S. is part of Suntech's vision to grow the solar market in every corner of the world," said Suntech's Chairman and CEO Dr. Zhengrong Shi. "We are eagerly watching growing markets and see the potential of bringing manufacturing capabilities to other markets where we see the combination of rapid local market growth and manufacturing cost competitiveness."
The plant will initially employ about 75 people with the potential to double that within the first year.
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Aerojet Wins NASA Contract For Lunar Lander Propulsion System
Aerojet has been awarded a contract to continue developing a propulsion system for NASA for potential use on lunar landers.
Aerojet is a subsidiary of GenCorp Inc, based in Rancho Cordova, California.
The design work is for NASA’s Constellation Systems Program.
The contract’s scope is to develop and complete the project, which is a multicircuit liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen injector.
The company will design, build, test and deliver the injector.
This funding for the contract is part of the Propulsion and Cryogenic Advanced Development project of NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program.
“Aerojet is committed to providing innovative propulsion solutions for NASA and we are very excited to have this opportunity to work with the PCAD team on the Deep Throttling Injector,” Linda Andersen, Aerojet’s director of Space Programs, said in a news release.
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Tesla Gets Tax Break from California
Tesla Motors Inc. and California reached a tax incentive deal that will save the electric-car company sales tax on $320 million of manufacturing equipment and help create up to 1,400 new jobs.
State Treasurer Bill Lockyer announced the deal, which is also expected to save California-based Tesla nearly 10 percent of equipment purchases.
A state agency will hold title of $320 million of Tesla's equipment temporarily, freeing Tesla up to build the facility for its sedan production somewhere in California.
Earlier this year Tesla received approval for about $465 million in low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Energy and said it will use $365 million for production engineering and assembly of the Model S, an all-electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels up to 300 miles per charge.
The Model S has an anticipated base price of $49,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit, and Tesla said it expects to start Model S production in late 2011.
Tesla also confirmed earlier that it plans to lease 350,000 square feet of property once occupied by Agilent Technologies in Stanford Research Park.
The company said it will move its headquarters from San Carlos to the Palo Alto park and build a power train plant there.
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Wash State Taps $1.5M for AeroSpace Training
Gov. Chris Gregoire announced in November that Washington state will tap $1.5 million in federal Workforce Investment Act funds to support aerospace training programs.
“We know we have two fundamental challenges in keeping our competitive edge in the aerospace industry,” Gregoire said at Paine Field in Everett. “We have to recruit new workers, and we have to make sure both our current and incoming workers have cutting-edge skills. To accomplish that, we must invest in our education and training system.”
Of the $1.5 million, $600,000 will go to developing aerospace centers in Snohomish County and Spokane for joint industry-college training. The rest will go toward training equipment, career guidance and other programs in the state.
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Todd Shipyards to Build Additional Ferry for Washington
In early October Todd Shipyards Corp. was the only bidder on two 64-car ferries that the Washington State Department of Ferries Division plans to build. A week later, the state said it’s awarding a contract to Todd to build one additional ferry.
On Oct. 8, the state said Seattle-based Todd bid $114 million to build two ferries; the state’s engineer’s estimate was about $110 million. The last ferry will be either a 64-car ferry or a 144-car ferry, depending on whether the state has enough money to build the larger ferry.
“This contract award is expected to sustain nearly 400 family wage jobs,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire, in a statement. The state requires that the ferry construction take place in Washington, which limits the pool of bidders, but state officials said the requirement keeps jobs in Washington and trains a work force of ferry builders.
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Honeywell Lands $125M Army Ship Deal
Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc. received a five year contract from the U.S. Army that could be worth up to $125 million for stocking the military division’s ships.
The contract falls under the Army’s Prepositions Stocks 3 Afloat program, which helps ensure combat readiness.
The Honeywell group, based in Phoenix, signed a similar 10-year, $700 million contract with the U.S. Marine Corps to provide preposition and logistics support.
Under the terms of the contract, Honeywell will manage the ships’ inventory, as well as maintain and service equipment and supplies headed for combat, officials said.
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Northrop Wins $3.8B Tanker Support Deal
Northrop Grumman Corp. has been awarded a $3.8 billion contract for maintenance and support on the KC-10 refueling tankers.
The current contract is held by Boeing Co., which has held the contract since 1998. Boeing also makes the KC-10.
Boeing said it will review its options before filing any sort of appeal.
Northrop is based in Los Angeles.
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Intellicheck Mobilisa Gets $4.5M Navy Contract
Intellicheck Mobilisa Inc. said it’s received a $4.48 million contract from the U.S. Navy for wireless security buoys that can detect water quality, oil spills and “dirty bombs.”
According to the Port Townsend company, the buoys “provide a high-capacity communications network grid to provide real-time monitoring for marine environments.”
The company began testing the buoy program last year, and was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Dept. of Defense and the University of Washington Applied Physics Lab. Security buoys are already deployed in the North Puget Sound area, according to Intellicheck Mobilisa.
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Korean Air Buying Five New Boeing 747-8s
Korean Air Co. said in early December it plans to buy five Boeing 747-8 passenger planes worth $1.5 billion at list prices.
Boeing Co. will deliver the Everett-built planes to the airline between April 2013 and May 2015, Korean Air said in a statement
Korean Air will build parts for the new plane. In October, the airline said its Aerospace Business Division will build the wing structure components for the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft.
According to the airline at the time, “the wide-body commercial Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental has a capacity of 467 seats and features a lengthened fuselage with a new wing design, as well as improved efficiency which aims for a quieter, more economical and increased environmentally-friendly performance.”
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Express Manufacturing, Inc. Announces its ISO 13485:2003 Certification
Express Manufacturing, Inc., located in Santa Ana, California (EMI) announced they have received the distinguished ISO 13485:2003 Certification. This ISO 13485:2003 standard is a part of the international ISO organization and sets standards for design and process control including environmental requirements, traceability, record retention, requlatory audits and management practices for medical devices.
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Taser Gets Order from Colombian Police for 140 Stun Guns
Taser International Inc. received an order for 140 of its X26 electronic stun guns from the Colombian National Police.
The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed, but the company said it will include accessories and was completed through the company’s distributor in Colombia. Scottsdale-based Taser said the order will ship by the end of the year.
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Schilling Gets 50th Order
Northern California based Schilling Robotics LLC has received the 50th order for its subsea remotely operated vehicles, used by oil and gas companies looking for deep-water reserves.
“Schilling’s core philosophy is to make our customers successful, and our (remotely operated vehicle) system has helped achieve this by improving the stability, accuracy and ease of ... intervention operations,” Schilling chief executive officer Tyler Schilling said in a news release.
Schilling returned to the company’s top position in July, after its former chief executive officer resigned after 15 months on the job.
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Boeing Says Asia Pacific Region Will Need $1.1T Worth of Planes
Boeing Co. said the Asia Pacific region will need nearly 9,000 new planes worth $1.1 trillion dollars over the next 20 years. Asia Pacific is now the largest market in Boeing’s forecast.
That’s an upward revision from just two years ago, when Boeing said the region would need 7,200 planes and was the world’s second-largest market behind North America.
The Asia Pacific region covers Japan, Korea, China, Australia and India and has more than 8,3000 flights and 1.2 million air travelers each day.
“Twenty years from now more than 40 percent of the world’s airline traffic will begin, end or take place within the Asia Pacific region,” said Randy Tinseth, vice president-marketing of Seattle-based Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a statement.
n the next 20 years, Boeing said it sees 5,600 single-aisle planes and 2,590 twin-aisle planes being delivered to the Asia Pacific region. Boeing builds its single-aisle planes in Renton, Washington and its twin-aisle planes in Everett, WA. Only 330 large planes and 440 regional jet planes will be delivered to the region in the next 20 years.
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Raytheon Gets $151M SeaSparrow Missile Contract
Raytheon Co. received a $151 million missile contract from the U.S. Navy’s NATO SeaSparrow program.
The deal calls for the production of 186 SeaSparrow missiles with the option to make an additional 255 missiles for $210 million. The defense weapons are to be used by the U.S. Navy and nine international fleets, officials said in making the announcement Tuesday. The company’s missile division is in Tucson, AZ.
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First Solar Taps Honeywell AeroSpace Boss as CEO
Solar power equipment maker First Solar Inc. hired Robert Gillette as its CEO, replacing Mike Ahearn, who stays on as chairman.
Gillette, who was CEO and president of Honeywell Aerospace for four and a half years, started work at Tempe, Ariz.-based First Solar Oct. 1.
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Scott Carson Retiring as Head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Scott Carson, who has presided over Boeing Puget Sound-based Commercial Airplanes Group since Alan Mullay left to head up Ford Motor Co., will retire at year’s end.
The 63-year-old Carson has headed the commercial airplanes operation during some of its toughest times as the vaunted 787 Dreamliner program faltered from technical and production delays.
Carson’s replacement will be Jim Albaugh, 59, the head of Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems division. Albaugh’s successor is Dennis Muilenburg, 45. Muilenburg has served as head of Boeing’s Integrated Defense System’s Global Support unit.
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WestJet Orders 14 Boeing 737s
Canadian airline WestJet has ordered 14 Boeing 737-700 airplanes valued at between $819 million and $973 million at list prices.
The airline flies the Boeing 737 exclusively, and including the latest offer, it has 54 737s scheduled for delivery.
WestJet also said it plans to reschedule 16 leased and direct-purchase airplanes.
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Applied Technology Associates Wins $6M Contract
Albuquerque engineering firm Applied Technology Associates won a three-year, $5.9 million Department of Defense contract to develop technology to improve soldiers’ target-locating capabilities.
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Honeywell Aerospace Division Signs Two Engine Deals
A pair of engine deals will bring in up to $485 million for the aerospace division of Honeywell International Inc., company officials said.
The Phoenix-based aerospace division of Honeywell has been awarded an addition option year on its deal with the U.S. Army to improve performance and extend the life of the turbine engine used in the M1 Abrams tank.
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Cavco Buys Manufactured Housing Assets From Fleetwood
Cavco Industries Inc. has been named the highest and best bidder for certain manufactured housing assets of Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. which is going through Chapter 11 reorganization.
The winning bid was determined through an auction held by the Riverside, Calif.-based producer of manufactured homes, in consultation with its committee of creditors. A court hearing to approve the sale is scheduled for Wednesday.
Phoenix-based Cavco’s final offer was $21.8 million. In addition, Cavco agreed to buy Fleetwood’s idled Woodland, Calif., plant.
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Artex Aircraft to Consolidate Arizona Operations
An Aurora, Ore., avionics company is laying off 113 workers as its parent company consolidates operations in Arizona.
Artex Aircraft Supply Inc., which does business as Cobham Avionics Aurora, announced that it will close its Portland-area facility sometime between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2010.
Artex is a subsidiary of Cobham Plc., a United Kingdom-based aerospace and defense systems company with $2.1 billion in annual revenue.
The facility, along with one in Bothell, Wash., will merge into another Cobham-owned avionics facility in Prescott to create an “avionics center of excellence,” the company said in a news release.
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Trompeter Electronics Closing Mesa Plant
Trompeter Electronics Inc., a manufacturer of connectors, adapters, components and jacks for the telecommunications, cable television and aerospace sectors, is closing its Mesa plant with 135 jobs being cut.
Trompeter is a subsidiary of Emerson Network Power, an arm of St. Louis-based Emerson Electric Inc.
The company reported the 135 layoffs, which will occur through the end of the year, to the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
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Taser International Scores Contract with U.S. Customs
Taser International Inc. has received a contract from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that could stretch into a five-year deal.
The contract, which calls for an indefinite number of the company’s X26 stun guns to be shipped over a period of time, will be coordinated through Aardvark Tactical Inc. of Azusa, Calif. The company is Taser’s distributor with the U.S. government.
Scottsdale-based Taser said the shipments will start this quarter.
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Solyndra Opens Manufacturing Facility in Fremont, Ca.
Solyndra, maker of cylindrical solar panels, got a visit from Energy Secretary Steven Chu in September for ground breaking on the factory that the federal government is supporting with a $545 million loan guarantee. Vice President Joe Biden announced that the guarantee was final in a satellite address broadcast at the facility.
The Fremont factory will have the capacity to produce 500 megawatts worth of panels – enough to power the equivalent of 24,000 average homes. Building the facility will bring in 3,000 construction jobs; Up to 1,000 permanent jobs will be created once the factory is working at full capacity.
Weather Satellites
Raytheon Co. has been chosen by NASA to provide ground control for a pair of new weather satellites, a cost-reimbursement contract valued at $1.4 billion.
Raytheon’s Aurora, Colorado office will create ground-control systems for the Joint Polar Satellite System, a program for which the first satellite is scheduled to launch in 2014.
Raytheon will design the ground control hardware, software, and related services for JPSS mission operations through 2018.
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Sub-Zero Brings Jobs to Goodyear, Arizona
Sub-Zero Inc. is bringing more than 100 jobs to the Valley as the company opens a Phoenix manufacturing plant in Goodyear and shifts work from Wisconsin to an existing Phoenix facility.
The company announced in August that it will spend $68 million to improve the 440,000-square-foot Palm Valley 303 building, which will house 288 employees from an existing Phoenix plant as well as new hires. Sub-Zero, which manufactures luxury refrigerators, freezers and wine storage units and is based in Madison, Wis., will build staff at the new the facility during the next seven years.
The Phoenix plant will remain open as Sub-Zero previously announced it will move jobs from Wisconsin to that facility. The new Goodyear operation will manufacture two product lines previously built in Wisconsin.
Goodyear officials estimate economic impact of the 100 jobs is about $218 million. The overall economic impact of the new plant opening is expected to be $1.7 billion over the next seven years.
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Recent Gov’t Contracts
Northrop Grumman Corp., Aerospace Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $20,000,000 contract modification which will provide replenishment spares relative to the Global Hawk Block 20 battlefield airborne communications node joint urgent operational need effort.
Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $35,580,508 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0052) to exercise an option for the procurement of 33 center barrels and loose and miscellaneous parts for the F/A-18 A-D aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and is expected to be completed in October 2013
The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., is being awarded a contract to rotary wing head. There are no other locations of performance .
Aerojet General Corp., Cordova, Calif., was awarded an $8,088,294 contract which will manufacture empty warhead cases to support the precision lethality MK82 quick reaction capability program
Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., was awarded a $12,472,304 contract which will provide consoles for integration onto MC-130W aircraft.
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Pacific Aero Tech Sold to McNally Industries
McNally Industries LLC said it’s acquired Pacific Aero Tech Inc., of Kent, Washington for an undisclosed price.
McNally Industries is a privately held aerospace and engineering company that has its executive and administrative offices in Denver and manufacturing and engineering operations in Grantsburg, Wis., Denver and Albuquerque, N.M.Pacific Aero Tech repairs, overhauls and distributes airplane cockpit and passenger windows and avionics for commercial aircraft.
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Deal Sells 50 Boeing 737 Jets to Russia
A Russian state-owned company said in September that it will pay $3.7 billion for 50 new Boeing 737 Next Generation airliners that will then be leased to the national carrier Aeroflot. Russian Technologies, which manages the government’s stakes in a dozen regional airlines, said in a statement that the deal also includes an option to buy a further 35 jetliners.
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Boeing to Crank Out Even More 737s Per Month
Boeing Co.’s Renton, Washington plant will get even busier in three years. The company is upping its production rate to 38 planes per month in the second quarter of 2013.
The decision comes just a few months after the aerospace giant increased the production rate to 34 737s per month in two years. The current rate is 31.5 per month.
Boeing cited a backlog of 2,000 orders for 737s as well as current options for plane purchases that customers are expected to exercise.
“Increasing production is in response to customer demand for this airplane,” said Jim Albaugh, Seattle-based Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, in a statement.
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Solar Manufacturer Lands in Phoenix
Power-One Inc., a solar and wind inverter manufacturer, is the latest renewable energy company to land in Phoenix.
The company announced its move to the Valley at a press conference in September. The factory is expected to create about 350 jobs with production starting in November.
“With a strong workforce, access to intellectual resources through our relationship with Arizona State University, and support from Gov. Jan Brewer, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, we are confident that Phoenix is the best place for Power-One to establish its first manufacturing base in the U.S.,” said Richard Thompson, president and CEO of Power-One.
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Boeing: North America will Need $700B in New Airplanes by 2030
Boeing Co. said the North American market will need about 7,200 new airplanes in the next 20 years, worth about $700 billion.
The aerospace giant said new airplane deliveries will be spurred by airlines retiring less fuel-efficient planes and replacing them with more fuel-efficient models. (Boeing defines North America as Canada and the U.S., and includes Mexico in its Latin America forecasts.)
Boeing officials expected a 3.4 percent increase in North American passenger traffic over the next 20 years, and predicted 71 percent of new airplane deliveries during this time would be single-aisle airplanes like its Renton-built 737.
Boeing said it expects twin-aisle planes like its Everett-built 787 model to account for 16 percent of all airplane demand in the next 20 years. Larger planes like its Everett-built 747 model won’t see much demand in North America, accounting for only 1 percent of the predicted market.
Demand for smaller regional jets will decline over the next 20 years, Boeing predicted, with only 4 percent of the total airline investment expected for that jet market.
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TMJ Implants Bought by Utah Investment Firm
Joint-replacement prosthesis maker TMJ Implants Inc. of Golden Colorado has been bought out of bankruptcy by Salt Lake City-based private investment firm Crocker Ventures, the buyer announced.
TMJ makes implants for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder.
Crocker said that as part of the acquisition, it is building a new facility in Golden, opening this fall, to house manufacturing, order processing and customer service functions for TMJ. It said that sales, marketing and administration will be based in Salt Lake City.
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Edwards Lifesciences Set to Open Utah Plant
The new 300,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will add up to 1,000 new jobs in the area.
Irvine-based heart-valve maker Edward Lifesciences on Monday will celebrate the opening of its new manufacturing facility in Draper, Utah, as part of its future growth plans.
The new 300,000-square-foot plant will create up to 1,000 new jobs in the coming years and replaces Edwards' former space in Midvale, Utah.
Edwards, which reported net income of $57.5 million in the second quarter, develops technologies for structural heart disease and critical-care monitoring platforms.
The company plans to produce cardiac surgery systems products and accessories for its transcatheter heart-valve technology at the new facility.
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Surprise AZ. Brentwood Industries Deal Could Bring 40 Jobs
The Surprise City Council is expected to approve a development agreement that could bring manufacturing jobs to the city.
The council will consider an agreement with Pennsylvania-based Brentwood Industries. If approved, the company will build 125,000-square-feet of manufacturing and assembly space. That would create 40 full-time jobs.
The city expects to waive approximately $80,000 in plan review and building permit fees in order to facilitate Brentwood’s selection of Surprise as its business site.
Brentwood would manufacture filter media and plastic medical packaging at two facilities inside the Southwest Railplex. The property is located northeast of Litchfield Road and Peoria Avenue.
Phase II would feature a 75,000-square-foot facility for the manufacture or assembly of packaging for medical devices. The facility would be open within 60 months of the effective date, according to the draft agreement.
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Solexant to Build Solar Plant in Oregon
Solexant Corp. executives announced the company’s plan to build a solar module factory in Gresham, Ore., east of Portland.
News of San Jose-based Solexant’s plans first emerged in late May when its request for a $25 million loan came before the Oregon Department of Energy.
The location of its planned manufacturing plant, however, remained a question.
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Volkswagen Electronics ReSearch Lab Expanding, Hiring, in Bay Area
Volkswagen of America is expanding its Bay Area research lab -- where researchers "design the cars of the future" -- with plans to move from Palo Alto to a larger, 157,000-square-foot office building in Belmont, and hire 25 or more engineers, reports the San Mateo County Times.
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Boeing Announces More than $10 Billion in Orders
Boeing Co. announced more than $10 billion in new plane orders, including orders for 30 777-300 extended range planes from Emirates Airlines, 40 737-800s from GE Capital Aviation Services and Norwegian Air Shuttle exercising purchasing rights for 15 737-800s.
Boeing said the Emirates order, worth between $7.7 billion and $8.6 billion at list prices, included 18 of the Everett-built 777s that were previously attributed to an unidentified customer on its website. Dubai-based Emirates already flies 86 777s and has another 16 on order.
The 737 order from GE Capital Aviation Services, is valued at about $3 billion at list prices. Boeing builds its 737s in Renton.
The 737 order from low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle is valued at $1.15 billion at average list prices. The Norwegian airline is exercising purchase rights from a 2007 order for 42 737s.
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Raytheon Gets $368 Million Navy Contract in Tuscon, Arizona
Raytheon Co. received a $368 million contract from the U.S. Navy to produce the Standard Missile-6 for three years.
The extended-range, anti-aircraft missiles will begin delivery in early 2011. Raytheon whose missile division is based in Tucson, also will handle parts and system design engineering under the contract.
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Boeing Says Bigger 787 Final DeSign Done
Boeing Co. said it’s done with final designs of its new 787-9, a bigger version of the 787 it’s currently assembling in Everett.
The aerospace giant said the first 787-9, which seats up to 290 people and has a range of up to 8,500 miles, will be delivered in late 2013.
“Firm configuration means the airplane’s structural, propulsion and systems architectures are defined and not changing,” said Mark Jenks, vice president of 787-9 development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a statement.
Boeing said it collaborated with airline customers and others to determine the “options".
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Air China Buying 20 Boeing 737-800s
Air China said it will buy 20 Boeing Co. 737-800 airplanes that the Chinese airline expects to receive between 2013 and 2015.
In a statement, Air China said the deal is worth about $1.4 billion but added that “Boeing has granted ... significant price concessions” for the Renton (WA) -built airplanes.
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CoorsTek to Buy Advanced-Ceramics Business of Saint-Gobain
CoorsTek Inc., which makes technical ceramic and specialty material components, said it has agreed to buy the advanced-ceramics business of France's Saint-Gobain SA.
The deal is valued at $245 million.
Under the agreement, Golden Colorado based CoorsTek said it will acquire certain business properties held by Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials, including advanced-ceramic facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Saint-Gobain's advanced-ceramics business reportedly employs some 1,100 workers at 14 sites and posted 2009 sales of $165 million. One of its ceramics plants is at 1225 Aeroplaza Drive in Colorado Springs.
CoorsTek -- a descendant of a business that was spun off by the Adolph Coors Co. in the early 1990s -- was taken private by a Coors family trust in 2003.
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Vestas’ Colorado Plants Will Get Work From Canada Order
Vestas Wind Systems said it’s received an order for 79 wind turbines, capable of generating 142 megawatts of power, from Capital Power Corp. for a wind farm in British Columbia, Canada, and the turbine maker’s Colorado plants will be involved in filling the order.
Capital Power, a power company based in Edmonton, Alberta, ordered 44 V100-1.8 megawatt turbines and another 35 V90-1.8 megawatt turbines for the proposed Quality Wind Project, Vestas said. The turbines will be delivered in 2012 and the order includes a 10-year service and maintenance agreement, the wind turbine manufacturer said.
Vestas’ manufacturing plants in Colorado — its blade plant in Windsor, a nacelles plant in Brighton, and a towers plant in Pueblo — will get work from the order, said Vestas spokeswoman Aili Jokela via email.
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Schilling Takes Orders for New Deep-Sea Robot
Schilling Robotics LLC in Davis, CA, has developed a new, more compact remotely operated deep-sea vehicle for use by the inspection, maintenance, and repair industries as well as drill support and medium-duty construction markets.
Schilling, which makes deep-ocean robots used for science, technology and industry, has sold two of its new HD Remotely Operated Vehicle systems to a customer for delivery in August, a news release said.
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Tesla Projects Vans, SUVs to Follow Sedan
Tesla Motors showed plans for a van, cabriolet and SUV that may be built on the same frame as the Model S sedan it expects to roll out in 2012.
Tesla Motors Inc. has shown potential investors "freaking bad ass" plans for electric SUVs, cabriolets and vans to follow its planned sedan.
Unlike the company's only existing electric car that it has actually delivered, the Roadster, the sedan and other models shown in the road show would be completely built by Tesla. The sports car body and frame is now produced by Lotus, whose British factory is closing for renovations before Tesla can produce its sedan, causing a gap during which the company will be delivering no cars.
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Sunbelt-Turret Steel, Inc. opens California Service Center
Sunbelt-Turret Steel, Inc is a distributor of special bar quality carbon and alloy hot rolled and forged rough turned bar stock in sizes up to 28” diameter. The facility has high-production, close tolerance saws providing unlimited cutting capacity for one off pieces or thousands of cut to length blanks.
Centrally located in Dos Palos, this new 100,000sq ft facility has brought a familiar name to the local manufacturing community. A regional sales office for the Pacific Northwest was also opened in Portland, Oregon.
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Raytheon Receives $97M Contract for Air Decoys
Raytheon Co. received a third contract from the U.S. Air Force for production of miniature air-launched decoys. The work is valued at $96.7 million and will be based out of the company’s Tucson, AZ. missile unit.
The decoy flight vehicles weigh less than 300 pounds and has a range of 575 miles.
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Solexant Plans Massive Oregon Solar Plant
Solexant Corp.’s loan request will be reviewed by an advisory committee to the Oregon Department of Energy’s state Energy Loan Program.
If approved, it would be the largest loan in the program's roughly 30-year history.
The company plans to build the plant in stages. The first phase would have about 100 megawatts of module manufacturing capacity per year.
When the company first applied for the loan in November it listed an address in Fairview at 3256 N.E. 230th Ave. in which it would occupy an initial 126,000-square-foot building.
A news release from the state said the company is considering sites near Gresham, which could include Fairview, and near Wilsonville.
Privately held Solexant is a four-year-old, venture-backed developer of what it refers to as “ultra-thin-film solar cells."
The company has raised $22.5 million in two investment rounds, according to the Gartner report, but remains in what it called “semi-stealth” mode and hasn’t provided details of its manufacturing process of module performance.
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Tesla to Buy NUMMI Plant, Build Cars With Toyota
Toyota is investing $50 million in Tesla and the partnership will produce 1,000 new jobs in the short term. Telsa President Elon Musk said over the long-term he thinks the partnership will create 10,000 jobs.
The deal was announced a much-anticipated news conference at Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters.
Musk said the state is providing a sales tax abatement of about 10 percent on capital equipment purchasing — or somewhere around $20 million over the next couple years.
Tesla will produce its Model S sedan in 2012 at NUMMI and hopes to ramp to 20,000 vehicles within 12 months. But Tesla plans to produce many different types of vehicles using its drive train technology.
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Boeing Signs 20-year Lease At Renton Airport In Washington
Boeing Co. has signed a 20-year lease agreement at Renton Municipal Airport, a symbol of commitment to the 737 amid recent rumors the company may be developing a new jet.
The aerospace giant and city officials said the deal includes two 10-year options.
Boeing management has been moving toward decisions about whether it will re-engine the current 737 with more efficient engines to compete against new competing aircraft from Embraer and Bombardier, or build an entirely new narrow body aircraft.
While most analysts have expected Boeing to re-engine the 737 as an interim step, on the grounds that even 787 technologies don’t seem to offer enough efficiency gains over the current 737 designs to warrant the cost and risk, at least one analyst recently suggested Boeing may be “leaning” toward a new design.
Boeing is the largest manufacturing employer in Renton, accounting for about 12,000 jobs, or 30 percent of the city’s total, 9,000 of them at the 737 plant, according to a December 2009 story about the airport and Boeing.
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Robotics Company Curexo Raises $13.2M
The Fremont, CA. company, which makes a surgical robotic system for total joint replacements, also said its technology has received FDA clearance for orthopedic surgery. Boeing Starts Production Line For A160 in Mesa, AZ
Boeing Inc. has started production of a new aircraft, the A160T remote-piloted helicopter, at its Mesa facility.
Work has started on one of the five test planes and while the company awaits orders for the multi-use aircraft.
“We have plans to build more in the future,” said Tony Ham, Mesa site leader and operations director for Boeing.
The project has about 40 employees pulled from Mesa’s Apache line and other Boeing facilities to work on the A160.
Boeing plans to sell the aircraft only in the U.S. and expects to gear up production and hiring once the orders come in, but that may still be months away, Ham said.
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Seattle-Area Industrial Outlook Improves a Tad
The Seattle area’s industrial real estate market showed a bit of an improvement in the first quarter compared with the last quarter of 2009, according to a real estate firm.
According to the Seattle office of Jones Lang LaSalle, there were only about 113,000 square feet of industrial space available at the end of the first quarter of 2010, compared with more than 208,000 sq Ft available at the end of the fourth quarter 2009.
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Rolls-Royce Oakland Facility Wins $6.2M Navy Contract
Rolls-Royce Engine Services-Oakland, the repair and overhaul facility of the British engine maker’s aerospace defense unit, won a modified $6.2 million Navy engine repair contract. ReVolt Gets $5M, Could Build Portland Factory
Swiss battery-maker ReVolt Technology LLC received a $5 million federal stimulus grant which the company will use to move forward on its plans for a Portland manufacturing and research center.
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Amkor Technology Sees
Revenue Skyrocket
Amkor Technology Inc. saw first-quarter revenue increase by 66 percent and posted net income of $44 million, easily besting last year’s numbers.
Chandler-based Amkor posted net income at 24 cents per share for the quarter, compared to a loss of about 12 cents for the same time last year when the semiconductor industry was being hammered by lack of demand.
The company, which makes semiconductor assembly machines and offers testing services benefited from growing demand as manufacturers geared up in computers, telecommunications and consumer electronics, officials said.
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Vestas Restarts Production at Windsor Plant, Lands Big Order
The Vestas Americas wind turbine blade plant in Windsor, CO. has restarted production after work halted earlier this year due to the global recession, a company spokesman said.
And the Danish parent company -- Vestas Wind Systems A/S, announced it has signed the largest single order in company history.
Vestas said it had signed a "Master Supply Agreement" to build, deliver and maintain wind turbines capable of producing up to 1,500 megawatts of power in 2011 and 2012. The order includes an option for expansion to another 600 megawatts that can be exercized in 2010 and 2011, Vestas said.
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Orion Spacecraft Still a Go
Speaking at NASA’s space launch center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., President Obama said the Orion spacecraft being built by Littleton, CO.-based Lockheed Martin Space Systems will become a U.S. rescue vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS). Orion’s technologies will likely be involved as the U.S. sends astronauts deeper into space.
“We will build on the good work already done on the Orion vehicle,” Obama said.
The news means hundreds of Lockheed Martin Space Systems employees and subcontractors will continue working on the $8.2 billion capsule, despite NASA planning to cancel the Constellation manned-space program. Orion was part of the Constellation program.
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Aerojet Gets $50M NASA Contract
Aerojet is a subsidiary of Rancho Cordova, CA. based GenCorp
The space propulsion systems to be developed and delivered include cryogenic and electric propulsion for spacecraft.
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Arizona Solar Company Sets Lp Manufacturing in Santa Clara
Arizona-based First Solar Inc., a publicly traded maker of thin-film solar modules, is expanding its Bay Area presence by opening a manufacturing and research facility in Santa Clara, according to public records.
The company has submitted plans with the city of Santa Clara to renovate 110,025 square feet for office and a manufacturing facility, as well as an equipment yard, at 1025 and 1035 Walsh Ave.
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Boeing Ramps up 777, 747 Production
Boeing Co. said it will speed up production of its Everett-built 777s and 747s, citing “increasing customer demand in the recovering airplane market.”
Boeing said it will accelerate the 777’s production rate to seven planes per month from the current five and increase 747 production to two planes per month from the current 1.5.
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TriQuint Plans $60M in Capital Spending, Eyes Strong 2010
TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. entered 2009 much like every other high-tech manufacturer — with uncertainty.
It ended the year on a major growth spurt.
Now, the Hillsboro,Oregon based chip-maker is planning $60 million in capital spending this year. Of that, $20 million will be directed at the company’s Hillsboro fab for new manufacturing equipment and a gas handling facility for additional cleanroom space.
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Arizona Structure Technologies Scores Three Contracts
Arizona Structure Technologies has landed three out-of-state contracts totaling $140,000.
The Phoenix-based company, which specializes in steel structures such as pedestrian bridges, received an $85,000 contract to provide steel to Steel Placement LLC of Phoenix for a project in Fort Riley, Kan.
The company also has received a contract from Structures Inc. from Englewood, Colo.That project was for $32,000.
The final contract, for $23,600, was with Salls Brothers Construction Inc. of Albuquerque.
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Lockheed Wins $36.8M Apache Contract in Arizona
Lockheed Martin has won a three-year, $36.8 million U.S. Army contract for work at its Arizona Support Center in Gilbert on advanced targeting and piloting systems used on AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Specifically the contract calls for Lockheed personnel to provide support, such as refurbishing and modification, for the Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor and Modernized TADS/PNVS systems.
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Boeing Tanker Deal Worth 12K Washington State Jobs
If Boeing Co. gets the contract to build the U.S. Air Force’s new tanker refueling aircraft, it will create up to 71,000 jobs in the U.S., including some 12,000 new jobs in Washington state, according to U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell.
The Democratic senator from Washington cited a report by Sonecon LLC, which said that if Boeing develops and produces the tanker, it should lead to the creation of up to 70,706 U.S. jobs over the life of the contract.
Cantwell said she’s been assured by management of Boeing that the “bulk” of the tanker work would be done in Washington state.
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Boeing Develops Phantom Eye Surveillance Aircraft
Boeing is working to broaden the offerings of its Unmanned Airborne Systems division through development of a surveillance aircraft — powered by a hydrogen-fueled Ford compact truck engine — that will be able to loiter at high altitudes for up to four days.
The Phantom Eye prototype, now being assembled by Boeing Phantom Works in St. Louis in collaboration with the Kent, Washington-based Unmanned Airborne Systems unit, is to fly in early 2011, said Phantom Works spokesman Chris Haddox.
The project is internally funded, and is part of an effort by Boeing to catch up in the unmanned aircraft market, currently dominated by Northrop Grumman and General Atomics.
The demonstrator will have a 150-foot wingspan, and will carry a payload of as much as 450 pounds up to 65,000 feet in altitude.
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Boeing Plans Oregon Expansion
Boeing Co. plans to pump at least $100 million into its Gresham, Ore., plant in the next three years, creating up to 152 new jobs.
The Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer has filed an application to receive the benefits of an existing enterprise zone; the company could receive up to 15 years of property tax deferrals on some investments.
Boeing Portland already employs more than 1,500 people in Gresham.
The majority of the investment will fund a 60,000-square-foot expansion of a chemical processing plant.
Boeing uses the suburban Portland plant as a milling operation. Workers there are responsible for critical machined metal components used in the company’s commercial aircraft, including the new 787 Dreamliner. Work includes making gear boxes, engine mounts, carriages and flight control systems.
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Blended Winglet Boast: 2 Billion Gallons of Fuel Saved
The makers of the blended winglets you see at the tips of some airplanes are boasting that the world’s airlines have saved 2 billion gallons of jet fuel by using their product.
Seattle-based Aviation Partners Boeing, which is a joint venture between Boeing Co. (and Aviation Partners Inc., of Seattle, said the winglets are now used on more than 3,700 airplanes and 21 types of planes.
Company officials said they’re adding winglets to planes at the rate of more than 400 planes per year. The winglets are installed on new planes and are also retrofitted onto existing planes.
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Benchmade Knife Goes Out on the Cutting Edge
Military troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are issued a spartan cache of equipment.
But many receive a utility knife -- a large number of which have been produced by an Oregon City-based manufacturer.
Orders to fulfill demand from U.S. military and law enforcement agencies amounted to almost half of Benchmade's 2004 production, leading the company to record revenue.
Government sales, however, have sharply since 2005, but that doesn't worry Benchmade officials. "We lost the amount we anticipated losing from government sales. But nongovernment business is up almost 100 percent year-to-date," said Greg Mooney, Benchmade marketing and sales vice president.
Eighteen-year-old Benchmade Knife is owned by founder Les De Asis. The company makes about 50 different styles of knives.
Since January 2004, the company has boosted its employment roughly 30 percent, to 178.
The company's knives are made in the Oregon City manufacturing facility, in the shops of metro-area contractors and from suppliers across the United States.
" At the same time, the company is looking for ways to boost production here. "Our goal is to make the best use of our assets here and not to have to shift [production] somewhere else in the world," he said.
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New Manufacturing School Aims to Combat Worker Shortage
Hoping to build a steady supply of skilled recruits, several Oregon manufacturers are backing a new charter high school.
The Clackamas Academy of Industrial Sciences opens next fall on the campus of Oregon City High School. The four-year school has space for 50 freshmen and 50 sophomores from across the region.
It is sponsored by the Oregon City School District and Clackamas Community College, but is administered by several large manufacturers: ESCO Corp., Benchmade Knife Co. Inc., Oregon Iron Works, Miles Fiberglass & Composites Inc., and Pioneer Pump Inc., among others.
“We want the work force of the future,” said Rick Murphy, Benchmade’s director of finance and a board member of the new charter school. “For us, it’s imperative we get students, workers, as young as possible to get thinking about what we want to do.”
The Oregon Manufacturing Workforce Strategy says the state needs 53,000 skilled workers in the next 10 years. Most of those will replace retiring baby boomers.
Manufacturing employs more than 200,000 workers across Oregon.
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Kyocera Solar Chooses San Diego For First US Plant
Kyocera Solar has decided to locate its first U.S. manufacturing facility in San Diego.
The Scottsdale-based division of the electronics manufacturing company announced plans for the move as it attempts to move toward global production of 1 gigawatt a year.
The company expects manufacturing to begin at its Balboa Avenue facility by the middle of this year. The 30-megawatt plant will cater to large-scale solar implementation.
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Hurco Direct Continues to Expand in Southern CA.
Hurco Companies, Inc. selected Randy Flores to lead the company’s direct sales initiative in Southern California. As the owner of D&R Machinery in Arizona, Flores has represented Hurco for 10 years and has accumulated 20 years of industry experience.
Flores recently hired two sales engineers, Paul Parducci and Dennis Thackery, who will help Flores reintroduce the value of Hurco technology to machine shops throughout Southern California. Hurco has significantly expanded its product line in the last five years with significant research and development resources devoted to 5-axis and multi-tasking technology. Hurco continues to develop software features that advance the capabilities of job shops.
Hurco opened the Southern California Technology Center and Showroom in March of 2009 and immediately assumed direct responsibility of sales, service, and application support throughout the region.
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Scott Anthony is National Sales Manager at Rem Sales
Rem Sales, exclusive North American importer of Tsugami Swiss-type automatic lathes, has appointed Scott Anthony as national sales manager. Bradley Morris, president of Morris Group, Inc., made the announcement recently at a company meeting. Morris Group is the parent corporation of Rem Sales.
“Scott has over 20 years experience in technical sales and marketing management,” said Mr. Morris. “He has a thorough understanding of the selling process through a national distribution network, and with a strong emphasis on customer care. We are pleased to have him on board to manage our Tsugami line.”
Scott Anthony held various sales and sales management positions at Gerber Scientific, Naiad Marine, and Magnatech LLC, all manufacturers of motion control systems.
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Metris USA Changes Its Name to Nikon Metrology.
Following the announcement in late October of Metris becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, the corporate name of Metris USA has now changed to Nikon Metrology, Inc. Under the Nikon brand, Nikon and Metris will synergize their respective strengths with regard to a strong brand and cutting-edge technology, and together will offer products that feature innovative technology and a broad range of functions.
Nikon Metrology, Inc. uniquely blends Metris’ innovation leadership in metrology with the globally recognized Nikon brand.
“We are delighted to be able to join forces under the flag of the powerful Nikon brand”, states Myles Richard, managing director of Nikon Metrology, Inc. “Together, we will grow our leadership position as an optical metrology innovator, leveraging the strengths of our highly skilled technology teams. By continuing to pursue product development, Nikon Metrology, Inc. will enhance its superior technological position, and provide its customers and business partners with strong, well-balanced, sales and service organizations.”
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Marubeni Citizen-Cincom Inc. and Hartwig, Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership
Hartwig, Inc. of St. Louis, MO, the largest distributor of CNC machine tools in the central and mountain United States, and Marubeni Citizen-Cincom, Inc. a supplier of Swiss-type turning centers, signed an agreement to form a strategic partnership taking effect January 1, 2010.
The six states in the mountain region including Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho will become authorized distributors of Citizen’s Swiss product lineup for the Hartwig organization. The Mountain Region will join Hartwig’s current territory representation for the Citizen line in the states of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
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Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Achieve ISO 9001:2008 and EN/JISQ/AS9100: 2004
Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corporation recently announce they achieved ISO 9001:2008 and EN/JISQ/AS9100: 2004 certification.
Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corp. has continued to grow on all fronts: technology, personnel, equipment, processes, manufacturing space, production volume and has now achieved the ISO 9001:2008 certification. Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corp. has demonstrated its commitment to quality and the manufacturing of products for its U.S. manufacturing operations by achieving this goal.
In accepting the registration certificate, David Nilsen, director of quality assurance for Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corp. “The achievement of ISO 9001:2008 reflects our continuous effort and commitment to achieve superior product quality and reliability for our current customer base and new client prospects.”
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Jim King to be Sr. Vice President of Sales for Okuma
Jim King has joined Okuma America Corporation as thesenior vice president of sales. Mr. King will be responsible for leading the Okuma sales team and spearheading the relationships with the Okuma distributors in North and South America. He brings to Okuma nearly 30 years of experience working in industrial markets, including automation and control software.
Mr. King comes to Okuma from Siemens Energy and automation where he served as the director of strategic channel development. While at Siemens, he was successful at bringing discipline and structure to the distributor network, resulting in significant sales increases.
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Methods Announces Installation of Three Kiwa HMC’s in Arizona
Methods Machine Tools Inc., announced that they recently delivered and installed three Kiwa-Japan KH-41 horizontal machining centers at the Prescott, Arizona Manufacturing Facility for Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Each of the Kiwa systems includes a 40-tool ATC and a full 4th axis.
Sturm, Ruger & Company is using the Kiwa machining centers to machine the slide for their Ruger® SR-9® striker-fired pistols. “The new Kiwa HMCs replaced older twin spindle VMCs,” says Mr. Mike Scoggins, chief manufacturing engineer at Sturm, Ruger & Company. “We have received multiple benefits since putting the HMCs in production including the ability to combine operations, improve part quality, reduce cycle time by 20% and minimize part changeover time from 1 day to under 5 minutes.”
Mark Lang, group vice president at Sturm, Ruger & Company, added, “Due to the compact size of the Kiwa KH-41, we have been able to increase our manufacturing efficiency by allowing us to have one operator run three machines because the distance the operator has to walk between machines is minimal, as well as this equipment supports our Lean Manufacturing initiatives.”
The KH-41 has a simple, compact, efficient design that’s only 60.2” wide. Despite its small size it can handle a wide variety of work pieces, providing an ideal entry-level factory automation solution. The high performance KH-41 has a full rotary B-axis and can be installed in the same space as a vertical machine. With a 400mm pallet machine, this HMC can accommodate large work pieces up to 21.7” x 33.5”.
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NTMA Sets Date for Irvine, CA Purchasing Fair
The National Tooling & Machining Association has announced it has selected two sites for Contract Purchasing Fairs for 2010. The fairs will be co-sponsored by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
For the first time a theme has been chosen for the fairs: “Bringing Work Back to the U.S.A.” The organizers will put heavy emphasis on attracting customers that have sent work to other countries, in hopes of convincing them to attend the fairs and meet U.S. metalworking vendors that can make their products back in the U.S.A.
These fairs are part of a bigger picture that the NTMA and PMA are working on through their One Voice Legislative Advocacy Coalition to get the federal government to lower government mandated costs that hurt U.S. companies’ ability to compete. The overall goal is to help U.S. companies compete in a global market and help U.S. manufacturers increase their sourcing of work in the U.S.
U.S. companies that have capabilities in all kinds of metalworking sectors and looking for potential new customers should take a serious look at attending one of the events. U.S. companies with a need to find U.S. metalworking vendors should also investigate attending. More information on the fairs will be released later but the sites for the fair is: May 12, 2010, Hyatt Regency Hotel Irvine California.
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Omax Names Arnie Ruiz Regional Sales Manager
Omax recently introduced Arnie Ruiz, their new regional sales manager for Louisiana and southern Texas. Arnie comes with 20 years of experience as a Class A journeyman in the tool and die industry. Throughout his career, he developed and built automated systems and robotics for machinery processes and trained operators on how to use various equipment. He was a tooling and automation supervisor for Steelcase, an international office furniture manufacturer. For 15 years, he worked for an Omax distributor in southern California and was responsible for activities ranging from application to installation to sales.
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Okuma Technology Institute Opens at Utah’s Davis Applied Technology College
Okuma America Corporation, Hartwig, Inc. and Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) formally opened the new Okuma Technology Institute with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a 3-day celebration of manufacturing technology. The 3-day event was attended by representatives from local businesses and manufacturing facilities from 8 states.
The event kicked off with a presentation on the State of U. S. Manufacturing by Peter Borden, president of the American Machine Tool Distributor Association. Mr. Borden discussed challenges faced by manufacturers across the US and in Utah, as well as a general forecast of future manufacturing activity.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by DATC president Michael Bouwhuis who recognized Larry Schwartz, president and COO of Okuma America and Gary Hartwig, president of Hartwig, Inc. President Bouwhuis thanked them for their vision and their contributions to education and manufacturing, stating that, “In my career, this is the most exciting partnership we’ve ever created.”
Throughout the three days manufacturers and students were treated to machining demonstrations and seminars on productivity improvement, including lean manufacturing and automation. Representatives from members of Partners in THINC were on hand to discuss manufacturing technology and peripheral equipment including gaging, tooling, work holding and software.
The Okuma Technology Institute will help educate and train DATC students to become CNC programmers and machinists. The facility also serves as a showroom for Hartwig, Inc. to demonstrate Okuma technology.
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California Gubernatorial Candidate Poizner Addresses LA/NTMA at TCI Precision Metals
TCI Precision Metals (TCI), announced that TCI hosted over 130 members and friends of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (LA/NTMA) . The attendees heard California gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner speak about the crucial need to cut personal and business taxes to improve and maintain a healthy economy, as well as job creation and quality of life. With the economy showing few signs of improvement and the threat of more and higher taxes, the message resonated well with members.
“The way to job creation and improving government health is through cutting both business and personal taxes, which will increase demand, allowing businesses to grow and increase employment,” Steve Poizner says. “The 10-10-10 plan we’ve designed will improve the business climate and put the state back on a solid footing.”
“The manufacturing sector has always been key to creating prosperity and higher living standards,” says John Belzer, president, TCI Precision Metals. “Small to mid-size companies are the most responsible for job creation, growing the economy, generating wealth, paying taxes and inventing the future. California is at a critical juncture and must work toward improving manufacturing’s ability to compete and prevent the loss of jobs to other states and countries.”
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Methods Holds Multitasking Machining Seminars
Methods Machine Tools Inc., held two Multitasking Machining Seminars on December 16, 2009 at their Sudbury, Massachusetts Technology Center. The complimentary seminars showcased new multitasking strategies for machining precision parts and were well received by over 100 manufacturing professionals.
The first seminar featured the Nakamura Super NTMX .
Attendees learned how the NTMX’s unique twin ATC design makes it easy for all levels of operators to take advantage of the latest in B-axis machining technology.
At the second seminar, named The Tools You Need to Succeed, participants viewed live machining demonstrations and learned how to reduce setup time by 50% or more on their current multitasking machines. Attendees were also able to review their own prints and parts with Methods’ applications experts.
In addition to the seminars, attendees were able to view demonstrations on Nakamura’s latest turning centers, including 3-turret, 3-Y axis machining on the new Super NTY3-Jumbo, high speed thread whirling on the Super NTY3 and quick-change tooling demonstrations on the WT-100.
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Utah Distributor Celebrates 50 Years in Machine Tool Industry
Mazak Corporation congratulates Smith Machinery Co., Inc. as it celebrates 50 years of business in the machine tool industry. Founded by Edward and Tracy Smith in 1960, the Salt Lake City company has been the exclusive distributor of Mazak machine tools in Utah, Montana, western Wyoming and Idaho (excluding the panhandle) since 1977.
The Smith family has served the manufacturing industry in the mountain states for four generations. Its long history in the region has allowed it to develop a customer first philosophy where focus is placed not on sales but on providing total manufacturing solutions. In addition to installing, integrating and servicing advanced machine tools, the company also provides on-site personnel training and applications support.
“The secret to Smith Machinery’s continued success over the last 50 years is its commitment to the customer,” says Brian Papke, president, Mazak Corporation. “By placing an emphasis on establishing strong partnerships with manufacturers and job shops, Smith Machinery is able to provide the expertise and equipment that customers need to increase profitability and expand operations.”
Smith Machinery’s focus on the aerospace (commercial and defense), energy and medical industries has helped it develop a strong understanding of the complexities behind multitasking technology, 5-axis machining applications and Palletech, Mazak’s pre-engineered automation system. It has used this knowledge to increase the capabilities of its customer base.
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Hardinge Appoints New Distributors in the US
Hardinge Inc. has announced an alliance with three US distributors: Gosiger, Inc., Hartwig, Inc. and Morris Group, Inc. These three groups will have exclusive sales and support responsibilities for Hardinge products in virtually all of the United States. Over a transition period of the next few months they will replace current Hardinge distributors and direct sales and service support groups.
“We are honored to be working with this caliber of companies that will sell and support our products in the US market,” says Rick Simons, president and CEO of Hardinge Inc. “All three distributors bring at least 50 years of history and a team of well-trained sales, service and applications people to assist in future sales and provide service support on existing Hardinge equipment in the field. Adding our brand names take these three companies back to the roots of machine tool representation where they each began decades ago. Their reputations as capable, comprehensive, and professional organizations make for a perfect fit with Hardinge.”
“Hardinge is a strong company with strong brand names of Hardinge, Bridgeport, Kellenberger, Hauser and Tschudin. We have a loyal customer base who appreciates the benefits of buying machines and accessories with our brand names. We are confident in entrusting our customer relationships to this group and are also pleased that these three top-level distribution companies have confidence in Hardinge. We believe our products complement their existing strong machine lines,” continued Mr. Simons.
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MCAM NorthWest Becomes Value-Added Reseller for Autodesk
MCAM NorthWest Inc., a leading provider of CAD/CAM-related products, services and training, announced it is becoming an authorized value-added reseller (VAR) for Autodesk, a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software.
With the addition of Autodesk’s broad range of digital design software solutions—including AutoCAD software, its flagship design and documentation solution—MCAM NorthWest now is able to offer its current and potential customers a much more broad range of CAD options as a compliment to its line of Mastercam CAM products.
Tim Rowley, the co-founder of MCAM NorthWest, expects the addition of Autodesk to double his company’s sales by 2012.
“MCAM NorthWest is dedicated to offering our customers the very best CAD/CAM solutions and services available in the marketplace,” he says. “The addition of Autodesk’s fine array of products to our current offerings is proof of our commitment to excellence.”
Earning the distinction as an Autodesk VAR means MCAM NorthWest’s staff demonstrates in-depth technical and industry knowledge and a commitment to customer service. It also has proven that it
provides its customers with the world’s leading 2D and 3D digital design software solutions, as well as the highest-quality training and support.
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Flow International Receives Multiple Orders for Aerospace Projects
Flow International Corporation a leading developer and manufacturer of industrial waterjet machines for cutting and cleaning applications, has announced receipt of approximately $11 million of orders for several new projects in its Advanced segment. These orders are for Composite Machining Center abrasive waterjet and routing machine tool systems to be completed over the next 12 to 18 months. The majority of the purchase orders are from Airbus supplier partners working on multiple Airbus programs.
These new orders are in addition to the previously reported backlog of approximately $20 million, as of the second quarter ended October 31, 2009, for Flow’s Advanced segment.
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SME and IMTS Unveil Plans for IMTS 2010 Emerging Technology Center
Showcasing the most innovative technological developments for the manufacturing industry, The International Manufacturing Technology (IMTS) Show 2010 will present the Emerging Technology Center (ETC) in partnership with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).
The ETC made its debut at IMTS 2004 and is the place where the manufacturing community gathers to view the future of manufacturing technology. The theme for the 2010 ETC is “Knowledge-Based” or applying knowledge-based management across the full spectrum, including technology, manufacturing, people, and business. Past innovations featured in the ETC include nanotechnology, now commonly used throughout the industry, as well as the 2008 debut of MTConnect®, a series of open standards that address manufacturing systems interoperability on the shop floor.
“We are very excited to have SME on board as a partner,” says Peter Eelman, vice-president, exhibitions & communications for IMTS. “SME is well-known as a primary resource for independent education and dissemination of technology. We look forward to again opening the window on future technology developments that will interest all of our visitors.”
Throughout IMTS 2010, the Emerging Technology Center will be located in the North Building lobby of McCormick Place.
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Machine Tools Supply Announces Pending
Acquisition of Cutting Edge Tool & Supply
Machine Tools Supply recently announced the pending acquisition of Cutting Edge Tool & Supply, of Chatsworth, California, as a wholly owned subsidiary of MT Supply Inc.
Growth by MTS in the San Fernando Valley over the past year has led them to seek the best possible platform for providing the highest levels of services to this market area.
“We have successfully implemented several AutoCrib based inventory management systems in the valley,” states George Ponce, president of MTS. “And with that success we knew that an acquisition of this nature would further establish us in this territory and position us for continued growth.”
Since their inception only six years ago, CET has become established as a premier customer service based organization in the San Fernando Valley. Mr. Ponce also stated, “Cutting Edge Tool & Supply, as a leading industrial distributor in this market, now being enhanced with the value added services and products offered by MTS, will be a stronger business partner to their customer’s going forward.”
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Methods Machine Tools Appoints Phil Janiszewski As Marketing Manager
Methods Machine Tools, Inc., a leading supplier of innovative precision machine tools, has appointed Mr. Phil Janiszewski as marketing manager.
“We’re pleased to have Phil on board,” commented Mr. Jamie Hanson, director of corporate development at Methods Machine Tools, Inc. “He brings over thirty years of experience in the manufacturing, machine tool and tool accessories business and will be a valuable addition to our team.”
Prior to joining Methods, Mr. Janiszewski spent seven years as marketing manager at Koma Precision, Inc., a supplier of rotary tables, angle heads, and live tooling. In his role there, Mr. Janiszewski managed all areas of marketing from database design, advertising, brochure / catalog design, to web site design and tradeshow layout / coordination. Before his marketing career, Mr. Janiszewski worked in outside sales for fabrication and machining services, metal stamping and injection molding equipment, EDM machinery, and high speed vertical machining centers.
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Applied Materials Buys Semitool for $364M
Applied Materials Inc. said it has agreed to pay about $364 million in cash to buy Semitool Inc.
Semitool supplies electrochemical plating and wafer surface-preparation equipment.
Applied CEO Mike Splinter said the acquisition will help the company make smaller, more powerful devices.
Semitool will be operated as a business unit of Applied’s Silicon Systems Group. No mention was made in the announcement about whether Semitool Chairman and CEO Ray Thompson would continue with the company.
In the most recent fiscal year ended Sept. 30, Semitool posted a net loss of $11.4 million, or 35 cents per share, versus net income of $6 million, or 19 cents per share, last year. Revenue dropped 42 percent to $139 million.
Applied expects to start the offer soon and projected the deal to close by the end of year.
The company on Nov. 11 said it plans to cut its work force by up to 1,500 positions, and reported fourth quarter net income of $138 million, or 10 cents a share, a 40 percent drop from the previous year. Revenue dropped 25 percent to $1.53 billion in the quarter.
The Semitool purchase is the second of the month for Applied after acquiring substantially all of the assets of Advent Solar Inc. for an undisclosed cash amount on Nov. 6. Albuquerque, N.M.-based Advent Solar develops technology for crystalline silicon photovoltaics.
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Arizona Lands Solar Manufacturing Facility
Arizona received its first official announcement of a solar manufacturing plant since putting up manufacturing incentives when Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. announced it would locate a facility in the state.
The plant, expected to have an initial production capacity of 30 megawatts, will begin production of the solar panels in the third quarter, Suntech officials said.
"Bringing manufacturing jobs to the U.S. is part of Suntech's vision to grow the solar market in every corner of the world," said Suntech's Chairman and CEO Dr. Zhengrong Shi. "We are eagerly watching growing markets and see the potential of bringing manufacturing capabilities to other markets where we see the combination of rapid local market growth and manufacturing cost competitiveness."
The plant will initially employ about 75 people with the potential to double that within the first year.
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Aerojet Wins NASA Contract For Lunar Lander Propulsion System
Aerojet has been awarded a contract to continue developing a propulsion system for NASA for potential use on lunar landers.
Aerojet is a subsidiary of GenCorp Inc, based in Rancho Cordova, California.
The design work is for NASA’s Constellation Systems Program.
The contract’s scope is to develop and complete the project, which is a multicircuit liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen injector.
The company will design, build, test and deliver the injector.
This funding for the contract is part of the Propulsion and Cryogenic Advanced Development project of NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program.
“Aerojet is committed to providing innovative propulsion solutions for NASA and we are very excited to have this opportunity to work with the PCAD team on the Deep Throttling Injector,” Linda Andersen, Aerojet’s director of Space Programs, said in a news release.
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Tesla Gets Tax Break from California
Tesla Motors Inc. and California reached a tax incentive deal that will save the electric-car company sales tax on $320 million of manufacturing equipment and help create up to 1,400 new jobs.
State Treasurer Bill Lockyer announced the deal, which is also expected to save California-based Tesla nearly 10 percent of equipment purchases.
A state agency will hold title of $320 million of Tesla's equipment temporarily, freeing Tesla up to build the facility for its sedan production somewhere in California.
Earlier this year Tesla received approval for about $465 million in low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Energy and said it will use $365 million for production engineering and assembly of the Model S, an all-electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels up to 300 miles per charge.
The Model S has an anticipated base price of $49,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit, and Tesla said it expects to start Model S production in late 2011.
Tesla also confirmed earlier that it plans to lease 350,000 square feet of property once occupied by Agilent Technologies in Stanford Research Park.
The company said it will move its headquarters from San Carlos to the Palo Alto park and build a power train plant there.
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Wash State Taps $1.5M for AeroSpace Training
Gov. Chris Gregoire announced in November that Washington state will tap $1.5 million in federal Workforce Investment Act funds to support aerospace training programs.
“We know we have two fundamental challenges in keeping our competitive edge in the aerospace industry,” Gregoire said at Paine Field in Everett. “We have to recruit new workers, and we have to make sure both our current and incoming workers have cutting-edge skills. To accomplish that, we must invest in our education and training system.”
Of the $1.5 million, $600,000 will go to developing aerospace centers in Snohomish County and Spokane for joint industry-college training. The rest will go toward training equipment, career guidance and other programs in the state.
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Todd Shipyards to Build Additional Ferry for Washington
In early October Todd Shipyards Corp. was the only bidder on two 64-car ferries that the Washington State Department of Ferries Division plans to build. A week later, the state said it’s awarding a contract to Todd to build one additional ferry.
On Oct. 8, the state said Seattle-based Todd bid $114 million to build two ferries; the state’s engineer’s estimate was about $110 million. The last ferry will be either a 64-car ferry or a 144-car ferry, depending on whether the state has enough money to build the larger ferry.
“This contract award is expected to sustain nearly 400 family wage jobs,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire, in a statement. The state requires that the ferry construction take place in Washington, which limits the pool of bidders, but state officials said the requirement keeps jobs in Washington and trains a work force of ferry builders.
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Honeywell Lands $125M Army Ship Deal
Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc. received a five year contract from the U.S. Army that could be worth up to $125 million for stocking the military division’s ships.
The contract falls under the Army’s Prepositions Stocks 3 Afloat program, which helps ensure combat readiness.
The Honeywell group, based in Phoenix, signed a similar 10-year, $700 million contract with the U.S. Marine Corps to provide preposition and logistics support.
Under the terms of the contract, Honeywell will manage the ships’ inventory, as well as maintain and service equipment and supplies headed for combat, officials said.
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Northrop Wins $3.8B Tanker Support Deal
Northrop Grumman Corp. has been awarded a $3.8 billion contract for maintenance and support on the KC-10 refueling tankers.
The current contract is held by Boeing Co., which has held the contract since 1998. Boeing also makes the KC-10.
Boeing said it will review its options before filing any sort of appeal.
Northrop is based in Los Angeles.
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Intellicheck Mobilisa Gets $4.5M Navy Contract
Intellicheck Mobilisa Inc. said it’s received a $4.48 million contract from the U.S. Navy for wireless security buoys that can detect water quality, oil spills and “dirty bombs.”
According to the Port Townsend company, the buoys “provide a high-capacity communications network grid to provide real-time monitoring for marine environments.”
The company began testing the buoy program last year, and was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Dept. of Defense and the University of Washington Applied Physics Lab. Security buoys are already deployed in the North Puget Sound area, according to Intellicheck Mobilisa.
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Korean Air Buying Five New Boeing 747-8s
Korean Air Co. said in early December it plans to buy five Boeing 747-8 passenger planes worth $1.5 billion at list prices.
Boeing Co. will deliver the Everett-built planes to the airline between April 2013 and May 2015, Korean Air said in a statement
Korean Air will build parts for the new plane. In October, the airline said its Aerospace Business Division will build the wing structure components for the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft.
According to the airline at the time, “the wide-body commercial Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental has a capacity of 467 seats and features a lengthened fuselage with a new wing design, as well as improved efficiency which aims for a quieter, more economical and increased environmentally-friendly performance.”
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Express Manufacturing, Inc. Announces its ISO 13485:2003 Certification
Express Manufacturing, Inc., located in Santa Ana, California (EMI) announced they have received the distinguished ISO 13485:2003 Certification. This ISO 13485:2003 standard is a part of the international ISO organization and sets standards for design and process control including environmental requirements, traceability, record retention, requlatory audits and management practices for medical devices.
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Taser Gets Order from Colombian Police for 140 Stun Guns
Taser International Inc. received an order for 140 of its X26 electronic stun guns from the Colombian National Police.
The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed, but the company said it will include accessories and was completed through the company’s distributor in Colombia. Scottsdale-based Taser said the order will ship by the end of the year.
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Schilling Gets 50th Order
Northern California based Schilling Robotics LLC has received the 50th order for its subsea remotely operated vehicles, used by oil and gas companies looking for deep-water reserves.
“Schilling’s core philosophy is to make our customers successful, and our (remotely operated vehicle) system has helped achieve this by improving the stability, accuracy and ease of ... intervention operations,” Schilling chief executive officer Tyler Schilling said in a news release.
Schilling returned to the company’s top position in July, after its former chief executive officer resigned after 15 months on the job.
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Boeing Says Asia Pacific Region Will Need $1.1T Worth of Planes
Boeing Co. said the Asia Pacific region will need nearly 9,000 new planes worth $1.1 trillion dollars over the next 20 years. Asia Pacific is now the largest market in Boeing’s forecast.
That’s an upward revision from just two years ago, when Boeing said the region would need 7,200 planes and was the world’s second-largest market behind North America.
The Asia Pacific region covers Japan, Korea, China, Australia and India and has more than 8,3000 flights and 1.2 million air travelers each day.
“Twenty years from now more than 40 percent of the world’s airline traffic will begin, end or take place within the Asia Pacific region,” said Randy Tinseth, vice president-marketing of Seattle-based Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a statement.
n the next 20 years, Boeing said it sees 5,600 single-aisle planes and 2,590 twin-aisle planes being delivered to the Asia Pacific region. Boeing builds its single-aisle planes in Renton, Washington and its twin-aisle planes in Everett, WA. Only 330 large planes and 440 regional jet planes will be delivered to the region in the next 20 years.
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Raytheon Gets $151M SeaSparrow Missile Contract
Raytheon Co. received a $151 million missile contract from the U.S. Navy’s NATO SeaSparrow program.
The deal calls for the production of 186 SeaSparrow missiles with the option to make an additional 255 missiles for $210 million. The defense weapons are to be used by the U.S. Navy and nine international fleets, officials said in making the announcement Tuesday. The company’s missile division is in Tucson, AZ.
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First Solar Taps Honeywell AeroSpace Boss as CEO
Solar power equipment maker First Solar Inc. hired Robert Gillette as its CEO, replacing Mike Ahearn, who stays on as chairman.
Gillette, who was CEO and president of Honeywell Aerospace for four and a half years, started work at Tempe, Ariz.-based First Solar Oct. 1.
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Scott Carson Retiring as Head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Scott Carson, who has presided over Boeing Puget Sound-based Commercial Airplanes Group since Alan Mullay left to head up Ford Motor Co., will retire at year’s end.
The 63-year-old Carson has headed the commercial airplanes operation during some of its toughest times as the vaunted 787 Dreamliner program faltered from technical and production delays.
Carson’s replacement will be Jim Albaugh, 59, the head of Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems division. Albaugh’s successor is Dennis Muilenburg, 45. Muilenburg has served as head of Boeing’s Integrated Defense System’s Global Support unit.
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WestJet Orders 14 Boeing 737s
Canadian airline WestJet has ordered 14 Boeing 737-700 airplanes valued at between $819 million and $973 million at list prices.
The airline flies the Boeing 737 exclusively, and including the latest offer, it has 54 737s scheduled for delivery.
WestJet also said it plans to reschedule 16 leased and direct-purchase airplanes.
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Applied Technology Associates Wins $6M Contract
Albuquerque engineering firm Applied Technology Associates won a three-year, $5.9 million Department of Defense contract to develop technology to improve soldiers’ target-locating capabilities.
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Honeywell Aerospace Division Signs Two Engine Deals
A pair of engine deals will bring in up to $485 million for the aerospace division of Honeywell International Inc., company officials said.
The Phoenix-based aerospace division of Honeywell has been awarded an addition option year on its deal with the U.S. Army to improve performance and extend the life of the turbine engine used in the M1 Abrams tank.
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Cavco Buys Manufactured Housing Assets From Fleetwood
Cavco Industries Inc. has been named the highest and best bidder for certain manufactured housing assets of Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. which is going through Chapter 11 reorganization.
The winning bid was determined through an auction held by the Riverside, Calif.-based producer of manufactured homes, in consultation with its committee of creditors. A court hearing to approve the sale is scheduled for Wednesday.
Phoenix-based Cavco’s final offer was $21.8 million. In addition, Cavco agreed to buy Fleetwood’s idled Woodland, Calif., plant.
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Artex Aircraft to Consolidate Arizona Operations
An Aurora, Ore., avionics company is laying off 113 workers as its parent company consolidates operations in Arizona.
Artex Aircraft Supply Inc., which does business as Cobham Avionics Aurora, announced that it will close its Portland-area facility sometime between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2010.
Artex is a subsidiary of Cobham Plc., a United Kingdom-based aerospace and defense systems company with $2.1 billion in annual revenue.
The facility, along with one in Bothell, Wash., will merge into another Cobham-owned avionics facility in Prescott to create an “avionics center of excellence,” the company said in a news release.
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Trompeter Electronics Closing Mesa Plant
Trompeter Electronics Inc., a manufacturer of connectors, adapters, components and jacks for the telecommunications, cable television and aerospace sectors, is closing its Mesa plant with 135 jobs being cut.
Trompeter is a subsidiary of Emerson Network Power, an arm of St. Louis-based Emerson Electric Inc.
The company reported the 135 layoffs, which will occur through the end of the year, to the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
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Taser International Scores Contract with U.S. Customs
Taser International Inc. has received a contract from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that could stretch into a five-year deal.
The contract, which calls for an indefinite number of the company’s X26 stun guns to be shipped over a period of time, will be coordinated through Aardvark Tactical Inc. of Azusa, Calif. The company is Taser’s distributor with the U.S. government.
Scottsdale-based Taser said the shipments will start this quarter.
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Solyndra Opens Manufacturing Facility in Fremont, Ca.
Solyndra, maker of cylindrical solar panels, got a visit from Energy Secretary Steven Chu in September for ground breaking on the factory that the federal government is supporting with a $545 million loan guarantee. Vice President Joe Biden announced that the guarantee was final in a satellite address broadcast at the facility.
The Fremont factory will have the capacity to produce 500 megawatts worth of panels – enough to power the equivalent of 24,000 average homes. Building the facility will bring in 3,000 construction jobs; Up to 1,000 permanent jobs will be created once the factory is working at full capacity.
