International news digest
4th Quarter 2009
News & events
Danfoss has announced that its Solar Inverters supply chain organisation will be integrated into Danfoss Drives. As a result, part of the production will be moved from Sønderborg to Graasten, Denmark. Danfoss Solar Inverters sales are growing, and the business unit anticipates growth rates of about 50% next year. Therefore, Danfoss Solar Inverters is hiring employees to meet the demands from customers. Over the last months about 20 additional production staff have been employed.
Dupont has launched Kevlar Advanced Performance fibres that are 15% stronger and lighter in weight for the automotive, construction, oil and gas and utility industries. The advanced performance Kevlar products are destined for industrial use in products such as ropes, hoses, cables and tyres.
The company estimates the global demand for high-strength materials in automotive applications such as tyres, hoses and belts will double within the next five years.
GE and Fanuc have agreed to dissolve the GE Fanuc Automation Corporation joint venture that was established in 1986. The parties expect the transaction to be completed by the end of 2009, subject to satisfactory customary closing conditions.
Under the terms of the agreement GE retains the software, services, embedded systems and control systems businesses globally. The company will be known as GE Intelligent Platforms. Fanuc retains the global CNC business.
Eaton Corporation has announced that its proprietary Eatonite Laser Clad coating technology has been certified by independent test services company DNV after fulfilling requirements stated in the 'Guideline for qualification of wear and corrosion protection surface materials for piston rods' developed as part of a Joint Industry Project (JIP).
According to DNV, Eaton is the first, and to date the only, cylinder manufacturing company that has passed the JIP test requirements.
Eatonite laser coating technology is a significant breakthrough for upstream, offshore applications in the oil and gas industry and virtually anywhere else where piston rods are exposed to severe environmental corrosion.
After proprietary processing, Eatonite treated material is twice as hard as conventional Inconel 625. Eatonite-clad rods deliver the mechanical performance of traditional SAE 4130 steel piston rods, along with the corrosion resistance expected for CRA materials like Inconel 625.
SKF has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic partnership with Sinovel Wind, one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in China. This MoU will create a platform to build a preferred supplier/customer relationship between SKF and Sinovel. The cooperation under this MoU will cover supply chain service system optimisation, staff training and development, engineering development and design, as well as resources management.
The bearing manufacturer has also signed a series of contracts with Sinovel with a value exceeding SEK330 million (R350m) for main shaft bearings and sealing systems for 3 MW wind turbines to be supplied in 2010. The majority of the bearings covered in these contracts will be produced in SKF’s newly-inaugurated Dalian facility.
Further reading:
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
News & events
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
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A racing partnership
SKF South Africa
News & events
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
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German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe
Beckhoff Automation
News & events
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
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Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment
Festo
News & events
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
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SANSA Hartebeesthoek provides critical support for lunar mission
News & events
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is providing vital tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) support for Intuitive Machines-2 (IM-2) lunar mission from its Hartebeesthoek ground station.
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Siemens and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate 20 years of innovation
Siemens South Africa
News & events
Siemens Digital Industries Software is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing, representing one of the longest standing technical partnerships in Formula 1 today.
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A new generation of solar professionals
News & events
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
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From the editor's desk: The new space race
Technews Publishing
News & events
The other day an interesting report captured my attention. Within four days, two different private American companies recently succeeded in landing their spacecraft on the moon. Intuitive Machines landed
...
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Upskilled workers add value to maintenance teams
News & events
Maintenance costs, which are traditionally grudge expenses for businesses or industrial operations, can be kept to a minimum by ensuring that maintenance crews are properly trained in key aspects of the condition monitoring process. Wearcheck offers a choice of more than 15 courses covering a wide range of topics, from general oil analysis to thermography, transformer maintenance and many other reliability solutions services.
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BMG powers up at Nampo 2025
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
The BMG team was highly prominent at this year’s Nampo agricultural show, held near Bothaville recently. This prestigious event, which is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, is a highlight for manufacturers and suppliers of farming equipment, as well as for farmers, families and the entire community.
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