Industry News

Today’s manufacturing and industrial processing facilities face intense competitive pressures, challenging economic conditions and stringent government regulations. To thrive, companies must engage in operational “best practices” designed to continuously improve process and product quality and reduce costs. An often overlooked method of process improvement is to remove oil from your facility’s wastewater or process stream as soon as possible, preferably using a highly cost effective “tube type” oil skimmer. Properly applying a tube type skimmer can pay for itself within a few months by improving operational efficiencies, promoting employee and environmental wellness and generating new revenue.

Dave Greene joined Franklin Bronze Precision Components LLC, Franklin, Pa., as operations manager.

Northern Maine Community College officials know the value of strong relationships among employers, educators and students, as evidenced by three campus visits from General Electric Co., Pratt & Whitney and the Associated General Contractors of Maine Inc. One of the visits was for students in the precision machining technology program.

Hardinge Inc., Elmira, N.Y., an international provider of metalcutting solutions and accessories, entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Hardinge will be acquired by an affiliate of Privet Fund Management LLC, Atlanta. Under the terms of the agreement, Privet Fund Management will acquire all shares of Hardinge common stock not currently owned by Privet Fund Management for $18.50 in cash, for a total transaction value of approximately $245 million.

Samuel R. Haines retired from his position as CFO of Gear Motions Inc., Syracuse, N.Y., following 44 years of service.

Solar Manufacturing Inc., Souderton, Pa., a manufacturer of advanced industrial vacuum furnaces, is relocating its headquarters to Sellersville.

Dieter Kress announced during his 75th birthday celebrations that he planned to gradually step down from the day-to-day business.

Ed Mohrbach joined materials engineering company Wall Colmonoy Corp., Madison Heights, Mich., bringing extensive experience in the industrial segment with leadership roles in sales, marketing and general management.

Significant company growth and key initiatives led to important management changes at Heidenhain Corp., Schaumburg, Ill., in North America.

Machine tool builder Matsuura Machinery USA Inc., St. Paul, Minn., announced the territory expansion of distributor Yamazen Inc., which has offices in Knoxville, Tenn., and Roswell, Ga.

Compressor maker Atlas Copco Compressors LLC, Rock Hill, S.C., appointed Robert Eshelman president and general manager.

The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association has chosen Henry D. Sharpe Jr. to receive the inaugural Samuel Slater Lifetime Achievement Award, writes Kate Bramson in The Providence Journal. He was a longtime president of Brown & Sharpe and the third generation of the Sharpe family to run the machine tool powerhouse.

The Chicago-based Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute is opening its manufacturing floor to manufacturers and academic institutions that need to quickly test process improvements. “We are seeing a manufacturing renaissance in Chicago, and the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute is adding to that momentum,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “By opening their doors, sharing equipment and providing expertise to small businesses, startups and students, DMDII is ensuring Chicago’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem will be stronger for generations to come.”

While manufacturing jobs dominated in the 20th century, many believe that coding will have a similar impact during the 21st century. “I think we’ve lost the ability to make things," said Adam Enbar, co-founder of Flatiron School, on Fox Business’ “Wall Street Week.” "Americans love to build and create and make things. This is that new wave. The new form of manufacturing is making software.” Flatiron School, which is located in New York City, is a coding boot camp that trains people of all skill levels on how to code.

Jasper, Ind.-based toolmaker NAP Gladu, a Techniks Industries company, acquired Eide Saw & Tool Service Inc., Minneapolis.

The skills gap is a well-known, widespread dilemma across the manufacturing industry. Now that the gap is a mainstream problem, what are the steps industry leaders can take to solve it?

In response to the question of whether custom CNC aluminum is better for the CNC machining process, the answer is “yes” in the majority of cases. Today, demand for CNC machining is on the rise, and to ensure superior quality parts and components, customization makes a significant difference.

Eriez Manufacturing Co., Erie, Pa., appointed Modern Tools Inc., Stoneham, Mass., the company’s exclusive HydroFlow Fluid Filtration Systems sales representative agency for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Brett Green joined dimensional metrology equipment manufacturer Mahr Inc., Providence, R.I., as vice president of sales for the Americas.

Dimensional metrology equipment manufacturer and member of the worldwide Mahr Group, Mahr Inc., Providence, R.I., announced that Karen Gardner joined the company as director of human resources.