International news digest
Third Quarter 2007
News & events
Siemens VDO Automotive has signed an agreement to acquire Ballard Power Systems' Electric Drive business located in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. Ballard Power Systems develops and manufactures electric drive technology for fuel cell vehicles. Pending final approvals, the acquisition is projected to be completed in early 2007 and will include Ballard Power Systems' research, development and manufacturing operation in Dearborn, impacting approximately 80 highly specialised personnel.
Sun Hydraulics Corporation has reported a 2007 Q1 sales increase of 20% and earnings per share up by 39%. Allen Carlson, Sun's president and CEO recently reported that while all business segments grew significantly, the European and Asian sales were especially strong. He emphasised the belief that the company’s growth is being fuelled by attending to basics: having the right products for the marketplace, providing detailed product information on demand, and delivering products when and where the customer wants.
Sun Hydraulics Corporation’s board of directors has appointed a new chairman, announced a 50% stock dividend and increased the company's cash dividend. Ferdinand E. Megerlin was appointed chairman.
USA: The National Robot Safety Conference XIX takes place 1–4 October, 2007 at the Indianapolis Marriott Center East, Indianapolis. Conference topics include an OSHA view on safety, basic safety circuit design, R15.06 and TR R15.106 safety standards, risk assessment, case studies and panel sessions.
Further reading:
Innomotics certified for innovative mine winder braking system
News & events
Innomotics has achieved SIL 3 certification for the COBRA 02 S braking system for mine winder installations, together with OLKO-Maschinentechnik.
Read more...
BMG backs emerging driver talent in South African motorsport
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
BMG has reaffirmed its commitment to local talent development through its sponsorship of Karabo Malemela, a driver on the Pablo Clark Racing Development Company’s motorsport development programme.
Read more...
Parker Hannifin brings advanced motion technologies to the World RX
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
News & events
Parker Hannifin is back on the FIA World Rallycross Championship grid to push the limits of sustainable performance in one of motorsport’s toughest arenas.
Read more...
Prestigious award recognises inventiveness and entrepreneurial courage
Beckhoff Automation
News & events
Hans Beckhoff, managing director, owner and founder of Beckhoff Automation, was recently honoured with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. This medal honours him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.
Read more...
Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News & events
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.
Read more...
RS South Africa showcases industrial solutions at MTE Phalaborwa
RS South Africa
News & events
RS South Africa recently showcased its latest industrial and electronic solutions at the Mining and Technical Exhibition in Phalaborwa in Limpopo.
Read more...
LH Marthinusen launches new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory
News & events
LH Marthinusen has launched its new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Ekurhuleni. THis is a major milestone for South African energy infrastructure growth.
Read more...
Building skills and sharing knowledge for growth in Africa
SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
As a leading provider of drive and automation solutions across the continent, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises that local insight and on-the-ground capability are critical to delivering effective sustainable results. The company continues to invest in people development and technical training within its network of African subsidiaries and partners, supporting the long-term growth of its customers and the broader industrial ecosystem.
Read more...
Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Riding the hype cycle
Technews Publishing
News & events
The other day, I came across an entertaining article on the ten biggest tech failures of the last decade. Google Glass, 3D TVs and Elon Musk’s hyperloop have all faded into obscurity. Others, like the
...
Read more...