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MARCH 2002 INDUSTRY NEWS

Aerospace Industries/Test Measurement Division 48th International Instrumentation Symposium

The Symposium is jointly sponsored by the Aerospace Industries and Test Measurement Divisions of ISA. This Symposium has become recognized as the outstanding forum for discussion of new and innovative instrumentation techniques, development and applications.

The Symposium is scheduled for May 5-9, 2002 at the Catamaran Resort Hotel in San Diego, California. Registration gives you admission to all the conference sessions and tutorials which, in addition to the training seminars offered for an additional fee, will cover advanced system and sensor technology, real-time systems, aerospace propulsion research instrumentation, engine health monitoring, data systems, non-intrusive stress measurement systems, aerospace ground and flight instrumentation, optical measurement techniques, measurements and sensors, and more.

Along with the technical information you'll receive, you will also enjoy planned social functions and the amenities of the Catamaran Resort Hotel, not to mention the surrounding San Diego area. If you have any questions please email info@isa.org.

To register visit www.isa.org.

 

Thermo Electric Adds Two New Sales Offices

Thermo Electric is pleased to announce the opening of two NEW sales offices to better serve the international marketplace.

Thermo Electric Ltd. (Belgium) is located at Balen, Belgium. Servicing Benalux as well as Continental Europe, this new office and its highly experienced team is managed by Mr. Jan Jacobs who has over 15 years of experience in the temperature sensor and process instrumentation field.

Thermo Electric Company Ltd. (India) is located centrally in New Delhi and is ideally placed to service our Indian market. This new office is managed by Mr. Jaspreet Singh who is a highly qualified engineer with experience in temperature sensors, particularly in the petrochemical and chemical instrumentation field.

One of the worlds most respected manufacturers of temperature sensing devices, Thermo Electric Co., Inc. has continued to develop innovative solutions to industry's most demanding temperature measurement challenges for over half a century. Total Quality Management, ISO certification and calibration labs traceable to NIST, CSA as well as other internationally accredited laboratories are additional reasons why Thermo Electric is the premier worldwide source for high performance temperature monitoring systems.

For more information about Thermo Electric visit www.thermo-electric-direct.com.

 

FARO Technologies Reports Fourth Quarter And Full Year Results

FARO Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of computer-aided manufacturing measurement (CAM2) solutions, announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2001, highlighted by its first profitable quarter in 2001.

Fourth quarter sales were approximately $10.0 million, an 8.3% decrease from approximately $10.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2000. Earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2001 were five cents, an increase of three cents per share from two cents in the fourth quarter of 2000. The Company's fourth quarter 2001 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) remained essentially flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2000 at approximately $1.0 million.

For the full year ended December 31, 2001, sales decreased 13.3% to approximately $35.1 million compared to approximately $40.5 million in 2000. Earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2001 decreased twenty-six cents to a loss of twenty-six cents compared to break even in 2000. For the year 2001, EBITDA decreased approximately $3.4 million from approximately $2.5 million in 2000 to a loss of approximately $847,000 in 2001.

"Despite the sustained sluggish economies in our traditional direct sales territories, results in the fourth quarter were better than in the three previous quarters," said Simon Raab, FARO's President and CEO. "This resulted from stronger sales in countries with newer direct sales teams, such as Spain, Italy and Japan, and in countries where the Company does not have a direct presence including Brazil, Korea, and China.

"We are making good progress towards our goal to reduce SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales to 38-40%," continued Raab. "While selling expenses in particular were significantly reduced in the quarter, such expenses reflect severance payments, lease buy-outs and other non-recurring charges and accordingly I expect selling expenses to drop even further as a percentage of sales in 2002. This of course depends somewhat on how long it takes us to integrate the former SMX team into FARO. We also had significant non-recurring G&A expenses in the fourth quarter and earlier in the year in connection with patent enforcement and tax planning that should not continue beyond the first quarter of 2002. The reduction in SG&A expenses in the second half of 2001 resulted in cash from operations improving significantly compared to the first half of the year."

For the year sales in the USA were down 31.0% from approximately $20.0 million in 2000 to approximately $13.8 million in 2001. Sales in Europe decreased 2.6% to approximately $14.7 million from approximately $15.1 million in 2000. In native currencies European sales were up 2.5% but the translation effect of the stronger US dollar compared to the European currencies in 2001 led to sales in US dollars being lower. Sales in the rest of the world increased 24.1% to approximately $6.7 million in 2001 from approximately $5.4 million in 2000.

"Our international expansion over the past few years has helped to offset the dramatic decrease in sales in the USA which resulted from the continuing downturn in the USA economy in 2001," said Raab.

 

Thompson Names Crawford To Be FDA Deputy Commissioner

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson named Lester M. Crawford Jr., DVM, Ph.D., to serve as FDA's deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration beginning Feb. 25.

Dr. Crawford will be the senior official at FDA pending the installment of a permanent commissioner.

"Lester Crawford has devoted his career to promoting safer products for the public, and he brings to the FDA valuable experience and leadership skills," Thompson said. "With his help, FDA will continue to build on its successes in ensuring the safety of foods, drugs and medical products for all Americans." In an e-mail to FDA employees, Dr. Crawford said he was delighted to be back among his colleagues.

"This Agency has always played a critically important role in the health and safety of American citizens," he said, "and that role has gained even more importance since September 11. As you continue to carry out your traditional tasks of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical products and ensuring that food is safe, you are also expanding your work on a variety of counterterrorism measures to protect the American public. I am proud to join you in these efforts.

"FDA's strength is FDA's people. I look forward to working with each and every member of FDA's dedicated staff in the days and weeks to come."

Dr. Crawford most recently served as head of the Center for Food and Nutrition Policy at Virginia Tech. He also served as administrator of the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service from 1987 to 1991 and as director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine from 1978 to 1980 and again from 1982 to 1985. He received a doctor of veterinary medicine from Auburn University in 1963 and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Georgia in 1969.

During his career, he has also served as executive director of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, executive vice president of the National Food Processors Association, as chairman of the University of Georgia's Department of Physiology-Pharmacology and as a practicing veterinarian.

Dr. Crawford takes over from Bernard A. Schwetz, DVM, Ph.D., a career FDA executive who has served as acting principal deputy commissioner since Jan. 21 last year. Dr. Schwetz, senior advisor for science, will continue to work on public health and FDA issues within the Agency.

 

Pinpoint Receives Patent for Laser Measuring Product

Pinpoint Laser Systems has just received its first patent (#6,308,428B1) for the Laser Microgage alignment system. This unique and innovative laser system brings precision measuring capability to industry and has become a popular tool for large and small companies alike.

The Microgage has been on the market for several years and has achieved much success in both the industrial and technical worlds. The Laser Microgage has been used for aligning machine tools, production equipment, checking paper mills, assembling aircraft components, shipbuilding, and many other manufacturing applications. "We are very pleased with this first patent and the popular reception that the Microgage has seen in the industrial marketplace…" responds Mory Creighton (General Manager) in a recent interview, "…the Microgage expands the alignment capabilities that plant engineers and maintenance people have to run their plants efficiently."

For more detailed information on Pinpoint Laser Systems visit www.pinlaser.com.

 

National Instruments James Truchard Named CEO of the Year

Frost & Sullivan, a global market consulting and training firm, has named National Instruments' Dr. James Truchard as its 2001 CEO of the Year for the Test and Measurement industry.

Truchard accepted the award at Frost & Sullivan's annual awards presentation held Monday at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio.

The award recognizes how NI, under the guidance of Truchard, has experienced long-term growth as it has increased the productivity of engineers and scientists around the world through virtual instrumentation. With virtual instrumentation, NI customers transform standard personal computers into powerful engineering systems vital to the research, design, and manufacture of thousands of diverse products from next-generation automobile electronics to new lines of food packaging.

"Throughout NI's 25-year history, we've provided engineers and scientists with the tools they need to work faster and smarter," said Dr. Truchard. "We also have built a great place to work where our employees have the freedom to innovate new products while growing their own careers. This focus on long-term success has fueled the growth of NI, even during economically challenging times."

To determine the CEO of the year, Frost & Sullivan looks for executives who demonstrate outstanding leadership and vision and stand out among industry peers. Researchers also analyze a company's overall market position, financial performance, and industry impact. In naming Truchard CEO of the Year, Frost & Sullivan noted his successful 100-year plan for growth, NI's strong financial performance, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its employees.

 

Honeywell Names New Chairman

Honeywell International Inc., on February 19, elected David Cote, 49, president and CEO.

Cote also will be named chairman when Lawrence Bossidy retires this summer. Cote was chairman, president, and CEO of TRW, the $16 billion Cleveland-based manufacturer of space, defense, and automotive products.

Before joining TRW, Cote spent 25 years in various management and leadership positions at GE. Bossidy, 66, will remain chairman of Honeywell until June 30, when he will retire as expected. After serving Honeywell as chairman and CEO 1991-2000, Bossidy rejoined the company in July of 2001 after the failed acquisition by General Electric.

 

Tektronix Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2002 Results

Tektronix, Inc. reported net sales of $203.6 million and net income, before non-recurring expenses, of $12.0 million or $0.13 per share, for the third quarter of fiscal year 2002 ending February 23, 2002. This compares with sales of $326.9 million and net income, before non-recurring credits, of $35.5 million or $0.37 per share, for the same period last year. Including non-recurring items, net income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2002 was $10.4 million or $0.11 per share, as compared with $41.0 million or $0.43 per share, for the same period a year ago.

"We continue seeing the benefits of our aggressive investments in technology and development over the last few years with significant product introductions during this quarter and the next," said Rick Wills, Tektronix Chairman and CEO. "We introduced and shipped the world's fastest oscilloscope - the TDS6604, the result of the combination of our leadership position in performance oscilloscopes and the IBM (NYSE: IBM) silicon germanium (SiGe) technology. We announced the expansion of that investment and our agreement with IBM to deploy next-generation 0.18um SiGe technology into future products to remain the performance leader in our instruments business."

"From an operations perspective, the quarter went as we expected and I am pleased with our financial performance. Our employees around the world have done an outstanding job scaling expenses for current business levels. The management team continues to use a deliberate and surgical approach to take the appropriate actions to meet profitability targets, preserve key investments, and meet the needs of our customers in this challenging environment."

Wills continued, "We are seeing good customer response to new products and we saw signs that our orders are stabilizing. Although we anticipate pockets of improvement over the next couple of quarters, we do not expect to see significant, sustainable improvements in our markets until the end of the calendar year at the earliest."

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the company expects sales to be down 30 - 35% over the same period a year ago, but expects a modest sequential increase in orders, primarily due to normal seasonal patterns and new product introductions. Operating margins are expected to be in the mid-single digits, excluding non-recurring expenses. The company expects non-recurring expenses in the fourth quarter of $5 - 10 million as part of the ongoing effort to manage the company's cost structure.

"We remain focused this quarter on delivering market-leading products and managing our operations to deliver results. Tektronix has remained strong through this challenging time. As we move through this cycle, we are positioning the company to emerge even stronger. We are working intimately with our customers to understand their technology requirements and are investing in technologies that will meet those needs. We are pursuing new opportunities to apply our leading technology and remain focused on delivering results to our shareholders," concluded Wills.

 

Artel Offering Pipette Seminars

Artel, in conjuction with VistaLab, will be presenting a complimentary technical seminar on "Pipettes in the Laboratory." Dates and locations are: April 30th in Bethesda, Maryland, May 1st in Somerset, New Jersey and May 2nd in Newton, Massachusetts.

The seminar will cover everything you need to know about pipettes, pipette calibration and management, pipetting techniques, pipette ergonomics and industry standards and government regulations. Also learn about a new class of pipette and a new technology for verifying pipette performance.

For more information visit www.artel-usa.com.

 

Allen J. Lauer Elected Chairman of the Board of Varian, Inc.

The Board of Directors of Varian, Inc. has elected the company's current president and CEO, Allen J. Lauer, 64, Chairman of the Board. He replaces D.E. (Ned) Mundell, 70, who retired from the board upon expiration of his term at today's annual meeting of the stockholders. Lauer will continue as the company's chief executive officer.

"Since Varian, Inc. was spun out of Varian Associates in 1999, Al Lauer has kept the company focused on profitable growth opportunities, and the company's market capitalization has grown approximately 300 percent," said Mundell. "We have been very fortunate to have a chairman of Ned's caliber to advise us since our spin out as an independent company," said Lauer. "His experience in managing companies and service on several boards has been a real asset."

Lauer joined Varian Associates, Inc. (Varian, Inc.'s predecessor company) in 1965 and held numerous management positions including executive vice president of its Instruments business; corporate vice president of manufacturing; and general manager of two of its business units: vacuum products, and power grid and X-ray tubes.

He received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University and a master's degree in business from the University of California at Berkeley. He has served on the board of directors of the American Electronics Association and of the Analytical and Life Science Systems Association (ALSSA). He also served as chairman of the ALSSA board for two separate terms.

Varian, Inc. is a major supplier of scientific instruments, vacuum technologies, and specialized contract electronics manufacturing services. These businesses serve life science, health care, chemical analysis, industrial, and electronics customers worldwide. The company manufactures in 14 locations in North America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim and employs some 4,100 people. Varian, Inc. had fiscal year 2001 sales of $749 million.

 

Quality Consulting Companies Join Forces

Oriel, a Madison, Wisconsin-based quality management consulting company, will become part of The SAM Group, a quality improvement consulting and training organization that controls STAT-A-MATRIX Inc., STAT-A-MATRIX Institute and STAT-A-MATRIX FDA Services Inc.

The acquisition provides STAT-A-MATRIX clients with a wider range of offerings through public seminars, and Oriel will expand its books and materials offerings to include STAT-A-MATRIX products. STAT-A-MATRIX will also expand its global reach by offering Oriel's services through its offices in Japan, Brazil and China.

"Oriel's culture is quite similar to STAT-A-MATRIX's in that we both have a long history of providing quality management consulting before it was popular to do so," says Patricia Klossner, Oriel's president. "We will continue to focus on meeting customer needs by creating effective consulting methodology and courses, and by hiring consultants who have substantial corporate experience."

Part of the deal stipulates that no employees on either side will be terminated as a result of the acquisition. All STAT-A-MATRIX companies will maintain their global headquarters in Edison, New Jersey, and Oriel will remain in Madison and will be called Oriel Inc., a SAM Group Co.

Alan S. Marash will remain president, and Stanley A. Marash will continue his role as chairman and CEO. Klossner will retain presidency of Oriel and will become a vice president of STAT-A-MATRIX.

 

AMETEK Names Jon P. Kidder as Vice President and General Manager of Its Advanced Measurement Technology Division

AMETEK Inc. has announced that the Board of Directors has elected Mr. Jon P. Kidder, Vice President and General Manager of AMETEK's Advanced Measurement Technology Division. Mr. Kidder joined AMETEK with the December 2001 acquisition from PerkinElmer Inc. of Instruments for Research and Applied Sciences (IRAS), where he served as President since November 1998.

Frank Hermance, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "I am pleased to announce Jon's appointment as Vice President and General Manager. He is a welcome addition to the AMETEK management team and brings extensive general management experience and knowledge of the IRAS business to the Company. Under Jon's leadership, we expect Advanced Measurement Technology to be a growth platform for our Electronic Instruments Group."

Prior to joining AMETEK, Mr. Kidder served for three years in general management roles for various businesses within PerkinElmer, most recently as President of IRAS. From 1991 to 1998, he served in various management roles for John Crane with his final position as General Manager of their Belfab unit, which was acquired by PerkinElmer.

Earlier in his career, he spent four years with General Electric, where he held several operational positions and completed their Manufacturing Management Program.

Mr. Kidder holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut.

 

Ford Motor Company's Plawecki Named AIAG Executive Director

Linda R. Plawecki, industry executive on loan from Ford Motor Co., has been named executive director of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). Lee Pittman, chairman of AIAG's Board of Directors and vice president of industry relations for Future Three, made the announcement. Plawecki has succeeded Kenneth W. Godzina of General Motors Corp.

As executive director, Plawecki guides the organization as it continues to establish guidelines and standards for issues deemed most important to the automotive industry. She also assists in maintaining AIAG's strategic direction, as well as its continued growth.

"We are very pleased to have Linda join the AIAG staff as the new executive director," said Pittman. "Her interest and expertise in streamlining operations and developing improved processes will certainly benefit AIAG, its member companies and the industry."

Prior to becoming executive director of AIAG, Plawecki served as purchasing manager for Ford's Powertrain Machinery and Tooling organization. She also worked in various managerial positions of increasing responsibility, including positions in: strategic planning; production parts purchasing; and facilities, materials and services purchasing.

Plawecki began her career in 1974 as a buyer and has been with Ford's purchasing department since that time. She earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing from Wayne State University in Detroit. Since 1982, DaimlerChrysler Corp., Ford and GM have each made a commitment to consistently provide AIAG with a full-time loaned executive. In addition, the executive loan program has expanded beyond automakers to include truck manufacturers and suppliers.

Founded in 1982, the AIAG is a not-for-profit trade association of approximately 1,500 automotive and truck manufacturers and their suppliers. AIAG's purpose is to provide an open forum where members cooperate in developing and promoting solutions that enhance the prosperity of the automotive industry. Its focus is to continuously improve business processes and practices involving trading partners throughout the supply chain.

More information about the AIAG and its initiatives can be found at www.aiag.org

 

Power Generation Technologies Achieves ISO 17025 Accreditation From A2LA

Power Generation Technologies in Knoxville, Tennessee has achieved A2LA accreditation for ISO 17025. The accreditation was granted in December 2001 and their certificate number is #1798.01. Accreditation is granted to Power Generation Technologies to perform the following calibrations: electrical DC/AC, time and frequency, mechanical, dimensional, torque, air flow, pressure, temperature and humidity. For more information you can reach Power Generation Technologies at 865-688-7900 or email them at PGTLab@Envirosys.com.

 

NCSL International Uncertainty Workshop

NCSL International's Region 1310 is presenting an Uncertainty Workshop on April 10, 2002 in Madison, Wisconsin. The Workshop will cover various aspects of Uncertainty including Uncertainty and the "GUM", Uncertainty in Pressure Measurements, Temperature Calibration Uncertainty, Uncertainty in Balance Calibration, Dimensional Uncertainty, and Uncertainty Analysis of Automated Resistance Measurements each topic presented by leaders in the field. The deadline for registration is April 3rd, 2002. The workshop is free with a minimal cost for refreshments and snacks. For information on registering contact Keela Sniadach at 1-800-356-9526x4681 or 608-298-4681 or email at: ksniadac@promega.com.

 

Emerson Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2002 Results

Emerson announced that for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 ended December 31, 2001, the company achieved sales of $3.3 billion, net earnings of $255 million, earnings per share of $0.61, and operating cash flow of $252 million. Free cash flow increased 25 percent versus the first quarter of fiscal 2001, from $127 million to $158 million, driven by improvements in working capital and lower capital spending.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2001, Emerson reported sales of $3.9 billion, net earnings of $357 million, earnings per share of $0.83, and operating cash flow of $277 million.

Commenting on the quarter results, David N. Farr, chief executive officer, reiterated remarks made January 17 at the company's annual investor meeting in New York City, "The first quarter was challenging due both to weak economic conditions and the actions of key customers who reduced their inventories and production. However, we have seen evidence of stabilization across many of our early-cycle businesses, and are optimistic we will see steady improvement in business conditions as the year progresses.

Farr continued, "Our major emphasis continues to be on implementing restructuring actions for cost structure improvements. We are reducing salaried headcount, closing and consolidating facilities, and discontinuing certain product areas that have not met growth and profitability expectations. At the same time, we have continued to fund important long-term growth initiatives, including using this downturn to extend our leadership in key technologies."

Discussing the business segments, Farr said, "The process control business reported a 3 percent increase in sales, reaching $796 million. Underlying growth, excluding acquisitions, divestitures and unfavorable currency exchange, was approximately 5 percent - building on the 10 percent growth achieved in fiscal 2001. PlantWeb digital plant architecture continues to gain acceptance, with over 2,200 project wins across the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, pulp and paper, and food and beverage industries. During December, we were awarded two major contracts totaling over $25 million each, including a $32 million, multi-stage automation upgrade of the Shell Deer Park refinery.

Recognizing our technology leadership, Control magazine, in its January 2002 survey of end users, ranked Emerson Process Management the highest overall among process industry solutions providers. Emerson was voted 'Best in Class' for a total of 21 product and software rankings - including, for the first time, a number one ranking in large-scale systems. "In electronics and telecommunications, sales declined to $635 million from $1,087 million due to the continued worldwide weakness in telecom and computing equipment. We've taken aggressive actions to deal with the market downturn, and this segment remained profitable despite the sharp decline. Our recent acquisition of Avansys, China's leading power electronics company, enables many of the cost actions, and it has provided important infrastructure to strengthen our global market leadership.

 

Calibration Compliance in FDA Regulated Companies Training Seminar

Promega Corporation and BTCI present a Spring 2002 calibration course - Calibration Compliance in FDA Regulated Companies Training Seminar. This seminar is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, 2002 in Madison, Wisconsin and takes place in the same location as the NCSL International Uncertainty Workshop conducted on the previous day.

The course instructor is Ralph Bertermann. This course provides insights into the complex topic of calibration compliance. It will provide participants with an understanding of many of the factors that contribute to calibration compliance including: federal regulations, changing interpretations, industry best practices, international standards, military standards, quality standards, recommended practices, guidelines and industry publications. It will provide an overview of all the elements of a compliant metrology program.

This course is particularly suited for calibration engineers and technicians, validation managers, subcontractors, and quality assurance personnel. For more information regarding registration please contact: Dr. Karin Borgh, Executive Director of BTCI (BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute) at 608-277-2508 or kborgh@promega.com.

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