PM News: March 2011

Cleaning Technologies Group Names New President

Tim Piazza was named president of Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics. He will be responsible for all operations at the Jamestown, NY, location and will report directly to Jim McEachen, CEO of Cleaning Technologies Group LLC.
Mr. Piazza held the position of manager of research and development technology with the Aeroengine Division of SKF in Jamestown. Previously, he was assistant professor at Jamestown Community College where he helped found the Manufacturing Technology Institute. Prior to that, he was general manager of the Precision Cleaning Division of CAE Ultrasonics (the predecessor to Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics).  

“Tim brings us a wealth of technical and business experience to the Blackstone-NEY team, and he is an excellent leader who will continue on the path of growth and success for our Jamestown Division,” Mr. McEachen says. 

LNS Group Expands

The LNS Group is expanding by taking over the Italian company Fox IFS. The enterprise develops, manufactures and markets industrial air filtration systems. The purchase of Fox IFS allows LNS to expand its product range and therefore further strengthen our market position as the machine tool industry’s one-stop shop, according to the company. 

“The acquisition also provides a further entry into green technologies that complements our existing coolant filtration systems in bringing environmentally conscious solutions to our customers,” explains LNS CEO Thomas Boehmer. “The take-over also permits additional R&D investment in mist collector solutions to bring innovative products to the market.

LNS will continue to manufacture in the existing factory in Azzano San Paolo in the Italian Lombardy region. “We will also continue to work with the currently employed specialists. The small structure with 12 employees makes it easy to integrate the company into the LNS Group,” Mr. Boehmer says. 

VIP Program Adds New Member

SME Tooling U has been named the newest member of Mazak’s Value Inspired Partners (VIP) program. Created from a desire to provide manufacturers with total solutions, the VIP program promotes higher levels of cooperation among companies offering complementary manufacturing products.

“SME Tooling U represents an excellent candidate for participation in the VIP program,” says Brian Papke, president of Mazak Corporation. “Given the continuous investments that Mazak makes in training seminars and events, we have a great respect for what SME Tooling U has accomplished and value the working relationship we have with them. We are pleased to welcome them to the program.”

Members of the VIP program will work with Mazak in product development and the creation of training events and seminars spanning a range of topics. 

PRAB Acquires Company in Processing Industry

PRAB Inc. has acquired Triple/S Dynamics Inc. Triple/S employees, production, and operations will remain in Triple/S’ Dallas, Texas, headquarters.

Triple/S is recognized as a manufacturer of horizontal motion conveying systems, screening and separation equipment and distribution systems for the entire processing industry, including bulk handling, waste and recycling applications.

Ned Thompson, PRAB president and CEO, says the Triple/S and PRAB product lines complement one another and will enhance their positions in the marketplace. Mr. Thompson adds, “The companies are also an excellent fit based on shared corporate values and an unrelenting commitment to innovation and product performance.”

Triple/S and PRAB are similar in that their conveying and processing products are completely custom-engineered and manufactured, offering solutions specific to every customer’s unique needs.

The companies are well matched because both have the same mission: partnering with customers to meet their challenges and deliver solutions through engineering excellence, quality manufacturing and high performance products. 

Company Acquisition

Whitney Tool Company has acquired Cogsdill Enterprises. Cogsdill Enterprises has designed and manufactured the Burr-Zit and Handy Burr products since 1960. With the acquisition, Whitney Tool has already begun to produce the Burr-Zit tools in its Bedford, Ind., plant. 

New GM, Tech Center Expands

Methods Machine Tools Inc. has brought Imad Tsay on board as the new general manager of its Elgin, Ill., technical center. Mike Land will be joining Mr. Tsay as the new sales manager in Elgin.

Methods’ Elgin Tech Center is being expanded in response to Methods’ success at IMTS last September. Methods sold more than 50 machines at IMTS, including almost all of the machines on display in its booth.

Application engineers and service personnel are also being added to the Elgin facility to meet the increasing demand for Methods’ brands. The Elgin facility can provide complete turnkey installations and cellular automation for the full line of Methods metalcutting and EDM machine tools. 

Mexico Collaboration

DMG Mexico S.A. de C.V and Mori Seiki Mexico S.A. de C.V. announce a business collaboration in Mexico that will allow DMG and Mori Seiki users to receive expanded service and support from the combined staff of the existing Mexican Technical Centers.

DMG/Mori Seiki Mexico will offer comprehensive sales, engineering and customer service for both product lines. Sales staff for DMG/Mori Seiki Mexico will be based in Queretaro, with service and parts personnel conveniently located in both Queretaro and Mexico City.

The addition of new technical and service personnel will enhance the quality of service available to all DMG and Mori Seiki customers. The local spare parts supply will be supplemented by a $135 million inventory in Dallas, Texas.