June 2010 PM News

Metrology Acquisition

Bowers Metrology has acquired privately held Baty International, a designer and manufacturer of optical-based measuring instruments and gaging products. This acquisition enables Bowers to build on Baty’s existing position in the non-contact, vision-based measurement systems market.

Steve White, chief executive of the Bowers Metrology Group, says, “Our strategic acquisition of Baty International will expand Bowers’ leadership position in the metrology marketplace while strengthening our relationship with our customers. We will be able to expand our vision-based measurement systems product line as well as complement our existing bore gage and micrometer ranges. 

Stotz Air Gages Becomes Part of AME

Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME) has become the exclusive North American distributor for Stotz Measuring Systems. In conjunction with this change, Chris Koehn was appointed business unit manager for the Stotz product line. He has more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the machine tool industry. In his new position, Mr. Koehn will focus on marketing the Stotz products to existing customers as well as development of new accounts. He will also be selling the complete product lines for Advanced Machine & Engineering and sister company, Hennig Inc.

Joint Venture

JP Sales Company Inc. has announced the formation of a joint venture between CIGNYS and Jay Industries Inc. aimed at bringing the benefits of large-scale vertically integrated manufacturing to customers in the defense, aerospace, automotive, agricultural equipment and many other industries.
“The joint venture will allow both companies to strengthen the competencies they share, while simultaneously tapping into the other’s unique expertise,” says Rick Taylor, CEO, Jay Industries.

JP Sales enhances and expands these complimentary capabilities with its product development and marketing skills along with its proven strengths in strategic planning, program administration and business services such as accounting and legal support.

Hardinge Acquires Jones & Shipman

Hardinge Inc. has acquired the assets of Jones & Shipman. “Along with expanding our European-based grinding business, Jones & Shipman products will help us expand our U.S. and Asian market presence,” says Rick Simons, president and CEO.

Jones & Shipman has become part of the company’s Kellenberger grinding organization and will continue operations at the current Leicester, England, location.

The sales of the Jones & Shipman products in the U.S. will be handled by the current Hardinge Inc. technical grinding sales team along with the existing Jones & Shipman technical grinding sales team.

TE-CO Purchases Parlec’s Workholding Line

TE-CO (Union, Ohio) has concluded its purchase of the workholding product line of Parlec. The product line consists of PWS6900 – 6-inch single-station vise with a 9-inch opening; PWS8110 – 8-inch single-station vise with an 11-inch opening; and the complete line of Parlec double-station production series vises and accessories. TE-CO is the manufacturer of a workholding product line that includes jig and fixture components, tooling components, spring and ball plungers, CMM fixturing and the Toolex vise workholding system.

Methods Becomes Feeler Machine Tools’ N.A. Importer

Methods Machine Tools Inc. is the exclusive importer of Fair Friend Group’s (FFG) FEELER line of machine tools throughout North America. Methods has simultaneously introduced a new range of FEELER machines that feature extensive engineering by Methods. The line of machine tools will be available at Methods Technology Centers and at Methods distributors located across the U.S., in addition to Methods dealers in Canada and Mexico.

FEELER will enable the company to offer North American manufacturers a wider selection of precision machining solutions and will complement its existing line of high performance milling, turning, drilling/tapping and EDM systems very well, the company says.

Company Forms Division for Industrial-Based Metrology Customers

Nikon has formed Nikon Metrology Inc., a new company that combines Nikon Instruments Inc.’s industrial instruments business with the former Metris business, acquired by Nikon Corp. in 2009. Nikon Metrology Inc. will focus specifically on the industrial and manufacturing business markets for precision measuring and industrial microscopy.

For industrial customers who purchase or already own Nikon products, sales and support will be handled through the new Brighton, Mich., office.

Company Relocates

Star SU partner SAMP will consolidate, restructure and relocate its Chemnitz, Germany, and Ortona, Italy, manufacturing faci-lities to its new product center, located in Bentivoglio (Bologna), Italy. The restructuring does not affect sales and services in North America. Star SU will continue to sell and service SAMP products in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

New Distributor for Harrison Lathes

MSC Industrial Supply has been granted the exclusive distribution rights for the Harrison precision conventional lathe line in the USA and Mexico from the Clausing Industrial 600 Group.

Harrison Lathes, founded in 1900, has manufactured more than 140,000 lathes and sold throughout the world. MSC Industrial Supply distributes approximately 600,000 industrial products that are featured in the “Big Book” through four strategically located fulfillment distribution centers.

SMW Autoblok Joins Partners in THINC

SMW Autoblok joins Okuma America Corporation’s Partners in THINC program. SMW Autoblok will provide not only products, but also industry expertise, engineering support and integrated solutions to Okuma and its customers.

“As a new Partner in THINC, we look forward to working together with Okuma to find new ways to maximize the manufacturing capabilities of our mutual customers,” says Sid Roth, president of SMW Autoblok. Contact the company at SMWautoblok.com.