PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

UK to build world’s largest ceramic membrane water treatment plant

The United Kingdom’s South Staffs Water, a regulated clean-water company, is upgrading its Hampton Loade Water Treatment Works using the CeraMac membrane filtration process by PWNT. Once completed in August 2024, it will be the world’s largest ceramic membrane-based water treatment works.

Kyocera to increase MLCC production with new manufacturing plant

Kyocera Corporation announced that it will construct a new production facility at its Kokubu Plant Campus in Kagoshima, Japan, to increase its production capacity of multilayer ceramic capacitors, strengthen engineering development capabilities, and ensure ample manufacturing space as Kyocera’s business expands.

Samsung Electronics breaks ground on new semiconductor R&D complex in South Korea

Samsung Electronics broke ground for a new semiconductor research and development complex in Giheung, South Korea. The new facility will lead advanced research on next-generation devices and processes for memory and system semiconductors, as well as development of innovative new technologies based on a long-term roadmap.

New Vixen Composites facility expands GFRP production capacity

Vixen Composites, an Airxcel brand, officially expanded into a new, larger facility. The move correlates with increased demand for the company’s variety of glass fiber-reinforced polymer materials. Vixen’s new location boasts an expansive 60,000-square-foot facility in Aeroplex Industrial Park with both office space and warehouse facilities on site.

American Rare Earths secures A$14 million to advance North American projects

American Rare Earths received firm commitments to raise A$14 million via the placement of shares at A$0.29 each. The company is advancing the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming and the La Paz Rare Earths Project in Arizona.


ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

L.B. Foster subsidiary acquires Tennessee-based precast concrete business

L.B. Foster Co. subsidiary CXT Inc. acquired the operating assets of VanHooseCo Precast LLC, which specializes in precast concrete walls, water management products, and precast products for industrial, commercial, and residential infrastructure markets.

Webasto acquires Luxembourg glass specialist Carlex

Webasto, global systems partner to the mobility sector, acquired Carlex Glass Luxembourg SA. The site manufactures glass elements for passenger cars, counts many international carmakers among its customers, and was previously part of Carlex Glass America LLC.

Toyota Research and Northwestern accelerate discovery of clean energy materials

Toyota Research Institute and Northwestern University announced their collaboration to help accelerate new materials discovery, design, and development with the world’s first nanomaterial “data factory.” The first application of the data factory will be used to discover new catalysts to make fuel cell vehicles more efficient.

Almatis wins Novelis Global Supplier Award

Almatis, a global leader in alumina-based products & solutions, received a Global Supplier Award from Novelis Inc., a leading sustainable aluminum solutions provider and the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling.

What to know about the complicated tax credit for electric cars

The big climate and health care bill signed into law by President Biden has what at first sight looks like a big incentive for those shopping for a car: a revamped $7,500 tax credit if you buy a new electric vehicle, or $4,000 if you get a used one. However, there are many caveats to the tax credits, so many electric cars may actually not be eligible.


MARKET TRENDS

Korean building materials makers ramp up capacity for glass wool on spiked demand

Major glass wool providers in South Korea are aggressively ramping up production of fire-retardant inorganic insulating materials in response to a sharp demand for the building materials amid a tightening of fire safety standards.

DOE finds record production and job growth in U.S. wind power sector

The U.S. Department of Energy released three reports showing that wind power remains one of America’s fastest growing energy sources and a generator of high-quality jobs.


NEW PRODUCTS

The future is ceramic: Apple patents zirconia iPhones and watches

According to a new patent obtained by Forbes, Apple could be exploring ceramics as a possible body material for its future iPhones and Apple Watches. In particular, the patent in question calls for “electronic devices with textured zirconia-based components,” which would have a matte finish.

Integrate safety and ergonomics in ROSS Ribbon Blenders

Designed to minimize risk and maximize productivity, ROSS Ribbon Blenders meet OSHA standards with safety shaft guards (no external moving parts) and limit switches that prevent operation of the agitator when any cover or manway is open.

Author

Lisa McDonald