Production Machining's September 2023 News Highlights

Methods Machine Tools Inc. announces that its board of directors has appointed Richard Alton as its chief executive officer. Alton will assume responsibility of all operating functions of Methods Machine Tools Inc. across its nine direct offices throughout the U.S., as well as its national distribution network.

Since 2017, Alton served as CEO of Manitou Americas and president of the Compact Equipment Products Division, overseeing the company’s business of manufactured construction and material handling equipment. Prior to Manitou, Alton spent 19 years at JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Corporation company, including 15 years in sales and sales management in which he helped grow the company’s international business. Additionally, he helped develop and later served as general manager of JLG’s strategic alliance with Caterpillar. Read more about the Methods Machine Tools leadership change.

Here are some more news highlights:

Alfiniti Registers With the Aluminum Association, Secures Inclusion in ASTM Standards

Alfiniti Inc., a producer of drawn aluminum tubes and pipes, has registered the 6061-T8 temper with The Aluminum Association and secured its inclusion in the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. This provides a standardized definition of the temper’s manufacturing methods and mechanical properties that was unavailable until now.

The 6061-T8 temper registration with the Aluminum Association and its inclusion in the ASTM provide a consistent manufacturing process with guaranteed mechanical properties for designers to reference. This makes the data more widely available, which in turn means the 6061-T8 will be more widely used. Applications for the 6061-T8 will broaden as a result of the recent inclusion, but for now use cases include: shock absorbers, hydraulic cushioning systems, trench shoring and mining.

Global Shop Solutions to Host ERP User Conferences

Global Shop Solutions, a provider of ERP software for manufacturers around the globe, has set the dates for its annual ERP User Conferences. The company is hosting two separate events — one onsite and one virtual. The onsite conference will be held at the Global Shop Solutions campus in The Woodlands, Texas from Oct. 17-19, while the virtual conference will take place on Nov. 14-15.

“This year, we’re taking it a step further by focusing each event on specific needs of different segments of our customer base, says Daniel Carranco, director of continuous improvement for Global Shop Solutions. “The onsite conference targets experienced users who want to further their advanced ERP skills. The virtual conference addresses newer users who are still learning basic ERP skills and want to move up to the next level.”

Zoller Automation Days Showcased Advances in Cutting Tool Processes

Zoller Inc. hosted manufacturing professionals that span the industry to its North American headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for Automation Days in early August.

Customers and industry leaders highlighted the solutions Zoller offers to automate cutting tool management and establish more resilient, reliable processes in the face the labor shortage.

“We need to automate because there is a labor shortage in the market,” says Zoller Inc. President Alexander Zoller. “The name of the game is how can I produce more parts in a short amount of time for less cost and higher quality.”

Seco Tools Appoints Vice President of Sustainability, EHS

Seco Tools has appointed its head of sustainability, Maria Blomqvist, to be the company’s vice president of sustainability and environment, health and safety (EHS). Maria has also become a member of the Seco Management Group, and will continue to report to Stefan Steenstrup, president of Seco.

Bringing sustainability into the management team is a step in the company’s goal to become net zero in scope 1, 2 and 3. Seco says it will accelerate its agenda on circularity and create competitive alternatives with suppliers and customers. A key enabler to achieve this is the continued drive for digitalization and transparency, which will be a focus for Maria Blomqvist.

Mastercam Appoints New Vice President of Sales

Mastercam has promoted Nicolas Le Moigne to the position of vice president of sales. Le Moigne, who previously served as of director of sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa, will head up the sales organization and further develop the company’s position as a global leader in manufacturing technology.

Based in Brittany, France, Le Moigne brings 23 years of experience working in the CAD/CAM sector, from technical positions through sales and management, to his new role.

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