Metso Outotec has signed a three-year Life Cycle Services (LCS) contract for the service of ten Metso Outotec supplied HIGmill™ fine grinding units to a mining customer in Asia Pacific. The purpose of this agreement is to maximize production and increase uptime by improving the performance of the wear parts using Metso Outotec’s proprietary technology, services, and technical expertise. Metso Outotec will provide spares and wears for the HIGmills™. Other elements of the agreement are process optimization, repair services, as well as a service exchange program for spare and wear parts management.

The contract is a performance-based service agreement, and it is one of the largest Life Cycle Services orders received by Metso Outotec. The value of the order is not disclosed, the first part of the contract has been booked in Minerals’ 2022 fourth-quarter orders received.

“We are extremely glad that our customer shows this confidence and appreciation in our expertise and end-to-end knowledge in sustainable fine grinding solutions and services. Metso Outotec is continuously developing its service capabilities for the customer’s benefit. The latest investment in the Asia Pacific area is our Karratha, Western Australia facility which will be our biggest service center globally. The center will be operational during the fourth quarter of 2023, and it further strengthens Metso Outotec’s presence in the region”, says Sami Takaluoma, President, Services business area, Metso Outotec.

“We provide customers with reliable technology to exceed their specific requirements. By utilizing the OEM spares and wears and Metso Outotec’s service expertise, customers will be able to expand their production in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible way,” says Jonathan Allen, Senior Vice President, Grinding, Bulk and Pyro business line, Metso Outotec.

Metso Outotec offers a wide portfolio of stirred mill technologies and supporting services for fine and ultrafine grinding in secondary, tertiary, and regrind applications. The stirred mill portfolio includes the Vertimill^®, the Metso Outotec HIGmill™ grinding mill, and the SMDStirred Media Detritor, allowing the customers to select the best mill type for any stirred milling application. Metso Outotec HIGmill™ is an advanced and energy-efficient fine and ultra-fine grinding solution that relies on proven technology.

Metso Outotec provides comprehensive Life Cycle Services programs for its customers. We support customers in ensuring safety and environmental performance, improving reliability and production for resource efficiency, as well as optimizing total cost of ownership. Read more about Life Cycle Services for mining customers on our website.

Metso Outotec is a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally. By improving our customers’ energy and water efficiency, increasing their productivity, and reducing environmental risks with our product and process expertise, we are the partner for positive change. Metso Outotec is committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C with Science Based Targets.

Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Metso Outotec employs over 15,000 people in more than 50 countries and its sales for 2021 were about EUR 4.2 billion. The company is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. mogroup.com

Custom corrugated boxes and fiber tubes protect products and the environment and build brand image

By Cheryl Smith

The subject of packaging and shipping solutions has become an increasingly popular topic of conversation within businesses and among the public.

Before and during the pandemic, the rapid expansion of e-commerce has fueled demand for packaging, while labor shortages and shipping constraints have also made it harder to produce and deliver the containers used to ship and store everything from food and consumer goods to machine parts.

At the same time, consumers are increasingly aware of the need for more sustainable packaging. According to McKinsey & Company, 55% of US consumers are extremely or very concerned about the environmental impact of packaging. They are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products, and they express a desire to buy additional sustainably packaged products if more of them were available and better labeled to indicate green packaging.

As a result, businesses have responded in three important ways.

First, they have turned to suppliers that have a proven track record and ongoing capability of delivering packaging solutions when needed to ensure that the right shipping container is available when product comes off the production line.

Environmental Sustainability

Second, the demand for corrugated cardboard boxes and fiber tubes expands as consumers, government regulators, investors and employees push for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics. Boxes and tubes are made from plant-based materials which can be sustainably harvested and replanted, and many boxes and tubes are manufactured from 100% recycled material.

The disposal of these paper-based packaging solutions is also far more sustainable. In 2021, 91.4% of corrugated cardboard was recycled compared to only 6% of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in the US. Moreover, the paper is biodegradable and does not contain any toxic chemicals or heavy metals, and therefore the small percentage of scrap or used boxes and tubes that do end up in a landfill will decompose without harming the environment. In fact, boxes and tubes buried in the earth will compost in a couple months, adding nutrients back into the soil.

Custom Packaging Solutions

The third reason for the increased interest in custom boxes and fiber tubes is their versatility and adaptability to perfectly fit the specific requirements of each application to achieve the optimal balance between the crush strength and weight/thickness to reduce the cost of materials and shipping.

Custom packaging comes in many shapes, sizes, and strengths to contain and protect products for storage or transport. The packaging should be designed to fit the product, rather than the other way around.

A perfect fit means eliminating the waste, reducing environmental impact and costs of producing, handling, and disposing of excess packaging and unnecessary void fill material — and of damaged product. The right fit also means higher packing density for more energy-efficient transport and more space-efficient storage.

Custom boxes and fiber tubes also enable important marketing advantages over stock packaging. Graphics and information can be printed on the interior and exterior surfaces to increase brand awareness and support point-of-purchase campaigns.

The two major categories of custom, sustainable packaging are corrugated boxes and fiber tubes. Both categories have the environmental benefits of fiber material, and both are extremely customizable to meet specific application requirements.

Custom Corrugated Boxes

Custom corrugated boxes can be designed in any desired size and in a wide range of board thickness. Designers utilize software to optimize the shape and size of the box to efficiently and safely package the product(s) contained within, and to ensure the boxes can be stacked securely on a pallet, without wasted space.

Boxes hold items wrapped with protective packaging or surrounded with void fill material for safe shipment. They can be sealed, closed, and stacked in a warehouse or shipping container.  Some specialty boxes ship hazardous materials or insulate products from excessive heat or cold.

Box types include Die Cut, Full Overlap Slotted Container (FOL), Full Telescopic Design Container (FTD) and Overlap Slotted Container (OSC). A variety of wax and varnish coating options are available. Additional customizations include partitions, eyelets, transparent windows, and die cut foam inserts

Fiber Tubes

Fiber wound tubes are also customized depending upon the specifications and requirements of each customer and applications. They are typically made of cardboard, but they can also be reinforced with other materials for added strength and resilience. Paper or paperboard sheet layers are wound together and bonded with an adhesive to form strong, hollow, and usually cylindrical shapes. Fiber wound tubes provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and are used in applications requiring high bend strength, crush resistance, and dynamic strength.

Tubes are available in various sizes; length, inside diameter, and wall thickness can be customized to fit specific products. The wall thickness of the tube can vary depending on the number of layers wrapped during manufacturing. The innermost layer or ply - the liner -, and the outermost layer - the wrap -, can consist of different materials (foil, film, etc.) or specialized paper. The specialized paper and materials can provide water resistance, graphics or labeling, or a specific color.

Tubes Serve as Containers and as Paper Cores

The high strength of fiber tubes makes them well-suited to two very different uses — as an exterior container for a very wide range of products or as the interior core around which sheets of material are wound.

As a container, tubes protect a wide variety of products during shipment, protecting them from damage, including long, heavy items such as pipes and baseball bats, and fragile items such as fishing poles. Tubes are often a good alternative to shipping items in a box with protective packaging or void fill. The range of applications is quite extensive, from small tubes with film barriers for potato chips to large tubes used to form concrete pilings.

Paper cores typically fall into two subcategories: In industrial applications, webs or sheets of flexible material (plastic film, paper, foil, textiles, etc.) are wound around paper cores with thick walls. These tubes function as a machine element and facilitate loading of the large rolls. The other subcategory is a thinner-walled variety of tube used for the packaging and dispensing of retail products, such as the core of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, as well as adhesive tape and labels.

Protect Products and the Environment

Custom boxes and tubes are more effective at protecting products than stock boxes, and they have far less impact on the environment compared to plastic packaging. A custom packaging solution means a perfect fit for your product, with less waste and more efficient packing and transport, resulting in cost savings, as well as a distinctive image that enhances brand image and supports marketing campaigns.

Dynamic inventory management system ensures timely delivery of packaging materials to keep manufacturing and distribution flowing

AGE Industries, Ltd, a leading supplier of innovative and custom packaging and shipping solutions for industry and government agencies, offers Just-in-time (JIT) delivery of corrugated boxes, fiber tubes, and packaging materials. During the current supply chain challenges, customers rely on AGE Industries’ dynamic inventory management system and efficient operations for timely delivery of packaging materials to keep manufacturing and distribution flowing.

AGE Industries offers a comprehensive one-stop shop for corrugated boxes, fiber tubes, and ancillary shipping items including stretch wrap, bubble tape, and labels. An in-house design and engineering team works with customers to develop custom solutions and ensure that exact specifications are met. 

Custom design solutions enhance the protection of products and reduce shipping costs, and custom printing increases brand awareness and supports point-of-purchase marketing campaigns. Options for custom boxes are limitless which allows you to tailor your packaging for its market.

With six manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Mexico, AGE Industries ships to any location in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Products can also be delivered to anywhere in the world by AGE Industries or one of its affiliated partners, providing customers with an integrated program for satisfying all their custom design and packaging needs.

For more information about the AGE Industries, Ltd, visit www.ageindustries.com.

About AGE Industries, Ltd.

Founded by Arthur G. Eltzroth in 1974, AGE offers innovative custom packaging and shipping solutions for private industry and governmental agencies. AGE designs and manufactures corrugated boxes, fiber tubes, and wood crating for Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico in the United States. AGE Box de Mexico, based out of Reynosa, Tamps. Mexico, provides custom corrugated packaging and overall packaging solutions for Mexico. AGE meets WBENC, Tx HUB, and CMBL certifications.

For more information, contact AGE Industries at 817-641-8178 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pump purchase return on investment can be measured in days

By Mike Libbey, Area Sales Manager CIRCOR and Bob Limper, Business Development Manager CIRCOR

A global manufacturer of scented plastic garbage bags was looking for an alternative to the use of pre-scented plastic pellets. A serendipitous encounter at a tradeshow led them to a precision gear metering pump solution that gave them accuracy and consistency at the low flow rates required, while also reducing their costs and improving worker health. Yearly savings are so high that the return on investment for the pump system can be measured in days.

Seeking an alternative for costly pre-scented plastic pellets

Example of storage silos

A global manufacturer of scented plastic garbage bags was looking for an alternative to the use of pre-scented plastic pellets, which required a dedicated silo for each of the 20 available fragrances. The pellets are pneumatically conveyed to each silo from either tanker trucks or rail cars and the manufacturer was experiencing logistical issues associated with keeping the silos filled. They also had to carry high costs for maintaining the inventory of the pre-scented pellets.

In addition, the heavily concentrated scents had been causing health concerns for the workers who complained of headaches. To mitigate this issue, each extruder line was fitted with a vacuum exhaust hood to expel the fumes to the outdoors. On occasion, these emissions led to complaints from neighbors and citations from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The company was seeking a way to use plain plastic pellets and apply scented oil directly to the plastic sheet immediately after the extrusion process to reduce costs, logistical challenges, and energy use. They had tried to build such a system in-house but had struggled to achieve accuracy and consistency at the low flow rates they required. They decided to seek a pump-based solution that could directly spray fragrance on the warm melted sheet plastic because the in-house solution could not meet rigorous quality control standards requiring the spray-on scent to exactly match that of pre-scented pellets.

Finding a solution on a tradeshow floor

Design engineers from the plastic bag manufacturer attending the PackExpo show observed a working demonstration of precision gear metering pumps made by Zenith and asked application experts if the pumps might be a fit with their application. After collecting information on the application, an area manager for the pump manufacturer with extensive experience in dosing and blending systems visited the plant to get a firsthand view of current operations and gather additional information. 

CIRCOR’s system solution utilizing a Zenith B-9000 Series rotary positive displacement pump specifically designed for single stream chemical duty applications.Working with the pump manufacturer’s design group they developed a system solution utilizing a Zenith B-9000 Series rotary positive displacement pump specifically designed for single stream chemical duty applications.  The pump features an accurate, repeatable, pulse free flow in a compact design ideal for dosing additives such as colors, flavors, and fragrances.

This type of pump is defined as rotary because the drive shaft is rotated as compared to other types of pumps using a reciprocating motion and is also considered to be a positive displacement type because the displaced volume is constant and does not vary.

Pumping action is achieved by filling the gear teeth spaces and transporting the fluid around the outer diameter of the gears. When the gear teeth mesh, the fluid is displaced and forced to the outlet side of the pump. The flow rate can only be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the speed at which the shaft is rotated. The pump selected offers precision grinding and lapping processes that result in a precision metering instrument, producing precise, pulse-less, and repeatable fluid flow.

The pumps offer extremely tight operating clearances to minimize fluid slip. Manufacturing tolerances on many parts are to +/- 50 millionths of inch with surface finishes as smooth as 4 micro inches or better. The pumps are offered with an AC “closed loop” motor speed controller to maintain 0.1 percent pump speed accuracy.

The Zenith 9000 series pump is available in 11 sizes with capacities ranging from .003 to 300 GPH.  Wetted parts are available in through hardened 440C series stainless steel, specialty treated 316 stainless steel, and high quality tool steels such as D2, M2, M4 and CPM-M4 to provide good corrosion and abrasion resistance. 

The bag manufacturer selected a model with a magnetic drive (mag-drive) sealing option, which can eliminate shaft leakage of fluids, increasing plant safety and reducing volatile organic compound emissions. The use of a magnetic coupling also eliminates downtime due to mechanical seal failures and eliminates the need for buffer fluids.

New solution reduces costs and offers uniform fragrance distribution

Moveable Cart utilizing a Zenith B-9000 Series rotary positive displacement pump specifically designed for single stream chemical duty applications.The new Zenith pump system gave the scented bag manufacturer a continuous, pulse free process, which guarantees equal and uniform fragrance distribution. By adding the scent directly to the bags after leaving the extruder, the plastic bag manufacturer not only eliminated the need to have separate pellet silos for each scent, but also eliminated the need to vent the fumes that come from the pellets as they travel from the silos to the extruders. 

The manufacturer purchased the first system and after successful trials, ordered six additional systems. Over the past two years they have purchased more than 30 systems, with plans to order more. The manufacturer is also interested in having Zenith conduct annual field calibrations of each system.

After two years of operation, the manufacturer estimates a yearly savings of approximately $480,000 per skid in operation. With 30 skids now running, the return on investment for each system purchase can be measured in weeks.

To date, there have been no odor complaints since the customer installed the  Zenith systems.

Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), closed its previously announced acquisition of full ownership of Beyond6, LLC and its nationwide network of compressed natural gas stations from Mercuria Energy Trading and Beyond6 founder Andrew West.

About Chevron

Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We are focused on lowering the carbon intensity in our operations and growing lower carbon businesses along with our traditional business lines. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

About Mercuria

Founded in 2004, Mercuria is one of the largest independent energy and commodity groups in the world. As an integrated group, Mercuria is present all along the commodity value chain with activities forming a balanced combination of trading flows, strategic assets and structuring solutions. With more than USD 100 billion in turnover, Mercuria has become one of the most active players in the energy and renewables markets. Over the next five years, the company will direct half of its investment towards the energy transition. For more information, visit www.mercuria.com.

New machine improves product quality and increases production capacity

Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., a leader in the power transmission industry, has added an Automated Gear Tooth Grinder to their gear hobbing department. This new equipment offers a range of benefits that improve product quality and increase production capacity. This unique machine frees up capacity on four other machines, improves the quality of gear geometry, improves the cycle time, and effectively grinds spur and helical gears.

At a time when product demand outpaces production capacity, adding this single piece of equipment will help make available nearly 40% more production time on four separate hobbing machines. In this way, the Automated Gear Tooth Grinder significantly increases total gear-cutting capabilities. 

This new machine is also capable of grinding the gear tooth profile, leading to an exacting, .00005 inch precision. This means that the teeth will continually mesh at the same point, appreciably reducing wear and noise. This aspect of the grinder proves of great benefit for customers who have noise-sensitive applications. 

Customers can also obtain increased gear motor efficiency from the fact that lower weight lubricant oils are needed when using a grind-finished gear. The Automated Gear Tooth Grinder produces a better finished product in ¼ of the time of a standard hobbing machine, significantly expediting the grinding process and improving the quality of the gear. 

For more information about the Bison Gear & Engineering, visit https://www.bisongear.com.

About Bison Gear & Engineering Corp.

Bison Gear and Engineering began in 1960 by designing problem-solving gearboxes and gear motors for their customers. Today, the company has grown into an industry leader for fractional and low integral horsepower electric motor, gearmotor and gear reducer products by implementing innovative lean manufacturing processes, world class engineering and customer support teams driven by their Robusticity® design philosophy; allowing Bison to consistently expand its product line with new motion control and power transmission solutions. For more information on Bison or their products, please visit www.bisongear.com, or contact Bison directly at 1-800-AT-BISON (1-800-282-4766).

Valmet has completed the acquisition of the U.S. based NovaTech Automation’s Process Solutions business.

The acquired business specializes in process control and optimization solutions for batch, continuous and hybrid processes. It serves customers mainly in process industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and chemical products. With a turnover of approximately USD 18 million, it employs 76 people in the United States and the Benelux countries. The acquisition excludes NovaTech Automation’s other divisions.

The NovaTech Automation Process Solutions business will be integrated to Valmet’s Automation Systems business line. The acquired business will be included in Valmet’s financial reporting for the first time in Valmet’s 1^st quarter 2023 financial reporting.

“The acquisition was completed as planned and we are very happy to welcome the new colleagues as well as the former NovaTech process solutions’ customers to Valmet. The acquired business complements our automation offering well, bringing new synergies and opening the opportunity to serve both companies’ current and future process automation customers with a wider offering,” says Emilia Torttila-Miettinen, President, Automation Systems business line at Valmet.

“Valmet is a truly global, sustainable, and customer-focused process engineering organization. This acquisition is a great opportunity for the process organization, its employees and customers,” says Conrad Oakey, CEO, NovaTech Automation.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. The combined company’s net sales in 2021 were approximately EUR 4.5 billion based on the respective company figures.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.   

Follow us on valmet.com

For further information, please contact:
Toni Saarnio, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, tel. +358 40 588 4122, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Thanks to Nidec ASI's Made in Italy technology it will be possible to improve air quality and to mitigate the acoustic impact of ferries and cruise ships in the two Ligurian ports, for the benefit of local communities and the relaunch of tourism from a greener perspective

Nidec ASI, part of the Energy & Infrastructure Division of the Nidec Group, continues its growth path in Europe and in Italy under the banner of sustainability, consolidating its leadership in the ecological transition sector in our country by being awarded two turnkey projects for electrification of the quays (cold ironing) of the passenger ports of Genoa and Savona. In particular, as far as Genoa is concerned, 4 years after the first shore-to-ship project carried out by Nidec ASI for the port of Genoa Prà, the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, by signing a contract worth a total of approximately €18 million, has assigned the executive design and works to the Temporary Joint Venture (TJV) of which Nidec ASI is the leading company, and in which Ceisis, leader in the design, construction and management of port facilities, and the Molfino & Longo civil engineering firm are consortium partners. Nidec ASI is also at the head of the group of companies which, by decision of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, was awarded the contract for a project worth around €8 million in Savona, which once again involves Ceisis, together with Giuggia Costruzioni, the SV Port Company and the Fenoglio E Persico Engineering Firm. For the Ligurian capital, the order was acquired in June and the design phase has already started, while the order for the contract relating to the port of Savona was signed in September and it is estimated that both projects will be completed in around 2-3 years.

Thanks to the innovative electric power supply systems for ships developed by Nidec ASI in Genoa and Savona, it will be possible to reduce emissions and noise pollution with positive impacts on inhabitants and tourists in the areas bordering the two Ligurian ports, which are both located inside the cities, while at the same time having minimal impact on the operation of the ports. In Genoa, the project envisages Nidec ASI building six berths which will allow the cruise ships and ferries docked at the port to switch off their on-board generators, connecting to the electricity grid to meet their operational needs. In order to adapt the voltage and frequency of the power supply network to what the ships require, a conversion system consisting of distribution panels, transformers and converters that will allow the ships to be powered simultaneously will be implemented. In Savona a cold ironing system similar to that of Genoa will be developed for the cruise port, with a converter which will allow one ship to be powered at a time. For both projects, an automation, monitoring and control system will allow meeting all safety regulations.

The two orders comply with the necessity of following European Union directives which, since 2003, encourage ports to adopt quays electrification systems (shore-to-ship) to reduce polluting emissions of vessels in the port, while maintaining heating and air conditioning running, as well as the necessary vessel auxiliary systems. By 2025 this recommendation will become binding for all European ports. The planned investments for modernizing the ports of Genoa and Savona are co-financed by the EIB (European Investment Bank) for a total of projects equal to €789 million (approximately 300 covered by the EIB loan) and include various interventions such as moving the breakwater in the capital port, access to the railway terminals, cold ironing (electrification of the quays), restructuring the port moorings and IT security.

“These ambitious projects confirm our leadership in the development of shore-to-ship systems in Europe and in Italy. The two initiatives where we are protagonists represent a fundamental step in the process aimed at reducing the environmental impact of port activities, a central theme for promoting a sustainable development model in Italy and in Europe and that we trust will kick off many other similar projects for Italian ports, after the Ligurian ones, which have led the way. The transformation of logistics and port infrastructures towards greater safety and energy savings can also help improve the life of local communities and develop tourist activity, allowing a greater number of cruise ships to dock” said Dominique Llonch, CEO of Nidec ASI. “We are pleased to continue collaborating with the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority by providing the most advanced technology, thanks to 40 years of experience in the construction of conversion systems, combined with the ability to meet specific needs through customized solutions and proven know-how, developed through various applications already installed in the Port of Genoa Prà, Livorno, in the Muggiano Shipyards - La Spezia, in the Military Naval Bases of Taranto, in the port of Valletta and in Port de Séte (Southern France). And we have many other initiatives in the pipeline: we are in fact participating in all the tenders in the Mediterranean area for the development of electrification systems”.

These new projects, together with other shore-to-ship systems implemented last year in Malta, and in southern France, as well as those in the development phase in Greece and Spain, other major initiatives such as the supply of battery storage systems for onboard energy for full-electric and hybrid cargo ships, ferries and yachts (with the possibility of providing automatic fast-recharging from land), and solutions for automating cranes used in ports, make Nidec ASI a true leader in the evolution of the maritime and port sector towards all-electric, so key to navigation and logistics that are increasingly green and sustainable. The Group is also fully-active in the transport sector through promoting the development of electric cars utilizing an ultra-fast recharging system for e-vehicles and a recently launched Ultra-Fast charging station.

Nidec Industrial Solutions (NIS), the commercial platform of the Nidec group, offers complete electrical systems and brings together the products and services of Nidec ASI, Avtron Industrial Automation, Nidec Industrial Automation, Motortecnica and SSB Wind Systems. It offers customized solutions throughout the world for a wide range of industrial applications. Its reference markets are the petrochemical, traditional and renewable energy, steel, naval and industrial automation markets. The multinational is specialized in heavy duty applications in which high power and high performance are key: electric motors and generators up to 65 MW of power (87,000 HP); power electronic converters and inverters; automation and software for industrial processes; retrofitting of power plants and hydroelectric generators; integrated systems for the production and storage of electrical energy from renewable sources and their integration in power grids. Following the acquisition of the Motors, Drives and Electric Power Generation divisions of Emerson Electric Co., Nidec ASI has also made further improvements to its industrial and commercial activities, integrating the medium and low power drives into the overall range offered by Nidec. Thanks to the acquisitions of Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer, part of Nidec Corporation Group since February 1, 2017, it is able to offer technologies optimized for the control of motors and to develop automation solutions for specific applications, tailored to the needs of the client to provide a flexible response to each requirement.

Taking advantage of new export opportunities has seen a Middlesex manufacturer invest more than £300,000 into a new high-speed precision stamping press line.

Eden Limited, a specialist in optical air-blown fibre and cables fittings for the global telecommunication industry, renewed a 35-year working relationship with Bruderer UK to place the order for the BSTA 180-36B press - fitted with the latest high speed precision servo feeder.

This latest addition is being utilised to drive innovation of new product ranges and to supply existing telecoms contracts, ensuring sustainability and development of the legacy network in the UK and abroad.

This machine is already delivering greater accuracies, with Bruderer UK’s quick lift-ram technology - that dynamically adjusts bottom dead centre position whilst in operation - meaning the business can guarantee process stability and part quality to their customers regardless of the volumes required.

“A pre-owned Bruderer BSTA 30 was one of the first machines I bought when I started the business back in 1993,” explained Dave Hawkins, Chairman of Eden.

“It has given us tremendous service and reliability, so when we were looking to advance our press shops technology to make parts 10x quicker to compete with Far East made products, there was only one investment I was going to make and the new Bruderer press is going to be fantastic for us.”

He continued: “We have built our reputation on innovative products that have become and continue to be the go-to industry standard for over 20 years and, as such, are frequently copied worldwide. Investments, like the Bruderer press, ensures we keep ahead of our competition and paves the way for future expansion.

“We have seen demand increase significantly since lockdown, as we are one of the very few companies worldwide that control all elements of the manufacture in-house. This gives us a unique position in the market to supply when others could not, so much so we have invested some £1.5m over the last 18 months, culminating in the acquisition of the high-speed precision press.”

The Bruderer UK technical team, headed by Scott Baker, worked with Eden to spec the BSTA 180-36B to its exact requirements, adding a state-of-the-art high-speed precision BSV75 Servo Feeder (including automatic material thickness adjustment) and other options to help speed up tool development, tool changeovers and the efficiency of the whole process.

Adrian Haller, Managing Director at Bruderer UK, picked up the story: “This machine will future-proof Eden’s press capability for decades and delivers the unrivalled performance and repeatable accuracy it needs when manufacturing precision components.

“What is really pleasing about this project is that Dave and his team first purchased a Bruderer back in 1993 and that press has given them unbelievable service and will continue to do so. When the time came to add even further capability, there was no hesitation in coming back to us – these strategic partnerships is what our company is all about.”

Pam Gill, Managing Director at Eden, concluded: “The entire project was seamless and Bruderer’s service and support remains second to none.

“Everything was project managed for us from start to finish, meaning we could concentrate on meeting the increases in production and putting in place the platform we needed to maximise several new product and export opportunities.”

For further information, please visit www.edenltd.co.uk or www.bruderer.co.uk.

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Wisewoods Co., Ltd to supply another pressurized refining system – the second from ANDRITZ – to its mill in Phetchaburi, Thailand. Start-up is scheduled for the first half year in 2024.

The new fiber preparation system will feature a capacity of 30 tons per hour and process rubber wood for production of high-quality MDF- (Medium Density Fiber) board.

Visarut Palarit, Deputy Director Wisewoods says: “Our first line from ANDRITZ has been showing excellent performance since its installation in 2016. The new line will enable us to enlarge our production capacity significantly. In parallel, ANDRITZ’ technology ensures that we receive top fiber quality – a precondition for our MDF board to deliver lighter color and smoother surface properties.”

Shown from left to right: Sirinda Palarit, Deputy Director Wisewoods, Somyos Palarit, Director Wisewoods, Michael Rupp, Vice President ANDRITZ Panelboard, Visarut Palarit, Deputy Director Wisewoods and Sompong Palarit, Director Wisewoods. © ANDRITZ

Wisewoods Co., Ltd is a renowned player in the wood panel industry for four decades and manufactures high-quality MDF products for the Middle East and Asian region.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydro, and Separation. Technological leadership, global presence and sustainability are the cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 27,900 employees and over 280 locations in more than 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on maximum utilization of raw materials, increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation. Boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, various nonwoven technologies, panelboard (MDF) production systems, as well as recycling and shredding solutions for numerous waste materials also form a part of this business area. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.