Bosch Rexroth has joined the IO-Link consortium of the PROFIBUS user organisation. IO-Link enables the integration of intelligent sensors and actuators in automation networks.
The IO-Link consortium within PI (PROFIBUS and PROFINET International) has been developing a point-to-point digital communication technology mainly for sensors and actuators in factory automation, in conjunction with very small and cost-effective micro-controllers.
IO-Link provides simultaneous transmission of process and diagnostic data via a standardised protocol using ordinary 3-conductor wiring. The protocol facilitates parameter setup, maintenance and diagnosis of all field components.
Parker Hannifin has reported record first quarter sales, net income, earnings per diluted share and cash flow from operations for the quarter ending 30 September, 2008.
Fiscal 2009 first quarter sales were up 10,0% to US$3,1 billion (Q1 2008 $2,8 bn). Net income increased 9,0% to $250,2 million (Q1 2008 $229,6 m). Earnings per diluted share increased 13,1% to $1,50. The company has increased its dividend for the 52nd consecutive year.
Chairman, CEO and president Don Washkewicz attributes the growth to improved market and geographic diversification coupled with more flexible cost structures.
The company recently completed four acquisitions (including Legris, SA, Origa Group and Hargraves Technology Corporation), which added just over $460 million in annualised revenues.
Festo was recently awarded the Energy Efficiency Award 2008 for energy efficiency measures at its largest manufacturing and logistics facility in St Ingbert, Germany.
The prize is awarded for energy- and cost-efficient projects in industry and trade by the German Energy Agency in cooperation with Deutsche Messe AG and KfW Förderbank. Over 100 international applicants competed for the 2008 award.
At St Ingbert the company implemented a new energy generation concept, whose main components include a fuel cell, a thermal power generator and a photovoltaic system. The new plant extension included an energy-efficient design comprising airconditioning, compressed air generation and power generation. Compared with a new building using conventional technology, this approach yields annual energy savings of €366 000 and results in 3750 metric tons fewer CO2 emissions.
Schneider Electric has announced the acquisition of Xantrex, a top three global player in the solar and wind inverter market, to reinforce its position in solutions for renewable energies and better meet market demands and customer needs in energy efficiency.
Schneider describes Xantrex Technology as a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The company’s products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany, Spain, England, and a joint venture in China.
SKF has reported Q3 2008 results that show lower volumes in the automotive business, while volumes in its industrial business remain strong. Net sales for the quarter were up 8,7% to SEKm 15 381 (14 155), operating profit up 15,6% to SEKm 2085 (1803) and net profit up 7,1% to SEKm 1257 (1174).
In response to deteriorating automotive demand and the global financial crisis the group is intensifying its focus on cost and capital. Demand for the fourth quarter is expected to be higher in the Industrial Division, slightly higher in the Service Division and significantly lower in the Automotive Division, resulting in a lower manufacturing level for the Group.
Sick has reported that in the six months to 30 June 2008, the group took in new orders to a value of EUR 390 million, an increase of 8,9% over H1 2007. Sales increased by 9,8% to EUR 373 million. All business segments: Factory Automation, Logistics Automation and Process Automation, performed equally well and contributed towards the 17% increase in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), which rose to EUR 39 million. The Group’s net income increased by 25% to EUR 25 million.
The highest growth in revenues was achieved in the European and Asian sales regions.
Sun Hydraulics has reported the sad loss of the company’s founder and chairman emeritus, Bob Koski, who died on 11 October 2008, at his home in Sarasota at age 79.
Along with John Allen, Koski founded Sun Hydraulics in 1970 in Sarasota. Since then, Sun has grown to become a multinational, publicly held corporation with operations in the United States, England, Germany, France, Korea, China and India. The company remains headquartered in Sarasota where Koski was a great benefactor to the community.
Siemens AG has appointed Dipl.-Ing. Uwe Frank to take over Siemens Motion Control Systems Business Unit in Erlangen on 1 October 2008.
Frank has occupied management positions for Siemens AG in Switzerland since the beginning of 2003. For the last three years, he has been the head of the HVAC Products Business Unit there, which is part of the Siemens Building Technologies Division.
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