These are bullish times for fluid power, or so says the director of the British Fluid Power Association. The Agronomist reports that “survey data from the BFPA suggests that 2011 was a very good year for both hydraulics and pneumatics in the UK, despite the turmoil in the EU economy.” And given that the Institute of Supply Management says that U.S. manufacturing sector grew for the 32rd month in a row, hopefully fluid power will have a bullish run Stateside for the time being.
In other news of note, Parker Hannifin Corp. purchased 15 acres of land adjoining its headquarters location in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. The company says it has no imminent expansion plans, but that’s certainly a positive sign that the company intends to continue to grow at a fast pace. Parker was also mentioned in a story detailing almost 2000 jobs being created in the state of Ohio. Parker is expanding its facility in Ravenna, Ohio, and expects to create 29 new full time positions there.
Ally Precision Industries has purchased the Ag Division of Dakota Fluid Power. Djamel Khali, who had been with Dakota, is now VP of the North American operations for Ally. E. Mandell de Windt, who served as the CEO of Eaton Corp. throughout the 70s and 80s, passed away at the age of 91. More details here.
The University of Illinois recently conducted two open houses that gave middle and high school students a chance to see how fluid power works. Milwaukee Cylinder has introduced the MH series of metric hydraulic tie-rod cylinder products, designed to ISO 6020/2 160 bar standards for the global metric market. Parker (in the news again, wow, they’re busy!) acquired Snap-tite Inc., a manufacturer of high-pressure fluid power components for oil and gas, industrial and research markets. Snap-tite had annual sales of approximately $100 million and employs 500 people. A line of single acting telescopic cylinders designed for performance and value is being launched by Muncie Power Products, and the company says it will be available in Summer 2012. Simrit’s Tillsonburg, Ont. facility was recently awarded United Technologies Corp.’s (UTC) Supplier Gold status for its outstanding performance in delivery, quality, lean practices and customer support. This is the third year that the facility has earned UTC’s gold status. And check out Bosch’s “sweet” new video (pardon the pun … you’ll see!) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PubJ0pz7W9w.
Lastly, check out our great fluid power Q&A with Raj Dabholkar, Tuscon Hydrocontrols.
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