November 2005 Web News

November 30, 2005

O-Z Gedney introduces Electronic Drilling Template

Rosemont, Ill.-based O-Z Gedney recently added the Electronic Drilling Template (EDT) function to its Web site. The program, available by clicking the drill icon in the lower right corner of the site, allows end users and distributors to develop junction box layouts and drawings to exact configurations, sizes, and materials, including conduit entries.

EDT layouts can be printed -- along with an automatically generated bill of material -- and used for submittals, orders, and quotations.

November 28, 2005

Stahlin launches updated Web site

Belding, Mich.-based Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures has recently updated its Web site. The site includes enhanced product information, quotation/estimate services, and technical help, such as how to drill into a fiberglass enclosure.

In addition, customers may access Stahlin’s CAD files and library, along with information about its Boot Camp program.

November 28, 2005

Rockwell Automation, Inc. hosts Automation Fair

Rockwell Automation, Inc. hosted the 14th annual Automation Fair in St. Louis from Nov. 16-17. The event drew 14,000 attendees to its technical sessions, hands-on training labs and presentations on industry trends.

The forum, “Manufacturing Perspectives 2005,” addressed global manufacturing issues and the role of technology in driving productivity.

November 23, 2005

USGBC adopts Adobe products

San Jose, Calif.-based Adobe Systems, Inc. recently announced its partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to enhance the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system documentation and certification process. USGBC is using Adobe’s software to streamline its forms-based processes for its members and LEED users by moving the entire process online.

By incorporating Adobe software into the process, USGBC expects to reduce the overall cost of LEED certification and accelerate the industry’s ability to adopt green building practices.

November 22, 2005

NEMA reports increased demand for lighting equipment

The NEMA Lighting Systems Index increased 2.4% in the third quarter of 2005, its highest mark in more than four years. The report credits homebuilding activity with driving demand.

To see the full index, visit NEMA’s Web site.

November 21, 2005

ESA releases arc flash specification

Portland, Ore.-based ESA recently released its free Arc Flash Study Performance Specification to assist with arc flash hazard initiatives. The format of the document allows for editing and modification.

To download a copy of the specification, visit ESA’s Web site.

November 18, 2005

Business Briefs for the week of November 14, 2005

• Schaedler Yesco Distribution, Inc. officially opened its 13,000-square-foot facility in State College, Penn. The facility houses more than $300,000 in inventory and is comprised of a storefront, training center, warehouse, and fully staffed office.
  
  
• Palatine, Ill.-based Schneider Electric recently formed the Sensor Competency Center (SCC) to offer technical and application support for the sensor industry. Based in Dayton, Ohio, the SCC’s 60 staff members proved a central resource for all types and models of Hyde Park and Telemecanique sensors.
  
  
• Chicago-based Bodine Electric Company recently announced the winner of its 100th Anniversary Oldest Motor Contest. Martin Butirich’s winning entry, a 1927 oscillating spindle sander, won both oldest Bodine product still functioning as well as oldest Bodine product submitted.
  
  

  November 16, 2005

  NEMA’s Industrial Control Business Indexes Show Gains

  NEMA’s Primary Industrial Controls Index recently measured a 3% increase during the third quarter of 2005. The index is now 24% above the market’s recessionary low point.

  The Primary Industrial Control and Adjustable Speed Drive Index gained 4.2% between the second and third quarter of 2005.

  November 15, 2005

  Hilti offers theft protection for tools

  Tulsa, Okla.-based Hilti Tools has recently started offering a theft deterrent system for its products. The Theft Protection System consists of a company card, activation key, and electronic module inside the tool.

  If the tool is stolen, the tool will lock after 20 minutes and cannot be restarted without the activation key.

  November 14, 2005

  Santee Cooper plans $135-million transmission expansion

  Charleston, S.C.-based Santee Cooper recently announces its plans to build $135 million worth of high-voltage power lines over the next three years. The utility will string almost 200 miles of transmission lines.

  About $50 million of that infrastructure will be used to connect two power turbines at its Cross generating station to the rest of the grid.

  November 11, 2005

  Business Briefs for the week of November 7, 2005

• A merger between Bronx, N.Y.-based Murray Feiss Imports and Riverside, N.J.-based Sea Gull Lighting Products was recently completed. The two firms will begin operating under the newly created holding company, Quality Home Brands Holdings LLC.
  
  
• Connector and interconnect systems manufacturer FCI-Burndy Products was recently acquired from French energy group Areva by Bain Capital, a private investment firm. FCI currently operates in the communications, data, consumer, industrial, automotive, and electrical power interconnect markets in 30 countries.
  
  
• Advent Solar, Albuquerque, N.M., has secured $30 million in Series C funding. The manufacturer of solar cells and modules plans to use the financing to build a 25MW solar cell plant located in Mesa del Sol, a 12,000-acre development and solar cluster in Albuquerque.
  
  

  November 10, 2005

  Training program to offer certification to Mexican workers

  ConstrucNet International, Inc., in collaboration with Arizona State University, Monterrey Technological Institute of Advanced Studies in Mexico, and the National Center for Construction Education and Research in Gainesville, Fla., recently announced its plans to develop a certification program for electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other tradespeople from Mexico. The program expects to fill the growing lack of skilled construction workers across the United States.

  The training will include an online component in Spanish and the teaching of English construction terms.

  November 9, 2005

  ASA releases revised addition of its addendum to proprietary contracts

  The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) recently released its ASA Addendum to Subcontract (2005) and a newly developed short form of the addendum, the ASA Short Form Subcontract Addendum, licensed for use by current members of ASA. When properly attached to a proposed subcontract agreement, the terms of the ASA Addendum to Subcontract (2005) supersede the terms of all other documents relating to the subcontractor’s work.

  In projects of limited scope, subcontractors may use the short-form addendum to change terms offered by a client.

  November 8, 2005

  Arizona court issues injunction against ESE vendors’ advertising tactic

  The United States District Court for Arizona recently issued an injunction prohibiting the vendors of Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning rods from claiming that the protective range of their products exceeds that of a Franklin rod. The order was issued pursuant to provisions of the Lanham Act, which prohibits false advertising.

  The court also dismissed all claims of the vendors of ESE products and granted the counterclaims of all defendants.

  November 7, 2005

  Nexans plans multi-million dollar expansion

  Nexans recently announced plans to expand its Chester, N.Y., manufacturing facility. The company will add a full range of THHN, non-metallic and other traditional building wire systems to its line of products.

  In addition to the expansion, the company will also establish a logistics facility to provide same-day service for its product range.

  November 4, 2005

  Business Briefs for the week of October 31, 2005

• Atlanta-based Reed Construction Data recently introduced its Reed Construction Starts product line, produced in partnership with Property and Portfolio Research, an independent provider of real estate research. Reed Construction Starts, an interactive Web-based database, reports on monthly construction activity on a U.S. county-level basis and covers all major construction property types.
  
  
• Power Efficiency Corp., Las Vegas, announced its retention of Joseph Breen & Assoc., Washington, D.C., to develop a government contracts program that would allow government agencies to purchase Power Efficiency’s Controller units directly. The Controller allocates power in direct proportion to the required workload and keeps motor temperatures low.
  
  
• The General Services Administration (GSA recently awarded a contract to Tukwila, Wash.-based The Light Brigade to provide fiber-optic training and training materials, including courses, DVDs, videos, and CD-ROMs, to government personnel. For more information on these discounts, visit GSA’s Web site.
  
  
• Minneapolis-based Beckhoff Automation announced the opening of two new regional offices in Duluth, Ga. and Bellevue, Wash. The offices will serve as regional centers for the company’s customer training and for direct sales and application support.
  
  
• At its Innovation Conference scheduled for Nov. 3, the Chief Executive Network (CEN) will present Juno Lighting Group, Los Angeles, with its 2005 CEN Innovation Award for Best Disruptive Product in the mid-size and large company division. The award honors Juno Lighting’s ModuLight power delivery system for fluorescent lighting.
  
  

  November 3, 2005

  CABA announces recipients of its 2005 Connected@Home awards

  The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) recognized Home Automation, Inc., Mediabolic, Inc., Z-Wave and ZigBee as leaders in the connected home sector. The awards were presented at CABA’s Connected@Home 2005 Conference & Expo held Oct. 6 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

  The awards were chosen by an independent panel of industry judges from a wide roster of nominees.

  November 2, 2005

  Omaha thermographer names Mikron’s M7800 thermal imaging cameras

  Mikron Infrared recently announced the winner of its Name the Camera contest. Bryan Dring, president of Omaha, Neb.-based ThermaScan Solutions, won a Mikron M7800 thermal imaging camera and Snell Infrared training package with his winning entry, “TrueShot.”

  Dring, a professional thermographer, currently uses a Mikron 7515 infrared camera to do electrical cabinet inspections, energy audits, and roof inspections for commercial properties.

  November 1, 2005

  IBEW Local 48 contributes $100,000 to Hurricane Katrina relief fund

  The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 48 recently donated $100,000 to the trade union’s national relief fund. The donation offers support for IBEW members who have lost their homes or suffered a job loss due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

  The funds will be distributed to members in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.