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Vacuum Generators open Japanese sales office in Tokyo Oct. 2005 Vacuum Generators, recently acquired by The Gammadata Group, are pleased to announce an amalgamation with Scienta KK and will launch a joint sales venture in Japan... >>more...
BOC Edwards Hibon Introduces New Variable Speed Blower Sept. 2005 >>more...
Graham Corporation Announces Appointment of Receiver for Discontinued U.K. Companies March 24, 2005 Graham Corporation announced today that a receiver has been appointed to administer Graham's discontinued operations in the United Kingdom. >>more...
Gardner Denver, Inc. Announces Agreement to Acquire Thomas Industries Inc. March 9, 2005 Gardner Denver, Inc. announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Thomas Industries Inc. , a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of precision engineered pumps and compressors, for a purchase price of $40.00 per share for all outstanding shares and share equivalents (approximately $734.0 million) and the assumption of $9.5 million of long-term capitalized lease obligations. >>more...
New Adixen ATH2300M Maglev Turbopump - high flow and compact Introducing Adixen ATH2300M - A very high flow Maglev Turbopump in a very small package size Alcatel Vacuum Technology extends its product range by introducing ATH2300M, a very high flow maglev turbopump designed for semiconductor etch processes. The Adixen ATH2300M features 2 000 liters per second performance in a very compact package size. Adixen ATH2300M is capable of pumping up to 2 000 sccm of argon in order to meet the highest requirements for sub 90 nm applications. Alcatel's particle reduction technology is featured in the ATH2300M, ATH1600M, ATH1300M and ATH400M. These extremely reliable pumps offer high troughput, high pressure, corrosive gas pumping and have become the turbopumps of choice in fabs throughout the world. Additionally these pumps feature state of the art technologies wich include : - 5 active axes ; the most reliable and proven magnetic bearing technology. - Automatic balancing system for any rotor imbalance compensation. - Integrated heating system up to 75°c to eliminate the condensation of by-products. - Inert gas purge to prevent particle build up. The Adixen Maglev Turbopumps are maintenance free, battery free dedicated to metal, dielectric or poly etch, ion implantation, sputtering and plasma deposition. Alcatel Vacuum Technology France - www.adixen.com - 98 Avenue de Brogny, BP 2069, 74009 Annecy Cedex, France Bruno Risoul, Maglev Pumps Product Manager, E-Mail: bruno.risoul@adixen.fr, Tel. +33 4 4 50 65 74 51 NEW Adixen ACP range: Compact dry roughing pumps Alcatel Vacuum Technology presents its range of Adixen brand dry roughing pumps with the ACP Series. Based on the proven, multistage, Roots technology, the ACP pumps feature a frictionless design giving benefits of no particulate contamination and stable long term performances. Dedicated mainly to analytical instrumentation, research and development, the Adixen ACP pumps incorporate an integrated, single-phase frequency converter that can be powered in the range of 90 to 254 V 50/60 Hz. Compact and air cooled, Adixen ACP pumps offer high reliability and flexibility (possible operation at different speeds in remote mode). Alcatel Vacuum Technology France - www.adixen.com - 98 Avenue de Brogny, BP 2069, 74009 Annecy Cedex, France René Sibuet, Product Manager, E-Mail: rene.sibuet@adixen.fr, Tel. +33 4 50 65 77 17 Adixen New APT 1004 and APN 1004 Pirani gauges We extend our Adixen vacuum measurement product range with two new Pirani gauges, the APT 1004 and APN 1004 which are smaller and easier to use. Fully compatible with the existing digital controllers ACR1000, ACS1000 and ACM1000. The new Pirani gauges exist in 2 versions, the APT 1004 for standard application and the APN 1004 for corrosive application. More robust, more accurate and serviceable the new APT 1004 and APN 1004 are the solution for vacuum measurement from atmospheric pressure to 5.10-4mbar. Alcatel Vacuum Technology France - www.adixen.com - 98 Avenue de Brogny, BP 2069, 74009 Annecy Cedex, France Eric Lechemia, Product Manager, E-Mail: eric.lechemia@adixen.fr, Tel. +33 4 50 65 77 33 Vacuum Generators open Japanese sales office in Tokyo Vacuum Generators, recently acquired by The Gammadata Group, are pleased to announce an amalgamation with Scienta KK and will launch a joint sales venture in Japan from October 1st 2005. The new organisation will be known as VG Scienta KK. Vacuum Generators wish to express their sincere gratitude to Marubun Corporation for their representation in Japan over the past 30 years and wish them continued success in the future. From October 1st 2005, all enquiries relating to Vacuum Generators' business should be directed to: Gammadata Scienta K.K. - F Blue Bldg., 2-19-7, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan Toshiyuki "Taky" Takayanagi, Tel. +81-3-5842-5885, Fax +81-3-5842-5850, mobile 090-6122-8717 Vacuum pump controller with fieldbus WILMINGTON, USA (17 October 2005) - Leading vacuum pump manufacturer BOC Edwards announces the launch of its new range of high vacuum mechanical boosters. Developed for reliability in aggressive environments, the SN7000, SN14000 and SN30000 are the largest mechanical boosters in the BOC Edwards industrial vacuum range. The SN Series provides pumping speeds of 7000 to 30000 m3/h (4125 - 17700 cfm) making them ideal for large industrial and chemical applications including, steel degassing, metallurgy, coating, electron beam welding and the process engineering industries. Based on Roots technology the SN Series is manufactured in cast iron, with a mechanical shaft seal and internal piston ring seals as standard. Depending on the model, SN Series boosters can be supplied with motors, or variable speed drives and couplings and are available to UL, CSA or CE Standards. Chemical versions are fully certified to meet ATEX requirements. SN boosters can be supplied separately, or as part of a custom built system. For more information on BOC Edwards' range of vacuum and pressure products and accessories, visit www.bocedwards.com, call BOC Edwards National Sales Center 1-800-848-9800 (toll free USA) or email info@bocedwards.com. Vacuum pump controller with fieldbus BOC Edwards' Turbo and Instrument Controller (TIC) is now available with a Profibus communications module. The fieldbus option provides OEMs and end-users with all the cost and control advantages of digital multi-drop communications in one simple-to-set-up rack, or DIN-mountable unit. TIC is an advanced vacuum system controller which can be used to control a series of vacuum pumps and up to three active gauges. It is already popular with users of multiple vacuum pump systems for the close control of the vacuum process which it affords. More and more manufacturers, laboratories and research establishments are converting to fieldbus communications to take advantage of reduced cabling and networking equipment costs. Research by BOC Edwards showed Profibus to be the most popular fieldbus choice among their customers in a wide range of coating, process and laboratory applications. The Profibus module is a compact unit 128 x 117 x 30mm which is rack, or DIN rail mounted to suit and can be used in both new and retrofit applications. It is quick to set up with just a simple serial link connection to the TIC controller, and is easy to configure in just a few minutes. The new module carries full Profibus International accreditation. This stringent independent test process gives users a high level of confidence in the reliability of the new unit and its compatibility and functionality with all Profibus instrumentation and networks. For more information, visit www.bocedwards.com BOC Edwards Hibon Introduces New Variable Speed Blower BOC Edwards Hibon, has launched a new addition to its range of pressure blower packages. The variable speed Silent Flow Plus (V-SF Plus) is the first variable speed blower to use a direct-drive hybrid permanent magnet (HPM®) motor, making it more efficient than competitive blowers. It is particularly suitable for aeration systems in waste water treatment applications, allowing operators to make significant energy cost savings. Unlike conventional induction motor/frequency inverter combinations, the HPM motor is highly efficient throughout the speed range, while the direct drive minimizes transmission losses. The cantilever design means there are no motor bearings and no belt drives, significantly reducing the number of maintenance operations. There are seven V-SF Plus models, with flow rates from 564 to 8185 m3/hr (330-4800 cfm) and power ranges from 21 to 270 kW (30-350 HP). It is easy to install with low noise and low vibration levels. The V-SF Plus is extremely efficient and environmentally friendly, delivering 100% oil-free air and contamination-free transported gas. For more information, visit www.bocedwards.com Pfeiffer Vacuum introduces SmartTest™ Helium Leak Detector Pfeiffer Vacuum, one of the world’s leading producers of vacuum products and services, introduces SmartTest™, a portable helium leak detector that is simple to operate, rugged, easy to use and offers the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. SmartTest™ is designed with a user selected backing pump to match any application and comes with vacuum and sniffer standard operating modes. Simple to maintain, it offers an industry best 3-year Ion Source and Filament warranty. SmartTest™ provides the smallest detectable leak rate for helium: 5 x 10-12mbar l/s and the highest possible inlet pressure of 25 mbar. Combined these enable a user to begin testing sooner after startup, as well as enable the user to find the smallest leaks. It is designed with an integrated test leak for self-calibration, a convenient work surface and an optional industrial proof hand held remote control. SmartTest™ is the solution for quality helium leak detection requirements in a wide range of applications including semiconductor, automotive component testing, refrigeration and air conditioning assemblies and subassemblies, and any other industrial application where fast, precise leak checking is required. Pfeiffer Vacuum, Inc., develops, produces and markets key components for vacuum technology used in semiconductor fabrication, optical and thin film deposition, such as flat panel displays and TV monitors, analytical instrumentation, high energy physics, and research and development. Pfeiffer Vacuum offers an extensive range of vacuum pumps, vacuum gauges, leak detectors, mass spectrometers, and accessories such as valves, fittings and flanges. Pfeiffer Vacuum North American operations offer marketing, sales, field services, repair, customer training, and applications and support. Sales and support functions are located throughout the U.S. with a major customer support center in Milpitas, California, in the heart of the semiconductor industry. For further information, contact: PFEIFFER Vacuum Inc. - www.pfeiffer-vacuum.net - 24 Trafalgar Square, Nashua, NH 03063-1988, USA Erik Houge, Product Marketing Manager, E-Mail: ehouge@pfeiffer-vacuum.com, Tel. +1 (603) 578 6500, Fax +1 (603) 578 6550, Toll Free Number: (800) 248-8254 unaxis - Vacuum Solutions takes measures to drive up profitability – 220 positions to be cut back by the end of 2006 Pfäffikon SZ, May 4, 2005 – Extensive restructuring has been decided upon at the Vacuum Solutions segment (Leybold Vacuum). Its aim is to bring about marked improvements in profitability, as well as sustained strengthening of the company’s competitive position. The package of measures to be implemented before the close of 2006 is expected to bring Vacuum Solutions an operating margin of at least 10 percent from 2007 onwards, delivered on the basis of leadership in process and application know-how, a good customer base, and an attractive portfolio of products and services. The restructuring measures themselves include worldwide process standardization, greater administrative efficiency, a uniform IT infrastructure, better use of synergies, optimization of production costs, and leaner development processes. All this will inevitably have consequences for human resources: among the 1,483 employees at present, there will be reductions totaling some 220 positions worldwide by the end of 2006. Although staffing cutbacks will be made in the most socially acceptable manner possible, layoffs will be inevitable. Unaxis expects this extensive restructuring at Vacuum Solutions to incur one-time costs of around CHF 40 million up to the end of 2006. Management at Unaxis and Vacuum Solutions is convinced that restructuring will establish the foundation for sustained, profitable development by Vacuum Solutions as part of Unaxis’ Thin Film and Vacuum Technology business segment. This media release is based on information currently available to management. The forward-looking statements contained herein could be substantially impacted by risks and influences that are not foreseeable at present, so that actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, expected, or projected. About UNAXIS: Unaxis (SWX: UNAX) is a globally leading provider of production systems, components, and services for high-technology products based on core competencies in thin film and vacuum technology. Unaxis’ commercial activities center on high-growth sectors such as protective coatings for precision tools and components (Coating Services), systems for producing vacuum and conveying process gases (Vacuum Solutions), production systems for data storage devices (Data Storage Solutions), optical components (Optics), and aerospace technology (Space Technology). Unaxis also deploys its core competencies as a major provider of semiconductor technology (Semiconductor Equipment). Unaxis currently employs approximately 6,800 individuals and, in its 2004 financial year, achieved sales of CHF 1,850 million. The company, headquartered in Pfäffikon SZ, Switzerland, has a globe-spanning infrastructure that encompasses centers of competency for research, development, and production in Europe, Asia, and the USA, as well as approximately 80 subsidiaries in 24 countries. www.unaxis.com Graham Corporation Announces Appointment of Receiver for Discontinued U.K. Companies BATAVIA, N.Y. - March 24, 2005 - Graham Corporation (AMEX:GHM), a global leader in vacuum technology and designer and manufacturer of heat transfer and vacuum equipment for process industries, announced today that a receiver has been appointed to administer Graham's discontinued operations in the United Kingdom. The discontinued operations, which include Graham Vacuum and Heat Transfer Limited ("GVHT") and GVHT's wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Graham Precision Pumps Limited ("GPPL"), are located in Congleton, Cheshire, U.K. On March 15, 2005, Graham Corporation's Board of Directors approved discontinuance of its U.K. operations and the sale of the U.K. companies. On March 21, 2005, the Company filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission reporting this decision and also that it had proposed to appoint an appropriately qualified U.K. administrator for GVHT and GPPL as a step toward proceeding with the sale of the companies. The appointment of an administrator gives U.K. companies protection in a manner similar to bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. Today National Westminster Bank, as the primary creditor of the U.K. operations, exercised its right to place the businesses in receivership, which the Company anticipates will result in the liquidation of the operations. Receivership also provides protection similar to U.S. bankruptcy proceedings. Graham Corporation expects to incur a non-cash charge of approximately $4.50 million to $5.25 million in the current fiscal quarter, which ends March 31, 2005. Any income tax benefits that may be realized as a result of the loss are not yet known. Bill Johnson, President and CEO of Graham Corporation, commented, "Strategically, we have recognized the need to streamline our operations and improve our cost competitiveness in the global market that we serve in order to grow the Company. We concluded that discontinuing our non-profitable U.K. business will strengthen Graham's operating performance, focus our resources and allow for greater investment in our core product lines." The U.K. operations had sales of $5.6 million for the first nine-months of fiscal year 2005, which ends March 31, 2005, and its net loss for that period was $329,000. Mr. Johnson went on to say, "We anticipate that the closing of our U.K. pump manufacturing operations will result in a seamless transition to our selected alternative sources for pumps and provide continued quality service of our core market channels and customers for engineered vacuum solutions." About GRAHAM CORP.: A worldwide leader in vacuum technology, Graham designs and builds vacuum and heat transfer equipment for the process industries throughout the world. The principal industries that it serves include chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and electric power generation, including cogeneration and geothermal plants. Other markets served include metal refining, pulp and paper, shipbuilding, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, drugs, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Graham's ejectors, liquid ring and dry vacuum pumps, condensers, heat exchangers and other products, sold either as components or as complete systems, are used by its customers to produce synthetic fibers, chemicals, petroleum products (including gasoline), electric power, processed food (including canned, frozen and dairy products), pharmaceutical products, paper, steel, fertilizers and numerous other products used everyday by people throughout the world. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These risks and uncertainties, which are more fully described in Graham's Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, include the impact to earnings the discontinuation may have in fiscal 2005, the success of continuing to serve its markets from its U.S. operations, the ability to improve its cost competitiveness, customer preferences and changes in market conditions in the industries in which the Company operates. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Graham Corporation, J. Ronald Hansen, Tel. +1 585-343-2216 BOC Edwards Receives Exhaust Management, Vacuum System Order from Powerchip TAIPEI, Taiwan - March 23, 2005 - BOC Edwards (NYSE:BOX) (LSE:BOC), a leading supplier of vacuum equipment to the world's 300 mm semiconductor fabs, has received US$5 million in equipment orders from Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC), Taiwan. BOC Edwards will supply iH Series dry vacuum pumps and abatement devices for Powerchip's 300 mm DRAM Fab12B. Shipments and installation will be phased through the second and third quarters of 2005. "PSC selected the iH Series because of its proven capability on a range of 300 mm semiconductor applications, and with total cost of ownership matched to the customers' operating conditions," said Neil Lavender-Jones, regional director, BOC Edwards, Asia. "They also depend on our extensive on-site service and pump rebuild facilities located in close proximity to customer sites." Diffusion processes create a significant abatement challenge as their exhaust streams are often associated with large flows of pyrophoric gases, requiring reliable, high-performance abatement solutions. The thermal processing units to be supplied with this order can combust large silane flows and destroy toxic and corrosive compounds such as chlorine trifluoride (ClF3). "Because BOC Edwards' abatement devices-in this instance, thermal conditioning systems and thermal processing units-comprise the gas treatment system used in process manufacturing, they are an ideal choice for customers facing the challenges associated with the diffusion step in chip manufacture," said Lavender-Jones. BOC Edwards, part of The BOC Group is a leading supplier of materials, process-enabling subsystems and services to fabs and OEMs involved in the manufacture of microelectronics devices. Serving two million customers in more than 50 countries, The BOC Group is one of the largest and most global of the world's leading gases companies, with annual sales of GBP 4.6 billion (more than US$8 billion) in 2004. Information on the BOC Group can be accessed by visiting the Group web site, www.boc.com. Specific information on BOC Edwards can be found at www.bocedwards.com. E-mail inquiries can be sent to info@bocedwards.com. Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) is the leading commercial memory chip manufacturer in Taiwan. It was established in Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park in December 1994. PSC gained a technological sector listing on the Taiwan GreTai Security Market, and issued a Global Depository Receipt (GDR) in 1999, becoming the first Taiwan-listed company to be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. www.bocedwards.com Gardner Denver, Inc. Announces Agreement to Acquire Thomas Industries Inc. QUINCY, Ill. (PRNewswire) - QUINCY, Ill., March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gardner Denver, Inc. announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Thomas Industries Inc. , a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of precision engineered pumps and compressors, for a purchase price of $40.00 per share for all outstanding shares and share equivalents (approximately $734.0 million) and the assumption of $9.5 million of long-term capitalized lease obligations. As of December 31, 2004, Thomas had $267.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The net transaction value, including assumed debt and net of cash, is approximately $476.4 million. Thomas, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, designs, manufactures and markets Rietschle Thomas brand pumps and compressors for use in global OEM applications, Welch laboratory equipment and Oberdorfer bronze and high alloy liquid pumps. Thomas' products are sold into a broad range of attractive end markets, including medical/laboratory, general industrial, printing, environmental and packaging. Thomas has wholly-owned operations in 21 countries, on five continents. Its primary manufacturing facilities are located in Sheboygan, WI, Monroe, LA, Skokie, IL and Syracuse, NY and Schopfheim, Fahrnau, Puchheim and Memmingen, Germany. In 2004, Thomas completed the construction of a manufacturing facility in Wuxi, China that is expected to become operational in mid 2005. Thomas has other locations around the world to support sales, marketing, service and distribution. The company serves a diversified, global customer base of OEMs, end users and engineered system customers with a relationship strategy focused on product innovation, application engineering and value added designs. According to their fourth quarter earnings release, for the year ended December 31, 2004, Thomas' revenues and operating income were $410.1 million and $208.8 million, respectively. Operating income for this period included $18.6 million from Thomas' 32% interest in the Genlyte Thomas Group LLC (GTG), a joint venture formed with The Genlyte Group Incorporated (Genlyte) in 1998, and a $160.4 million nonrecurring gain on the sale of this joint venture in July 2004. For the twelve-month period of 2004, operating income from Thomas' Pumps and Compressors segment, net of corporate expenses, was $29.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2004, Thomas' EBITDA (the sum of income before income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization), excluding equity income and the gain on the sale of its interest in GTG and $5.3 million of non-recurring items, was $51.3 million. Ross Centanni, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gardner Denver, said, "We expect the Thomas product portfolio to complement and enhance the Gardner Denver offering in terms of channels of distribution, applications and regions of the world served. This acquisition allows us to continue pursuing our strategic goals through leveraging our international opportunities and better serving our customers on a worldwide basis. The Thomas and Rietschle names are well-established in industrial vacuum applications. The acquisition also opens new sales channels through Thomas' strong OEM focus and new growth markets through their leading position in the medical market segment. In 2004, approximately 23% of Thomas' revenues came from this higher-growth market segment. Additionally, the acquisition continues the global diversification of our revenue base. More than 60% of Thomas' sales are to customers outside the United States." Gardner Denver has received a debt commitment from Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to fully finance the acquisition of Thomas. However, Gardner Denver intends to finance the acquisition through an amended and expanded senior secured bank facility and a public offering of approximately $200 million of its common stock. In addition, the Company may choose to access the debt capital markets. The acquisition is not conditioned upon completion of any of these financings and the size and timing of both the equity and any debt financings are subject to prevailing market conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in 2005. Closing is subject to the approval of Thomas' stockholders and other customary closing conditions, including the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. The acquisition of Thomas is expected to increase Gardner Denver's net income in 2005. However, as a result of certain non-recurring, non-cash adjustments required under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (primarily the adjustment of inventory to fair value) and the anticipated equity financing, the acquisition is expected to reduce Gardner Denver's diluted earnings per share slightly in 2005. The Company expects that the acquisition will be accretive to diluted earnings per share within twelve months of closing, after taking into account the proposed equity and debt financing outlined above and the anticipated realization of acquisition-related integration synergies. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All of the statements in this release, other than historical facts, are forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitations, the expected effect on earnings from the acquisition. As a general matter, forward-looking statements are those focused upon anticipated events or trends and expectations and beliefs relating to matters that are not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. These uncertainties and factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The following uncertainties and factors, among others, could affect future performance and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements: (1) the ability to complete the Thomas Industries acquisition and identify, negotiate and complete other possible future acquisitions and (2) the list of other uncertainties and factors set forth in the Company's February 7, 2005 earnings press release. The Company does not undertake, and hereby disclaims, any duty to update these forward-looking statements, even though its situation and circumstances may change in the future. Gardner Denver will broadcast a conference call to discuss the acquisition of Thomas on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, through a live webcast. This free webcast will be available in listen-only mode and can be accessed, for up to ninety days following the call, through the Investor Relations page on the Gardner Denver website. Gardner Denver, with 2004 revenues of $740 million ($896 million on a pro forma basis including the acquisition of Nash Elmo, which was completed in September 2004), is a leading worldwide manufacturer of reciprocating, rotary and vane compressors, liquid ring pumps and blowers for various industrial and transportation applications, pumps used in the petroleum and industrial markets, and other fluid transfer equipment serving chemical, petroleum, and food industries. Gardner Denver's news releases are available by visiting the Investor Relations page on the Company's website ( http://www.gardnerdenver.com/ ). Gardner Denver, Inc. www.gardnerdenver.com BOC Edwards and AIXTRON Enter into Supply Arrangement for Integrated Vacuum Pump and Abatement System 24 February 2005 - BOC Edwards announced that it has entered into an agreement with AIXTRON AG, a leading manufacturer of MOCVD (metal-organic chemical vapor deposition) process tools, to supply its Zenith III-V integrated pump and abatement system to compound semiconductor customers for arsenide and phosphide MOCVD applications. “This arrangement is intended to provide our customers with many benefits including savings associated with rapid installation of a fully functional turnkey vacuum and abatement subsystem interfaced to the process tool, and released by AIXTRON to be compatible with their system,” said Brian Emslie, semiconductor business development director at BOC Edwards. “AIXTRON’s technical leadership in the compound semiconductor market combined with our worldwide support infrastructure gives customers the ability to source the process tool, vacuum pumping and exhaust system from a single source, aiming to ensure maximum uptime and improved maintenance intervals.” The Zenith III-V is a fully integrated abatement and pump solution for MOCVD applications incorporating inward-fired combustion technology (Helios), reliable iH Series dry pumps, pipework heating and an integrated control strategy. The system provides high-quality treatment of toxic, compound semiconductor process exhaust gases and organometallic precursors in addition to the handling of hydrogen flows. Dr. Frank Schulte, senior department manager, product marketing at AIXTRON said, “This is an important addition to our existing capabilities as the leading tool supplier for phosphide applications in the compound semiconductor market. BOC Edwards’ key role as a dry vacuum pump and abatement solutions provider combined with its global service infrastructure footprint means that we are collaborating with an important subsystem supplier to better serve our customers. We expect they will achieve improved cost of ownership from this integrated approach.” BOC Edwards will continue to sell its full range products and services directly to end users for all other applications. www.bocedwards.com Thomas Industries Reports Third Quarter Sales and Earnings LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct 26, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Thomas Industries Inc. (NYSE: TII) today reported record earnings for the three months ending September 30, 2004, of $90,268,000 or $5.07 per share, versus $10,583,000, or $.60 per share in the comparable period in 2003. During the quarter, the company sold its 32 percent interest in Genlyte Thomas Group LLC (GTG), generating a net gain of $4.74 per share. Sales for the quarter were $97,697,000, a third quarter record for the company's pump and compressor business and a ten percent increase from $88,985,000 a year ago. For the first nine months of this year, net sales were $309,871,000, a record for the pump and compressor business, versus $277,141,000 in 2003. Net income for the nine months was $110,723,000, or $6.25 per share, and includes the above referenced one-time gain on the sale of GTG. This compares to $28,821,000 or $1.64 a year ago. Included with this release are supplemental schedules reflecting the pro forma impact of the sale of Thomas' 32 percent interest in GTG, as if the sale was consummated on January 1, 2003. These schedules show the comparable results for Thomas' pump and compressor business for the third quarter and first nine months of 2004 versus 2003 and are provided to enhance the user's overall understanding of the company's current financial performance. Sales were positively impacted for the quarter and nine-months by foreign exchange rate differences from the previous year's periods, by approximately $4,000,000 and $17,000,000, respectively. The strength of the euro has reduced margins on sales outside of Europe from the company's German factories, where price increases have not been adequate to offset product cost increases. In 2004, operating income for the pump and compressor business increased 13 percent for the quarter and 5 percent year-to-date, which includes corporate expense of $3,118,000 and $8,056,000 for the third quarter and year-to-date results, respectively. This also includes non-recurring charges of $732,000 for the quarter and $2,480,000 for the nine months for the shutdown of a production facility in Wuppertal, Germany, with an additional charge expected in the fourth quarter of approximately $700,000. Also in the third quarter of 2004, Thomas provided for anticipated environmental costs of $900,000 related to a former Residential Lighting facility sold in 1985, and incurred approximately $654,000 in Sarbanes-Oxley expenses related to compliance with internal control documentation and testing, which now totals approximately $1,100,000 through September 2004. Management anticipates additional internal control and testing costs will be between $300,000 and $500,000 for the balance of the year. In commenting on the pump and compressor business, Timothy C. Brown, Chairman, President and C.E.O., stated, "Our third quarter performance was stronger than expected, as we saw nice sales increases in most of our major markets. The European Group led the way with strong sales for printing, environmental and food & beverage applications. The North American Group experienced strong sales in certain applications of the medical market, including nebulizers, aspirators and central vacuum systems, which helped to offset the anticipated decline in oxygen concentrators." As for the outlook for the balance of the year, Brown said, "We expect to experience pricing pressures within some of our key markets, but we expect to improve efficiencies within our processes and reduce overall costs. However, we believe that sales in the fourth quarter could be down slightly from a year ago." Thomas Industries Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, designs, manufactures and markets Rietschle Thomas brand pumps and compressors for use in global OEM applications, supported by worldwide sales and service for key customer applications and end-user markets. High quality automotive component castings are also a key offering. Other products include Welch laboratory equipment and Oberdorfer bronze and high alloy liquid pumps. Thomas has wholly-owned operations in 21 countries, spanning five continents. The statements in this press release with respect to future results and future expectations may be regarded as forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and actual results may differ materially from those currently expected. They are subject to various risks, such as the ability of Thomas Industries to meet business sales goals, effectiveness of operating initiatives, currency exchange and interest rates, adverse outcome of pending or potential litigation, fluctuations in commodity prices, the timing of the magnitude of capital expenditures, a slowing of the overall economy including interruptions to commerce resulting from wars or terrorist attacks, as well as other risks discussed in Thomas' filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report and 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. Thomas Industries makes no commitment to disclose any revisions to forward- looking statements, or any facts, events, or circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon forward-looking statements. Source: Thomas Industries, Inc., Phillip Stuecker, CFO of Thomas Industries, Inc. www.thomasind.com Magnetically Coupled Rotary Vane Pump The Uno 30 M is a single-stage rotary vane pump with integrated magnetic coupling and safety valve offering a high volume flow rate. Through its extremely compact design resulting in a small footprint, this pump is ideal for applications in the area of mass spectrometry and in the laboratory. The UNO 30 M is also used as a vacuum backing pump for turbomolecular pumps. Owing to the magnetic coupling, the pump is hermetically sealed. Oil losses do not occur, thus the pump is highly environment friendly. The magnetic coupling offers a further benefit as there is no wear at the shaft seal. Therefore, the pump will require little maintenance, and operating costs are low. A further special feature of this pump is the combination of an AC motor with a high volume flow rate. Through the integrated and hydraulically controlled high vacuum safety valve, a high degree of process reliability is guaranteed. Since operation of the pump is very quiet, no additional silencing is required. Moreover, the Uno 30 M is well protected against corrosion since no components made of non-ferrous metals are used. www.pfeiffer-vacuum.de Gardner Denver Announces Agreement to Acquire nash_elmo Holdings, LLC QUINCY, Ill., July 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gardner Denver, Inc. (NYSE: GDI - News) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire nash_elmo Holdings, LLC ("nash_elmo"), a leading global manufacturer of industrial vacuum pumps, for a purchase price of $223.5 million in cash. For the year ended December 31, 2003, nash_elmo's revenues and earnings before tax were $212.4 million and $7.8 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, nash_elmo's revenues and earnings before tax were $110.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2004, nash_elmo's revenues and earnings before tax were $222.2 million and $9.7 million, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA (See Note 1 for definition and reconciliation) for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2004 was $27.0 million. Gardner Denver expects to finance the acquisition through a revised and expanded senior secured bank facility. The company's primary manufacturing locations are located in Bad Neustadt and Nuremberg, Germany; Zibo, China; and Campinas, Brazil. nash_elmo also has other locations around the world to support sales, customer service, distribution, and the packaging of vacuum pump systems. nash_elmo was formed through the 2002 combination of the operations of The Nash Engineering Company (based in Trumbull, CT) and elmo vacuum technology GmbH (based in Nuremberg, Germany). As a result of the 2002 combination, Boston-based Audax Private Equity has held the controlling ownership interest in nash_elmo. The Nash Engineering Company has retained a minority ownership interest in nash_elmo as a result of its contribution to the 2002 combination. Ross Centanni, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gardner Denver said, "We are very pleased at the prospect of adding the nash_elmo businesses to Gardner Denver. The Nash and elmo names are well-established in industrial vacuum applications, and the acquisition continues the global diversification of our revenue base. More than two-thirds of nash_elmo sales are to customers outside the United States. The liquid ring vacuum pump and side channel blower product lines, nash_elmo's strengths, are complementary to the existing product portfolio of our Compressed Air Products segment. nash_elmo has a proven track record of successful international operations, with significant manufacturing operations on three continents. Consistent with our stated strategic goals, this acquisition would further expand the international scope of our business, permitting us to capitalize on greater opportunities to better serve customers on a global basis." The acquisition is expected to close during the third quarter of 2004. Closing is subject to customary closing conditions including the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. There are certain non-recurring, non-cash adjustments required under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (primarily the adjustment of inventory to fair value) that are expected to result in a mildly dilutive impact on Gardner Denver's net income in 2004, assuming a third quarter closing. This acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings for years after 2004. www.gardnerdenver.com MDC NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES MDC Vacuum Products Corporation of Hayward, CA, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Jennings as corporate Director of Sales. For the past year, Dan has been MDC’s National Sales Manager. During this time, Dan was responsible for sales growth at the company’s key OEM accounts, many of which are in the Semiconductor Equipment segment. Dan has assisted in the measurable growth of process equipment sales with notable companies such as Novellus, Applied Materials, Applied Biosystems and Varian Medical. During his career, Dan has accumulated 15 years of technical sales experience with Exxus Sales and Marketing, CTI-Cryogenics. Dan’s diverse background in vacuum technology compliments MDC’s comprehensive offering of high and ultrahigh vacuum components. As Director of Sales, Dan will oversee all aspects of sales management, as well as directing MDC’s direct outside sale personnels' activities within the Semiconductor Equipment, Research & Development, Educational Institution, and Government segments. www.mdc-vacuum.com Faster pumping down with new vacuum pump The new vacuum pump N 920 from KNF Neuberger pumps down very efficiently, with great process reliability. This is made possible by an innovative diaphragm stabilization system (patent has been applied for). It ensures out-standing suction speed, especially at low absolute pres-sures. Additionally, it provides a high degree of long-term vacuum stability. Thanks to the diaphragm technology, this pump transfers and pumps down analytically uncontaminated. It is avail-able in both a portable version (in a compact housing) and an OEM version for mounting. The OEM version is powered by AC and DC drives. The portable pump automatically ad-justs to voltage levels ranging from 90 to 264 volts, at 50 or 60 Hz. This means the pump can be used flexibly and it can be procured easily by internationally active corpora-tions. It can be equipped with an optional potentiometer or external signal input for adjusting the flow rate. The suction speed of the diaphragm vacuum pump N 920 is up to 1.3 m³/h at atmospheric pressure, the ultimate vac-uum is < 1.5 mbar abs. www.knf.de Manfred Bender new CFO at Pfeiffer Vacuum The Supervisory Board of Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG has relieved Amandus Waterkamp of his duties as Chief Financial Officer of Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG and appointed Diplom-Betriebswirt (MBA) Manfred Bender (39) to succeed him. Manfred Bender has been serving as Business Operations Manager at Pfeiffer Vacuum since 1998. After receiving his degree in Business Administration at the Technical University of Giessen-Friedberg, Bender had initially worked in Controlling, Corporate Auditing and IT at an internationally operating, medium-sized manufacturing group. Bender will be personally introduced at the financial press conference and subsequent analyst conference in Frankfurt on March 25, 2004, in connection with the presentation of the company’s 2003 annual financial results. www.pfeiffer-vacuum.net LEYBOLD opens service center in Taiwan In December LEYBOLD VACUUM was joined by customers in celebrating the opening of its new service center in Taiwan. “The faster throughput times and increased capacities make our service more efficient throughout the entire Asian market, especially for the turbomolecular pump business in the semiconductor and optical sectors,” says the company’s managing director Dr. Monika Mattern-Klosson. “We are thus setting the standards in our industry.” Personnel safety and environmental protection also played a part in the major considerations for planning and construction. www.leyboldvac.de Croll-Reynolds will outsource fabrication to Mazda in India Mazda Ltd. has entered into an alliance with its former collaborator Croll-Reynolds of the United States. Croll-Reynolds will concentrate on the engineering and marketing worlwide of vacuum products outsourcing part of the fabrication to Mazda's manufacturing facility in India. "We expect to provide over 70 per cent of all equipment that Croll-Reynolds will market across the globe" said S R Mody, managing director of Mazda. Mazda expect an additional business of about $4-5 million per annum, thus doubling its present annual turnover. Formerly known as Mazda Controls Ltd, the company went public in 1993 and has been paying dividends regularly, The company also has a tie-up with Kauer Engineering, Germany, for manufacturing speciality valves for power plants. Rietschle Thomas expanding UK operations Rietschle Thomas is to enhance its presence in the UK with a new head office in Hants which will house general management, sales, finance, and engineering functions Following the acquisition of Rietschle by Thomas Industries, and the integration of both companies' UK operations, Rietschle Thomas is to further enhance its presence in the UK with a new head office in Alton (Hants) which will house general management, sales, finance, and engineering functions. Gareth Jones, managing director of Rietschle Thomas UK, said that the new head office in Alton was a key aspect of developing the substantial cross-marketing opportunities in the UK. "It will provide all of our customers with a better resource and communications hub. That will shorten the supply chain and offer a more rapid response,both to OEM designers and production facilities, as well as to our pump end users". Jones said that over 40 staff would be based at the new head office in Alton by the end of 2004. "It's a purpose-built facility that will also offer central pump and spares warehousing, refurbishment and repair facilities". Existing Rietschle Thomas buildings in Alton and in New Hythe (Kent) will be closed once the new facility is operational. A new dedicated service centre will be opened in 2004, close to New Hythe, to increase service coverage in the south of England. The existing Rietschle Thomas UK service centres in Cumbernauld, Tewkesbury, and Leeds will also be upgraded during 2004. www.rietschle.co.uk BOC Edwards New Vacuum Pump Test Lab BOC Edwards, a world leader in vacuum systems for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, announced today the opening of a new vacuum equipment laboratory at its Clevedon, North Somerset (UK) site. Vacuum technologists at BOC Edwards can now test new pump designs under realistic semiconductor process conditions, taking advantage of the unique breadth of technologies within the company, from delivery of electronic gases to exhaust management. In addition, emerging process applications can be simulated, addressing future requirements of the semiconductor industry in the design of new vacuum pumps. “By combining several of our research efforts under one roof, we maintain a unique edge in providing our customers with truly integrated process support solutions,” said Dr. Raj Rajagopal. “We are committed to providing resources to develop solutions that will improve compatibility between gas, vacuum and abatement technologies.” The 180 m2 vacuum equipment laboratory officially opened on January 14, 2004. www.bocedwards.com NASH and ELMO to merge elmo vacuum technology GmbH of Nuremberg, Germany and The Nash Engineering Company of Trumbull, CT, USA have announced the signing of an agreement to merge their vacuum and compressor technology activities. The merger will produce an organization with more than US$200 million in annual revenue. The new company will have its headquarters in Trumbull, CT, USA. The financing for the merger will be led by Audax Group, which will be the majority shareholder of the new company. Shareholders of Nash are contributing all of the Nash vacuum technology business to the new company in return for a significant ownership stake. Siemens AG's Automation and Drives Group (A&D) spun off elmo vacuum technology GmbH in 2000 and will completely divest itself of the company through this merger. Consummation of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions. Mark Nordenson, Chairman of the Board of Nash, welcomed this merger: "elmo and Nash are a perfect match. Both companies have technologically leading positions and a comparable tradition. Our customers, our employees and our shareholders will all benefit by being part of a dynamic, growing and profitable enterprise that will improve service to its customers, provide greater opportunity to its employees, and improve returns to its shareholders. The combination of these two companies will allow us to continue to bring to the market new technologies that our customers will value." Mr. Nordenson went on to say, "The Nash family has loyally supported The Nash Engineering Company since Lewis H. Nash founded it nearly one hundred years ago. The family owners are excited to continue their ownership tradition of a premier global industrial company into the next century with the added strength of the elmo organization and with the superb financial and operating expertise of Audax." Erich Michael Wenzel, CEO of elmo vacuum technology GmbH, sees the ideal basis in this union for the transposition and further continuation of elmo's defined goals. "Since it's independence, elmo vacuum technology GmbH has developed itself in the European and Asian markets extremely well. Building on the long tradition and quality of the ELMO pumps and compressors from Siemens, we have used the innovation-strength and flexibility of an autonomous business to develop a strong dynamism: from product-business in the direction of solution-business. www.nash-elmo.com Stokes Vacuum, Hick Hargreaves, Hibon and Wilhelm Klein to BOC Edwards Smiths Group has entered into an agreement to sell the vacuum and pressure businesses Stokes Vacuum, Hick Hargreaves, Hibon and Wilhelm Klein, to BOC Edwards for £12.8 million. Together with Plenty Ltd, which was sold last month, these US and European businesses previously comprised the vacuum & filtration unit of EIS Group. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of November, subject to regulatory approval. BOC Edwards, one of The BOC Group's three global lines of business, is the world leader in vacuum technology for industrial, scientific and semiconductor processing applications. BOC Edwards is a global concern with over 3,000 employees and annual sales around £800m ($1.1bn). www.bocedwards.com Sulzer Burckhardt Vacuum technology becomes NSB Gas Processing AG Die Onpro AG mit Sitz in Frenkendorf/BL übernimmt die Vakuumtechnik von Sulzer Burckhardt. Onpro plant, die übernommenen Funktionen am bestehenden Standort als Tochterfirma unter dem Namen NSB Gas Processing AG weiterzuführen. Die Vakuumtechnik von Sulzer Burckhardt entwickelt und produziert Flüssigkeitsring-Pumpen und darauf basierende Systeme zur Vakuum- und Druckerzeugung für die pharmazeutische, die chemische und die CVD-Prozess-Industrie. Zuletzt erzielte sie einen Umsatz von rund CHF 7 Mio. und beschäftigte zehn Mitarbeitende, die alle von der NSB Gas Processing AG am Standort Basel übernommen werden. Onpro ist eine Engineering-Firma, die sich auf die Auslegung und die Lieferung von Anlagen und Maschinen für die chemische, die pharmazeutische und die petrochemische Industrie konzentriert. Die Fabrikation und die Montage von Anlagen und Maschinen werden in Zusammenarbeit mit qualifizierten europäischen Herstellern ausgeführt. Onpro verfügt ausserdem über eine breite Erfahrung in der Vermarktung von Investitionsgütern auf dem internationalen Markt. Mit der neuen Produktlinie erweitert Onpro einerseits ihr Leistungsangebot und baut gleichzeitig ihre Kundenbasis aus. www.nsbgas.com |
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