April 17, 2007 - Modern Distribution Management

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April 17, 2007

Global Industrial Show Highlights Innovation

Tuesday, April 17. I'm finishing my second day at the Hannover Fair in Hannover, Germany. In its 60th year, it is a collection of 13 industrial trade fairs at one site. The scale and scope of this global event is amazing, humbling and exhausting. That's from someone who sometimes feels like half of life is spent at trade shows and conferences. Manufacturers, distributors and customers may in fact be consolidating, but this week is proof that the world of industrial products remains extremely fragmented. First impressions: I did not know there were so many manufacturers of electric motors, bearings, seals, and a long list of other products. The robotics and factory automation systems on display are simply incredible in terms of the combination of software with a range of ...

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Actuant Acquires Dutch Manufacturer

Actuant Corporation, Milwaukee, WI, has acquired T.T. Fijnmechanica B.V. for $20 million.
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Headquartered in Roermond, The Netherlands, TTF supplies products and systems for use in the bridge building, infrastructure and heavy lifting markets. Products include wedges, anchor heads, multi-strand jacks, and heavy lifting systems. TTF generated $10 million in sales in 2006, and has 30 employees.
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TTF will operate within Actuant's Enerpac business, which is part of Actuant's Industrial Segment.
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Actuant is a diversified industrial company with operations in more than 30 countries. The Actuant businesses focus on highly engineered position and motion control systems and branded hydraulic and electrical tools and supplies. Actuant has sales of ...

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Air Liquide Buys Engineering Firm

Air Liquide, Paris, France, has acquired the engineering firm Lurgi, which is owned by Global Engineering Alliance, based on an equity value of 550 million euros, equivalent to an enterprise value of 200 million euros.
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The acquisition accelerates the growth of the Large Industries World Business Line, strengthening Air Liquide's position in hydrogen markets and providing access to Coal to Lquid and Coal to Chemicals sectors.
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With nearly 1,300 employees and total sales of around 850 million euros in 2006, Lurgi, a German-based company, produces hydrogen and synthesis gas to biofuel production processes. Lurgi's main engineering centers are situated in Germany, Poland, United States, India and South Africa.
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Air Liquide has five Engineering ...

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Home Depot Launches Eco Options Line

The Home Depot, Atlanta, GA, has launched its Eco Options program in the U.S. Eco Options is a classification that allows customers to easily identify products that have less of an impact on the environment.
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The Home Depot has identified more than 2,500 Eco Options products, including all-natural insect repellents, cellulose insulation, front-load washing machines, organic plant food and vegetables in biodegradable pots. The array of Eco Options also includes compact fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats and certified wood.
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Products with the Eco Options label are either eco friendly by definition, such as solar lights that use natural power, or have met certain environmental performance criteria verified by Scientific Certification Systems, an ...

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