Business Briefs for the week of November 28, 2005

Dec 2, 2005 8:13 AM

IBOCO Corp., Hemlock Semiconductor Corp., Fluke Corp.

Edison, N.J.-based IBOCO Corp., manufacturer of integrated panel management systems, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Among the company’s product lines are the DIN Rail, Dinosaur Flexible Duct, T1-E Duct, and the Space Saver Panel Management System.

Hemlock Semiconductor Corp., producer of polycrystalline silicon used in the production of solar cells, will begin construction of a $400 million expansion at its Hemlock, Mich., headquarters in December. The expansion will increase site capacity by 50% and is expected to generate more than 100 full-time jobs.

Everett, Wash.-based Fluke Corporation recently pledged $250,000 to the National Association of Electrical Distributors Education & Research Foundation, St. Louis, Mo. The donation will become part of an endowment fund, and the interest will be used to commission future projects and studies.

Lisle, Ill.-based Molex and Tustin, Calif.-based LumaCon have entered into an agreement providing Molex sole rights to manufacture, distribute, and sell Small Form Factor connectors, which use LumaCore technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Molex gains immediate access to LumaCon’s all-metallic, LC-compatible interconnect product line LC2 and its circular connector product, which will be marketed as Molex’s MXL-38999 interconnect system.

Cooper Industries, Houston, recently announced its acquisition of Novitas, Inc., Torrance, Calif., manufacturer of occupancy sensors, switch packs, and accessories. Novitas will become part of the Cooper Wiring Devices division.