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MAY 2005 INDUSTRY NEWS

 

New Edition of Influential ISO/IEC Standard on Competence of Laboratories - ISO/IEC 17025:2005

A new edition has just been published of an ISO/IEC standard acknowledged as the international benchmark for approving the competence of the testing and calibration laboratories that play a vital role in trade, in product development and manufacturing, and in protection of the consumer.

ISO/IEC 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, replaces the 1999 edition which has been used to "accredit" (approve) some 25 000 laboratories worldwide that test products and samples, and calibrate precision instruments. However, the influence of ISO/IEC 17025 is even greater than this figure suggests since many countries make its use a legal requirement. In addition, documents derived from it are used by laboratories in specific sectors such as medicine and microbiology.

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 contains all of the requirements that testing and calibration laboratories need to meet in order to demonstrate to customers and regulators that they operate a sound management system which puts them in full control of their processes, are technically competent, and are able to generate technically valid results. Accreditation bodies that recognize the competence of testing and calibration laboratories will use the standard as the basis for their accreditation.

"Dependable testing and calibration laboratories are ones that have been duly accredited as competent and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is the laboratory accreditation standard that, like the edition it replaces, will be counted on by business and governments worldwide," declared Peter van Leemput, who led the ISO group of experts that carried out the work.

The new, 2005 edition results from the amendment of ISO/IEC 17025:1999 to ensure its compatibility with the requirements of ISO 9001:2000, Quality management systems - Requirements. This became necessary because of the generalized adoption of quality management systems conforming to ISO 9001:2000, including many of the organizations that testing and calibration laboratories serve.

It also seeks to clarify that while compatible, the two standards are not inter-changeable. Although both standards can be used by laboratories as a framework for providing their customers with confidence that they are managing their activities, only ISO/IEC 17025 can be used to demonstrate the technical competence specific to laboratories.

Laboratories may choose to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, or be certified to ISO 9001:2000, or both, but the processes of accreditation and certification would still be two separate actions, although highly facilitated - both for the laboratories and the assessors - by the consistency now ensured between the two standards.

There are no essential changes to the technical requirements. The modifications relate mainly to the management requirements in the document to reflect the content of ISO 9001:2000, especially in a greater emphasis on the responsibilities of top management, on the need to demonstrate a commitment to continually improve the effectiveness of the management system, on customer satisfaction, and on internal and customer communication about the management system.

Peter van Leemput summed up: "Laboratories that have described and controlled their processes within the laboratory - as already required by the 1999 edition of ISO/IEC 17025 - will only have minor adjustments to make to their existing procedures to ensure that the new orientations in the management requirements are fulfilled."

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) has set a transition period of two years from date of publication of the new edition - 12 May 2005 - for accredited laboratories to comply with the standard's requirements.

Availability:
In the U.S. to purchase visit ANSI (www.ansi.org) at http://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore/default.asp and type 17025:2005 in the search box.

In other countries visit your ISO national member institutes (see the complete list with contact details) and from ISO Central Secretariat.

 

IAS Calibration Laboratory Accreditation Program Gains International Recognition

At its April 25, 2005, meeting in Tokyo, the Mutual Recognition Arrangement Council (MRA Council) of APLAC voted unanimously to admit IAS to its MRA for calibration laboratory accreditation. The Council, consisting of representatives from 21 countries, meets twice a year to consider reports of evaluations conducted on accreditation programs operated by APLAC members, and votes to admit, renew or suspend the programs. A 75% affirmative vote is required for recognition.

IAS is already an APLAC MRA signatory to the testing laboratory and inspection body accreditation programs. With recognition of the calibration laboratory accreditation program, IAS becomes the only accreditation body in the Americas (North and South) to be internationally recognized for all three programs. APLAC recognition is a crucial step to assure the global acceptance of reports of testing, inspection and calibration work done by IAS-accredited entities, and represents the culmination of a rigorous peer evaluation process by an international team of experts.

APLAC is a regional arrangement under the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Signatory status in APLAC assures global acceptance through ILAC.

I take this opportunity to thank on behalf of the IAS board, committee and staff our staff metrologists, and the initial group of accredited calibration laboratories, for this significant accomplishment.

Chuck
C. P. Ramani, P.E., C.B.O.
President
International Accreditation Service
5360 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, California 90601
Phone: (562) 699-0541 Ext. 3254
www.iasonline.org

 

New NIST Initiative Will Map U.S. Measurement Needs

An initiative to “roadmap” the nation’s future measurement needs was announced May 11 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Advances in such measurement capabilities are basic to technological innovation, U.S. industrial competitiveness, safety and security, and quality of life.

“The nation’s measurement system is a vital element of our innovation infrastructure,” NIST Acting Director Hratch Semerjian said during testimony before the House Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards. “The goal of this very important initiative, which will be undertaken in close cooperation with the private sector and other agencies, is to ensure that the nation’s highest-priority measurement needs are identified and met. We need to be certain that the U.S. measurement system is robust so that it can sustain America’s economy and citizens at world-class levels in the 21st century.”

Semerjian was testifying on the use of standards as barriers to export markets. Test and measurement methods are critical for businesses to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and standards, which are the specifications that define the features, performance levels, compatibility and other attributes of products. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has estimated that standards influence up to 80 percent of world trade.

The comprehensive, NIST-facilitated initiative, "Roadmapping America’s Measurement Needs for a Strong Innovation Infrastructure," will result in a first-ever evaluation of the breadth, depth and overall health of the U.S. measurement system. The final report, expected in early 2007, will identify priority measurement infrastructure needs across industry and the economy, recommend steps to address them and point out the consequences of inaction.

For further information, see www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/usms_nist.htm.

 

Transcat Announces Fiscal Year 2005 and Fourth Quarter Results

Transcat, Inc., a leading global distributor of professional grade test, measurement, and calibration instruments and a provider of calibration and repair services, announced financial results for fiscal year 2005 and fourth quarter ended March 26, 2005.

For fiscal year 2005, net sales were $55.3 million, an increase of $2.0 million or 3.7%, compared with net sales of $53.3 million for fiscal year 2004. Distribution Products net sales for fiscal year 2005 were $37.1 million, an increase of $1.7 million or 4.7%, compared with net sales of $35.4 million for fiscal year 2004. Calibration Services net sales for fiscal year 2005 were $18.2 million, an increase of $0.3 million or 1.8%, compared with net sales of $17.9 million for fiscal year 2004.

For the fiscal year 2005 fourth quarter, net sales were $15.6 million, an increase of $0.3 million or 1.8%, compared with net sales of $15.3 million for the fiscal year 2004 fourth quarter. Distribution Products net sales for the fiscal year 2005 fourth quarter were $10.1 million, a decrease of $0.4 million or 3.7%, compared with net sales of $10.4 million for the fiscal year 2004 fourth quarter. Calibration Services net sales for the fiscal year 2005 fourth quarter were $5.5 million, an increase of $0.7 million or 13.9%, compared with net sales of $4.8 million for the fiscal year 2004 fourth quarter.

Commenting on the 2005 fiscal year and fourth quarter results, Carl E. Sassano, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "I am pleased to report that fiscal 2005 was an excellent year for Transcat. The strategic initiatives that we began implementing in fiscal 2004 have culminated in strong performance at the close of fiscal 2005. We are attaining our strategic goals and consider ourselves well positioned for the future.

"Calibration Services is a strategic core competency of our company. Our goal is to have Transcat Calibration Services become an integral component of a customer's strategic supplier network that supports and enhances their manufacturing, quality and productivity programs. During fiscal year 2005, we made investments in laboratory assets, personnel and systems technology in our Calibration Services business. We were rewarded, at the end of the fiscal year 2005 fourth quarter, with a strong 13.9% increase in sales and an increase in the gross profit ratio of 3.1 points to 32.1%.

"In April, after the beginning of the 2006 fiscal year, we acquired the fixed assets of Hilton Engineering's calibration services facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We then incorporated it into the international network of Transcat Calibration Services Laboratories, expanding the network to 11 Transcat Calibration Centers of Excellence. Transcat can now provide customers in the Island's pharmaceutical and other industries with an enhanced level of accredited calibration services, as well as access to Transcat's CalTrak® calibration quality program.

"In fiscal year 2006, our Calibration Services segment should continue to benefit from cross-selling to product customers and our efforts to identify companies that want to outsource calibration to a sole provider. Transcat offers a total calibration program that assures a company of quality and value-added service.

"We are also pleased with the performance of our Distribution Products business segment in fiscal year 2005, where the 4.7% growth in sales was in line with our strategic plan. During fiscal year 2005, our catalog mailings brought new customers to both Distribution Products and Calibration Services. In fiscal year 2006, we plan to continue prospecting for new customers with our catalog supplement mailings and distribution of the industry-recognized Transcat Master Catalog.

"We are pleased that the addition of two world-class strategic partners in fiscal year 2005 enhances our product offerings. "In July, we announced our appointment as an Authorized North American Distributor of Tektronix, a world leader in test, measurement and monitoring products for computer, communications, advanced electronics design; digital video; optical networking; and wireless communications. We are pleased to promote and distribute this leading family of oscilloscopes and general-purpose test equipment to our customers throughout the industrial marketplace.

"In March, near the close of the fiscal year 2005 fourth quarter, we announced a partnership with GE Infrastructure Sensing to offer an expanded range of products from leading manufacturers of temperature, moisture, humidity, pressure, gas analysis and flow instruments ideally suited for Transcat's customers in the pharmaceutical, process and utility markets.

"Our relationships with leading manufacturers such as GE Infrastructure and Tektronix, among others, is consistent with our strategy to identify and secure new customers in targeted market segments by offering the best technologies and a comprehensive range of test and measurement instruments for the process, utility and pharmaceutical industries."

Mr. Sassano continued: "We successfully met the challenges of fiscal year 2005 and emerged a stronger, more profitable company through the dedicated efforts of the entire Transcat team. As we look ahead to fiscal year 2006, we are confident that we have the strategy, the management and the people to meet the new challenges ahead."

 

World Metrology Day: May 20, 2005 - Message From BIPM Director

"Global Confidence Through SI Traceability"

On 20 May 1875, 17 States became the founding Members of the Metre Convention. The Convention is the second oldest intergovernmental treaty arrangement and set the scene for what is now 130 years of achievement and success in the establishment of a global infrastructure for precise, accurate and traceable measurement. Today there are 51 Members of the Convention and 17 Associate States and Economies of the General Conference on Weights and Measures. The first members of the Convention and the staff of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) started with the metre and the kilogram as reference standards. However the work of the Convention now extends to a much greater number of international measurement standards and is making its presence felt in fields as diverse as biological standards and nanotechnologies.

We celebrate the 20th May as a day on which metrologists can be proud of their quiet, largely unseen, but influential achievements. They can look back on a successful past, and look forward to another 130 or more years of service to the scientific, technical, commercial, and social applications of precise, traceable measurements within the International System of units (SI).

This message from the BIPM, which is at the heart of world metrology, is a challenge to, as well as recognition of, the immense contributions of many thousands of metrologists throughout the world. It also aims at drawing the attention of Governments from our Member States and others, as well as international bodies, to the benefits of good metrology and the very large economic benefits which come from their investments. Many studies have shown a clear and very large techno-economic benefit from public investments in metrology. One recent UK study put the return from their £40 million national investment at over £5000 million! Similar figures apply to economies of all sizes and stages of economic development. The benefits of metrology touch us all, wherever we live and whatever we do.

Metrology is the science of measurement, and embraces both experimental and theoretical measurements and determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of science and technology. The intricate and mostly invisible networks of services, suppliers and communications upon which we are all dependent rely on metrology for their efficient and reliable operation.

The economic success of nations depends upon our ability to manufacture and trade precisely measured and tested products and services. Metrology is central to the manufacturers, suppliers and customers of goods and services. All groups must have confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the measurements made at every level of precision.

A current example of this international standardization of metrology is the construction of the European Airbus A380, parts of which are made in the UK, in Spain, in Germany, in France, and are transported to France for assembly. To achieve this goal, precision position measurements over a 50 metre stretch were needed to the amazing and challenging target of about 50 micrometre. This was laboratory technology until the very recent past, and even now challenges the very best laser trackers. Such international commercial collaboration and product quality would be impossible without accurate validated dimensional measurements between the various national metrology institutes and laboratories of the countries involved.

Apart from areas of engineering, measurement science has profound implications in a number of other areas of science and technology. In the domain of measurements of time, satellite navigation systems and international time coordination make accurate location possible – allowing the worldwide networking of computer systems, and permitting aircraft to land in poor visibility. The new Galileo consortium is working to ensure that "Galileo time" is consistent with the Coordinated Universal Time produced by the BIPM from over 300 atomic clocks in 41 countries.

The maintenance of human health depends critically on the ability to make accurate diagnosis, and deliver precise treatment in which reliable measurement is essential. This also supports an industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars worldwide. For many years we have focussed on radiation dosimetry and radionuclide activity measurements and we continue to improve the uncertainties in the dissemination of the international reference standards for radiotherapy measurements in particular. This is challenging and every small improvement has a direct and beneficial effect on the safety and care of patients who are treated in millions of hospitals in all countries of the world.

We have recently broken new ground working with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry, the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation and the World Health Organisation in the development of an infrastructure of consistent and traceable measurements in laboratory medicine. This will have profound implications for the accurate diagnosis and health monitoring for us all, whether we stay at home but especially as we travel.

The ability to make accurate measurements, traceable to fundamental standards of parameters important in monitoring environmental science is essential in monitoring air quality and changes in the environment such as global warming and climate change. These are areas where we rely on metrology to take sound and reliable decisions which affect us all. We are working with the World Meteorological Organisation and its worldwide Global Atmosphere Watch programme to deliver traceable references for these hugely important issues for our future and the future of our planet

Metrologists working in different areas specialize in different types of measurements. At the highest scientific level, metrologists ensure the consistency of the International System of Units, which built on the early units of the Metric System and which was formally created in 1960. Their work usually involves research into the definitions of the units and ways of realizing them with sufficient accuracy to meet the needs of society and the world of scientific research. Legal metrologists are involved in aspects of metrology in the regulated sector, which directly concern consumers. Both metrologies are essential in ensuring consistent national measurement systems, traceable to international standards; thereby establishing that measurements and tests made in different countries can be regarded as equivalent.

The maintenance of the world's system of units takes many forms, from direct dissemination of units (as in the case of mass and time) to coordination through international comparisons of national measurement standards (as in length, electricity and ionizing radiation). Such comparisons are coordinated by the International Committee for Weights and Measures, the CIPM.

The creation in 1999 of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) marked a major advance in the internationalization of metrology. A means of increasing confidence in the technical abilities of participants from laboratories around the world to make equivalent measurements and enable the provision of calibration certificates that are validated, verified and accepted by all signatories represents a significant contribution to the reduction to technical barriers to trade.

Some people claim that the CIPM MRA is as influential as the Metre Convention itself. Time will tell, but it is clear that metrologists are actively involved in practical research to produce results which bring potentially huge benefits to society at large. One recent estimate is that the impact of the CIPM MRA in reducing technical barriers to trade is worth over $4 billion.

The reason for the increasing importance of metrology is the turbulence associated with globalization and global trade. For an economy to prosper in the global market place, it must improve the international competitiveness of its manufacturing industry. This requires more than simply the production of better products at lower prices; the potential customer also needs to be convinced of the quality and compliance of the product, which must be proven by reliable test reports and conformity assessments.

To achieve all this, a continuous upgrading of technology and expertise is needed. Typically the accuracy required of national measurement standards doubles every ten years. This demand for increasing precision and uniformity applies not only to national standards but also to the implementation of quality systems based on international standards. For example, the ISO/IEC 17025 quality standards require that all measuring instruments used for production or service are calibrated; where calibration means the comparison of the instrument's measurements with standards or reference materials of known value.

Where are the important areas for metrology for the future? Certainly, there will continue to be a range of challenges from the traditional areas of physics and engineering. However, the greatest and most pressing demand currently is from chemistry and chemistry-based sciences. Here there is an urgent need for precise, traceable measurements. Our long-term aim is to bring these domains into the framework of the CIPM MRA or a similar arrangement, in order to continue our mission of seeking worldwide uniformity in measurement.

The international work of the BIPM demonstrates that the Metre Convention is still a living instrument, responsive to the current needs of globalization. This is a testament to the sagacity of those who met in Paris in May 1875. The adventure of metrology is an enterprise which has been propelling the evolution of the modern world and which continues to excite the imagination and to assist society.

Andrew Wallard, Director, BIPM

May 2005

 

Instrument Rental Labs Celebrates its 25th Year in Business

Instrument Rental Labs was started in Owner Bill Hedrick's basement in 1980, after moving to the mountains for the simple life in Colorado. The demands of a growing business quickly became the less simple life of starting and managing Instrument Repair Labs and Instrument Rental Labs, in Broomfield Colorado. Hedrick sold the assets of his A2LA accredited calibration lab, after 23 years of operation, to Sypris Test & Measurement in May of 2003. He maintains his rental business in Broomfield. He is also a member of NCSLI, ASQ, IEEE and exhibits the Company rental services at MSC, NCSLI, NIWeek and various other test and measurement forums.

One of the Company's specialties is the rental of accredited calibration equipment. Rental items calibrated by Accredited Laboratories, include: Fluke 5700A, 5725A, 5520A’s, HP 8902A's, and Datron 4708 all available for next day delivery!

Instrument Rental Labs rents & sells used test & measurement equipment, rents with option to purchase, leases, and buys test equipment. Rental credit toward purchases is available on many items at 50% of paid rent. Hundreds of models are available at competitive prices, ready for immediate delivery. The inventory includes refurbished test equipment available for sale and rental, calibrated by a Certified Calibration Technician - CCT. Equipment inventory is updated daily, automatically, from our equipment database. The equipment database is an honest representation of items that Instrument Rental Labs actually has in stock.

 

Emerson Reports Second-Quarter 2005 Sales Up 10 Percent to $4.2 Billion

Emerson announced that net sales increased 10 percent to $4.2 billion in the second quarter ended March 31, 2005, led by double-digit sales growth in Process Management, Industrial Automation, and Network Power. Underlying sales were up 5 percent for the quarter, excluding the impact of exchange rates (2 percent) and acquisitions (3 percent). Net earnings for the second quarter increased 10 percent to $348 million, or $0.83 per share, an increase of 11 percent versus the prior-year period. Net earnings in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 were $318 million, or $0.75 per share. Excluding the impact of gains totaling $0.04 per share in the prior year, earnings per share were up 17 percent in the second quarter.

"Emerson had an excellent second quarter, with continued strong gains in sales and earnings," said Emerson Chairman and CEO David N. Farr. "In particular, our second-quarter results reflect outstanding strength in Process Management, which saw reported sales increase 12 percent and profits grow 55 percent as it continues to win major projects around the world. The Network Power segment also posted excellent results, with the introduction of new global solutions platforms and the Marconi Power acquisition made in the fourth quarter of 2004 contributing to a 22 percent gain in reported sales and a 31 percent increase in profits.

"The strong sales increase for the quarter was also driven by the company’s global positioning in faster growing emerging markets. Underlying sales growth in the United States was 5 percent in the second quarter, led by strength in Process Management, Industrial Automation, and Network Power. Underlying international sales also grew 5 percent in the second quarter, led by demand in emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Russia. Our continued investment in these areas provides a solid foundation for future growth."

 

DH Instruments (DHI) Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary

In January 2005 DH Instruments celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding in 1980. We sincerely thank all the friends and partners we have worked with over the years and look forward to our future together.

--A2LA biennial reassessment of calibration capabilities in February, 2005 results in continued A2LA accreditation, reduction in pressure uncertainties, reduction in gas flow uncertainties and extension of accredited gas flow range to 2500 slm.

Access DHI's Calibration and Repair Service Brochure at: http://www.dhinstruments.com/serv1/index.htm

 

Troemner Pressure Calibration Service Receives NVLAP accreditation

Troemner has earned another important NVLAP accreditation, this time in the field of Pressure Calibration. Troemner's pressure calibration laboratory utilizes the latest calibration equipment with reference standards directly traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Troemner's laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 compliant and has been accredited by NVLAP. In addition to pressure, Troemner now has NVLAP accreditation for mass, mass magnetic susceptibility determination, mass density determination, temperature, humidity and pipettes calibration services, and soon thermal mass flow, and electrical, time and frequency.

Environmental conditions in the laboratory are strictly monitored and controlled. All pressure calibration equipment used in Troemner's Pressure Calibration Laboratories is state-of-the-art with the highest precision possible. Calibration equipment includes a piston gage similar to those used in national laboratories as a primary pressure standard. Laboratory capabilities are 0 to 1000 psi with accuracy as low as 0.005% of reading.

Troemner’s metrology staff and calibration technicians have extensive manufacturer training and experience in pressure calibrations. Troemner can offer standard and custom calibration services for a wide variety of pressure measuring devices. Types of pressure instruments serviced include gages, transducers, calibrators, monitors, pressure controllers and deadweight testers.

Troemner’s NVLAP Pressure Calibration Certificate is a detailed, multi-page pressure certificate designed to meet all your ISO (Including ISO/IEC 17025), FDA, GMP, GLP, DOD, NCCLS, CLIA, ANSI/NCSL Z540-1, and nuclear requirements.

For additional information regarding Troemner products and calibration/certification services, visit Troemner or call at 1.800.352.7718.

 

Gas Detection and Industrial Hygiene Monitoring Solutions from RAE Systems

RAE Systems Inc., a leading global developer and manufacturer of rapidly-deployable, multi-sensor chemical and radiation detection monitors and networks for homeland security and industrial applications, announced that it will be presenting the company's leading gas detection and industrial hygiene monitoring solutions at booth 629 at the American Industrial Hygienists Conference and Exposition (AIHce) in Anaheim, California, on May 23-25, 2005.

"Industrial hygienists strive to keep workers, their families, and the community healthy and safe. They have a critical role in making sure that federal, state, and local laws and regulations are followed in the work environment," said Bob Durstenfeld, director of corporate marketing for RAE Systems. "One of the biggest challenges in the field is the effective, accurate calibration of sensing and monitoring tools. The AutoRAE calibration system offers an easy mix-and-match approach for a variety of RAE Systems instruments, which increases the proper use of the equipment and improves worker safety."

RAE Systems will highlight the AutoRAE, an integrated charging, bump testing and calibration system for applications requiring detection of volatile organic compound exposure, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, lower explosive limit, and breathable oxygen level.

To see a demonstration of AutoRAE at AIHce, please visit RAE Systems booth #629 at the Anaheim Convention Center. RAE Systems is a leading global developer and manufacturer of rapidly deployable, multi-sensor chemical detection monitors and networks for homeland security and industrial applications. In addition, RAE Systems offers a full line of portable single-sensor chemical and radiation detection products.

 

Mettler-Toledo Int'l Inc. Reports First Quarter 2005 Results

Mettler-Toledo International Inc. announced net earnings of $20.8 million, or $0.47 per share on a diluted basis, for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. This compares with net earnings per share of $0.41 for the first quarter of 2004.

Sales for the quarter were $337.2 million, compared with $318.7 million in the prior year. This represents a 6% increase in reported sales, consisting of a 3% increase in local currency sales and a 3% increase due to currency. Adjusted operating income amounted to $35.7 million, compared with $32.8 million last year. Operating cash flow in the quarter was $6.7 million compared with $29.4 million last year.

Robert F. Spoerry, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The first quarter was a solid start to the year. Local currency sales growth was in line with our expectations and was driven by better than expected performance in the Americas. In Asia / Rest of World, sales growth was less than the previous year but consistent with our projections. In Europe, economic conditions are challenging and sales were down slightly from last year and below our expectations. We are happy to report another quarter of strong increase in gross margins over the prior year. This led to a solid improvement in earnings for the quarter."

Spoerry concluded, "We remain cautiously optimistic for the remainder of the year. We anticipate sales growth in Asia / Rest of World and Europe to improve as the year progresses. Our strategic initiatives remain well on track including many new product launches in the upcoming months. We are introducing a new line of high-end analytical balances targeted for applications in regulated areas and a number of exciting new solutions in our product inspection business."

For the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Company reported local currency sales growth of 7% in the Americas and 4% in Asia / Rest of World and a 1% decline in local currency sales in Europe.

Mettler Toledo is a leading global supplier of precision instruments and services. The Company is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. The Company also holds top-three market positions in several related analytical instruments and is a leading provider of automated chemistry systems used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development. In addition, the Company is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of metal detection and other end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging and holds a leading position in certain process analytics applications.

 

Megown Test & Measurement Inc. Launches as Independent Business

Megown Test & Measurement Inc. announced it is resuming business as usual following a demerger from DoveBid, Inc. who acquired the original business in 2000. DoveBid, Inc., a global provider of capital asset and valuation services, will continue to focus on its core divisions, auctions and valuations.

Megown Test & Measurement Inc. is one of the country's largest providers of reconditioned test and measurement equipment, serving companies across a number of industries including electronics, aerospace, communications and higher education. Megown Test & Measurement maintains their own product inventory and sells or leases directly to customers, enabling them to deliver superior quality reconditioned products at the lowest cost and in the shortest timeframe.

The 30,000-square foot facility warehouses items from over 250 manufacturers, including Agilent, Anritsu, Fluke and Tektronix. The company has developed a sophisticated and industry-leading product inspection, testing and calibration process that ensures a consistently high level of product quality.

Megown Test & Measurement Inc. has a 30-year track record. The company was founded 1971 as Haltek Electronics, a Bay Area-based electronic component and test equipment dealer. In the mid-eighties, Haltek's test and measurement business was spun off, becoming Test Lab Company. Throughout the nineties, Test Lab grew to become one of the nation's leaders in buying, selling, and renting reconditioned test and measurement equipment. In 2000, the company was acquired by DoveBid, Inc. and operated as DoveBid Test & Measurement Group.

 

Quarterly Reports From Symmetricom, Keithley Instruments, and National Instruments

  • Symmetricom Reports Third Quarter 2005 Results

    Symmetricom, Inc., a leading worldwide supplier of network synchronization and timing solutions, reported results for its fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2005.

    Fiscal third quarter revenue was $43.8 million, a decrease of $4.1 million, or 8.7 percent, from prior quarter revenue of $48.0 million, and flat with the same period last year. For the nine months ended March 31, 2005, revenue was $143.7 million, an increase of $20.6 million, or 16.7 percent, over the prior year period.

    Telecom Solution Division revenue for the quarter was $29.1 million, a decrease of $3.3 million, or 10.3 percent over the prior quarter and a decrease of $2.1 million, or 6.7 percent over the same period last fiscal year. Timing, Test & Measurement Division revenue for the quarter was $14.7 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 5.3 percent, over the prior quarter and up $2.1 million, or 17.1 percent, over the same period last fiscal year.

    Symmetricom expects fourth quarter FY05 revenue to be between $43 million and $48 million. The company expects earnings to be between $0.04 and $0.08 per share.

    As a worldwide leader in precise time and frequency products and services, Symmetricom provides "Perfect Timing" to customers around the world, including communications service providers, network equipment manufacturers, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), aerospace contractors, enterprises, governments and research facilities. Since 1985, the company's timing, frequency and synchronization solutions have helped define the world's standards, delivering precision, reliability and efficiency to wireless and wireline networks, instrumentation and testing applications and network time management. Deployed in more than 90 countries, products include atomic clocks, cesium and rubidium standards, VME, crystal oscillators, PCI cards and Global Positioning System (GPS) solutions for instrumentation applications, as well as network time servers for Network Time Protocol (NTP) synchronization and time synchronization solutions. In 2002, Symmetricom acquired TrueTime and Datum, strengthening its leading position in the world time and frequency markets. Symmetricom is based in San Jose, Calif., with offices worldwide.

  • Keithley Instruments Reports Fiscal 2005 Second Quarter

    Keithley Instruments, Inc., a leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, announced results for its fiscal 2005 second quarter that ended March 31, 2005. Net sales of $37.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 increased 11 percent from net sales of $34.0 million in last year's second quarter. Of the 11 percent increase, approximately one percentage point was due to the effect of a weaker U.S. dollar. Sequentially, sales increased six percent from the first quarter. The Company reported net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 of $3.2 million, or $0.19 per share, a 22 percent increase from net income of $2.6 million, or $0.16 per share, in last year's quarter.

    Orders of $35.7 million for the second quarter increased 15 percent from last year's orders of $31.1 million. Geographically, orders decreased 29 percent in the Americas, increased 59 percent in Asia, and increased 23 percent in Europe when compared to the prior year. The Company received two large orders during the quarter, one from an Asian wireless customer resulting from a new design win and one from a Korean semiconductor manufacturer, which was a follow-on order from a design win last fall. When compared to the prior year's quarter, orders from the Company's semiconductor customers were essentially flat, orders from wireless communications customers increased approximately 145 percent, orders from precision electronic components and subassembly manufacturers declined about 15 percent, research and education customer orders increased approximately 20 percent, and optoelectronic customer orders decreased about 35 percent compared to the prior year's quarter. Sequentially, orders increased two percent from the first quarter of fiscal 2005, as higher wireless customer orders offset lower orders from the Company's other targeted customer groups. Order backlog decreased $1.6 million during the quarter to $14.3 million at March 31, 2005.

    "We are pleased with our financial performance including our order and sales growth," stated Joseph P. Keithley, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "However, we saw a slowdown in capital equipment spending during the quarter from customers utilizing our products in production applications. This was a result of slower than expected growth in their own businesses.

    "The large orders we received during the quarter were the result of recent design wins. Because our lean manufacturing initiatives have enabled us to shorten lead-times, we were able to meet our customers' delivery schedules and ship the products during the second quarter.

    "We are pleased to have introduced several new products. Our Series 2600 System SourceMeter® Instrument is a new platform that significantly lowers the cost of test for a wide range of electronic component producers, including silicon and compound semiconductor device manufacturers. The Series KUSB-3100 USB-based data acquisition measurement solutions consist of five different multi-function modules that cover a broad range of applications. Our S510 Semiconductor Reliability Test System is a high channel count, turnkey solution for use in reliability testing and lifetime modeling of the world's most advanced semiconductor devices, known as ULSI CMOS processes, at the smallest device sizes, 65nm node and beyond. We continued to enhance the capabilities of our Model S680, the latest of which is an upgrade to its on- wafer RF process monitoring option. Our RF measurement option now has the unique ability to offer continuous, automatic, real-time monitoring of measurement quality, making it even easier to use than before," added Keithley.

  • National Instruments Reports First Quarter Results

    National Instruments reported first quarter revenue of $130 million, an increase of 4 percent compared to the first quarter of 2004. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 were 14 cents with net income of $11.1 million.

    "Although we turned in our 11th consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth, we are disappointed with our revenue results and have a number of actions in place for Q2 and into the second half of the year, including reducing budgeted expenses and hiring plans," said Dr. James Truchard, NI president and CEO. "While we are pleased with continued new product output from R&D and the improvement in gross margins, we are focused -- both short-term and long-term -- on our operational execution and our top-line growth improvement."

    Q1 2005 Highlights

    • Revenue of $130 million, up 4 percent year-over-year
    • Diluted EPS of 14 cents
    • Net income of $11.1  million
    • The highest quarterly gross margin in four years at 75.0 percent
    • Record number of orders driven by the strong demand of NI USB and M Series data acquisition products
    • Continued strong growth from core products including software, PXI and modular instruments
    • Acquisition of Electronics Workbench, a leading supplier of electronics design automation software
    • Cash and short-term investments of $221 million
    • NI CompactRIO named Innovation of the Year by EDN magazine in the embedded systems category

    "In response to the slow growth of large orders and lower than expected revenue in the first quarter, we have reduced budgeted expense and hiring plans for 2005 and we expect to see slower expense growth in coming quarters," said Alex Davern, NI CFO. "With continued strong growth of our core virtual instrumentation products, including software and other new products, we are pleased to turn in the highest quarterly gross margins in four years."

    Geographically, the growth of revenue in U.S. dollar terms for Q1 2005 compared to Q1 2004 was as follows: up 7 percent in the Americas, flat in Europe, and up 4 percent in Asia, giving overall growth of 4 percent. In local currency terms, revenue was down 9 percent in Europe and down 2 percent in Asia, for overall local currency growth of 2 percent.

    For Q2 2005, NI anticipates revenue to remain relatively flat sequentially. The company expects to report diluted EPS in Q2 2005 of between 12 and 16 cents per share, compared to 14 cents per share in Q2 2004.

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