Ceralink expands Materials Testing Facility
Ceralink Inc., a service provider in advanced ceramic materials, announced the completion of a major expansion in its Materials Testing Center located in eastern Ohio. The $1M investment increases capacity by 40%. Ceralink has become a premier testing center, offering high cycle fatigue at temperatures up to 2550°F (1400°C) to simulate vibrations experienced during flight.
Vacuum maker Dyson acquires lithium-ion battery start-up
British vacuum company Dyson is considering building an advanced battery plant in the U.S. following its acquisition of lithium-ion battery firm Sakti3 for $90 million. Dyson said that Sakti3 solid-state batteries don’t overheat, charge quickly, and should last longer. The company plans to build a battery plant with an investment of up to $1 billion; Dyson said the U.S. is an option for the facility but that the company is “keeping a very open mind.” Sakti3 is based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Corning and ICFO announce a renovation agreement for lab at ICFO
Corning Inc. and The Institute of Photonic Sciences, an independent, non-profit research center based in Barcelona, Spain, announced a four year renovation agreement for the Corning Laboratory established at ICFO. The collaboration, which will now extend through 2019, includes sponsorship of a chaired faculty professorship, the Corning Surfaces Laboratory, and sponsored research projects of mutual interest.
Northrop Grumman wins long-range bomber deal
The Pentagon awarded Northrop Grumman Corp. a contract valued by analysts at more than $20 billion to build new long-range bombers for the U.S. Air Force in what has been the most fiercely fought weapons contest in more than a decade. Northrop Grumman was selected over a Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp. team to build the first 21 jets to replace aging B-52 and B-1 warplanes.
3M announces restructuring plan
To further strengthen its competitiveness, 3M also announced a restructuring plan that will result in an expected reduction of 1,500 positions worldwide with estimated pre-tax savings of $130 million in 2016. Reductions will be primarily focused on structural overhead, largely in the U.S., and slower-growing markets with particular emphasis on EMEA and Latin America.
Agnora installs largest ceramic ink digital in-glass printer
Agnora has installed the largest ceramic ink digital glass printer in North and South America. The Dip-Tech AR8000W prints ceramic ink directly on the surface of glass up to 130” x 300” (3.3 m x 7.6 m). In the tempering oven, the printed image is then fused permanently to the glass. Printed glass can also be laminated and insulated, providing a wide range of creative and structural design options.
PPI reports flat glass prices still up for year
Flat glass prices saw a slight 0.2% decrease in September after rising nearly 2% through July and August, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report issued by the U.S. Labor Department. According to the report, flat glass prices are up 4.6% from September of last year and 4.4% over the last four months, thanks to a 2.8% spike from May to June.
Calderys inaugurates new plant in India
Calderys recently inaugurated its third plant in India at Wankaner, Gujarat. It is the 19th plant for Calderys worldwide. For Calderys, Gujarat was a natural destination for investment, as India produces about 145,000 tons of refractory-grade bauxite, thereof 65% in Gujarat. The Wankaner Refractory Works is a state-of-the-art monolithic refractory plant specially designed to cater to the growing demands of Calderys products in the Indian markets as well as for exports.
Owens-Illinois Inc. has named Andres Lopez Chief Executive Officer of O-I, effective Jan. 1, 2016. O-I’s Board of Directors affirmed Lopez’s appointment at its October board meeting, marking the final step in the CEO succession process. Current Chairman and CEO Al Stroucken will retain the role of Executive Chairman of the Board as of Jan. 1, 2016.