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OCTOBER 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS

 

Sypris Reports Third Quarter Results

Sypris Solutions, Inc. reported revenue of $104.5 million for the third quarter compared to $126.0 million for the prior year period. The Company reported net income of $2.6 million, or $0.14 per diluted share for the third quarter compared to a net loss of $0.8 million, or $0.04 per diluted share for the prior year period. The results for the quarter reflect the previously announced settlement agreement with Dana, which contributed $5.4 million to net income, or $0.29 per diluted share.

"The Company's financial results were largely in line with our expectations for the third quarter of 2007," said Jeffrey T. Gill, president and chief executive officer. "Continued margin improvement served to offset the impact of lower than expected revenue, which was driven by a softening in the trailer market and a delay in shipments in our Electronics Group due to the extension of the certification process for certain key, classified defense electronic product programs."

"Orders for our Electronics Group increased 30% compared to the prior year period and 47% sequentially, driven by a 35% year over year increase in bookings in our Aerospace and Defense segment. The strength of this order pattern provides us with important support for achieving double digit growth in the top line of this business during the coming years. Our Test & Measurement segment also posted strong bookings with orders increasing 17% compared to the prior year."

For more information visit www.sypris.com

 

National Association for Proficiency Testing Has New Location

Please note that as of October 29th 2007, National Association for Proficiency Testing (NAPT) will have a new phone number and address. Please make the changes as necessary. We will do our best to ensure that the information shown on our website is correct at this date.

The new phone number is 952-303-6126 and new address is:
901 Twelve Oaks Center Drive, Suite 920
Wayzata, MN 55391

NAPT is a third party, non-profit association dedicated to the improvement of measurement quality. We provide professional administration of ILC/PTs (interlaboratory comparisons/proficiency tests) and round robins. All our programs are conducted in accordance with current quality guidelines and standards. NAPT test results are accepted by all recognized accreditation bodies as being technically sound and in conformance with required standards.

For more information visit NAPT at www.proficiency.org

 

Transcat Adds New Vision System to Primary Dimensional Lab

Transcat has added the Starrett Galileo Vision System to its Primary Dimensional Lab. The Galileo is a high-accuracy multi-sensor inspection system incorporating both vision and touch probes. It can perform both manual and automated part calibrations. Applications range from simple measurements like length, width, and diameters, up to complex 3D custom parts, following GD&T practices. The key benefit of multi-sensor systems is their ability to measure complex dimensional forms and surface relationships that may be impossible for a single-sensor system to capture.

With this vision system, Transcat can perform accurate calibrations of custom gages and fixtures for customers in highly regulated industries, such as for medical devices manufacturers.

To view Transcat's complete scope of A2LA accredited services, visit their website www.transcat.com.

 

Transcat Announces Fiscal Year 2008 Second Quarter and First Half 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 the fiscal year 2008 second quarter and first half ended September 29, 2007.

Fiscal Year 2008 Second Quarter and First Half Overview

  • Net sales increased 11.9% to $16.6 million in the fiscal year 2008
    second quarter and increased 8.0% to $32.8 million in the fiscal year 2008
    first half compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2007.
  • Gross profit increased 20.1% to $4.3 million in the fiscal year 2008
    second quarter and increased 14.8% to $8.5 million in the fiscal year 2008
    first half compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2007. Gross profit
    margin percentage increased 1.7 points to 25.6% in the fiscal year 2008
    second quarter and increased 1.5 points to 25.9% in the fiscal year 2008
    first half compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2007.
  • Operating income increased 14.5% to $0.6 million in the fiscal year
    2008 second quarter and increased 21.8% to $1.0 million in the fiscal year
    2008 first half compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2007.
  • Net income was $0.2 million in the fiscal year 2008 second quarter and
    $0.4 million in the fiscal year 2008 first half. Both of these amounts were
    comparable to the same periods in fiscal year 2007.
  • Earnings per share for the fiscal year 2008 second quarter were $0.03
    per diluted share compared to $0.03 per diluted share for the fiscal year
    2007 second quarter. Earnings per share for the fiscal year 2008 first half
    increased to $0.06 per diluted share compared to $0.05 per diluted share
    for the fiscal year 2007 first half.
  • Distribution Products -- Net sales increased 13.6% to $11.2 million in
    the fiscal year 2008 second quarter from $9.9 million in the fiscal year
    2007 second quarter and gross profit increased by 27.1% to $3.1 million in
    the fiscal year 2008 second quarter from $2.5 million in the fiscal year
    2007 second quarter. Net sales increased 8.5% to $22.1 million in the
    fiscal year 2008 first half from $20.4 million in the fiscal year 2007
    first half and gross profit increased by 19.7% to $6.2 million in the
    fiscal year 2008 first half from $5.2 million in the fiscal year 2007 first
    half.
  • Calibration Services -- Net sales increased 8.6% to $5.4 million in
    the fiscal year 2008 second quarter from $5.0 million in the fiscal year
    2007 second quarter and gross profit increased by 4.3% to $1.13 million in
    the fiscal year 2008 second quarter from $1.08 million in the fiscal year
    2007 second quarter. Net sales increased 7.1% to $10.7 million in the
    fiscal year 2008 first half from $10.0 million in the fiscal year 2007
    first half and gross profit increased by 3.2% to $2.3 million in the fiscal
    year 2008 first half from $2.2 million in the fiscal year 2007 first half.

For more information visit www.transcat.com.

 

Martel Electronics Corp Acquires Murch Associates and New Facility

Martel Electronics Corporation has completed its acquisition of privately held Murch Associates. Murch has been a major supplier for mechanical parts and the manufacturing and assembly of pneumatic and hydraulic test pumps including the MECP100, MECP500 and MECP10K. With the acquisition Martel Electronics, through its Calibrator division: www.martelcalibrators.com will expand its offering of test pumps used in process instrumentation to a wider range of end users and major calibrator OEMs.

Murch Associates will continue to operate their machining and manufacturing operations from their current facility in Derry, New Hampshire, for the immediate future. Their operations will be combined with Martel Electronics once their new facilities are available in late 2008.

At the time of the acquisition, Mr. Tom Fatur, President of Martel Electronics Corporation, also announced that the company signed an agreement with Astoria Properties LLC for the design and construction of a new purpose-built office and manufacturing facility. The new facility will allow continued growth, which has been achieved for the past 20 years, and incorporate their new business acquisition. Mr. Fatur stated that the facility will provide nearly double the space and include special features to facilitate the company's lean manufacturing style of operation.

The new factory and office will be located in Derry, NH, near the planned exit 4A of the I-93 expressway. It is expected to be ready in the late winter of 2008.

If you would like to learn more about the Martel Electronics Corporation visit www.martelcorp.com.

 

ISA EXPO 2007 Technology Exchanges and Exhibit Attract Thousands

ISA EXPO 2007, held 2-4 October at the Reliant Center in Houston, Texas, attracted 12,000 attendees and featured 517 exhibitors. The conference program and special events and presentations on the exhibit floor were focused around six technology exchanges, with dozens of industry experts on hand to lead discussions, present papers, and answer questions about the hottest topics in each area.

"This year's exchange concept allowed all attendees to enjoy comprehensive presentations of automation and control solutions, ideas, and information in the areas that interest them the most. They were able to really capitalize on the content, network with like-minded professionals, and customize their ISA EXPO experience," said ISA Director of Education, Convention, and Certification Services, Dale Lee.

The new format, along with extended hours on Tuesday and an increased number of interactive demonstrations on the show floor, proved a powerful draw for attendees and exhibitors alike.

"One of the great values of ISA EXPO is the learning that takes place in each technology exchange," said Nick Sands of E I Du Pont. "One presentation at this conference can be worth the entire trip."

ISA EXPO technology exchanges covered these hot topics: security, process automation, safety, environmental and quality control, enterprise integration, and wireless and networking. Many companies displayed emerging wireless products at the exhibit, and wireless standards were featured in many presentations throughout the week. WINA held a wireless walking tour entitled "No Wires, No Hype" to educate attendees about the wide range of wireless products and concepts displayed at the event. The ISA100 standards committee, Wireless Systems for Automation, displayed a demonstration of several guiding principles for their work.

Visit isa.org to read the full press release.

 

AMETEK Achieves Record Third Quarter Results

AMETEK, Inc. announced record third quarter results and raised its earnings estimate for the full year 2007.

AMETEK's third quarter 2007 sales of $528.8 million were up 14% over the same period of 2006. Operating income for the third quarter of 2007 was $96.0 million, a 20% increase from the $79.8 million recorded in the same period of 2006. Net income in the third quarter of 2007 increased 21% to $57.2 million, or $.53 per diluted share, from the third quarter 2006 level of $47.4 million, or $.45 per diluted share.

"AMETEK had another outstanding quarter," noted Frank S. Hermance, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Strong internal growth, combined with the contributions from acquired businesses enabled us to grow the top-line by 14%.

Operating income margin was up 100 basis points and diluted earnings per share were up 18% driven by the top-line growth and our operational excellence improvements," he commented.

For the 2007 third quarter, Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) sales increased 14% to $299.0 million. Operating income was $62.9 million, compared with $52.0 million in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of 21%. Operating margins for the quarter improved to 21.0%, from 19.8% in the third quarter of 2006.

"EIG had an excellent third quarter. Sales were up on strong core growth driven by our process and analytical, power and aerospace businesses together with the contribution from the Precitech, Advanced Industries, B&S Aircraft Parts and Cameca acquisitions. Operating margins expanded 120 basis points to 21.0%, driven by strong margin performance in our long-cycle aerospace and power businesses," said Mr. Hermance.

For more information visit Ametek's website.

 

JOFRA ATC Series Temperature Calibrators Receive DNV Marine Certification

The JOFRA ATC Series dry-block temperature calibrators from AMETEK Calibration Instruments are now certified to comply with the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Rules for Classification of Ships, High Speed & Light Craft and Det Norske Veritas Offshore Standards.

Fully-certified, ship-based temperature, pressure and signal calibration not only fulfill safety regulations but also provide added benefits, including traceability and reduced energy and operating expenses from improved operating efficiency and lower maintenance and repair costs.

The JOFRA ATC Series joins JOFRA MTC, CTC and ETC Series of temperature calibrators; APC, CPC, IPI, APM, MPC and MGC Series pressure calibrators; ASC300, CSC200, CSC 100 and MAcal signal calibrators; and FP-1800 Series Marine Temperature Sensors that already have DNV certification.

The ATC Series offers a wide temperature calibration range (-90o to 650oC) and improved stability (+0.01oC for most models) for marine calibration applications. The ATC Series features a unique dual-zone heat control system that incorporates independent energy sources at the top and the bottom of the block.

The energy sources are controlled in such a way that the temperature is kept uniform throughout the block. The block's upper section automatically compensates for heat dissipation that occurs through the sensor under test as well as to atmosphere thereby significantly increasing the temperature accuracy of short sensor calibrations.

In addition, all ATC Series calibrators are supplied with Mains power Variance Immunity (MVI) technology, which significantly improves temperature stability. MVI avoids stability problems by immediately identifying and correction variations in the mains input voltage in order to maintain a constant energy flow to the temperature block. The result is trouble-free calibration and a stability that the operator can trust.

The ATC Series also offers outstanding versatility for calibration different sizes and types of sensors. Interchangeable inserts are available that can accommodate from one to seven sensors. Standard and custom sensor inserts are available with holes in either metric or imperial sizes.

The versatile ATC calibrator was engineered for demanding industrial environments, making suitable for a wide range of marine applications. For more information on the ATC Series or other JOFRA temperature, pressure, or signal instrument, contact AMETEK Calibration Instruments, 8600 Somerset Drive, Largo, FL 33773. Phone: 727-536-7831. Fax: 727-539-6882. Web site: www.jofra.com.

 

US Celebration of World Standards Day

Date:       Thursday, October 18, 2007
Time:       5:30 p.m. Reception and Exhibition
               7:00 p.m. Dinner and Ceremony
Location:  Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
               1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
               Washington, DC 20004

What is World Standards Day?
World Standards Day began as a celebration of the birth of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which held its first meeting in London on October 14, 1946. From an initial roster of 25 countries, ISO (based in Geneva, Switzerland) now has 123 member nations and has evolved into the global clearinghouse for all standards activities. ISO's U.S. representative, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is one of the founding organizations of World Standards Day. Today, World Standards Day is sponsored annually by ISO; the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which develops international standards for the electrical and electronics industries; and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an international organization responsible for the coordination, development, regulation, and standardization of telecommunications standards.

The goal of World Standards Day is to raise awareness of the importance of global standardization to the world economy and to promote its role in helping meet the needs of business, industry, government, and consumers worldwide. The international event pays tribute to the thousands of volunteers around the world who participate in standardization activities. Since its initial celebration in 1970, member countries commemorate World Standards Day by organizing special gatherings and events, ranging from conferences, exhibitions, and seminars to film shows, TV and radio interviews, and full "standards weeks" around mid October.

How Does the U.S. Mark This Day?
Each October in Washington, DC, members of the U.S. standardization community gather with other leaders in business, industry and government for a U.S. World Standards Day exhibit, reception and dinner gala. During the dinner ceremony the Ronald Brown Standards Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership in promoting the important role of standardization in eliminating global barriers to trade. Awards are also presented to the winners of the World Standards Day Paper Competition, which is designed to raise awareness of the importance of standards, as well as present various perspectives on national and international standards and conformity assessment issues.

Who Sponsors World Standards Day in the U.S.?
In the U.S., World Standards Day is a joint effort between the private and public sector. This year's World Standards Day events were coordinated and funded by the World Standards Day Committee, consisting of representatives from more than 25 major companies, professional and technical societies, trade associations, standards developing organizations and government agencies. The co-chairs of the World Standards Day Committee are the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

http://www.ansi.org/meetings_events/WSW07/wsd07.aspx

 

Danaher to Acquire Tektronix, Inc. for $38.00 per share, or $2.8 Billion

Washington, D.C. and Beaverton, Ore., October 15, 2007 – Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) and Tektronix, Inc. (NYSE: TEK) today announced they have reached a definitive agreement under which Danaher will make a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Tektronix for $38.00 per share. The aggregate purchase price is approximately $2.8 billion, including debt, transaction costs and net of cash acquired.

The Board of Directors of Tektronix has unanimously recommended that Tektronix shareholders accept and tender their shares into the offer, which represents a premium of approximately 34% to Tektronix’s closing price on October 12, 2007. The offer is subject to customary conditions, including tender of a majority of the outstanding shares into the offer (on a fully diluted basis but excluding any shares issuable pursuant to the Tektronix Notes), regulatory approvals, and the absence of a material adverse change with respect to Tektronix. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2007.

With annual revenues of approximately $1.1 billion, Tektronix is a leading supplier of test, measurement, and monitoring products enabling the design, manufacture, and management of next-generation global communications networks, computing and advanced technologies. Tektronix's products and solutions address the needs of industry leaders in the communications, computer, semiconductor and consumer electronics -- as well as military/aerospace, education and a broad range of other industries.

Tektronix would become part of Danaher's Electronic Test platform, joining Danaher's Fluke and Fluke Networks businesses, and nearly doubling the platform’s revenues. The combined brands are some of the most highly recognized in each of their respective product segments.

Danaher's President and CEO, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said, "With its well recognized brand, significant global reach and broad based expertise in providing solutions for end-users in research and product development for high-growth industries we believe Tektronix provides an excellent complement to our existing Electronic Test business. We have long admired Tektronix's product innovation and excellent reputation. Through the application of the Danaher Business System we believe we can continue to deliver strong results in our established businesses and look at attractive adjacent markets for future growth opportunities. We are very pleased to welcome Tektronix's management team and associates to Danaher."

Richard H. Wills, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tektronix, said, "The combination of Danaher and Tektronix enables us to leverage each other's strengths and build on our commitment to long-term growth, innovation and continuous productivity improvement. We believe this is a compelling transaction for Tektronix shareholders and that the combined efforts of Danaher and Tektronix will extend the leadership position we have built in our served markets throughout the world."

The transaction will be a "fundamental change" under the terms of the indenture governing Tektronix's $345 million aggregate principal amount 1.625% Senior Convertible Notes due 2012, which will entitle the noteholders to convert their notes into a cash amount based on the value of a certain number of common shares to be determined by a formula set forth in the indenture.

Danaher 3rd Quarter Outlook
Danaher also announced today that adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2007 are anticipated to be at, or slightly above, the high end of the previously communicated range of $0.92 to 0.97 per share before the impact of approximately $0.04 per share from certain favorable tax items and a lower tax rate that the Company expects to record during the quarter.

About Danaher
Danaher Corporation is a leading manufacturer of Professional Instrumentation, Medical Technologies, Industrial Technologies and Tools and Components www.danaher.com.

About Tektronix
Tektronix is a leading supplier of test, measurement, and monitoring products, solutions and services for the communications, computer, consumer electronics, and education industries -- as well as military/aerospace, semiconductor, and a broad range of other industries worldwide. With 60 years of experience, Tektronix enables its customers to design, build, deploy, and manage next-generation global communications networks, advanced and pervasive technologies. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix has operations in 19 countries worldwide. Tektronix's Web address is www.tektronix.com.

 


ESSCO Calibration Labs Moving to New Facility

Essco Calibration Labs announces that they are moving a mile away to a new location in the same town of Chelmsford MA. Because of their continuing success in the calibration industry they outgrew their current location and will be moving to a new, state-of-the-art facility, designed and built specifically for ESSCO.

New address will be:
27 Industrial Avenue
Chelmsford, MA 01824

Same phone numbers and extensions
1-800-325-2201
1-978-250-0880
www.esscolab.com

• 20,000 sq. ft. facility, double the area of the present facility
• All new environmental controls
• Large Primary Electronic Laboratory
• Large Primary Mechanical/Dimensional Laboratory
• New Mass Laboratory
• Large training/meeting room
• Office space for entire on-site technical team.

Please contact Essco at 1-800-325-2201 if you would like to visit or audit the new facility. Essco maintains an open-door policy, so you are invited to stop by if you’re in the area to take a tour.

Essco will be closed for business on October 4th, 5th and 8th, and will re-open on October 9th.

 

Keithley’s German Service Center Joins List of ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratories

Keithley Instruments, Inc., a leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, announced that the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) has accredited Keithley's German service center, located in Germering, GERMANY to ISO/IEC 17025:2005, the single most important metrology standard for test and measurement products. At the same time, the Metrology Services Department at Keithley's Cleveland headquarters, which received A2LA ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation a year ago, dramatically expanded its capabilities to add even more Keithley products to its list of accredited calibration offerings. This accreditation assures customers that their instruments are being calibrated to the highest industry standards, so they can continue to deliver consistent, quality measurements. Routine calibrations help prevent unplanned downtime and costly quality problems.

The A2LA accreditation recognizes that both the Cleveland Metrology Services Department and the German service center meet the requirements of this international standard, demonstrating their technical competence to carry out the very high-level calibrations essential for many of Keithley's instruments, some of which have measurement resolution as fine as one femtoamp (10-15A). The German center's scope of accreditation is available at www.a2la.org/scopepdf/2611-01.pdf; the expanded scope of Keithley's Cleveland Metrology Services Department is available for review at www.a2la.org/scopepdf/2462-01.pdf.

Customers can receive ISO 17025 accredited calibrations from Keithley's German service center for Series 2300 fast transient response power supplies, Series 2600 System SourceMeter® instruments, Series 2400 SourceMeter® instruments, Integra integrated switching/measurement/datalogging systems, Series 2000 digital multimeters, and the Model 2182A Nanovoltmeter. Keithley's metrology services in Cleveland have added the company's more sensitive product lines to its calibration capabilities, offering accredited measurements up to one tera-ohm and as low as 500 femtoamps, with very low measurement uncertainties. The list of Keithley models included in the calibration offering will continue to expand.

Emphasizing the importance of expanding Keithley's 17025 accreditation to service centers outside the United States, Tom Mego, Keithley's director of quality and continuous improvement, commented, "After our initial accreditation efforts here in the United States proved successful, it became apparent that, to provide the highest level of customer support around the world, we need to be able to offer accredited calibrations at other Keithley facilities. Our customers in Europe and other parts of the world can be assured that our calibrations are traceable to the international system of units (SI) and are performed with the highest level of technical competence."

For more information on Keithley's Metrology Services or any of its test solutions, go to www.keithley.com/pr/057, or contact the company.

 

Jeff Gust joins Bagan Technical Services as Vice President of Metrology Services

Bagan Technical Services is pleased to announce Jeff Gust as Vice President of Metrology Services. With his extensive knowledge of measurement science and calibration quality system requirements, he will manage all in-lab and on-site metrology operations. Jeff will contribute to Bagan’s continued expansion of capabilities and services with some of the smallest uncertainties in the industry.

Jeff Gust is a respected metrologist with a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Purdue University and over twenty years of experience in the metrology industry. He began his career in 1985 as a TMDE repair technician in the United States Marine Corps. Upon honorable discharge from the Marines, he was employed by Tektronix as a Calibration Technician and Quality Manager for the Irvine California Tektronix service facility. In 1990, Jeff joined Verizon and served as a Metrology Technician until 1995, when he was promoted to Staff Engineer and Technical Manager for Verizon's Fort Wayne Indiana metrology laboratory. There he developed Verizon’s corporate Metrology Quality System and numerous calibration processes, including the primary level DC Voltage, DC Resistance, and Frequency programs which were accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the NIST NVLAP program. As Vice President and Director of Quametec Proficiency Testing Services, Gust developed the Quametec quality system and established A2LA accredited measurement proficiency testing programs to support the metrology industry. Gust served as President of NCSL International in 2006 and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Jeff is also a Lead Assessor for the A2LA Calibration Accreditation Program and a NACLA Evaluator. Jeff has co-authored several NIST publications. He has provided metrology consulting and proficiency testing to metrologists and laboratories around the world and hosted numerous measurement science workshops and training sessions. Jeff also presently serves as a metrology consultant to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and is on the writing committee for the international standard, ISO 17043, general requirements for proficiency testing.

Visit http://www.rjbagan.com/news.shtml to continue reading the press release.

 

Crystal Engineering Announces Certification to ISO 17025

Crystal Engineering, a leading pressure instrumentation company, has announced that it has been awarded calibration accreditation to ISO 17025:2005 and ANSI / NCSL Z540-1-1994 by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). Crystal Engineering's accomplishment will also be recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), giving more credibility overseas.

ISO 17025 certification is a global compliance system for calibration and testing laboratories requiring strict adherence in order to guarantee the reliability of the measurements provided. "Accreditation attests to the technical capability of a laboratory to carry out certain types of measurement and 'raises the bar'. Additionally, accreditation validates our specifications which are expressed as a percent of the indicated reading (rather than of the full scale range of the product). Few similar products are specified this way," says Tom Halaczkiewicz, president of Crystal Engineering.

This ISO certification recognizes Crystal Engineering's commitment to deliver reliable, high-quality products and to continually improve development processes. The scope of the ISO certificate includes the calibration, repair and service of test and measurement equipment and software.

A2LA accreditation imposes stricter requirements than ISO 17025 and ANSI / NCSL Z540 certification alone, particularly focusing on technical competence, traceability of measurements and proficiency of the calibration lab. A2LA is a non-profit, non-governmental, public service, membership society whose mission is to meet the needs of both laboratories and their users for competent testing and calibration; improve the quality of laboratories and the data they produce; and increase acceptance of accredited laboratory data to facilitate trade, based on internationally accepted criteria for competence (ISO / IEC 17025:2005).

"Although our products have been accepted and used as the artifacts for inter-laboratory comparisons all over the world (as required by ISO17025), we were not accredited. This accreditation will eliminate the cost of having our products recertified by a local recognized body. It will also be especially beneficial to our customers in highly regulated industries, such as the manufacture of pharmaceuticals," says Tom. A2LA-accredited laboratories are recognized and accepted in 46 countries around the globe and in over 30 federal, state and local government agencies, companies and associations.

For more information please visit Crystal Engineering at www.crystalengineering.net.

 

SAIC to Calibrate Navy Shipyard Instruments

Science Applications International Corp. will provide programming and engineering support for the Navy’s Shipboard Instrumentation and Systems Calibration program.
The work will be done under a new $25 million cost-plus-fixed-fee Seaport-e task order from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, in Philadelphia, which has a 19-month base period and three options of varying lengths.

The company will perform most of the calibration work in Philadelphia; Norfolk, Va.; Bath, Me.; Pascagoula, Miss.; San Diego; and Mayport, Fla.

The calibration work supports ships and submarines primarily in fleet concentration areas, said Hank Giffin, vice president and operations manager at SAIC.

The work will include calibration requirements analysis and equipment evaluation, according to SAIC. Also, shipboard instrumentation checks on gauges, pressure switches, thermometers and other maritime instruments.

The Carderock Division includes some 3,800 scientists, engineers and support personnel in Philadelphia and Bethesda, Md. It provides a wide range of applied maritime science and technology, including all technical aspects of improving the performance of ships, submarines, military water craft and unmanned vehicles, as well as research for military logistics systems.

 

Keynote Speakers at ASQ 2008 World Conference to Feature Famed Apollo 13 Astronaut & Bayer Corporation Executive

Instrumental in NASA’s ground crew efforts to save the astronauts of Apollo 13, Rear Adm. T.K. “Ken” Mattingly (USN, Ret.) will share his experience of teamwork and leadership at the American Society for Quality’s (ASQ) 2008 World Conference on Quality and Improvement. The conference is slated for May 5-7, 2008, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas.

As Mattingly will quickly note, the miracle of the Apollo 13 story was not in one person rising to the occasion, but in thousands working at peak performance to do the impossible. He is a must see for any organization emphasizing team building and personal achievement.

Mattingly served on the support crew for the Apollo 8 (first lunar orbit) and Apollo 11 (the first lunar landing) space missions. He was command module pilot for Apollo 16. A key member of the fledging Space Shuttle Program in the ‘70s, Mattingly served as lead astronaut for the Shuttle Design Support Team and led the development of national security missions to be flown on the Shuttle.

Also presenting a keynote address is Bayer Corporation Material Science’s President and CEO Gregory S. Babe. Babe has been a crucial element to his organization’s success by providing expertise and support in engineering, information systems, procurement, materials management, human resources, financial, accounting and other business services to Bayer Corporation and its affiliates.

Since 1980, Babe has held several management positions including vice president of corporate quality; director of a national program to implement Bayer’s enterprise resource planning system; and has been named senior vice president of information services. He was named president and CEO of Bayer Corporate and Business Services LLC in 2003 while also continuing his role as chief information officer.

The theme of the 2008 World Conference is Generation Quality: Spanning Borders, Practices and Professions. Quality is no longer solely associated with manufacturing or the quality department. Instead it is a goal that is sought after by all industries – from the stockroom to the boardroom.

As one of the world’s largest professional organizations, ASQ represents all business and economic sectors around the world. From the Society’s historic base in U.S. manufacturing, it has long since expanded its expertise to advance quality tools and technologies for application in education and student achievement, as well as service industries, healthcare, nonprofits and government.

Visit www.asq.org for more information.

 

CCT Exam Proctored on Military Bases

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Measurement Quality Division (MQD) is pleased to relate that the Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) exam can be proctored on military bases having education offices that are authorized to administer Dantes tests (ASQ’s other certification exams may also be proctored). The steps to apply for taking an exam are as follows:

1. Active military personnel, government employees and civilian contractors interested in taking the CCT exam should first verify that their education office is authorized to administer Dantes tests.

2. (After verifying Step # 2) personnel should obtain the following contact information

  • Name and location of the military base
  • Name of person to proctor the exam
  • Name of person requesting the exam
  • Phone numbers for above
  • Addresses for above
  • E-mails (as applicable) for above

3. Contact information and exam application (see below) should be sent to Betty File bfile@asq.org her phone number is 414-272-8575 ext 7748 (exam fee should also be sent at this time).

4. ASQ will contact the person that will be proctoring the exam and provide instructions and the exam.

Information on ASQ’s CCT program can be found at:
http://www.asq.org/certification/calibration-technician/index.html

CCT exam application information may be found at:
http://www.asq.org/certification/calibration-technician/apply.html

Note: If you are an active member of the U.S or Canadian military, you are eligible for a discounted exam fee. You must submit a copy of your military ID when you apply. ID cards should be faxed to 414-298-2500. Your application will be placed on hold until a copy of your ID card is received.

 

NIST Helps Plan Measurement Standards for the Hydrogen Economy

How do you conveniently measure something that not only is 14 times lighter than air but also invisible? That’s just one of the tasks National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Weights and Measures Division staff have taken on to prepare the nation for the hydrogen economy.

Under an interagency agreement signed last month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) asked NIST to intensify efforts to develop the standards, test procedures and test methods needed to buy and sell hydrogen in the marketplace as easily as we now deal in gasoline. To plan for the effort, NIST and DOE are sponsoring a U.S. National Work Group for the Development of Hydrogen Measurement Standards meeting, October 3-4 in Gaithersburg, Md. Participants will include regulatory officials, equipment manufacturers and representatives from alternative fuel organizations and laboratories working on hydrogen refueling measurement.

NIST’s work supports President Bush’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative that aims to reverse the nation’s growing dependence on foreign oil by developing the technology needed for commercially viable, hydrogen-powered fuel cells. Accurate measurements and performance standards are critical to U.S. development and implementation of the new technology. Virtually every stage of hydrogen production, distribution and sales requires new measurement tests and methodologies to establish confidence in the transactions.

The participants in the Gaithersburg meeting will lay a foundation to develop a comprehensive set of commercial hydrogen measurement standards that encompasses: gaseous and liquid measuring devices and related equipment codes; method of sale, marking and labeling requirements, fuel quality standards, sampling procedures, inspection procedures, equipment suitability and safety practices. Participants will work to ensure there is harmonization between related national and international standards. They will also discuss hydrogen measurement training for officials and service companies as well as consumer education of the public on hydrogen measurement.

NIST will issue a report on the meeting in November. NIST’s DOE-sponsored hydrogen standards work complements American Competitiveness Initiative support for NIST’s work on hydrogen standards over the next five years.
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