NEWS OF THE INDUSTRY International Institute of Welding Launches White Paper The International Institute of Welding (IIW) launched its White Paper, Improving Global Quality of Life through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies. The document, available online at http://publ.com/6lULyGu, was developed by IIW experts in the fields of materials welding and joining technologies, training and education, as well as design and assessment of welded structures. It describes strategic challenges and agendas for the welding industries, personnel, scientists, and end-users through the next 10 years (2012–2021). The agenda also details strategies for improving quality of life through using new materials, design, and advanced joining technologies to reduce manufacturing cost and improve structural performance and life-cycle via better personnel, inspection, and integrity assessment rules while meeting the societal expectations in health, safety, environmental, and growth issues. Its publication has been sponsored by several sources, including the American Welding Society. Deere to Invest in Improvements Deere & Co. will invest approximately $58 million to enhance operations at John Deere Seeding, Moline, Ill., where the company manufactures planting equipment. It will be made in conjunction with the implementation of a new factory master plan targeting efficiency and quality enhancements. Improvements include increased automation and robotics use. Currently, this division has approximately 800 employees and does not anticipate a big change to total employment as a result of the announcement. Industry Notes • The owners of JWF Industries, Johnstown, Pa., established a scholarship in honor of their late father, John J. Polacek Sr. In partnership with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, the scholarship will be offered to new and currently enrolled students in the welding program. For more details and an application, due by Jan. 31, email scholarship@jwfi.com. • North Idaho College has been awarded a $2.97 million grant intended to create an aerospace center. It is expected to create 520 new jobs by 2015, according to grant application projections. The college anticipates offering courses by fall 2013. • Markal, Elk Grove Village, Ill., unveiled a new, multilingual Web site at www.markal.com featuring the “Find a Marker” online search tool, plus an updated product database. • CONCOA, Virginia Beach, Va., a designer and manufacturer of gas controls, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The company commemorated the occasion with a luncheon, open house, and guided facility tours. • Rolled Alloys’ recently opened Richburg, S.C., facility has reached full operating status. The 33,000-sq-ft service center features an inventory of stainless steel bar stock. Also, the company opened its new facility in Windsor, Conn. This 40,000-sq-ft service center will replace the current location. • The Manufacturing Institute has partnered with the Precision Machined Products Association to expand Right Skills Now, a fast-track machining training program aligned to the National Association of Manufacturers-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System. • Georgian American Alloys, Inc., Miami, Fla., has recently acquired the membership interests of CC Metals & Alloys, a producer and supplier of high-grade ferrosilicon alloys, from affiliated Optima Group LLC in exchange for company shares. • Siemens Industry’s Metallurgical Services Offline Maintenance group expanded capacity at its Benton Harbor, Mich., facility for roll overlaying and steelmaking technology. • Joining Technologies, Inc., East Granby, Conn., an industrial laser applications and welding services provider, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The company was founded by Michael Francoeur. • Bernard and Tregaskiss partnered to launch a new branding initiative. Bernard will now offer only semiautomatic gas metal arc guns, while the Tregaskiss brand will be focused on robotic gas metal arc guns and peripherals. • At Austin Polytechnical Academy, Chicago, Ill., Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently announced the city will invest $1.25 million in advanced manufacturing education programs led by the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council. • PFERD Inc., a subsidiary of August Rüggeberg GmbH & Co., Marienheide, Germany, and Superior Abrasives, Dayton, Ohio, reported Superior has been acquired by the Rüggeberg Group. It will be named Superior Abrasives LLC. • Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo, Mich., is offering Machine Tool Operator, CNC Operator, and Welding Certificates. For more information, visit www.kvcc.edu. • The National Safety Council launched the Campbell Institute. Believing environmental, health, and safety management is at the core of business vitality, it is committed to helping move organizations forward on their continuous improvement goals. • Taylor-Wharton International, LLC, a technology, service, and manufacturing network for gas applications, is relocating its corporate headquarters from Mechanicsburg, Pa., to Minneapolis, Minn., adding 25–30 new jobs. • Thanks to local support and America’s Farmers Grow Rural EducationSM, Tully Central School District, N.Y., received a $10,000 grant to get students interested in the industry by purchasing welding equipment for agriculture mechanics and construction courses at the junior high and high schools. • IMS WaterJet, Inc., moved its HQ to a new location in Waterbury, Conn. The larger site will enable rapidly producing, designing, and fabricating elaborate, specialized machines.◆ 102 JANUARY 2013 — continued from page 10
Welding Journal | January 2013
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