Areva To Acquire Ausra
Areva is to acquire US-based solar power provider Ausra. The acquisition
will launch Areva's new global solar energy business, reflecting its
goal of being the world leader in concentrated solar power. The market
for concentrated solar power is expected to grow by an average annual
rate of 20 per cent over the next decade, reaching reach an estimated
installed capacity of over 20 GW by 2020. The acquisition will also
enhance Areva's renewable portfolio.
Corus Teesside Mothballing Threatens 1,600 Jobs
Corus is to end steel production at much of its Teesside Cast Products
site, resulting in 1,600 job losses. The plant, which has been running
for 170 years, employs 2,300 people and has a capacity of three million
tonnes per year. It accounts for 15 per cent of the company's European steelmaking capacity.
Agilent's SMM Mode Takes Prism Award
Agilent Technologies Inc's Scanning Microwave Microscopy Mode (SMM
Mode) has been named a 2009 Prism Award Winner recognized for
outstanding photonics innovation in the category of "Analytical, Test,
and Measurement". The company was one of ten winners in the awards,
which are judged by SPIE and the advisory board of Laurin Publishing's
Photonics Spectra magazine.
US Manufacturing Technology Consumption Falls 60.4% In 2009
US manufacturing technology consumption in 2009 totalled $219.6 million,
a reduction of 60.4 per cent compared with the $1,771.91 million
recorded in 2008. The figures, reported by the Association For
Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and the American Machine Tool
Distributors' Association (AMTDA), come from companies participating in
the USMTC programme.
Turbex Appointed Sole UK Agent For Mafac Machines
Turbex is now the sole sales and service agent for Mafac machines in
the UK. The German-built machines are used to clean industrial
components via water based processes. The movements of the holding
basket and spray jets can be individually adjusted so that they rotate
in the same or opposite directions.
Makino Introduces Automated Fixture Plate Distribution System
Makino has launched the MMC-R automation system for robotic fixture
plate distribution in 4- and 5-axis horizontal and vertical machining
centres. The system, which can be configured in various ways for
integration into the shop floor, is suitable for high product mix, low
volume runs.
Bright Minds Mentoring Programme To Feature At SME Conference
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has announced that its
Bright Minds mentoring programme will take place as part of its RAPID
2010 and 3D IMAGING Conference and Exposition, from May 18-20 at the
Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. The programme, now in its
seventh year, pairs additive manufacturing industry mentors with high
school students.
Solar Distinction To Build Photovoltaic Plant In New Mexico
Solar Distinction Inc has announced plans to build a photovoltaic
manufacturing plant in New Mexico, USA. The plant will start as a
25-megawatt solar panel manufacturing, doubling to 50 megawatts within
two years.
Health and Safety
THE Draconian enthusiasm with which local authorities enforce the UK
traffic parking regulations always irritates. Not so much because of the
obvious financial pain they can represent, but because of the stark
contrast with less rigorous enforcement of far more important laws. David Siddall from Manufacturing World News reports.
This month's business spotlight is:
Anguil Environmental Systems has been cleaning up manufacturing for
more than 30 years. The company was founded in 1978 by Gene Anguil, who
is now CEO. Son Chris became President and daughter Deb COO when Gene
turned 70 last year. Anguil employs about 50 people, almost half of
those engineers...