Rotek begins $82 million expansion
Rotek Inc., a designer and manufacturer of large diameter slewing ring bearings, has announced plans to invest $82 million to expand its plant in Aurora, Ohio. With ring diameters up to 280 in., the new SMS Meer RAW 400/400/6000 ring mill will be the most modern facility of its kind in the U.S., according to company sources. The plant is expected to begin production in 2010. Rotek president Leonard F. Osborne and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland spoke at the July 23 groundbreaking ceremony. Rotek is a subsidiary of Rothe Erde, Dortmund, Germany, part of the ThyssenKrupp Technologies Group, Duesseldorf, Germany.
Galil celebrates silver anniversary
Galil Motion Control, Rocklin, Calif., recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. On July 5, 1983 Galil shipped its first motion controller, the DMC-100, which was the first microprocessor-based servo motion controller using solely digital control that did not require tachometer feedback. Galil has since gone on to deliver more than 500,000 motion controllers worldwide and is currently shipping its 5th generation motion controllers — the Accelera Series, which provides ultra high-speed and precision. For more information, visit www.galilmc.com.
Bison makes “Best and Brightest” list
Gearmotor manufacturer Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., St. Charles, Ill., has been selected for the second consecutive year as one of Chicago's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). The awards were established to honor companies that recognize employees as their greatest asset. Each winning company is evaluated on several categories, such as communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity, and multiculturalism. For more information, visit www.bisongear.com.
NSK goes greener
In 2004, NSK Precision America, Franklin, Ind., began integrating methods of green procurement, environmental education, and recycling. NSK Group, NSK Precision America's parent company, challenged its plants to earn ISO 14001 certification, realize a waste-recycling rate of 98% or greater, and reduce CO2 emissions by 2010. Since its implementation, plant operators have improved waste recycling from 92% in 2004 to nearly 96% in 2008. The company also collaborates with suppliers to ensure that all materials leaving the facility are in compliance with the RoHS Directive.
Bosch Rexroth names drives and controls manager
Dan Throne has been appointed sales and marketing manager for the Bosch Rexroth Corporation Electric Drives and Controls technology group. Based in the company's Hoffman Estates, Ill. corporate office, Throne is responsible for planning, directing, and implementing all activities for the group, including the packaging, printing and converting, semiconductor and medical, machine tool, and industrial automation segments. A company employee for 22 years, Throne has held positions in regional sales, marketing, inside sales engineering, testing, and repair. He is a graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Throne has also served multiple terms on the OMAC executive committee helping to shape standards for open controls architecture.