International news digest

Third Quarter 2007 News & events

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.

Sun Hydraulics Corporation has reported a 2007 Q1 sales increase of 20% and earnings per share up by 39%. Allen Carlson, Sun's president and CEO recently reported that while all business segments grew significantly, the European and Asian sales were especially strong. He emphasised the belief that the company’s growth is being fuelled by attending to basics: having the right products for the marketplace, providing detailed product information on demand, and delivering products when and where the customer wants.

Sun Hydraulics Corporation’s board of directors has appointed a new chairman, announced a 50% stock dividend and increased the company's cash dividend. Ferdinand E. Megerlin was appointed chairman.

USA: The National Robot Safety Conference XIX takes place 1–4 October, 2007 at the Indianapolis Marriott Center East, Indianapolis. Conference topics include an OSHA view on safety, basic safety circuit design, R15.06 and TR R15.106 safety standards, risk assessment, case studies and panel sessions.

Further reading:

Schneider Electric’s next generation UPS
Schneider Electric South Africa News & events
Schneider Electric has launched the new Galaxy VXL – a highly efficient, compact, modular, scalable and redundant 500-1250 kW (400V) 3-phase uninterruptible power supply, complete with enhanced cybersecurity, software and safety features.

Read more...

---

Bühler’s strategic upgrades advance world-class manufacturing excellence
News & events
2024 was pivotal for Bühler Johannesburg due to significant upgrades at its manufacturing facility to enhance efficiency, safety and the overall working environment.

Read more...

---

Fuchs Lubricants sails strong into 2025
News & events
The successful completion of a major investment programme has significantly increased the growth potential of Fuchs Lubricants South Africa.

Read more...

---

WearCheck launches advanced thermography course
News & events
WearCheck recently launched a new training course, InfraFocus to upskill users of thermographic cameras. This highlights the best ways to capture thermographic imagery for use in a condition monitoring programme.

Read more...

---

SKF empowers employees
SKF South Africa News & events
The cornerstone to SKF’s success as a global leader in premium bearing products and rotating technology is an unwavering commitment to investing in its valued employees. Tsholofelo Choma, who now proudly holds the position of quality environmental health and safety (QEHS) officer, exemplifies SKF’s employee-centricity ethos.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric again named World’s Most Sustainable Corporation
Schneider Electric South Africa News & events
Schneider Electric has been named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights, and is the only company to rank first in the Global 100 twice.

Read more...

---

From the editor's desk: A new disruption
Technews Publishing News & events
Just when we thought we were getting to grips with ChatGPT, another large language model is causing havoc. This time it’s a Chinese one called DeepSeek, which was released on 20 January 2025 and on ...

Read more...

---

Festo celebrates its centenary
Festo News & events
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.

Read more...

---

Motion technology for all types of automation
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.

Read more...

---

Epiroc and ABB collaborate on underground trolley solutions
News & events
Epiroc and ABB have signed a MoU based on underground trolley equipment to collaborate on joint, comprehensive and integrated electrification solutions for the mining industry to increase productivity and achieve decarbonisation targets.

Read more...

---