Monthly Archives: February 2009

Industrial, Industrial Goods, Industrial Supplies, Materials, Metals, Steel

International Steel Returns To Normal Trading Levels Reports Balli Group

Balli Group Chairman, Vahid Alaghband, reports international steel market bottoms out and returns to normal trading levels.

Vahid Alaghband, Group Chairman of Balli Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned independent commodity traders, has stated that he believes the indications are that the international steel market has now bottomed out and is once again experiencing a normal trading environment, albeit at reduced volumes.

The return to regular steel trading confirms that the market has now recovered from the state of paralysis it found itself in last year.

Vahid Alaghband commented: “The international steel trading market is no longer frozen and we expect further stabilisation over the next 6-12 months. The return of normal trading and the relative stability of prices is an important milestone in the recovery of the construction industry and for the global economy.”

Nasser Alaghband, director at Balli Steel, added: “The bottoming out of the market for steel follows a cut in capacity by producers in response to the global downturn in construction and the seasonal fall in demand for the northern hemisphere. The growth of the steel futures markets for construction steel in London and Dubai since 2007 has helped increase price transparency and has enabled decision making on capital investment.”

Major steel consumers – property developers, construction firms and ship builders – welcomed the growth of the futures market for steel as it provides them with a means of controlling risk by enabling users and suppliers to lock in prices and avoid losses.

Balli Steel experienced good trading levels in Q4 (2008) and expects Q1 to be slower, partially due to seasonal variations in the market. Near normal market conditions are predicted for the second half of the year.

Nasser Alaghband observed: “The market became incredibly difficult and almost non-existent early in 2008 as demand, principally from the construction industry evaporated in response to the global financial crisis. The situation eased during the third quarter and by Q4 the market began to trade again in a normal fashion.”

“One major obstacle to European trade is the loss of access to credit insurance as insurers such as Euler Hermes and Atradius re-evaluate their exposures in deteriorating economic conditions”, Nasser concluded.

About Balli Group plc

Balli Holdings, is a large private, multi-national corporation, headquartered in London, but with offices in Dubai and other key business hubs around the world.

Balli was established in 1982 and operates a number of affiliated companies specialising in commodity trading, industrial, real estate and private equity with operations in over 20 countries. Together with its affiliated companies, Balli employ over 2,000 people worldwide.

Balli Steel is the company’s principal operating subsidiary, and is one of the largest independent traders of steel in the world. Balli Steel provides raw materials and steel to a number of market segments including steel mills, steel service centres, pipe and tube makers, the oil and gas industry and other designated end user segments such as the packaging products industry.

The company’s real estate operations currently have a property portfolio of over $3billion, comprised of over 900,000 sq ft of property under development with a Gross Development Value of some $800million, and an additional 2million sq ft and a GDV of almost $2.5billion in the pipeline.

Via EPR Network
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Electric, Industrial, Industrial Supplies, Lighting, Manufacturer, Safety

FotoLum Reflective & Photo Luminescent Vinyl Fire Service Products Provide Improved Safety for First Responders

Fire Fighters are a special breed apart. When everyone is running out of a burning building to save their own lives, fire fighters run in, risking theirs to save others. The lethal dangers inherent in dark, smoky spaces are many. Teamwork is critical for survival and success. A key component in teamwork is knowing where everyone is located.

FotoLum – a leading manufacturer of propriety high-grade photo luminescent vinyl combined with 3M light reflective overlay and 3M double backed adhesive designed for fire applications – has already proven that its products save lives. FotoLum photo luminescent and reflective helmet patches, crescents, equipment and SCBA strips perform at such a high level, fire departments using them attest to their effectiveness. 3M’s quality adhesive eliminates edge-curling on the patches.

Here’s what one fire fighter had to say:
“I have been using the new helmet decals you gave us for a while now. I have had a chance to observe them at 2 fires that we had. In a dark smoke filled apartment fire we had, they were the only thing visible on the firefighters beside me. I have been impressed with their visibility and would recommend them to anyone interested in wearing them.”

Roger Joyner – Dallas Fire/Rescue ( Please visit fotolum.com/testimonials.html for more testimonials )

FotoLumâ„¢ fire service products take safety to the next level by illuminating for hours. By applying the products to uniforms and equipment, entry team members can maintain visual contact in low light and dark, smoky conditions without depending upon a flashlight.

The USA-made FotoLumâ„¢ fire helmet trapezoids shown brightly on FDNY helmets in the safe rescue of passengers from US Airways Flight 1549 Airbus after its emergency landing in the Hudson River, January 15, 2009, and have played key safety roles in fire departments around the country.

FotoLum Fire Service Photo Luminescent /3M Reflective Products include:

• Helmet Patches

• Helmet Crescents

• Letters and Number for Identification

• SCBA Cylinder Patches

• Equipment Strips

• Custom Velcro backed Shields

All products feature superior performance:

• Charge in any natural or artificial light source

• Fully charged products glow for hours

• Illumination of patches allow team members to maintain visual contact

• Retro-reflective overlay provides a bright white flash to any direct light source

FotoLumâ„¢ can customize the products to individual fire department specifications. Patches and SCBA Strips can feature custom lettering, such as city name and even engine number to ensure proper return after a mutual response fire. FotoLum has even provided sequentially numbered labels to facilitate cylinder inventory control.

Firefighter Donation Program
Over the last year, this program has given companies and individuals the ability to thank their local and volunteer fire departments by donating patches to express their appreciation. Patrons simply click on a FotoLum web site link, order the patches and strips, indicate the fire department of choice. FotoLum ships the products out with a certificate of appreciation from the donor.

Via EPR Network
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Engineering, Engineers, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Services, Infrastructure

Hays Engineering Heralds Engineering Infrastructure Boost

The significant investment in the UK’s infrastructure continues to bolster demand for specialist engineering skills, according to the leading specialist recruitment consultancy, Hays Engineering. Those professionals who can demonstrate experience working on the railways, highways, bridges, in transport planning, or in environmental and drainage roles are all highly sought after by employers.

The upgrading of the rail infrastructure has bolstered demand for rail engineers: projects are varied and can encompass station design and refurbishment to resignalling and maintenance schemes. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) or High Speed 1 (HS1) link is a prominent example of major investment in the rail industry. “Rail, signal and electrification engineers are all keenly sought specialist skills. Roles for rail engineers exist at all levels of experience, from graduate and intermediate through to senior engineering jobs appointments,” said Sean Fitzgerald, senior consultant at Hays Engineering.

The recent spate of flooding that has wreaked havoc across parts of the UK has reinforced the need for land drainage and flood defence expertise, as local authorities and the Environment Agency work closely to mitigate the damaging effects of future flooding by conducting flood risk and alleviation studies. “The demand for land drainage engineers has spiralled and the recommendations from Sir Michael Pitt’s Flood Review final report (2008) have only added to the importance of these specialist roles,” stressed Grant Edwards, manager for Hays Engineering.

Transport planning and modelling expertise is another specialist area that is in demand, as the need for assessing the transport impact of developments, traffic and people flow in and around the UK’s major conurbations becomes ever greater. “Technical modelling skills and knowledge of industry simulation and traffic modelling packages, such Vissim, Vissum, Saturn and Transyt are all prized skill sets,” commented Katherine Whipps, Manager at Hays Engineering.

The assessment and inspection of bridge structures has also created opportunities for qualified structural bridge engineers and bridge inspectors to work on the UK’s canals and estuaries. “Knowledge of bridge design software and the BS5400 cod of practice are pre-requisites,” added Katherine Whipps.

While engineering recruitment has slowed in some sectors as the result of the economic downturn, continued investment in the UK’s infrastructure has not affected the demand for drainage, rail, highways, bridges, environmental and transport engineers. All roles require experience and typically knowledge of sector specific design packages but employers are also looking for individuals with excellent communication and people skills who can also demonstrate leadership potential.

 

About Hays Engineering
Hays Engineering is part of Hays plc, the leading global specialist recruitment group, and specialises in engineering jobs including traffic engineering jobs and rail engineering jobs. Hays are market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. On 30 June 2008, the Group employed 8,872 staff operating from 393 offices in 27 countries across 17 specialisms.

For the year ended 30 June 2008:
– the Group had revenues of £2.5 billion, net fees of £786.8 million and operating profit before exceptional items of £253.8 million;
– the Group placed around 80,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 300,000 people into temporary assignments;
– the temporary placement business represented 49% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 51% of net fees.

Via EPR Network
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Electric, Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Supplies, Lighting

Access Discounts Announces Deals on Energy Saving Commercial Lighting Solutions

AccessDiscounts.com – a leading supplier of grow lights, residential lighting and commercial lighting, offers discounts on its wide selection of commercial lighting solutions including high bay lights, low bay lights, lighting fixtures and economical and energy saving lighting systems and solutions.

Wall Packs“Commercial lighting solutions vary based on the lighting needs of the business, their budget and even energy conservation efforts,” stated Christina Roush, spokesperson for Access Discounts. “Our selection of contractor grade commercial lighting systems: high bay lights, low bay lights, motion sensor lighting, and lighting fixtures and kits, are available directly to the public at the most competitive wholesale prices.”

In addition to an array of commercial lighting solutions, AccessDiscounts.com offers the service of experienced lighting specialists who can make money-saving and energy-saving recommendations. Speaking to a specialist prior to making a purchase can help shoppers stretch lighting budgets by selecting the appropriate solutions based on individual customer needs. Customers can fill out a free lighting layout estimate form to start the process or speak to a representative online or toll free by calling 866-647-0624.

AccessDiscounts.com is currently offering a 5 percent discount on order over $999 (use coupon code “ACCESS”) and free shipping on all orders of $1,499 or more.

Specializing in an extensive selection of commercial and residential lighting, AccessDiscounts.com brings affordable prices to retail and commercial customers. Commercial lighting solutions include high bay lights, low bay lights, wall packs, flood lights, exit and emergency lights, ceiling HID fixtures, HID replacement lamps, ballast kits, capacitors/ignitors, sports lighter, induction lights, garden bollards, conversion bulbs, barn lights, construction lights, motion sensor lighting, roadway lighting, vaporproof lighting and Skillers Work Wear.

The residential lighting selection includes bathroom lighting, kitchen lighting, ceiling lighting, wall lighting, lamps, chandeliers, pendants, fountains, foyer, outdoor lighting and energy saving lights. Grow light systems, fluorescent fixtures, grow light ballasts, grow light reflectors, grow light bulbs, grow light accessories, replacement ballast kits, replacement capacitors, replacement ignitors and LED Gro Master

About AccessDiscounts.com

AccessDiscounts.com provides a wide selection of grow lights, residential lighting and commercial lighting of the highest quality. Leveraging the close relationships developed with top lighting manufacturers, Access Discounts is able to provide the very best in lighting solutions at affordable prices. As a leading supplier of lighting fixtures for horticultural lighting, indoor and outdoor lighting, Access Discounts strives to bring quality lighting to customers nationwide. Founded in 2002 with headquarters in Milpitas, Calif., AccessDiscounts.com offers lights, lighting fixtures and accessories for residential, commercial and horticulture lighting needs. For more information, please visit www.AccessDiscounts.com.

Via EPR Network
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Engineering, Environment, Filters, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Machinery & Tools, Recycling

Low Cost, Self Cleaning, Continuous Flow, Liquid Solid Centrifuge Replaces Filters

Those that have fluid clarification and liquid recycling applications where conventional filtration methods have failed or have become too expensive should consider a Magnum Group CFC 1000 Centrifuge.

The Magnum CFC 1000 Centrifuge is a high quality units engineered for super efficient separation of solids from liquids. The rotating stainless steel bowl is dynamically balanced for extra smooth operation, encased by heavy machined cast bowl and lid including 4 point dampeners for vibration isolation.

The unit has an electrical enclosure that contains the cycle times and motor drive control.

The unit is self cleaning, meaning the unit can virtually run unattended for days with no problem.

The simple dial type timer allows one to very simply set the time to activate the clean cycle and the duration. Generally the clean cycle duration is only 1-3 seconds and is done while the unit is running.

The Magnum CFC 1000 will generate up to 3000 x gravity by use of a 1 HP 4,000 RPM 220volt motor. Flow rates are up to 1270 GPH and all depend on liquid viscosity, temperature and percentage of solids.

The Magnum CFC 1000 Centrifuge is able to separate solids from industrial oils, waste vegetable oil, emulsions, solvents and many other industrial processes.

Typical Flow Rates are Waste Water @ 1000 GPH, Waste Vegetable Oil @ 80 – 400GPH Grape Juice/Wine @ 1000 GPH, Grinding Coolant @1000 GPH and Engine Oil @ 80 GPH

Additional data and video is available from the company web page at:  dieselcraft.com/Interfill.php

The Unit cost is $15,995 and a leasing plan is available for less than $400 per month. Sold through distributors’ world wide. See the company web sit for nearest sales office.

We are seeking additional dealers.

Via EPR Network
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Handling Equipment, Industrial, Industrial Equipment, Transportation & Handling, Trucks

Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. has reached an agreement with Equipment Depot of Ohio to further expand its dealership network in North America

Jungheinrich will complete a sale of assets and the virtual relocation of its factory store in Cincinnati to Equipment Depot of Ohio around March 1, 2009. The restructuring and transition to Equipment Depot of Ohio is a very significant and positive step for Jungheinrich’s business growth in this region, as this agreement allows Jungheinrich to extend its reach to many more potential customers, and provides opportunities for further expansion in the Northeast.

Equipment Depot’s dealer network in North America has achieved over $400 million in sales and employs 1,750 personnel. The network consists of five regional equipment dealers with 40 locations in 12 states, including the former Portman Equipment Company, recently renamed Equipment Depot of Ohio. The overall network locations span f r o m the Midwest to the Northeast, as well as a South Central region.

Equipment Depot is owned by the Pon family and is one of the world’s largest family-owned businesses. Ed Neyer, President and CEO of Equipment Depot, stated “Jungheinrich is truly a premier lift truck brand which now provides our customers with a broad selection of quality order pickers, reach trucks and other lift trucks for their warehousing needs. Their feature-rich line of turret trucks will be an exciting addition to our systems group, and will boost our ability to help customers optimize the flow of material in their warehouses and distribution centers. We welcome Jungheinrich to our successful organization and expect them to be a significant contributor to our continued growth.” Neyer also pledged to maintain the ‘local intimacy’ that has become the hallmark of the Pon family’s success as they sell and service Jungheinrich lift truck vehicles for customers.

John Sneddon, President of Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., also stated “We are very excited about this move because the business opportunities are far greater with Equipment Depot than any other alternative approach we considered – including retaining our Cincinnati factory store. We have a very optimistic and positive outlook for the near future as we effect this transition over the next month or so.” Sneddon also indicated that “a number of the key Jungheinrich Cincinnati factory store staff will be transferring to Equipment Depot.”

All current customer contracts and agreements with the Jungheinrich factory store, including rental contracts, will be transferred and supported by Equipment Depot.

For more information about this new dealership agreement, contact Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., 5601 Eastport Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23231. Call: 804-737-7400. Fax: 804-737-7467, or, visit the website at http://www.jungheinrich-us.com.

About Jungheinich
Jungheinrich is the world leader in warehouse logistics technology. Founded over fifty years ago, the company has grown f r o m its beginnings as a European manufacturer of materials handling equipment to an international supplier of industrial trucks, warehousing technology and materials-flow products. Today, it is a major supplier of forklift trucks around the globe, and offers a complete range of materials handling equipment, rack systems and services related to manufacturing logistics.

Jungheinrich’s growth has been due in large part to the high value it has always placed on leading-edge design and technological innovation. This is seen, for example, in the company’s proprietary 3-phase AC motor and controller technology, and in a host of productivity and ergonomic enhancements. Jungheinrich has more than 120 strategically-located service support centers and store operations in the U.S., and sales and service companies in countries around the industrialized world. 

About Equipment Depot
Equipment Depot was founded in 1975 as Central Texas Clarklift in Waco and Austin, Texas. It changed its name to Equipment Depot in 1995 to better reflect the company’s expanded product and service capabilities. In August 2000 it was acquired by Pon North America. Today, the five regional companies that make up the Equipment Depot dealer network represent more than 50 industry leading manufacturers – providing sales and service coverage in about 25% of the country with more than 40 locations in 12 states. Service vans with colorful racing decals are a familiar sight throughout its sales, rental and service areas.

In the past year the Equipment Depot dealer network exceeded $420 million in sales. It employs more than 1,750 employees, including more than 900 factory-trained service technicians. It offers 24/7 equipment service f r o m more than 600 radio-dispatched service vehicles. Additionally, it has more than 26,500 customer-owned units covered by service contracts. It has more than 800 units of used equipment in inventory as well as more than 7,500 units in its short-term rental fleet.

Via EPR Network
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Electric, Engines, Factory Automation, Handling Equipment, Industrial, Industrial Equipment, Machinery, Transportation & Handling, Trucks

Electric Reach Trucks Offer Substantial Advantages Over Pantograph Trucks

If you’re a company that currently operates pantograph reach trucks, you’re likely seeking higher residual capacities at high lift heights in narrow aisles, as well as fewer repairs to the load wheels and the reach mechanisms on your vehicles. If so, the ETM/ETV 214/216 mast-moving AC reach trucks f r o m Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. are an excellent solution for you.

The increased load capacity and lift height of these trucks is a direct result of their design function, which inserts and removes loads by moving their masts rather than extending or retracting their forks via a pantograph mechanism. “The absence of a pantograph contributes greatly to improved operator confidence and productivity, since the view afforded the operator through the mast and fork carriage is much better, and the fork tips are easier to see,” adds Greg Mason, General Manager of Products and Training at Jungheinrich.

The ETVs differ f r o m  the ETMs in having more widely spaced outriggers (also called base-legs). Both models offer a choice of mast tilt, but the wider ETV is also available with fork tilt above certain lift heights. In addition, both chassis are available with patented mast-reach cushioning, which means the reaching and retracting of the mast assembly is smooth and precise. Integrated side-shifters are a standard feature on the trucks.

“Another way the ETM/ETV trucks differ f r o m pantograph designs is that the operator sits down to drive the vehicle. This configuration is ergonomically preferable in operations where the operator stays on the truck for long periods of time rather than constantly getting on and off,” states Greg Mason. The operator compartment has a low entry height, and the seat, armrest, and steering wheel are all adjustable. The trucks’ centrally-located MULTI-PILOT control lever activates all hydraulic functions, as well as travel direction and the horn. The controls are organized in a logical, highly visible manner, providing greater efficiency via the potential for simultaneous use of two hydraulic functions (e.g., lifting and reaching). The operator display is also centrally-positioned, and clearly shows both operational and safety-related data. It allows various travel programs to be selected or adjusted at the touch of a button.

Since the load wheels on these mast-moving reach trucks have a large diameter, they can negotiate rough floor surfaces better than those on most pantograph models. This means a longer tire life due to less wear, and reduced potential for damage – as well as a smoother ride. And the Curve Control program on the ETM/ETV trucks automatically reduces travel speed when cornering for added stability. This type of speed reduction is not typically found on pantograph-style reach trucks.

Jungheinrich’s proprietary 3-phase AC technology, present in the trucks’ drive, lift and steering systems, offers users higher efficiency and longer operating times per battery charge. Less maintenance, or downtime, is the result of the absence of carbon brushes, brush springs or commutators in the AC motors. Another key operational benefit of AC technology is that it leads to powerful acceleration and quick directional changes without hesitation. Energy reclamation during braking is a standard feature on the trucks, and energy reclamation during load lowering is an option.

For more information about these reach trucks, contact Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., 5601 Eastport Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23231. Call: 804-737-7400. Fax: 804-737-7467, or, visit the website at jungheinrich-us.com.

About Jungheinich
Jungheinrich is the world leader in warehouse logistics technology. Founded over fifty years ago, the company has grown f r o m its beginnings as a European manufacturer of materials handling equipment to an international supplier of industrial trucks, warehousing technology and materials-flow products. Today, it is a major supplier of forklift trucks around the globe, and offers a complete range of materials handling equipment, rack systems and services related to manufacturing logistics.

Jungheinrich’s growth has been due in large part to the high value it has always placed on leading-edge design and technological innovation. This is seen, for example, in the company’s proprietary 3-phase AC motor and controller technology, and in a host of productivity and ergonomic enhancements. Jungheinrich has more than 120 strategically-located service support centers and store operations in the U.S., and sales and service companies in countries around the industrialized world.

Via EPR Network
More Industrial press releases