Parliament approves loan for 13 heavy duty washing machines

 Parliament on Friday approved a 2.8 million Euro loan agreement between Ghana and the KBC Bank of Belgium for the supply and installation of heavy duty washing machines for 13 hospitals in the country.

    

The loan, which has a grace period of 10 years and repayment period of 20 years would among other things ensure the transportation, collection and processing of soiled linens in hospitals in a more decent manner.

    

The acquisition and installation of the washing machines would also reduce the risk of health workers who were hitherto exposed to infections such as hepatitis "A" since soiled linens were a major cause of infections in most hospitals.

    

Mr. James Klutse Avedzi, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance who made this known gave the assurance that the loan would also step up the health delivery system by reversing the lack of automated laundry services in hospitals.

   

Other loans approved by Parliament included a 28 Million Euro loan facility between Ghana and Fortis Bank N.V of The Netherlands for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Tamale Teaching Hospital and a $21.72 Million- Dollar loan from Export-Import Bank of India to finance improved fish harvesting and fish processing project as well as the supply of waste management equipment.

  

The rest are a $13.5 Million loan from the OPEC fund for International Development and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa for the upgrading and expansion of the radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services in Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals.

http://www.ghananewsagency.org/s_social/r_10360/

Sany Heavy Equipment gets going as Mingfa finally crosses the finish line

As the Chinese manufacturer of tunnelling machinery starts its roadshow, Mingfa mines new lows in terms of Chinese property IPO valuations.

Sany Heavy Equipment International, a Chinese manufacturer of coal mining equipment, on Monday launched an initial public offering that could raise up to HK$2.4 billion ($309 million). At the same time, Chinese property developer Mingfa Group has completed its prolonged IPO, raising $278 million.

Sany is selling 500 million shares, all primary, at a price between HK$4.10 and HK$4.80. This translates into 11.1 to 13 times 2010 projected earnings.

The company is China's leading manufacturer of roadheaders, which are machines used in mining to create tunnels. Its competitive edge is that it is able to manufacture roadheaders in China at a level of quality that allows it to compete with international players, but at a significantly lower price. It is also the first Chinese company to have branched out into making combined coal mining machinery, which incorporates mining, structural support and conveyance, into one automated unit.

The company is part of the Sany Group, a major supplier of equipment to civil engineering and construction firms in China. The other main company in the group is Sany Heavy Industry, a Shanghai-listed outfit that manufactures engineering machinery for construction use.

Coal mining equipment is a rapidly growing sector in China, partly because the increasing cost of coal has allowed miners to earn enough cash that can be used to splash out on better equipment. And there is a growing emphasis on quality, because a malfunctioning machine, even for just a day, can lead to large losses. Sany is already benefiting from these trends. In the first half of 2009, net profit was Rmb250 million ($37 million), 222% up on the same period last year.

There are already two cornerstones investors in the IPO: Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), Singapore's largest sovereign wealth fund, will take $25 million worth of shares; and GE Capital will invest another $12.5 million.

HSBC and Standard Chartered are joint bookrunners for the deal, which is expected to price on November 17.

As Sany's IPO gets going, another deal finally got done. Mingfa priced its IPO at HK$2.39 a share, at the middle of an indicative range that went from HK$2 to HK$2.89, raising $278 million.

This is well below the amount the company was looking for at the outset. Last month it launched the offering on terms that could have raised as much as $440 million. At the time, other developers were postponing their deals or pricing near the bottom. Although the deal could have been covered at the original range, according to a source, Mingfa decided to relaunch its IPO with a lower price range in order to give aftermarket trading a boost.

Institutional investors that had subscribed to the deal on the first set of terms were said to stay in at the lower price. They included a mix of long-only funds, hedge funds and property specialists. The retail tranche was approximately 80% covered.

The final price values the company at a discount of 68.2% versus its estimated 2010 net asset value (NAV), which sets a new valuation low among the recent flurry of IPOs by Chinese developers. To put this into perspective, another developer, Evergrande Real Estate raised $726.2 million at a 48.5% discount to NAV in a deal that was generally considered to be cheap. Meanwhile, Longfor Properties is looking for up to $916 million at a discount of between 30% and 39% to 2010 NAV in a deal that is due to price today, and Fantasia Holdings Group is trying to raise as much as $413 million at a discount of between 54.3% and 62.8%.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bocom International and Deutsche Bank were joint bookrunners for Mingfa's IPO.
http://www.financeasia.com/article.aspx?CIaNID=116506

Mitsubishi Heavy 1H Grp Net Loss Y3.10B Vs Y29.03B Pft Yr Earlier

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (7011.TO)
Tokyo
1st Half Ended September 30
GROUP 2009 2008
Revenue Y1.32 tln Y1.57 tln
Operating Profit 25.11 bln 72.72 bln
Pretax Profit 2.65 bln 75.50 bln
Net Profit (3.10) bln 29.03 bln
Per share
Earnings (0.92) 8.65
Figures in parentheses are losses.
Results are based on Japanese accounting standards.




Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. also released the following forecasts:
GROUP Year Ending
Mar 2010
Revenue Y3.00 tln
Operating Profit 65.00 bln
Pretax Profit 20.00 bln
Net Profit 12.00 bln
Per share
Earnings 3.58
Results are based on Japanese accounting standards.






TOKYO (Dow Jones)--Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (7011.TO) said Friday that it swung into the red in the first half as cautious corporate sentiment for increasing capital spending dented sales of its machinery products as the yen's appreciation reduced income from overseas markets.

The Tokyo-based heavy machinery maker posted a net loss of Y3.10 billion in the six months ended Sept. 30, a reversal from a net profit of Y29.03 billion in the same period a year earlier.

Sales fell 16% to Y1.322 trillion in the first half from Y1.575 trillion a year earlier.

For the current fiscal year through March, Mitsubishi Heavy left unchanged its forecast, projecting a net profit of Y12 billion on sales of Y3.000 trillion.

Mitsubishi Heavy reports its earnings under Japanese accounting standards.
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091030-700481.html

Mitsubishi Heavy Expects 1st Half Group Net Loss Y3.1 Billion

TOKYO -(Dow Jones)- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (7011.TO) said Friday it now estimates a net loss Y3.1 billion for the first half ended Sept. 30, citing a slump in sales of some industrial machinery products and the yen's strength.
The Japanese shipbuilder and heavy-machinery maker blamed declines in sales of the industrial machinery category, which includes forklift and machine tools, amid flagging demand. Sales of the other segments, generators and shipbuilding also remained weak. It also noted that he yen's strength hurt profitability during the latest reporting period.
The projected interim net loss compares with a net profit of Y29.0 billion in the same period a year earlier.
The company also expects a 16% on-year fall in sales to Y1.322 trillion with a 66% decline in operating profit to Y25.1 billion.
The company will give outlook for full year earnings when it releases interim results Oct. 30.
-By Hiroyuki Kachi, Dow Jones Newswires; 813-6895-7562; Hiroyuki.Kachi@dowjones.com
Click here to go to Dow Jones NewsPlus, a web front page of today's most important business and market news, analysis and commentary: http://www.djnewsplus.com/access/al?rnd=ZB8C9jZ9uAK8axaKl9M%2FEA%3D%3D. You can use this link on the day this article is published and the following day.
http://www.easybourse.com/bourse/actualite/mitsubishi-heavy-expects-1st-half-group-net-loss-y-1-749731

Heavy Machinery

World of Wonder's MACHINES OF MALICE: THE INQUISITION premieres tonight at 10PM Eastern on the Discovery Channel. Put yourself in the hot seat as this episode tests out torturous atrocities like "The Interrogation Chair," above left. GETTING A LITTLE OUT-OF-JOINT: Find out how Inquisitors turned everyday objects into horrific devices to "help" the accused see the error of their ways... and thoughts, above right.
HARD TO STOMACH: Machines of Malice tests exotic torture devices like the "Revolving Drum," below left, a contraption supposed to grind away at the accused during questioning. A SLICE OF HUMAN HISTORY: Find out how religious zealots engineered fear and terror so entire populations would conform to their specific beliefs. Below right, the "Skin Peeler. (Text and photos by Nick Perlmuter)

http://worldofwonder.net/2009/09/28/Heavy_Machinery/

Sector Snap: Heavy machinery makers slipping

Shares of heavy machinery makers slipped Wednesday after a government report disclosed that orders for nonmilitary, non-aerospace goods fell last month.

The Commerce Department said that while the overall level of order for durable goods - items expected to last at least three years - rose in July, orders for products like tractors, construction equipment and diesel engines declined 0.3 percent.

Cliff Waldman, economist for the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, called the government report disappointing.

"New orders for non-defense capital goods, excluding aircraft, a proxy for business equipment spending, slipped a bit after two strong months and remains more than 20 percent below year-ago levels," he added.

"U.S. and global activity has stabilized and financial conditions have improved modestly," Waldman said. "But business decision makers are going to have to see firmer and more consistent evidence of a return to the type of economic conditions that will produce solid profits before they are willing to more consistently strengthen their investment commitments and add capacity."

Paul Ashworth, U.S. senior economist for Canada-based Capital Economics Ltd., said the data "is a little concerning as far as the outlook for business investment goes."

In morning trading, shares of Deere & Co. fell $1.32, or 2.8 percent, to $44.99, Joy Global Inc. declined $1.20, or 3 percent, to $39.26 and Cummins Inc. slipped $1.95, or 4.1 percent, to $46.05.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/08/26/business-specialized-consumer-services-us-heavy-machinery-makers-sector-snap_6817614.html

Heavy Equipment Training

Heavy equipments can cause much damage if they are not handled with care and caution. That is why trained people are needed to work with those machines. In the infrastructure industry there are good opportunities for such trained people who are capable of handling such heavy machinery in the right way.

Since infrastructure is an ever growing industry, there is bound to be great prospect for such trained workers. This need has been the key reason for a number of heavy equipment training schools in many places. But for good credentials one has to join in the best training school to excel in the construction industry.

The most basic things one needs to know when operating heavy equipments is: the right way of handling the machines, the different variety of machines and how to handle risks and how to avoid mistakes. These are the aspects students should be educated with. They need to be trained on how to handle a range of heavy machines.

Many such schools offer full time and part time courses, as suitable for the enrolling students. Full time is apt for younger students who are learning from scratch. Part time courses are best suited for working men, who want to acquire additional skills and enhance their current abilities
http://www.internetagentur-berlin.net/2009/08/heavy-equipment-training.html

Levelling sets handle heavy machines

The GN350 series are ideal for permanent levelling of machine tools, production line machinery, process equipment or gravity transport systems where very accurate degrees of slope may be required.

Accurate levelling of equipment and heavy machinery is facilitated by a new range of levelling sets from Elesa.

With individual load ratings from 4000 to 49,500kg static load, the GN350 series are ideal for permanent levelling of machine tools, production line machinery, process equipment or gravity transport systems where very accurate degrees of slope may be required.

Normally used in a configuration of three or more per equipment piece, the static load capacity created is sufficient to deal with even very large machinery.

The GN350 levelling sets are available in sizes from 25 to 80mm diameter, and are generally used in conjunction with spherical levelling washers, which take up angular differences in ground or equipment faces to ensure stress free positioning.

Each GN350 set comprises a threaded upper sleeve with a fine thread, which allows a stepless and precise setting and locking using a standard C spanner.

Normally, this screw is permanently and securely locked by the static load generated when the mounting screw is tightened - however if this is not considered sufficient then suitable locknuts are available.

http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/elc/elc193.html

Armory getting concrete parking for heavy machinery

Heavy machinery such as construction equipment and tanks are coming to the Keokuk National Guard Armory when a $323,000 project is completed around Labor Day.

A 70-by-85-foot section of the parking area behind the armory is getting an eight-inch concrete surface to handle the heavy machinery, according to Curtis Grant, project manager for First Construction Group, Inc. of Burlington, the general contractor. Another 100-by-40-foot portion of the parking lot will have a rock surface.

In addition, a 30-foot-long, 28-foot-wide concrete ramp is being built to load and unload the heavy machinery, Grant said.

The machinery is stored now at the National Guard Armory in Mount Pleasant, which also is scheduled to get a parking lot upgrade. No bids have been let yet on the Mount Pleasant project. Once the Keokuk armory project is finished, the National Guard will be able to store heavy machinery at each location, Grant pointed out.

A trench drain also is being installed near the metal maintenance vehicle storage building behind the Keokuk armory to handle water coming off the building’s roof and the improved parking lot.

Five trees were removed during the work in Keokuk, and they will be replaced with five new blue spruce trees or some other variety, Grant said.
The Keokuk armory’s parking lot will be enclosed with fencing with barbed wire on top for greater security. Light poles also will be installed.

First Construction Group, Inc. was the general contractor for the construction of the nearby Keokuk Aquatic Center.
http://www.dailygate.com/articles/2009/07/02/news/doc4a4cde77c663b811681197.txt

Engine stands also handle other heavy machinery

Where there is a need to move or rotate an engine or heavy object, the Benco range of engine stands from The Brixworth Engineering Co provide handling capacities between 760kg and 20tonnes.

Where there is a need to move or rotate an engine or heavy object, the Benco range of engine stands from The Brixworth Engineering Co provide handling capacities between 760kg and 20t.

The extensive Benco range has been specified by major engine and gearbox manufacturers, as well as many service companies including those involved with race car engineering.

Other general engineering applications involving large, awkward or heavy components can also be accommodated, and Brixworth has provided stands for jig and fixture assembly of aerospace components such as wing sections.

Testimony to the longevity and build quality of Brixworth products is the fact that the very first engine stand it supplied in 1966 is still providing excellent service.

The company's product range has been developed considerably over the years and now enjoys a worldwide reputation for the ease, simplicity and safety of rotational handling of heavy, out-of-balance loads with backlash-free movement.

The convenience and accessibility provided for assembly, service and maintenance operations ensures maximum production efficiency.

Whereas the ease of movement and safety while handling heavy loads complies with the highest level of regulations covering industrial working practices.

Many models can be supplied as floor mounted or mobile units, the latter providing the facility for easy relocation of work in progress to other stations.

Some models also offer an adjustable column, providing a spindle height that can be set from 760mm up to 1110mm.

Heavy items can be manipulated through 360 degrees in one plane and 90 degrees in the other.

Depending on the application, the rotational movements of the stands can be controlled electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically.

Although a comprehensive selection of standard models is available, Brixworth has considerable experience of designing and manufacturing bespoke engine stands, specifically to suit customer unique applications.

The company can supply site surveyors and engineers to evaluate any specialised requirements, ensuring that an effective solution is supplied in the most cost-effective manner.

The company is also now further extending its design and manufacturing facilities to embrace an entire range of specialised mechanical handling systems and devices, adding to its already impressive range of products and services.

http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/bix/bix100.html

Sector Snap: Heavy machinery makers struggle

Shares of companies that make giant mining trucks and big farming tractors fell Thursday on fresh evidence that global demand for their products is falling.

Caterpillar Inc., the world's largest construction and mining equipment manufacturer, on Wednesday reported global retail sales last month down 39 percent, the victim of the global recession and resulting construction slump.

R.W. Baird analyst Robert F. McCarthy said in a client note that the Peoria, Ill., company's "retail demand continues to decelerate globally."

Also Wednesday, Deere & Co., the world's largest farm equipment maker, cut its profit forecast for the second time this year because of falling sales.

Farmers have grown cautious about buying new equipment as prices for corn, wheat and other crops have fallen from record levels last year. Costs of fertilizer and fuel, meanwhile, remain relatively high. And the global credit crunch has made it more difficult to get loans.

Several analysts cut their 2009 earnings estimates on Deere. Jefferies analyst Stephen Volkmann trimmed his estimate by 45 cents to $2.65 per share and UBS analyst Henry Kirn trimmed his estimate to $2.50 from $3.35. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect, on average, $3.05.

In late morning trading, Deere fell $2.44, or 5.5 percent, to $41.89, Caterpillar lost $1.35, 3.6 percent, to $35.95 and Bucyrus International Inc. declined $1.53, or 5.9 percent, to $24.25.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/05/21/ap6452159.html

Worker crushed after failure to risk-assess top-heavy machinery 11/05/2009

The senior partner of a vehicle-breakdown recovery company has been fined £100,000 after an employee was crushed under a five-tonne press brake used to bend metal. Stuart Mullen, 33, was killed on 23 May 2006, while he and another employee were moving the machine using a jack and rollers. The company had brought the machine into its unit at Willowholme Industrial Estate, in Carlisle, a month previously but had set it down too close to the electric box into which it had to be wired.

Describing the machine, HSE inspector Steve Smith told SHP: “It was 5.3 tonnes, about two metres wide and about two metres high, but its depth was only about a metre and a bit. The problem that causes is, it is fairly unstable. All the hydraulic machinery and the hydraulic reservoir are at the top of the machine, which makes it quite top-heavy.”

The workers jacked up the left-hand side of the machine and inserted three rollers underneath, before repeating the process on the right-hand side. However, the feet of the machine were slightly offset from its base. This meant that as the device was moved a few inches, the rear roller had to be passed back to the front of the machine so that it could continue to be edged into position.

Once the equipment had been moved the required 10 to 12 inches away from the electric box, George Robertson Graham, the senior partner at the firm, told the employees to leave it where it was, and walked out of the unit. The workers thought this amounted to an instruction to take out the rollers and lower the machine.

As the machine was jacked up and they began to remove the rollers, it rocked and tipped over, trapping Mr Mullen underneath. Colleagues rushed to his aid and used a reach truck to lift the machine up. Paramedics were called but Mr Mullen had already died by the time they arrived.

Facing a charge under s2(1) of the HSWA 1974, for failing to carry out an adequate risk assessment, or having a safe system of work in place, Robertson Graham pleaded guilty at Carlisle Crown Court on 27 April. He was fined £100,000 and told to pay £20,000 in costs.

His barrister pointed to the company’s show of remorse for the outcome of the incident, and its previously clean record as mitigating factors. The court was also presented with references showing Robertson Graham to be of good character.

Inspector Smith said: “What the risk assessment, if sufficient, should have shown is where the centre of gravity was on the machine, so they knew where to put the jack.”

He continued: “In this instance, an ad-hoc system was devised without proper consideration of the nature of the object that was being moved, or detailed analysis of the situation and the possible pitfalls.

“There had not been any special arrangements made through risk assessments, formalised systems of work, specially designed equipment, or training of the employees involved. Consideration had also not been given to the use of a specialist contractor.”
http://www.shponline.co.uk/article.asp?pagename=incourt&article_id=8803

Tectura Partners With Dean Machinery for Delivery of Heavy Equipment Dealer Solution

Tectura Corporation, a worldwide provider of business consulting services, is pleased to announce that it is partnering with Dean Machinery Co. Tectura will implement NAXT®, a solution developed on Microsoft Dynamics® AX technology exclusively for Caterpillar dealers, which will allow the company to plan and manage business operations throughout its seven locations.

NAXT streamlines and consolidates a dealer's computer system requirements on a single platform supporting all departments, including Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Equipment Sales, Equipment Rental, Parts (new, used and tear-down), Service, and Power Systems. The solution enables improved business process and business intelligence, integrates with Caterpillar systems, and is capable of interfacing with many leading OEMs and financial institutions.

"The NAXT solution represents another step in our quest to take our business to the next level," said Lori Dean, President of Dean Machinery. "As is our newly opened headquarters facility, our new Microsoft solution will be an important tool for us to provide the best possible customer experience and will provide our entire Dean Team visibility to all of our customer data. We chose Tectura as our partner on this journey based on their deep understanding of our industry, coupled with their knowledge and delivery skills related to NAXT and Microsoft Dynamics AX."

"We are pleased to partner with Dean Machinery on this important initiative," said Terry Petrzelka, Chief Executive Officer, Tectura Corporation. "Tectura has made a global commitment to this industry. Our heavy equipment team members have a proven track record of focusing skill, experience and deep industry knowledge and leading technologies to achieve success. We look forward to exceeding expectations and delivering the value-added services that make a distinctive impact for our heavy equipment dealer clients." In addition to Dean Machinery, Tectura has implemented solutions at Caterpillar dealers in the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia.

About Dean Machinery Co.

Dean Machinery Co. is the Caterpillar dealership providing quality equipment and superior support for construction, power generation, transportation, and agriculture customers in northwestern Missouri and eastern Kansas. Dean Machinery Co., founded in 1955, employs 320 people in 7 locations including its new headquarters campus in Kansas City, Missouri. Learn more at www.deancat.com.

About Tectura Corporation

Tectura is a worldwide provider of business consulting services delivering exceptional service and sustainable value through consulting, software and IT implementation. Our diverse clientele includes mid-sized companies and larger enterprises in the aerospace, life sciences, manufacturing and distribution, retail and services industries.

With more than 1,800 team members in 20+ countries, Tectura applies its industry knowledge and best practices philosophy to provide Microsoft Dynamics® ERP, CRM and technology solutions throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, we maximise our vast technology resources and deep Microsoft expertise to deliver increased efficiency, project acceleration and a competitive edge. Learn more at www.tectura.com.

http://ca.sys-con.com/node/930722

Special bearings for agricultural machinery

Schaeffler has an enviable reputation amongst designers of agricultural machinery for providing reliable, high quality, maintenance-free bearing solutions

Heavy-duty agricultural machinery, including tillage and sowing machines, harvesters and tractors, must be designed to withstand extremely harsh operating conditions.

Key here is the selection of appropriate bearing supports and seals.

Harsh conditions such as dirt, dust, sand, high humidity levels, heavy clay soil and shock loads, all take their toll on the mechanical strengths of the machine components and seals.

Large machinery often involves high costs for regular bearing maintenance.

Indeed, specialist agricultural machinery contractors are now demanding such solutions for their equipment.

This explains the current trends towards incorporating maintenance-free bearing solutions and seals on agricultural machinery.

Components on a harvester, for example, have to cope with plant remnants and sap, the acidic contents of which can cause ingress of dirt, leading to possible seal damage.

On a corn harvester, high rotary speeds lead to high mechanical stress on the bearing; contamination and aggressive, acidic corn sap affect the seal.

To solve these problems, Schaeffler has developed a ready-to-fit bearing unit with triple-lip sealing.

Similar to automotive wheel bearings, flingers can also be offered as an additional protective measure against ingress of dirt and other contaminants.

These components are pressed onto the rotating inner ring, using centrifugal forces to transfer contamination away from the bearing.

Schaeffler double-row angular contact bearings transmit loads through a solid housing into the adjacent structure.

The bearing has an additional grease chamber, which protects the bearing from dirt and corn sap.

The spherical bearing outer ring and the counter-shaped surface in the housing compensate for any misalignment in the adjacent structure during shaft mounting.

Similarly, tillage machines that are used to prepare the field for seed planting also require very robust bearing supports.

The bearings are combined with suitable flange housings, which simplify installation.

In plough discs, for example, the inclined position of the disc results in transverse forces and bending moments, as well as radial loads.

For these applications, Schaeffler offers double row angular contact ball bearings or robust, four-point bearings for applications with limited space.

Robust ball bearings are also offered for shaft supports.

For seeders, where the forces involved are lower, Schaeffler offers smaller bearing supports, as well as corresponding solutions for combinations of tillage and seeding machines.

* Bearing solutions for tractors.

Increasing working speeds and the higher performance capacity of tractors means that drive and power transmission units are subjected to higher stresses, which places higher demands on the bearing arrangements.

For these applications, Schaeffler offers both standard bearing units and custom designed bearing solutions.

On tractor engines, for example, under its INA brand, Schaeffler offers various belt drive components, such as tension systems and over-running clutches, water pump and fan bearings.

Together, the Schaeffler INA and FAG brands offer a wide range of bearings for applications in gears, power transmission systems and axles.

This includes needle roller bearings, drawn cup needle roller bearings and needle roller cages, machined or manufactured by forming methods.

Schaeffler premium quality 'X-life' range of bearings boast improved surface and geometrical accuracies, resulting in increased service life.

Full complement needle roller bearings are offered for maximum load carrying capacity in tight installation spaces and needle cages with a special, profiled 'KZK' cage is used in high acceleration applications.

Similarly, cylindrical roller bearings with different cage designs (and as full complement variants) with or without outer ring are other important components for the tractor drive train.

Schaeffler X-life tapered roller bearings with large contact angle, can be used for high load applications, with various heat treatment and material coatings available.

These types of bearings are often used in transmission-integrated hydro engines, pumps, in pinion bearing arrangements and rear axles.

For the interface between engine and transmission, Schaeffler can provide its LuK branded clutches, which incorporate specially developed clutch release bearings.

Here, effectively sealed bearings with drawn outer and/or inner rings are used, which enable cost-effective overall designs, while offering high reliability and extended service life.

For supporting slewing, tilting and for the alignment of chassis movements, axle suspensions and load harnesses, Schaeffler spherical plain bearings and rod ends are ideal.

Spherical plain bearings with complex lubrication groove systems on the outer ring can be used in combination with spring-dampened front axles and chassis.

Stabilisers, damping and hydraulic cylinders are fitted with spherical plain bearings and rod ends.

For example, Schaeffler Elgoglide maintenance-free, heavy-duty spherical plain bearings are used in the wishbone systems of front axles with independent wheel suspension.

Maintenance-free Permaglide cylindrical plain bushes can be found in door hinges, engine hood supports, lever sets and rod systems.

* Radial insert ball bearings.

In agricultural machinery, housed bearing units are often used to compensate for static angular misalignment of the shaft of up to 5 degrees for non-lubricating units.

The housing bore and bearing outer ring are spherical in shape so that the radial insert ball bearing can align itself in the housing.

In conjunction with the different housing types (cast iron and sheet steel), Schaeffler radial insert ball bearings form complete units, offering significant rationalisation options at the design stage and during customer manufacturing/assembly.

Numerous combinations are possible for every application.

Radial insert ball bearings come with a choice of five seals.

Most seals comprise three pieces and are made from zinc-coated outer and inner steel plates with rubber sealing ring.

This prevents ingress of dirt and humidity, while also ensuring the required elasticity and preload of the seal, even after a long period of operation.

The deep drawn outer steel plate protects the sealing ring against mechanical damage.

Bearings with R-seals have a larger grease reservoir due to sealing shields that are bent to the outside.

All sealing concepts comprise evenly and concentrically abutting rubber lips for increased bearing life, as well as firmly rolled inner and outer caps to ensure easy re-lubrication.

Schaeffler Corrotect coating can be applied to its radial insert ball bearings, offering customers a corrosion-resistant, low cost alternative to stainless steel bearings.

The inner rings and locking collars are coated against fretting corrosion as standard, which also prevents rust formation at the sealing lip.

http://www.processingtalk.com/news/ina/ina166.html

Caterpillar, Navistar plan venture to custom-build heavy trucks

Caterpillar Inc. and Navistar International Corp. agreed to jointly produce a new line of heavy-duty Caterpillar trucks made to order for customers in fields from earth moving to mining and road-building.

The so-called vocational trucks will be "purpose-built to complement Caterpillar's existing product line," George Taylor, general manager of the company's on-highway department, said in a statement. They will be built at Navistar's plant in Garland, Texas, and sold through Caterpillar's North American dealers.

The 50-50 joint venture will also develop and assemble commercial trucks outside of North America and India, initially targeting markets such as Australia, Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa and Turkey, a Caterpillar spokeswoman, Kate Kenny, said in a telephone interview.

The accord brings together Caterpillar, the world's largest maker of bulldozers and earth-moving equipment, with Navistar, the world's fourth-largest truckmaker, as the recession damps demand for construction and other heavy-duty vehicles.

"We believe this clearly is an opportunity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts," Dee Kapur, president of the Navistar Truck Group, said in the statement.

The companies said the new vocational trucks will be unveiled in late 2010 and move into full production in early 2011. Commercial trucks built under the joint venture will be sold under both the Caterpillar and International brands as early as the third quarter.

The transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, the companies said.

Caterpillar, based in Peoria, fell 84 cents, or 2.6 percent, to $31.31 at 6:40 p.m. after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The company has said it may post a first-quarter loss, its first in 16 years.

Navistar gained $1.18, or 3.8 percent, to $31.93. The shares of the Warrenville-based company have risen 49 percent this year. Navistar was the largest supplier of blast- resistant vehicles to the U.S. military under a $22.4 billion program to equip troops in Iraq.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=284597

Sector Snap: Heavy machinery makers decline

Stocks of heavy machinery manufacturers tumbled Monday as crane maker Manitowoc Co. retracted its full-year guidance and the broader market fell on fresh challenges for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC.

Manitowoc also predicted first-quarter earnings per share from continuing operations would be at least 50 percent below current Wall Street estimates. The company cited continued decline in demand for its cranes.

The Manitowoc, Wis.-based company also said it would sell its ice machine business for $160 millions. Baird analyst Robert F. McCarthy had expected the unit to fetch $200 million.

Manitowoc also warned that because of the lower-than-expected sale price, there is an increased chance the company could violate certain debt agreements during the second half of the year.

Manitowoc shares plunged $1.49, or 32.3 percent, to $3.12 in midday trading. The stock has ranged from $2.34 to $45.47 over the past year.

Meanwhile, Credit Suisse analyst Jamie Cook lowered his 2009 and 2010 estimates on Deere & Co. on his "more cautious view of farm equipment demand globally." The analyst cited South America and Eastern Europe as regions where "the global financial crisis continues to restrict access to credit for farmers."

Deere shares fell $2.73, or 7.8 percent, to $32.34. The stock has traded in a 52-week range of $24.51 to $94.89.

Meanwhile the White House rejected turnaround plans from General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC, sending the broader market lower.

Shares of mining equipment maker Bucyrus International Inc. declined $1.36, or 8.3 percent, to $14.95. Joy Global Inc. gave up $2.25, or 9.6 percent, to $21.20 and Caterpillar Inc. slid $2.86, or 9.4 percent, to $27.49.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5helBMGvHhdB4qzWOqOHowWUUKQWQD978F8N00

The campus is alive with the sound of heavy machinery

Although finals are over at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, the campus is anything but quiet.

It's alive with the beeps, clanks and chugs of heavy machinery involved in more than $75 million in construction.

A giant hole has been dug for the largest building project, a $53.1 million science and engineering building, said Dave Schnabel, director of facilities. At 160,000 square feet, it will be one of the largest buildings on campus. It's scheduled to open in August 2008.

The renovation of Dwire Hall, partially inspired by a concrete chunk that crashed down in a hallway, is 30 percent complete, Schnabel said.

Nearly everything -- walls, windows, ventilation and wiring -- is being replaced. The $10 million project is scheduled for completion in August 2007.

For passers-by who've wondered about the towering white walls near the campus apartments, they mark the beginning of the $12 million student recreation center.

It's being built for energy efficiency, Schnabel said. Concrete poured into Styrofoam-like blocks will make it one of the campus's most efficient structures. It's 10 percent complete and paid for by student fees.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20061220/ai_n17112543?tag=content;col1

Vibro-acoustic fine-tuning for heavy machinery

Optimising heavy machinery in terms of vibration control and acoustics is a particularly difficult technical challenge.

Optimising heavy machinery in terms of vibration control and acoustics is a particularly difficult technical challenge.

To achieve the greatest possible degree of comfort for construction machinery or agricultural machinery workplaces and to meet the strict legal requirements and standards of comfort in terms of acoustics and machine vibrations, heavy machinery must undergo comprehensive fine-tuning.

Viewing the entire system as a whole is the basis of this optimisation process.

Freudenberg's Technical Development Centre has an outstanding international reputation in this field and has the technical equipment needed to fine tune these machines in this special way.

The transmission paths for vibrations and structure borne noise in heavy machinery such as combine harvesters or wheel loaders are highly complex.

The sources of vibration in the vehicle itself and the actual excitation caused by moving tools are many and varied.

Noise pollution and vibrations can distract the driver or the operator and thereby reduce the quality of their work.

This explains why vibration control and acoustics are one of the most important features which set high-quality heavy machinery apart from the rest.

Both of these factors are influenced by the vibro-acoustic fine-tuning of the entire system.

With a range of elastomer bearings, hydro mounts as well as passive, adaptive and active absorbers, Freudenberg has the right technological component for every application.

In order to reduce the sound pressure level in the driver's cab to well below the legal limit values and to decrease the vibrations to the comfort levels required by the customer, the entire vehicle has to be taken into account.

This procedure includes: experimental vehicle analysis; modelling and optimisation using computer-based simulation tools; and implementation of changes using specific product designs.

These steps include the selection of the bearing concept, followed by the selection of specially adapted unit and cab bearings, pneumatic springs, shock absorbers and hydro mounts.

These are then supplemented by acoustic measures such as double insulation, acoustic improvements to the machine structures, use of absorbent materials and the reduction of structure borne noise bridges.

In co-operation with the Technical Development Centre, Freudenberg offers the entire portfolio of services from the system development with an in-depth knowledge of the entire system right up to the ability to supply top-quality components anywhere in the world.
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/sri/sri103.html

Secret Machines - Welcome To The Machines

Brandon Curtis is always keeping busy. In between gearing up Secret Machines for another European tour and indeed convening with the other two members of his band to put ideas in place for their next record, he is in Indiana producing South Africans BLK JKS (pronounced Black Jacks).

There has been little let-up since the release of the band’s third, self-titled album in January, an album that has marked a sort of rebirth for the Dallas-born, New York-based trio.

Because, of course, this was the first without Brandon’s brother Benjamin, their erstwhile guitarist who had defined their shuddering alt-prog since their 2004 debut Now Here Is Nowhere. Benjamin left to pursue a more imaginative pop avenue with School Of Seven Bells (who, all being well, we speak to next issue), leaving a sizable hole that Brandon plugged with old Dallas cohort Phil Karnats, a very different presence. That, in a nutshell, is why Secret Machines have all the hallmarks of an entirely new band. The eponymous title of the new album alone marks the redefining process.

You could even say being in a band was, for Brandon, injected with a new passion he hadn’t experienced since his early days of playing with friends in Dallas.

“It was a kind of back to basics approach,” he says, “more related to where I was when I first started playing music, and I was thinking about the same kind of feeling I was feeling when I first started writing songs. A point of origin sort of thing…”

The new album is a passionate display of heavy, loud rock with deft touches of Curtis’s familiarly leftfield song structure, and is not as prog-rock as most people would have them. The new songs were actually born when Ben was still around in 2007.

“I guess I thought I was writing what I thought would be new music, and then when Benjamin said he was leaving I started playing the stuff with Josh and we decided to continue.

“The music was starting this way with or without Benjamin, although I think it would have travelled over a different path with him. I think whenever you involve someone else it affects the journey. Once Benjamin or Phil became involved it would have taken on a different life.”

Obviously, the familiar Secret Machines sound has been transformed, as has the dynamic within the group, completed by drummer Josh Garza.

“They share a lot [Ben and Phil] in that they’re both very passionate musicians and very meticulous, but they’re very different as guitarists. When I hear them play I hear their personalities.

“I’m really excited about a whole new perspective on the situation, it’s kind of empowering, but I was heading in this direction anyway.”

It’s fair to say then, that this album is a combination of Curtis’s natural creative development since 2006’s Ten Silver Drops and the direction that Karnats’ inevitable influence turned his original vision.

Brandon had been listening to a variety of music while he was putting together Secret Machines, including Boris and other similarly brutal fare. This influence Brandon refers to as “so dark and heavy but so beautiful; having this melancholy but aggressive feeling. An aggressive sadness.” This sums up the Secret Machines album perfectly. A robust misery. An angry depression. A combative dejection. And so forth.

Benjamin’s departure aside, this album has been an upheaval for Secret Machines in other ways. Reinventing themselves as a ‘new band’ apparently jarred with Warner Brothers (or to be more specific, Reprise) and the label promptly decided Secret Machines were no longer the artist they thought they had.

“We presented this record to Warner Brothers,” says Curtis, “and we had different opinions on how the record would be recorded and presented. Even when we were starting to make this record we had a different philosophical approach to the circumstances – who should produce it and stuff like that. For Josh and I, we felt it was important to stay as producers and the people calling the shots in the studio. We were willing to collaborate but didn’t want to give up total control.

“Warner Brothers disagreed but let us do it anyway. Then we turned in the record and they felt it wasn’t the record we should have made for us in our time right now. They wanted to sell millions of records but we wanted to make a record that was in our hearts. At the end of the day they were very generous to us and very fair, and gave us the rights to the record back.”

It was World’s Fair / Cooperative Music who eventually released the album… “I’m very happy to have a new situation and I’m not missing [Warner Brothers].”

Secret Machines’ history is an illustrious one. Not least because they count David Bowie amongst their fans (he wonders into their gigs when they play in New York), as well as Jason Pierce and Kevin Shields. Then there is that rare feat of appealing to both an indie fraternity as well as those into metal – all their fans reaching typically fanatical and meticulous levels of adoration. There is also a fantastically theatrical live show with lights, lasers and other extravagant visuals.

“It’s really expensive to travel with it,” says Curtis, “so I’m not sure we’re gonna be able to do it or not [on the European tour]. We will always pay attention to the atmosphere when we play, whether or not we have expensive production. I wish it were cheaper.”

As work intensifies for Secret Machines on the follow up to what we can tentatively say was a ‘watershed’ record, Brandon Curtis is in a position to assess his own band’s future with that injection of the spirit of youth, as well as admire his brother’s marvellous new band.

“I am really enjoying seeing the fruits of his labour,” he says. “School Of Seven Bells has been a passion for him for such a long time. He’s cared about it so much and I’m really proud and excited for him. It’s his work coming to light in just his way. I’m enjoying his success by contact.”
http://www.tourdates.co.uk/LondonTourdates/issue-040/2009/02/13/1396-Secret-Machines-Welcome-To-The-Machines

ARI(R) Appoints John Storz to Manager of Heavy Truck and Equipment Remarketing

MT. LAUREL, NJ - ARI - Automotive Resources International, a leading global fleet solutions provider specializing in complex car and truck fleets, has appointed John Storz to manager heavy truck and equipment remarketing.

In his new position, Storz will handle used trucks and equipment, which involves overseeing two programs that he developed and implemented: ARITruckDirect.com, which offers used trucks and equipment to a global market, and ARIBuyDirect.com, where clients can consign both trucks and cars for ARI to purchase and receive payment within 48 hours.

"John's level of experience and expertise is not easily matched in this industry. He knows the vehicles, has developed the outlets and understands the technology. This appointment acknowledges the advancements that he's already brought to our company and the vision John has for furthering ARI's strategic direction," said Director of Vehicle Remarketing Bob Graham.

Throughout his twenty years in the remarketing industry, Storz has been responsible for a variety of functions, including developing and directing retail and wholesale truck remarketing departments, conducting appraisals, purchasing trucks and trailers to develop profitable used truck inventories, recommending proper specifications as part of the new vehicle order process and expanding customer bases through aggressive prospecting.

About ARI

ARI, a subsidiary of Holman Enterprises based in Mt. Laurel, N.J., is an industry leader and the largest privately-held fleet leasing and management company in the world. As a single-source fleet management leader, ARI customizes innovative solutions that streamline fleet operations, help lower the cost of fleet ownership and create long-term value for customers.

Today, with a workforce numbering more than 1,200 and offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Europe, the company manages more than 2,000 outsourced fleets (over 650,000 autos and trucks) in North America and, combined with its strategic partners, more than 2.0 million fleet vehicles globally.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28982101/

What is Heavy Machinery and what are the merits of Heavy Machinery?

Heavy machine or heavy machinery is referred to a complex machine doing a number of simple machine operations at the same time. The need for usage of heavy machinery arises from the fact that complex and complicated activities such as laying of roads, tilling and sowing seeds equidistantly spread over a vast area of agricultural fields ready for the commencement of agricultural operations can neither be performed with the help of simple machines, nor the labor force is capable of doing the complex and heavy activities at a relatively faster pace. Heavy machinery, or heavy equipment, meets the requirement of completing complex jobs at a relatively quicker pace of time, and in the bargain saving considerable amount of overheads.

Have you ever watched a giant-sized machine being used at the roadside to lay roads? or a heavy machine being put to use to create a gravel and sand mixture to build roads? These and similar of equipment are jointly referred to heavy equipment required to carry out heavy jobs of specific nature.

The need for usage of heavy equipment machinery arises from the fact that global competition among the different types of activities is on the rise due to technological innovations, and in such a competitive world, any firm aspiring to survive and grow in the competitive market space is to innovate new products, and mostly reduce the overhead costs. For example, the activity of laying roads a stretch of say 500 meters can be completed by the heavy equipment operator (or) heavy machinery operator and a couple of helpers in less than 12 hours maximum. If the heavy machine were not there, about 50 to 60 employees might have to be employed for digging the hole, clearing the debris and all other such related works to complete the mission of laying a new road for the local street.

Heavy equipment or heavy machinery needs the services of heavy equipment operator or heavy machinery operator, who is capable of operating the machine and complete the multi-tasks assigned to some of the custom-built heavy equipment.

The market for heavy equipment is vibrant with lots of competition among the heavy machinery traders to offer heavy equipment sales or heavy machinery sales either as new products, or used heavy equipment or second-hand equipment, in the market to prospective customers.
http://www.msokorea.com/trucks-suvs/0,6600,400690,00.html

Textile, heavy machinery sectors receive bailouts

yesterday rolled out its third and fourth industry-specific bailout packages in three weeks, targeting the textile and heavy machinery manufacturing sectors, as stock markets rose on optimism about a quick recovery in the embattled economy....
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2c913216495213d5df646910cba0a0a0/
?vgnextoid=c6924a0b1324f110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=teaser&ss=Companies&s=Business

Don't Let Heavy Machinery Weigh You Down

First came the whiskers, followed by a furry little face that didn't look very threatening. But now, investors are being whipped by a destructive tail.

Yes, Fools, the cat is now fully out of the bag. Global industry simply fell off a cliff sometime last fall, and the more plant closures and layoffs we see, the more this once-bagged cat resembles a rabid, ferocious lion. After Terex (NYSE: TEX) became the latest heavy-equipment manufacturer to reduce guidance this week, the time is ripe to reassess the landscape for these machinery makers.

Back in September 2008, before the feline had extended its claws, Terex reduced 2008 earnings guidance to less than $6.65 per share and watched investors crush the stock. This week, Terex reduced guidance yet again, this time to a range of $5.40 to $5.45 per share, but the shares traded resiliently in the aftermath. The difference, I believe, is all about sentiment, which suggests that markets have already priced in a barrage of earnings disappointments. With a final growl, Terex even warned of a potential $600 million impairment charge relating to tumbling asset valuations, and still, shares refused to head lower.

Elsewhere in the sector, investors are licking their wounds after Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) dumped dismal earnings and deep labor cuts upon them. CNH Global (NYSE: CNH) set the mood by forecasting huge sales declines and announcing plant closures to work through burgeoning inventories. Manitowoc (NYSE: MTW) posted a fourth-quarter loss last week despite some one-time gains from the divestiture of its marine segment. Meanwhile, mining-equipment specialist Joy Global (Nasdaq: JOYG) notably bucked the trend, with a 68% increase in net earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter and a still-expanding backlog of equipment orders.

As we await earnings from both Bucyrus (Nasdaq: BUCY) and Deere (NYSE: DE) in mid-February, Fools with an interest in the sector have time to review balance sheets and operational outlooks. With stimulus packages under consideration around the world, and indications that some portion of demand disruption is related to credit and liquidity issues, I believe several of these companies will find themselves on the road to recovery by 2010. Now that the cat is out of the bag with respect to a massive global recession and the frightful derailment of the worldwide industrial machine, I believe that a recovery process can soon begin for the heavy industrials with the lightest debt burdens.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2009/02/04/dont-let-heavy-machinery-weigh-you-down.aspx

Dallas Heavy Machinery Sales – TenList

A new Dallas Heavy Machinery Sales and service website was unveiled today. The need of top quality heavy machinery and heavy equipment service and sales directory has become apparent for contractors due to current economic conditions.

The advent of http://dallas.tenlist.com/heavy-machinery-sales/tx has been designed to help contractors maximize their return on investment. "It is our hopes that giving contractors the ability to find the best heavy machinery sales in Dallas will provide them the means to stimulate the growth of their companies" stated President of TenList Shawn Sandifer in an online interview.

The online directory of heavy machinery sales in Dallas follows the traditional guidelines of TenList. The companies found in the new online heavy machinery sales directory are verified using the VeriFIDO process. The TenList VeriFIDO process gives consumers and businesses the ability to find services, with a degree of confidence that is unmatched in online directories.

The heavy machinery sales directory has been greeted with much interest from Dallas contractors during the pre-launch phase. The overwhelming interest has resulted in TenList making this service available in Houston see: http://houston.tenlist.com/heavy-machinery-sales/tx and also in Fort Worth Texas http://fortworth.tenlist.com/heavy-machinery-sales/tx

The value of these directories may be felt from the large construction companies that can now save money and time when searching for heavy machinery sales to the construction workers that may be aided in finding employment due to these savings. The long term effect of promoting construction thru providing heavy machinery sales brings the promise of economic stimulus that can benefit the entire state of Texas.
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=86043

Sector Snap: Heavy machinery manufacturers slip

Shares of several heavy machinery manufacturers fell Friday as an analyst said CNH Global NV's warning about a turbulent 2009 demonstrates "the view is abysmal" for the year.

Analyst Robert F. McCarthy of Robert W. Baird & Co. said in a note to investors that he sees "particularly negative implications" for Caterpillar Inc., Deere & Co., Terex Corp. and Astec Industries Inc., which will follow CNH Global in reporting earnings results.

CNH Global, a supplier of agricultural and construction-equipment businesses, reported Thursday it earned $114 million, or 48 cents per share, in the fourth quarter, about the same as a year ago. Excluding restructuring charges, it earned 49 cents per share.

Revenue for the Amsterdam-based company dropped 10 percent to $3.67 billion.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters, on average, had expected earnings per share of 69 cents on much higher revenue of $4.75 billion.

McCarthy said the implications also are negative for lifting equipment manufacturers such as Manitowoc Co. Inc., Oshkosh Corp. and suppliers such as Parker Hannifin Corp. and Sun Hydraulics Corp.

Shares of Caterpillar fell $1.89, or 5 percent, to $35.34 in morning trading as the overall market was down. Deere was down $1.53, or 4 percent, to $35.98. Terex slipped to 56 cents, or 4 percent, to $13.50. Astec dropped 43 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $25.50. Manitowoc slipped 11 cents, or about 2 percent, to $6.27 and Oshkosh dropped 43 cents, or 4 percent, to $9.57.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/01/23/ap5957560.html

Machining center for heavy workpieces

Hermle Machine says its C 50 U Dynamic machining center extends the C series' capabilities to cut larger, heavier parts. With XYZ axis travels of 1,000 x 1,100 x 700 mm, the machine can accommodate workpieces weighing as much as 2,000 kg. Rapid traverse rates are 60 m per minute in the X and Y axes and 55 m per minute in the Z axis. In addition, the Y axis is equipped with tandem drive for higher machine dynamics.

The machine is available with an NC swiveling rotary table with clamping surface diameter of 700 mm or an optional 1,150 x 900 mm diameter. Both tables use an integrated torque motor on the C axis and a tandem drive motor on the A axis. The A axis is capable of speeds of 20 rpm, while the C axis can reach 30 rpm. Both are said to increase flexibility by offering a swivel range extending to +30 degrees/-115 degrees.

According to the company, the machine is useful for simultaneous five-axis and/or five-sided machining of large automotive parts, aircraft parts or precision molds. It can accommodate parts with diameters as large as 1,000 mm and heights ranging to 810 mm. Precision is in the single-digit micron range, the company says.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3101/is_2_80/ai_n19362157?tag=content;col1

Fluids for heavy machining and grinding

Designed for moderate- to heavy machining and grinding applications, the Cimstar 3800 family of fluids has been developed to meet the challenges of aluminum machining and grinding in the automotive industry.

The line is suitable for use with titanium, exotic alloys and ferrous and non-ferrous alloys and provides cleanliness and bimetallic corrosion control for parts, individual machines and central plant systems, the company says.

For more information from Milacron Inc., call (513) 487-5643 or enter MMS Direct code 434KK at www.mmsonline.com

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3101/is_10_77/ai_n13455093?tag=content;col1

Mitsubishi Heavy Said to Abandon Sale of Tokyo Base

Jan. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Japan’s largest heavy-machinery maker, canceled a plan to sell its Tokyo headquarters because bids for the property failed to meet expectations, two people familiar with the sale said.

The sale of the 28-story building was scrapped in October, the people said, declining to be identified because the information wasn’t public. The company had aimed to sell the property for about $800 million, according to one of the people.

Mitsubishi Heavy joins other Japanese companies seeking to reduce non-revenue producing assets and instead expand its power equipment and aerospace business. The company, which makes everything from ships to nuclear reactors and wings for Boeing Co.’s 787 Dreamliner jet, is developing Japan’s first passenger jet, slated to come into service in 2013.

“As general practice of our company, Mitsubishi Heavy periodically evaluates its assets, including real estate,” spokesman Hideo Ikuno said by telephone. He declined to discuss the Tokyo building.

Mitsubishi Heavy is spending 235 billion yen ($2.5 billion) on facilities and equipment each year to March 2011, 28 percent more than the average of the past two years, it said last year.

Lack of Capital

Other Japanese companies have started to sell off properties or real estate units to focus on their main businesses. Banks including Resona Holdings Inc., Shinsei Bank Ltd. and Citigroup Inc. sold their Tokyo headquarters last year to raise capital.

The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Building is located in Shinagawa, southwest of central Tokyo. The tower, completed in March 2003, has space of 227,527 square meters (2.4 million square feet). The company occupies about one third of the property.

Shinagawa Mitsubishi Building, a 32-story tower next to Mitsubishi Heavy’s headquarters, was sold to Morgan Stanley’s real-estate fund for 140.2 billion yen in January 2005.

A lack of financing forced 25 public traded real estate and construction companies to file for bankruptcy in Japan in 2008. The less a potential buyer of a building can borrow, the less they can pay.

The banking units of Japan’s top four lenders -- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., Mizuho Financial Group Inc., Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. and Resona -- cut commercial real estate lending by almost 770 billion yen in the six months through September, compared with the end of March, according to earnings statements published in November.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kathleen Chu in Tokyo at kchu2@bloomberg.net; Masumi Suga in Tokyo at msuga@bloomberg.net.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=aJUEuhuAlT00&refer=japan