International news
USA: Honeywell recently announced an agreement with Invista, one of the world's largest integrated fibres and polymers manufacturers. The new agreement will enable Invista to take advantage of Honeywell's diverse solutions, ranging from process and building automation controls to security systems, to ensure plant reliability, safety and efficiency, as well as provide a cost-effective means to upgrade to the latest technologies.
USA: Emerson Process Management has announced that it has received a contract to install its PlantWeb digital plant architecture with the Ovation expert control system in Units 1 and 2 of the new Vietnam Haiphong Power Plant. Dongfang Electric, the project's EPC contractor, selected Emerson to automate the two 300 MW units, which comprise the first phase of the Haiphong project. Emerson's Power & Water Solutions industry centre will coordinate and supervise the project.
USA: Siemens VDO Automotive has signed an agreement to acquire Ballard Power Systems' Electric Drive business located in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. Ballard Power Systems develops and manufactures electric drive technology for fuel cell vehicles. Pending final approvals, the acquisition is projected to be completed in early 2007 and will include Ballard Power Systems' research, development and manufacturing operation in Dearborn, impacting approximately 80 highly specialised personnel.
Siemens Power Generation has received an order from British Gas' parent company, Centrica, for the erection of two offshore wind farms. Siemens is to supply 54 wind turbines with a combined maximum capacity of 180 MW for the Lynn and Inner Dowsing projects in Lincolnshire on the east coast of England. On project completion the turbines will supply approximately 130 000 household customers served by British Gas and Scottish Gas with environment-friendly wind-based electricity.
Australia: Citect has released version 3.1 of its manufacturing execution system (MES) solution, Ampla, providing realtime data access to promote effective planning and global operational improvement. New features in Ampla V3.1 facilitate globalisation, enhance visualisation of production costs, improve operational effectiveness and provide support for continuous improvement strategies, such as Lean and Six Sigma.
Australia: In the Supreme Court of Appeal case of Clipsal Australia versus Trust Electrical Wholesalers 2007 SCA 24 (RSA), Clipsal has won a judgment for infringement of the Designs Act 195 of 1993 with respect to the novelty and originality of its 'electrical accessory plates with surrounds'.
Clipsal's appeal against Trust Electrical Wholesalers and Gap Distributor (the respondents) was upheld - with costs - and the respondents are indicted from infringing registered design A96/0687 by making, importing, using, or disposing of the Lear G-2000 series single electrical socket SYZ - 16 (100 x 100) and double electrical socket S2YZ2 - 16 (100 x 100).
Emerson Process Management has announced a change in the brand name of the company's TankRadar gauging systems from Saab Rosemount to Rosemount. The products have kept the Saab part of the name during a six-year transition since Emerson acquired Saab's TankRadar line in 2001.
Local news
South Africa: SAPICS Conference and Exhibition, the premier educational and networking event in Africa for supply chain professionals, takes place at Sun City from 3 to 6 June 2007.
Afribuild Exhibition, incorporating the South African Airports Industry Showcase, will be taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 31 October-2 November 2007.
The exhibition will focus on infrastructure development solutions with respect to transport and the 2010 World Cup and beyond, as well as the Airports industry to facilitate procurement in support of Africa's fast growing aviation sector.
Prolocon: In the High Court of South Africa case of ProLoCon versus AECI Coatings, ProLoCon has won a judgment for contractual damages from the defendant, who was ordered to pay damages, interest and costs.
Process Automation, Measurement & Control Expo 2007: The Process Automation, Measurement & Control Expo 2007 runs from 15-17 May 2007 from 09h00 to 16h00 in Hall 5 of the Johannesburg Expo Centre (NASREC).
For more information go to www.process-expo.co.za or contact Sandri Kruger, élancommunications, +27 (0)861 ELANCOMM, [email protected], www.elancomm.com
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