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Blasch Precision Ceramics feeling pressure of a stronger dollar

The value of the U.S. dollar is rising at its fastest rate since before the 2007 recession and one Albany, New York manufacturer is already getting requests for price concessions from overseas customers. Blasch Precision Ceramics Inc. is feeling the impact of the stronger dollar with customers requesting reduced rates, said Jack Parrish, president and COO. Blasch makes durable ceramic parts for the petroleum, power generation, and mining industries.

Fuyao Glass raises $953M with Hong Kong offer

Chinese automotive glassmaker Fuyao Glass Industry Group has raised about $953 million after pricing its Hong Kong share offer at the top end of its indicative range. The Shanghai-listed company sold 439.7 million new shares at HK$16.80 each, putting the total deal at HK$7.39 billion ($953 million). The shares had been marketed in an indicative range of HK$14.80 to HK$16.80 each.

Harper International technical presentation details benefits of natural gas in carbon fiber manufacturing plant

Current energy trends shifting towards increased natural gas utilization can result in performance and economic advantages under certain conditions when considered in the design of a carbon fiber manufacturing plant. This technical presentation from Harper International will discuss innovations to allow for a shift to gas-fired units and hybrid gas/electric designs with improved control and thermal uniformity, as well as a focus on reduction of utilities consumed in the thermal conversion process.

Smart-glass maker View is raising $100M

Smart-glass startup View Inc. is raising up to $100 million in fresh capital. The company is raising the round at a $750 million valuation, according to a report from VentureWire. The tint on glass made by View is controlled by electrical charges, which can be applied automatically when lighting changes or can be controlled on demand. According to the company, the windows can cut 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, 20 percent from lighting costs and can reduce electricity use by as much as 25 percent at peak-use times.

Philips sells majority state in LED components, automotive lighting division to consortium

(AP) Electronics company Philips is selling a majority stake in its LED components and automotive lighting division to a consortium led by investment fund GO Scale Capital in a deal worth up to $2.9 billion. Philips is selling an 80.1 percent stake and retaining the remaining interest in the business that makes lighting components for general use and for the automobile industry.The newly formed company will be called Lumileds and will continue to act as a supplier to Philips.

Alcoa to curtail smelting capacity in Brazil

Lightweight metals leader Alcoa will curtail the remaining 74,000 metric tons of smelting capacity at its São Luís (Alumar) facility in Brazil. The decision is aligned with the company’s recent announcement to evaluate upstream capacity for possible curtailment, closure, or sale as Alcoa further optimizes its commodity portfolio. This curtailment, expected to be complete by April 15, adds to the 85,000 metric tons of capacity idled at São Luís in May 2014 and the 12,000 metric tons curtailed in October 2014.

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