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SEPTEMBER 2000 INDUSTRY NEWS

 

Fluke Networks announces agreement to acquire the Netmetrix division of Agilent Technologies

Fluke Networks Inc. and Agilent Technologies Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement for Fluke Networks to buy Agilent's NetMetrix division for an undisclosed amount of cash and an equity interest in the form of Fluke Networks stock. NetMetrix, which is expected to have revenue of approximately $25 million in fiscal year 2000, is a leading developer of network-performance management solutions.

The purchase of NetMetrix expands Fluke Networks' offering to network-enterprise customers and managed-network service providers, now comprising a comprehensive range of solutions to minimize and resolve network problems, maximize performance and reduce and control network costs.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fluke Networks will acquire the assets of the NetMetrix division including managers and employees, key technologies, intellectual property, and products. The division, which is part of Agilent's Communications Solutions Group, has more than 100 employees, located mainly in Santa Clara, Calif. and Colorado Springs, Colo., with field and support persons located throughout the U.S. and in 15 countries.

"The acquisition of the NetMetrix line of management products extends Fluke Networks' range of solutions to better address the needs of those tasked with supporting today's networked economy," said Chris Odell, president of Fluke Networks, Inc. "With the added know-how of our new engineering, sales and marketing colleagues from NetMetrix, Fluke Networks has dramatically strengthened its ability to deliver the right solution for every person in the network support organization."

Fluke Networks Inc., a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR), is a leading provider of innovative Network SuperVision solutions for ensuring data communications and Internet uptime. The company's award-winning software and hardware products provide professionals with the tools and knowledge needed for the installation, monitoring and maintenance of local- and wide-area networks and the underlying fiber and copper cable infrastructure.

"We are excited about becoming part of Fluke Networks' expanding range of Internet-related test solutions," said Anita Manwani, general manager of the NetMetrix division. "The integration of NetMetrix strengthens Fluke Networks' position in the market, provides continuity for existing NetMetrix customers, and provides a solid platform for continued innovation in the future."

 

National Instruments and Royal Philips Electronics Sign Global Purchasing Agreement

September 26, 2000 -- Royal Philips Electronics, one of the world leaders in consumer electronics products, today named National Instruments as its preferred supplier of computer-based measurement and automation tools for its research, engineering, and manufacturing plants around the world. The agreement is intended to decrease operational costs and increase productivity for both companies by streamlining the purchasing process between Philips and NI.

"Through the agreement with NI, our global operations further extends a world-class performance level in manufacturing, research, and development that exceeds the standard in the electronics industry," said Mark Strubbe, Senior Manager of Process Engineering and Technology for Philips Consumer Electronics.

The agreement ensures the use of many specific NI products and technologies at Philips facilities, such as PXI, an industrial strength computer for use in harsh manufacturing environments, and IMAQ Vision, software for capturing images in industrial applications. Philips uses NI computer-based tools across the globe to develop, manufacture, and test many of their products, such as cellular phones, television sets, lighting products, and electronics for home and industrial settings.

"The agreement between Philips and NI delivers new measurement benefits to Philips that can increase efficiency," said Pete Zogas, NI Vice President of Sales. "Through the agreement, NI provides Philips with flexible measurement and automation tools it can customize for any one of its measurement and automation applications. Philips then can use these tools in its facilities around the world."

 

Picosecond Pulse Labs Announces New State-of-the-Art R&D Facility in Beaverton, Oregon

Boulder, Colo., September 21, 2000 - Picosecond Pulse Labs, INC. announced a new R&D facility and engineering team in Beaverton, Oregon. The group will be working on technology and products for the 40 and 160 Gb/s optoelectronic component markets.

The Beaverton engineering team has extensive experience in electrical and optical device physics, wideband ASIC design, IC fabrication and high-speed optical and electrical metrology. The addition of these skills to PSPL's proven leadership in high-speed pulse electronics and precision manufacturing will enable PSPL to provide a wider array of components to long-haul communications providers. Dr. John Ebner, Manager of R&D for the Beaverton group comments, "The Beaverton team brings a skill set in optoelectronic devices, custom semiconductors and device physics which complements Picosecond's ultra-broadband analog design expertise. I expect the combination of these skills to yield revolutionary new products."

The new facility is 8,149 square feet and is located at 9795 SW Gemini Dr., Beaverton, Oregon 97008. Approximately half of the building's space is allocated to an environmentally-controlled laboratory for device characterization, module assembly and component evaluation. The Beaverton team currently consists of four individuals with over 80 years of cumulative experience and is expected to grow to approximately 30 people by the end of next year.

 

Tektronix announces two-for-one stock split

BEAVERTON, Ore., September 21, 2000 - Tektronix, Inc. (NYSE:TEK) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a two-for-one stock split of the Company's common stock.

The stock split will entitle each stockholder of record at the close of business on October 10, 2000 (the record date) to receive a stock dividend of one additional share for every share of Tektronix common stock held on that date. Shares resulting from the split will be distributed by the transfer agent on October 31, 2000 (the effective date). Tektronix' stock will reflect the post-split price at the opening of the trading session on November 1, 2000. Tektronix currently has approximately 48 million shares of common stock outstanding.

"We feel the timing is appropriate for the split with the continued strength in our business and in the markets we serve," said Rick Wills, Tektronix President and Chief Executive Officer. "The split will improve the liquidity of our stock and enable us to broaden our investor base."

 

The American Society for Quality Launches New E-Learning Center

September 19, 2000 – Milwaukee – The American Society for Quality will launch a new e-Learning Center featuring Web-based training on a variety of quality-related topics. Topics include: standards, basic quality skills, service quality, train-the-trainer, health care, leadership, and education. The e-Learning Center will open with two courses “Quality 101 Web-based Training” and “Key Differences Between ISO 9001:1994 and ISO 9001:2000.”

ASQ is running an e-contest at the site, from October through November, and giving away eight prizes. The address for the site is http://www.asq.org/e-learning (available September 29), and the e-contest is a short trivia quiz about the new e-Learning Center that will automatically enter participants into the contest.

The prizes include:

  • Grand prize — an all-expense-paid registration and trip to the 55th Annual Quality Congress (AQC) in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 2001.
  • Second prize — A free registration to the ASQ public course of choice
  • Third prize — A free edition of the ASQ Self-Directed Learning Program (Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Auditor, or Certified Quality Manager) of the participant’s choice.
  • Five fourth prizes — A $50.00 certificate for Quality Press books or merchandise.

The contest ends November 30. Winners will be drawn December 1, 2000, and notified by mail.

All courses in the center have passed a rigorous screening and review process by ASQ, assuring high quality and outstanding potential to enhance business performance. To submit a training program for consideration for the e-Learning Center, contact Megan Voss at mvoss@asq.org or 800-248-1946 for complete details.

The American Society for Quality is a 121,000-member professional association with headquarters in Milwaukee. The 54-year-old organization advances individual and organizational performance excellence worldwide by providing opportunities for learning, quality improvement, and knowledge exchange. ASQ has been the administrator of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, since the award’s inception more than a decade ago.

 

ISO 9000 revisions: final drafts published

The Year 2000 revisions of the ISO 9000 quality management standards moved to the final development stage with their publication on 14 September 2000 as Final Draft International Standards (FDIS) by ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

The revised standards are being distributed to the national standards institutes that make up ISO’s worldwide membership for a two-month ballot, closing on 14 November 2000. If at least 75 % of the votes cast are in favour, the documents will be published as fully fledged International Standards in December 2000.

The FDIS versions of the revised ISO 9000, ISO 9001 and ISO 9004 may be obtained from ISO’s national members – a full list of these is posted on ISO’s Web site (www.iso.ch) – or from ISO Central Secretariat (sales@iso.ch).

At the FDIS stage of development, the ISO members are asked to vote for or against with no further substantive modification of the texts so, barring minor editorial changes, the FDIS versions will closely resemble the final documents.

ISO has published the three draft standards in the organization’s official languages of English and French. For availability of any other language versions, the relevant ISO member institutes should be contacted.

Guidance to assist organizations in planning the transition to the new ISO 9000 versions, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on the revisions, are posted on ISO’s Web site and periodically supplemented or updated. The three FDIS which have just been published are the following:

  • ISO/FDIS 9000, Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary.
  • ISO/FDIS 9001, Quality management systems – Requirements.
  • ISO/FDIS 9004, Quality management systems – Guidelines for performance improvements.

 

Tektronix Announces Strong First Quarter, Fiscal 2001 Earnings

BEAVERTON, Ore., September 14, 2000 - Tektronix, Inc. (NYSE: TEK) today reported net income of $27.4 million, or $0.56 per share, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2001. This compares with $12.9 million, or $0.28 per share, for the measurement segment in the same period a year ago.

For the quarter, net sales were $278.2 million compared with $228.0 million for the same period last year for the measurement segment. The company also reported growth of 26 percent in orders over the measurement segment in the same period last year.

"We are pleased with this quarter's results, which reflect a continuation of robust orders, sales and gross margins," said Rick Wills, Tektronix president and CEO. "Over the past year, we set forth a new strategy for Tektronix, which focuses on high-growth target zone segments -telecommunications networks and computer/Internet-related technologies, and the underlying semiconductor industry. Today's results, and those of prior quarters, reflect the success of this strategy, combined with excellent operational execution.

"We are seeing strong demand for new products. The CSA 8000 signal analysis oscilloscope began shipping this quarter as well as the TDS7000 Windows-based digital phosphor oscilloscopes announced in June," said Wills. "We are also seeing market acceptance of our new communications products, the OTS9010 portable optical test set and the Q8326 optical wavelength meter, introduced this quarter."

 

New Strategy to Strengthen U.S. Global Trade; U.S. House Hearing on Strategy Set for September 13

NEW YORK, September 13, 2000: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) announced today the approval of a National Standards Strategy (NSS) for the United States. The strategy will be the subject of a hearing held by the Technology Subcommittee of the House of Representatives Science Committee on September 13, 2000.

Standards specify characteristics or performance levels of products, processes and services. They are vital to almost every facet of life, and are playing an increasingly important role in both regulation and international trade.

Stephen P. Oksala, director of standards management at Unisys and chairman of the NSS development group, declared, “The purpose of a national strategy is to succeed in a changing world while maintaining the strengths that have served us in the past. We face new challenges in health, safety, consumer issues and protection of the environment as well as in the explosion of world trade and rapid changes in technology and communications. Voluntary, private sector standards are increasingly being used for both market and regulatory purposes. As other regions of the world promote their own technologies and practices, the U.S. must ‘step it up’ to be competitive.”

The U.S. National Standards Strategy establishes a framework that can be used by all interests - companies, government, non-governmental organizations, standards developers and consumers - to improve U.S. competitiveness abroad while continuing to provide strong support for domestic markets and, at the same time, addressing key quality-of-life issues such as the environment. It builds on the strengths of the U.S. system by proposing a set of strategic and tactical initiatives within that framework that can be used by all interests to meet national and individual organizational objectives. The initiatives are designed to reaffirm traditional strengths such as sectorally based standards, consensus, openness and transparency while giving additional emphasis to speed, relevance, and meeting the needs of public interest constituencies.

Commenting on approval of the strategy, Dr. Mark W. Hurwitz, CAE, president and CEO of ANSI, noted, “The United States has a proud tradition of developing and using voluntary standards, created through an open process of consensus, to support the needs of our citizens and the competitiveness of U.S. industry. We are proud that ANSI, as coordinator of the U.S. standards system, has brought together public and private sector interests to make this happen.”

In March 1998, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the Commerce Department’s Technology Administration, challenged the U.S. standards community to develop a national strategic approach to advance U.S. interests at the international level. In September 1998, ANSI and NIST co-hosted a Standards Summit, bringing together more than 300 participants representing a wide variety of industry sectors and public and private interests. Over the following two years, a series of white papers and workshops defined mutual needs and shared goals and principles that could be part of a strategy, and a team from industry, trade and professional societies, consumers and the federal government used this work to produce the NSS. “This may seem like a long time,” observed Steve Oksala, “but standardization in the U.S. is very different in different industry sectors. This is one of our greatest strengths - a sector-driven approach that does not rely on top-down direction and cookie-cutter structure - but it does take time to find common ground.”

The ANSI Board of Directors unanimously approved the National Standards Strategy at its meeting on August 31, 2000. ANSI, industry, government and standards developers will launch implementation initiatives immediately following the testimony; related activities will continue into the new year and beyond. The Institute is responsible for tracking both support of the strategy and progress on implementation activities.

 

TestMart™ Named Authorized Tektronix Distributor

SAN BRUNO, Calif. - September 11, 2000 TestMart, the leading information and commerce marketplace for the $100 billion precision instrument industry, announced today that it has been named an authorized distributor for Tektronix (NYSE: TEK), a major provider of test, measurement and monitoring solutions for global communications networks and Internet technologies.

Under terms of the one-year renewable contract, TestMart will resell and maintain inventory of certain Tektronix products, most notably the company's TDS3000 line of digital oscilloscopes as well as products from Tektronix alliance partner Advantest of Japan. Effectively immediately, these Tektronix offerings are in TestMart's extensive database and available for customers to order.

With Tektronix products available via TestMart's proven and powerful online commerce site, customers can research product performance and pricing data, determine availability quickly, and count on rapid delivery from TestMart's inventory. In turn, the relationship gives Tektronix exposure to TestMart's rapidly growing customer base and its increasing sales volume. To date, TestMart has partnered with Tektronix to offer refurbished "Tek Select" products.

"Reselling and stocking Tektronix products represents a major expansion of our commerce offerings, reinforces our relationship with one of the test industry's most important brands and marks a major benefit to our customers seeking premium instruments and rapid delivery," said Peter Ostrow, president and CEO of TestMart. "TestMart has already changed the test and measurement community by streamlining product research and acquisition via a proven e-commerce platform. Strengthening our relationship with Tektronix further bolsters TestMart's credibility as the definitive online test and measure source."

 

GenRad's GR Versa Functional Test Platform Debuts at France's Forum Test Show

PORTE de VERSAILLES,- France---GenRad Inc. announced that its GR VersaTM, the next-generation functional test platform, will debut in France at Forum Test. GR Versa offers a PXI-based open and configurable architecture with an extensive choice of modules and instruments to build compact and low-cost functional test systems. The best-of-breed diagnostic and functional test system results from collaboration between GenRad and National Instruments.

The collaborative solution allows customers to manage all aspects of the test process including the development environment, calibration and security. The system is particularly well suited to and deployed among automotive, OEM and contract manufacturing applications.

GR Versa combines National Instruments' new MXI-3 technology and expertise in software and instrumentation with GenRad's expertise in functional test and diagnostics. It combines National Instruments' multi-threaded test engine, TestStand™ with GenRad's test management software suite.

Using GenRad's PXIscan technology, the GR Versa's flexible architecture accepts PXI and CompactPCI instruments, in both 3U and 6U form factors. GR Versa includes a 21-slot chassis, and is available as a 19" rack mount or stand alone system.

 

Reinventing ISA in the 21st Century

The world is changing…
You’re changing…
And ISA is changing …

ISA—The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society, has a new name, new look and new focus as we enter the 21st Century. While our roots are in instrumentation for U.S. process industries, ISA has grown far beyond those boundaries in 55 years.

In fact, we have global reach into systems and automation, measurement and control, sensors, and motion control affecting discrete manufacturing, batch processing, and networking. ISA members work in research and development, engineering, software development, marketing/sales, operations, production, and management.

As we’ve broadened our reach, we’ve also expanded our range of services - with new technical conferences, education programs, magazines, books and more.

Now our new name recognizes who we really are. And our new logo symbolizes a society constantly reinventing itself while retaining the core elements of instrumentation, systems, and automation

 

NIST Lab, German Counterpart Team to Develop Reference Materials

The Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory at NIST and its German counterpart, Bundesanstalt Fur Materialforschung und-Prufung (also known as BAM), have agreed to work together on the development of reference materials. This collaboration is aimed at the global harmonization of material measurements through worldwide distribution of these reference materials.

Developed by NIST, standard reference materials are used for the calibration of scientific and technical instruments and for quality control of manufacturing processes and products. BAM develops the same types of materials, referred to as certified reference materials, for use in Germany.

Under the agreement, a joint research and development plan will be developed and approved by both NIST and BAM for each reference material. The first two reference materials planned for joint development are a ceramic powder with a high surface area and a ceramic porosity standard, which will complement ceramic reference materials already available from NIST and BAM.

For more information about the new agreement, contact Said Jahanmir, (301) 975-3671.

 

The BFGoodrich Company has acquired the Electro-Optical (EO) Sensor business assets of Corning OCA Corporation.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept.117 /PRNewswire/ -- The BFGoodrich Company announced that it has acquired the Electro-Optical (EO) Sensor business assets of Corning OCA Corporation. Corning OCA's EO business manufactures precision electro-optical instrumentation serving both space and military markets. Terms and conditions of the acquisition, which furthers BFGoodrich's aggressive strategy in space systems, were not disclosed. Corning OCA's EO business has annual sales in the $10 - $12 million range.

This acquisition adds systems that allow for the use of stars for satellite orientation to BFGoodrich's product portfolio. Historically the company has offered products that use the earth and sun as the basis for orientation. This "star tracker" system is critical to determining and maintaining the proper orientation of a satellite in deep space. Additional new products also include elements for optical payload programs such as the Hubble Space Telescope, GEO Stationary Operational Environmental Satellite "GOES," Geo Science Altimeter System and the experimental Lidar-In-Space project. Military aerospace products for infrared and optical countermeasures, smart weapons and tactile surveillance on several platforms are also included.

Since entering the space in-flight systems market in 1997, BFGoodrich has steadily expanded both its market position and integration capabilities. Mike Piscatella, Electronic Systems Group President, stated, "This move is consistent with BFGoodrich's overall strategy to grow in space-related activities and in particular, areas contributing to subsystem and system integration. Recent acquisitions such as Ithaco Space Systems and Barnes Engineering have improved our offering to customers while yielding positive financial results."

"This acquisition uniquely positions BFGoodrich as a space subsystems supplier with the ability to provide the three main sensors used for satellite orientation," said Al Daniels, President, Space Flight Systems. "This capability provides our customer with the flexibility to use a variety of sensor suites tailored to their needs."

 

AMETEK Capitalizing on Growth Opportunities in Utility Deregulation and Worldwide Investment in Electrical Power Infrastructure

PAOLI, Pa., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- AMETEK, Inc. announced the acquisition of the assets of Rochester Instrument Systems (RiS) for approximately $19 million in cash. RiS is a leading supplier of measurement instrumentation for the electric power generation and distribution market and complements AMETEK's current product offering in the expanding market for power instrumentation. The acquisition also includes the power instrumentation product assets of a related company, Rochester Instrument Systems, Ltd. The acquired businesses of RiS had 1999 revenue of approximately $33 million and employ approximately 200 people at its locations in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Frank Hermance, AMETEK president and chief executive officer, said, "Utility deregulation and continued worldwide investment in electrical power infrastructure will provide attractive growth opportunities for this business. We, therefore, are excited that RiS is now part of AMETEK. It is a natural fit with the Electronic Instrument Group's Power and Industrial unit, which serves the power generation market with a suite of instrumentation for gas turbines derived from our core aerospace technology. Together these businesses provide a broad array of instrumentation to serve the needs of this growing market. RiS will be managed as part of an expanded and newly named Aerospace and Power Instruments Division, reflecting the increased importance of the power generation market to AMETEK."

Rochester designs and manufactures a full line of power and process monitoring equipment, including power quality instruments, power transducers and meters, event and transient recorders, and annunciators and alarm monitoring systems. These instruments are used to measure, monitor and record variables in the generation and distribution of electric power.

 

ISA approves move to reinvent itself

New Orleans - In a move to better align itself with a changing global economy, ISA—The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society is "reinventing" itself. The ISA Executive Board approved the move.

"Since technology is changing at such a rapid pace, we felt it was important for ISA to change to match that pace," said ISA president Dr. Perry L. Grady. "We are excited about the new programs we are engaging in and feel that even more people and companies can benefit from all that ISA offers."

Along with changing its name to ISA—The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society, ISA will also change its logo. While retaining the shape and "ISA" letters that built the society's image, the bolder, more modern shape suggests a changed society while retaining its core elements, said Ronald Dieck, former ISA president and current chair of the Image and Membership Committee.

ISA approved creating a "member society" organizational structure to permit other national instrumentation societies or technical interest areas to become a subsidiary or part of ISA. The deal will allow the member society to retain its identity and operating independence, but its members will become ISA members. This change in structure provides a growth path for the society along geographic and technical dimensions.

In another move, the Standards Foundation is exploring the possibility of a fundraising campaign to help finance future standards development. Results of the study are expected late this year.

 

American National Standards Institute Announces Recipients of Leadership and Service Awards for 2000

New York, Sept 8, 2000: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system, has announced the recipients of its leadership and service awards for 2000. The individuals recognized have made significant contributions to national and international standardization and have consistently demonstrated a commitment to their industry, their nation and the enhancement of the global voluntary consensus standards system.

  • Mr. John E. Kean , a former vice-president of the International Organization for Standardization, currently a special advisor to the president and CEO of the CSA International, has been selected to receive the 2000 Astin-Polk International Standards Medal. This award recognizes Mr. Kean’s many years of distinguished service in the advancement, development, and administration of international standardization, measurements, and certification.
  • Mr. Arthur K. Reilly , senior director of technology standards at Cisco Systems, Inc., has been selected to receive the 2000 Finegan Standards Medal. This award recognizes Mr. Reilly’s extraordinary leadership in the development and application of voluntary standards.
  • Mr. Edward R. Kelly , president of Kelly Consulting and a former principal and director of global product standards for AMP Incorporated, has been selected to receive the 2000 Howard Coonley Medal. This award recognizes Mr. Kelly’s many contributions to the voluntary standardization community and his personal involvement in advancing the use of standardization as a management tool.
  • Mr. Richard J. Schulte , president of Schulte & Associates and former president of International Approval Services, Inc. (IAS), has been selected to receive the 2000 George S. Wham Leadership Medal. This award recognizes Mr. Schulte’s many contributions to the voluntary standardization community and his long-term leadership and visionary qualities in support of the ANSI Federation.
  • Mr. Joel B. Urman , recently retired program director of standards with IBM Corporation, has been selected to receive the 2000 Edward Lohse Information Technology Medal. This award recognizes Mr. Urman’s many contributions to the information technology standards community and the cooperation he has fostered among the bodies involved in global standardization.

Seven executives were selected for the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of their active participation within, and significant contributions to, the voluntary consensus standards system and for their service in enabling the American National Standards Institute to attain the objectives for which it was founded. They are:

  • Mr. Cyril E. Arney , technical consultant for deepwater development at Marathon Oil Company;
  • Mr. Delbert Boring , senior director of construction codes and standards at the American Iron and Steel Institute;
  • Mr. Michael D. Bray , principal of Bray & Associates and a former vice-president of natural gas rates and regulatory affairs for Duke Energy Corporation, Energy Transmission Group;
  • Dr. John L. Bryan , founder, former professor and chairman of the Fire Protection Engineering Department at the University of Maryland;
  • Dr. John L. Bryan , founder, former professor and chairman of the Fire Protection Engineering Department at the University of Maryland;
  • Mr. Paul Duks , assistant to the chief engineer, engineering services at Underwriters Laboratories;
  • Mr. Gregory Saunders, director of the Defense Standardization Program, U.S. Department of Defense.

ANSI will honor these distinguished award recipients on Tuesday evening, October 17, 2000 at a reception and dinner to be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in downtown Washington, DC.

 

Agilent Technologies announces formation of new Life Sciences Business Unit

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept 6, 2000 - Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that it has formed a new Life Sciences Business Unit (LSBU) within its Chemical Analysis Group (CAG) to better address the growing demand for its life sciences products. The new LSBU will provide more rapid and comprehensive solutions in genomics, chemical and biochemical measurements, microfluidics, informatics, and other analytical areas to its growing customer base in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, genomics and academic markets. Agilent's CAG will now comprise two business units: life sciences and chemical solutions.

The new unit will be headed by Bill Buffington, who will be vice president and general manager for Agilent's LSBU. He will report directly to Rick Kniss, senior vice president and general manager of Agilent's CAG.

"Pharmaceutical, agricultural and academic research endeavors in this 'Age of the Genome' has created unprecedented customer demand for practical, cost-effective, integrated products that accelerate research of the disease and drug discovery process -- presenting a unique opportunity for Agilent. We see this change as fundamental to Agilent's plans to be a leader in the life sciences markets," said Rick Kniss, senior vice president and general manager of Agilent's Chemical Analysis Group. "By organizing our R&D, marketing and sales organizations into a focused Life Sciences Business Unit, we can capitalize on opportunities in the bioscience and pharmaceutical markets with greater speed and agility.

"We also have an excellent position in our traditional chemical, hydrocarbon processing and environmental markets where we are a leader in analytical systems like LC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS and ICP-MS," said Kniss. "Our customers in these markets are extremely important to us, and formation of our new Life Sciences Business Unit will also allow us to bring new tools to chemical and environmental analysis. Overall we believe that these changes will position us to improve CAG's operational excellence and, in doing so, accelerate our growth and profitability."

CAG's new Life Sciences Business Unit will provide integrated solutions to markets from an existing portfolio of products that include DNA microarrays, informatics and lab-on-a-chip microfluidics solutions, as well as HPLC, LC-MS, and CE instruments and data systems.

 

Carl Zeiss IMT Worldwide — First CMM Manufacturing Company to Receive Prestigious Q1 Award from Ford

Chicago Sept. 6, 2000 — Carl Zeiss Industrial Measuring Technology (IMT) worldwide reached a new level in its customer-focused efforts – receiving the first Ford Motor Company Q1 Award granted to a coordinate measure machine (CMM) manufacturing company.

The Q1 certification, established in 1981, recognizes outstanding suppliers that demonstrate commitment and support for continuous improvement in quality and productivity. It is the highest commendation Ford gives to its suppliers.

The certification process is based on a two-fold approach which combines prior receipt of ISO 9001 certification with a detailed analysis of key Ford total quality management areas: continuous improvement, customer focus and satisfaction, structured team problem solving and business planning.

Zeiss received the award for its entire operation and support services, including on-time delivery, product quality, cost and customer communication.

In February of this year, Ford announced that it will use only Q1 suppliers. Anja White, quality representative at Carl Zeiss IMT Corporation, said: "We’re honored that Zeiss IMT worldwide is the first CMM manufacturing company to receive this award."

Zeiss has had a long-standing relationship with Ford. "We began supplying Ford with coordinate measuring machines more than 15 years ago," said Chris Bomgaars, Ford account manager at Zeiss.

Wilhelm Keller, quality representative at Carl Zeiss, Germany, added, "This certification process was definitely the most meaningful and demanding in terms of supplier requirements. Receiving the award makes us a much more powerful company and we are proud of the achievement."

Carl Zeiss in Oberkochen, Germany, recently received its Q1 flag from Ford. Representatives from Ford will visit the Carl Zeiss IMT Corporation facility in Minneapolis in the near future to present a plaque and a Q1 flag that will be raised in front of the plant during an award ceremony.

"The flag will be a daily reminder to all of us at Zeiss that our dedication to producing quality products pays off," said Greg Lee, Carl Zeiss president and CEO. "We commend Ford’s dedication to providing their customers with the best product and service quality available in this industry."

 

Lockheed Martin to establish world-class Propulsion, Thermal and Metrology Center at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi

BETHESDA, MD, Sept. 5, 2000 -- Lockheed Martin Corporation today announced a plan to establish an advanced Propulsion, Thermal, and Metrology Center at the John C. Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.

The plan represents a partnership between Lockheed Martin's Space Systems and Technology Services companies, the Sstate of Mississippi, Hancock County, and NASA. Lockheed Martin Space Systems will operate the Propulsion and Thermal functions of the Center. Lockheed Martin Technology Services will be responsible for the Metrology portion of the Center. Both will be housed in the same facility, with construction to start soon and operations expected to begin in the Fall of 2001. Approximately 270 jobs will be created at the center. These jobs reflect the projected needs of the two Lockheed Martin companies and their potential suppliers.

"We are proud to partner with the State of Mississippi in creating new jobs for the 21st Century," said Lockheed Martin Chief Executive Officer, Vance Coffman. "This Center of Excellence will allow the Corporation to achieve economies of scale by serving multiple sites with standard processes and strategic partnerships with our suppliers. I want to thank all those involved in making this a reality."

"We are excited about the opportunity to work cooperatively with the State of Mississippi and NASA on a project that will bring high-tech jobs to the region and allow us to better serve our customers," said Albert E. Smith, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "We have been pleased by the warm reception and constructive business climate in the state, and look forward to moving ahead on this initiative."

Added Mike Camardo, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Technology Services, "We appreciate the support of Mississippi, Hancock County, and NASA officials for a project that will consolidate world class metrology expertise to serve our corporation and a growing base of customers in government and commercial markets. It is a win-win for Lockheed Martin and the people of Mississippi."

Activities performed in the approximate 220,000-square-foot center will include the production of propulsion systems, such as thrusters, used for satellites and other spacecraft produced by Lockheed Martin Space Systems. The thermal control systems produced at the facility will protect space vehicles from the extreme temperatures of the space environment. These systems include thermal "blankets," heat pipes, radiators, and engine heat shields. Metrology refers to the science of measurement, and this center will be responsible for the highest level of "primary standards" in the extremely precise calibration of test equipment and tools. The Metrology Center, located within the same facility, will be operated by Lockheed Martin Technical Operations, an operating unit of Lockheed Martin Technology Services.

The State of Mississippi and Hancock County will partner with Lockheed Martin in the specialized training required for those hired to work at the center. Lockheed Martin officials cited the proximity to NASA's propulsion center of excellence -- also based at Stennis -- as critical to the decision to consolidate its world class capabilities in one place. The result will be better service to the Corporation's customers. "Being very near to a related facility operated by one of our most important customers will allow for close communications and faster response," Smith said.

The new center combines satellite propulsion activities to support the Space Systems Company's principal sites including operations in Sunnyvale, CA and Denver, CO.

 

Electroglas Receives ISO 9001 Quality Certification

SAN JOSE, Calif. — September 5, 2000 — Semiconductor equipment manufacturer Electroglas Inc. (NASDAQ: EGLS) has received ISO 9001 certification for its quality-management system. This level of certification, to ISO 9001 from ISO 9002, signifies that Electroglas operates within the ISO 9000 family of standards, which are an international consensus on good management practices that can fulfill customers’ most stringent criteria for quality. As the leading supplier of wafer probers, inspection systems and process-management tools to for the semiconductor industry, Electroglas is one of the first semiconductor equipment makers manufacturers to meet the ISO 9001 quality standard.

An audit by the Certification Body of TUV Management Service examined the company’s quality-management system governing the design, development, installation, and service of wafer probers and other Electroglas products used in the semiconductor fabrication industry. The ISO 9000 standards stipulate a management system for business processes.

"We continue to refine our business processes, which our ISO 9001 certification attests. We are more efficient, we are diligent about quality control, and adhere to the new protocols governing the design-and-development process," said Joe Reid, Director of Customer Support and Corporate Quality at Electroglas.

 

Accelerated Networks achieves ISO 9001 certification

Moorpark, CA – August 28, 2000 – Accelerated Networks (NASDAQ: ACCL) developer of multiservice broadband access products, announced today that it has been awarded ISO 9001 certification by TUV Essen for its corporate quality management system.

ISO 9000 is a set of five universal standards for a Quality Assurance system that is accepted around the world, with the most comprehensive of the standards being ISO 9001. ISO 9001 applies to industries involved in the design and development, manufacturing, installation and servicing of products or services. Receiving and maintaining ISO certification requires continuous process improvement aimed at achieving total customer satisfaction.

"This is a tremendous achievement, especially for such a young company," said Pete Patel, vice president of operations for Accelerated Networks. "We have been focused on building and delivering quality products from the time we began volume shipments. This accomplishment is the direct result of a high level of commitment from the entire Accelerated Networks team."

 
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