Methods Machine Tools has recently ratcheted up efforts to market Maier throughout North America via an expanded product offering, new sales management and application support.
Spearheading the sales team in a newly created position established in July 2007 is 17-year Swiss turning veteran James Kucharski, Methods national sales manager for the Maier line. He and an extensive network of application experts have already increased Maier machine sales with a flurry of new orders.
Maier machines are also installed in Methods Technology Centers, which are strategically located in the U.S. and Canada, providing convenient customer access for application tests, training and support. Contact Methods at (978) 443-5388.
Dura-Bar expanded its Western U.S. and Canadian distribution network by adding the Encore Group Limited of Edmonton, Alberta. The Encore Group, which consists of Encore Metals and Team Tube in Canada, is a subsidiary of the Reliance Steel And Aluminum Company. As a Dura-Bar distributor, the Encore Group will be able to supply the range of the company’s cast gray and ductile iron barstock in a variety of sizes and shapes. Encore was a Dura-Bar distributor in the 20 years prior to 2004 when it was part of Corus Metals. Contact www.dura-bar.com.
Adrian Trachel won the gold medal at the World Skills Competition held from November 15 to 18 in Shizuoka, Japan. Mr. Trachel, an employee at Studer, deals with assembly, commissioning, quality assurance and final testing of Studer CNC cylindrical grinding machines. Beating Brazil and Korea, he and his teammate, Ciril Stefanini from MSW Winterthur, received the highest possible award in the category of mechatronics (automation). Contact www.studer.com.
Mori Seiki has acquired Sandvik Tobler SAS, France, a division of Sandvik Tooling. With operations in Louvres, France, Sandvik Tobler produces precision mandrels and clamping products for the automotive industry. The transfer is expected to take place this month, subject to obtaining the appropriate approvals from the relevant antitrust authorities. The integration of the business into Mori Seiki represents a commitment to increasing engineering performance and providing customers with machine tool and workholding products. Contact Mori Seiki at www.moriseiki.com.
Ellison Technologies announced its partnership with Star CNC Machine Tool Corp. The combined experience of Ellison Technologies and Star delivers a wealth of knowledge in the industry. Contact Ellison at (262) 523-3400 or visit www.ellisontechnologies.com.
Royal Machine & Tool Corp. appointed Wiethe Young & Associates Ltd. of Cincinnati, Ohio, as its workholding sales representatives for chucks, fixtures and contract machining in Ohio, Kentucky and southern Indiana.
Bernie McAloon, sales manager, stated, “Weithe Young’s many years of experience contracting original equipment manufacturers, end users and industrial distributor accounts in the workholding industry will greatly increase our marketing presence throughout Ohio, Kentucky and southern Indiana.” Contact Royal Machine & Tool at (860) 828-6555.
Marposs S.p.A. acquired Control Gaging Incorporated (CGI). Existing CGI management and personnel will be retained, and the company will be operated as a separate Marposs subsidiary in its present location. Marposs President Stefano Possati said, “Marposs and CGI are industry leaders in gaging and process control systems for manufacturing industries worldwide. Each company has unique products and business systems that help their customers remain globally competitive.” Contact Marposs at (248) 370-0404.
Olin Corporation signed a definitive agreement to sell its metals business to a subsidiary of Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc., an affiliate of KPS Capital Partners, LP, for a purchase price of $400 million. The price, which is payable in cash, is subject to a customary working capital adjustment. The sale includes all of the company’s worldwide metals operations. Contact Olin at (314) 480-1400.