Lefteri

Automakers discuss tooling at industry event
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN (August 19, 2008) -- Automakers are aware how much the tooling industry is hurting. But that does not mean that tooling companies can expect any sympathy business. Executives noted that the industry needs to improve its flexibility in creating future products, including adjusting engineering specifics that allow toolmakers to adapt and improve their molds and speed development.

Advanced Drainage Systems garners pipe certification
HILLIARD, OHIO (August 19, 2008) -- Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. has received 100-year service life approval for its corrugated high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe by the Florida Department of Transportation, which will open up the state’s high-traffic arteries for the first time to the U.S.-based pipe maker.

Plastic pipe maker JM Eagle runs ad during Olympics

JM Eagle ad image “all people everywhere”

Mooney

Business as usual: Auto execs still see promise in Russia
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN (August 19, 2008) -- The auto industry sees Russia as one of its bright areas for future growth, but the bulk of the news out of Russia this week isn’t about cars. Instead, it is with the regular reports on the growing battle between Russia and Georgia. While executives are quick to note that they are staying out of the political realm of discussions, one executive noted that business realities will keep the auto industry building in the region.

Taiwanese alliance develops all-electric press tech
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (August 19, 2008) -- A Taiwanese research alliance has developed technology that it claims puts it on par with high-end all-electric presses at a 30 percent cost savings, compared to similar Japanese machines. Now the Taiwan Association of the Machinery Industry says it just needs time for its image to grow to become competitive in the Taiwanese and mainland Chinese market, and then it will expand to Southeast Asia and South America. The technology will debut next month at Taipei Plas. Members of the partnership are press makers Fu Chun Shin Machinery Co. Ltd., Multiplas Enginery Co. Ltd. and Victor Taichung Machinery Co. Works Ltd.; servomotor supplier Teco Electro Devices Co. Ltd.; and stretch blow molding machine maker Chum Power Machinery Corp.

ITW’s decorative surfaces business going up for sale
GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS (August 19, 2008) -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) plans to sell its decorative surfaces business, which includes the Wilsonart, Polyrey and Resopal brands, with international operations in China, Thailand, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. And, with several inquiries from companies about buying Wilsonart International Inc., ITW officials think now might be the time to sell.

Sato unit buys AZ Electronic´s parts business
TOKYO (August 19, 2008) – Tokyo-based PBI Advanced Materials Co. Ltd. has expanded by purchasing the polybenzimidazole parts business of AZ Electronic Materials (Japan) KK. The business includes plants making parts, stock shapes, compounds and coatings. PBI Advanced Materials is part of Sato Group, a Japanese maker of parts for office automation, automotive and household appliances.

Future unsure for massive Ford auto interiors plant
SALINE, MICHIGAN (August 12, 2008) -- Negotiations have ended without a sale for the Ford Motor Co.’s massive auto interiors plant in Saline, which darkens the future for the plant and its 1,700 employees. Ford’s Automotive Components Holdings LLC subsidiary said it is “considering all options” for the 150,000-square-meter plant, which houses both plastics processing and assembly. The subsidiary noted that no decisions have been made about its future, except that “ongoing operations will continue beyond 2008.” One industry watcher said Saline’s best hope could be if an international auto supplier from an emerging region such as China or India sees the plant as a good opportunity to break into the North American market.

U.S.-based Albemarle buys Chinese additives producers
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA (August 12, 2008) -- Specialty chemicals maker Albemarle Corp. now has full ownership of two Chinese joint ventures that produce plastic additives. The two subsidiaries are Ningbo Jinhai Albemarle Chemical & Industry Co. Ltd. in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and Shanghai Jinhai Albemarle Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd. in Shanghai.

Taxes, bans on plastic packaging looming in California
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (August 12, 2008) -- A series of recommendations from the Ocean Protection Council in California could lead to more bans and taxes on plastics packaging in the state. The report, published late last month, calls for producer responsibility for the take-back of packaging waste, and bans or fees on commonly littered items such as plastic bags and polystyrene containers.

U.S. Congress passes phthalates ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 12, 2008) -- A joint U.S. Senate-House conference committee July 28 approved the ban of six types of phthalates -- three of which are banned permanently and three temporarily. The bill’s approval comes on the heels of phthalate bans passed in the states of California, Washington and Vermont in the past nine months.

S. Korean auto supplier Hanwha expanding in U.S.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (August 12, 2008) -- Hanwha L&C Corp. is expanding its Southern U.S. plant, joining the ranks of other auto suppliers boosting production in the region. The company molds glass-mat thermoplastics and expanded polypropylene at the Opelika, Alabama, plant for structural bumper components. Based in Seoul, Hanwha also makes flooring, window profile extrusions and packaging films. The expansion comes three years after the facility first opened to supply parts for a nearby Hyundai Motor Co. plant.

More News | All News (listed chronologically)

Most Popular Stories