December 29, 2005
Corning Cable Systems announces price increases
Hickory, N.C.-based Corning Cable Systems recently announced price increases for select products in its cable and hardware product portfolio. The company cites rising material and energy costs as the reason for the increase.
The new pricing structure will take effect in the first quarter of 2006.
December 28, 2005
InfraSource Services, Inc. completes transmission line project
Media, Penn.-based InfraSource Services, Inc. recently announced the completion of the Bonneville Power Administration’s Schultz-Wautoma 64-mile, 500kV transmission line project in Central Washington. Construction of the line began in March 2004 and was energized on Dec. 5.
The Schultz-Wautoma line was developed to improve reliability and add capacity to the electric grid.
December 27, 2005
Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition launches Web site
As of Jan. 1, the Commercial Building Tax Deduction section of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, signed in August, establishes a new deduction for expenses incurred for energy-efficient commercial building property. To provide information and guidance on how the tax incentive works, the Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition has launched a new Web site.
According to the NEMA-sponsored organization, the main objectives of the site are to promote the provision’s proper implementation and use and keep the electrical community informed about the activities of the coalition.
December 21, 2005
Stahlin releases installation video
Stahlin, Belding, Mich., recently released a video of fourth grader Scotty Foote installing the company’s No Limits Panel Management System in a DiamondShield Enclosure in just a few minutes. Stahlin released the video on its Web site to demonstrate how easily the panel management system can be put in place.
To view the video, visit Stahlin’s Web site.
December 20, 2005
Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance launches new Web site
The Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance (NGLIA) recently launched a new Web site to promote the understanding, implementation, and use of semiconductor light sources in specialty and general lighting systems. The site provides a members area to join the alliance and participate in its activities.
The NGLIA Web site was developed by NEMA/Web, the association’s Web development organization.
December 19, 2005
California Apprenticeship Council announces deadline for electrician certification
At the Dec. 8 special meeting, the California Apprenticeship Council confirmed the Jan. 1 deadline for certification for general electrician, residential electrician, and fire life safety technician. Anyone who is required to be certified in California should submit a certification application postmarked on or before Dec. 30.
For information on certification, visit the Division of Apprenticeship Standards Web site.
December 16, 2005
Business Briefs for the week of December 12, 2005
- Beaverton, Ore.-based Sage Software recently announced that its Sage Timberline Office customer support department received its fifth consecutive Support Center Practices (SCP) certification. SCP certification requires comprehensive on-site audits to confirm that companies meet the requirements of more than 100 business elements defined in the program.
- On Dec. 6, Atlanta-based Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc., announced it is investing $30 million in the revitalization of its Norwood, Ohio, manufacturing facility. Construction is expected to begin in January and be completed within three years.
- The Legrand Group, West Hartford, Conn., recently signed an agreement to acquire ICM Group, Montbard, France, the marketer of Cablofil welded wire cable trays. In 2004, ICM Group had net sales of about $118 million.
- Power Measurement, acquired by Schneider Electric in April 2005, recently announced that it will operate as a global “power monitoring and control” group under the Schneider Electric name. Brad Forth, Power Measurement president and CEO, will lead the initiative from the company’s headquarters in Victoria, British Columbia.
- West Kingston, R.I.-based American Power Conversion (APC), completed its acquisition of NetBotz, Inc.. APC will integrate the NetBotz data center and environmental and video monitoring offerings with its InfraStruXture architecture.
December 15, 2005
Klein Tools announces contest winners
Chicago-based Klein tools recently announced the winners of its Race and Win contest. The second year of the contest drew 25% more participants than the first year.
Participants entered the contest by visiting Klein Tools’ Web site from April 1 to Oct. 16.
December 14, 2005
Toyota Motor Corp. announces future launch of home fuel cells
Toyota Motor Corp. is developing home fuel cells following its success with the launch of fuel cell cars. The automaker has partnered with automotive parts maker Aisin Seiki Co. to launch home fuel cells several years from now.
Toyota is planning to take part in fuel cell demonstration tests subsidized by the Japanese government.
December 13, 2005
Ideal launches 2006 collectables promotion
Sycamore, Ill.-based Ideal has launched its “Twice the Muscle, Twice the Power” 2006 Collectibles promotion. Ideal distributors who place qualifying orders of Ideal and Buchanan brand wire connectors will receive die-cast replicas of the 1969 Dodge Charger and the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda.
In addition, electricians who purchase specially marked bags of Ideal or Buchanan wire connectors may enter to win a restored 1969 Charger to be given away at the 2006 Electric West tradeshow in Las Vegas from March 1-3.
December 12, 2005
Hunt Technologies releases white paper on Energy Policy Act
Hunt Technologies recently published a white paper on the time-based rate and demand response initiatives that are specified in the 2005 Energy Policy Act. According to the Pequot Lakes, Minn.-based provider of AMR/AMI technology, the Act is an opportunity for utilities and technology companies to work together toward the common goal of managing demand response.
The white paper is available at Hunt Technologies’ Web site.
December 9, 2005
Business Briefs for the week of December 5, 2005
- Costa Mesa, Calif.-based MGE UPS Systems recently received Frost & Sullivan’s 2005 UPS Company of the Year award. The award is based on the company’s business development, competitive strategy, and leadership.
- Technical Consumer Products, Inc., Aurora, Ohio, received accreditation from the Underwirter’s Laboratory (UL) for a UL testing facility at its corporate headquarters. At its lab, the company will have the capability to test lamps, fixtures, and ballasts for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Chaffey College in San Bernardino County, Calif., has awarded Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. a $18.5 million contract to design and build a new energy-efficient heating and cooling plant to serve its 20-building campus. The plant will be housed in 10,000-square-foot concrete building containing two large boilers and chillers, cooling towers, pumps, piping, and energy-management system controls.
- St. Louis-based International Wire Group, Inc. sold and leased some of its U.S. insulated wire manufacturing facilities and a distribution center to Copperfield LLC, Bremen, Ind., for an undisclosed amount. International Wire plans to use proceeds from the deal, which does not affect its facilities in Mexico and the Philippines, to reduce borrowings under its credit facility and for general corporate purposes.
- EDGE Marketing and Procurement Group recognized Milwaukee-based HellermannTyton with two awards for supplier excellence at this year’s EDGE conference. The manufacturer of network cabling products received the Best Outside Support and Partners in Excellence awards.
December 7, 2005
EERE launches Progress Alerts
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has developed a free e-bulletin to announce developments in EERE’s programs and research. The EERE Progress Alerts will be sent through e-mail and posted online.
To subscribe to the Progress Alerts, visit the EERE Web site.
December 6, 2005
Cooper Connection introduces contractor loyalty program
The Cooper Connection recently announced its new contractor loyalty program, Cooper First. Under the program, peel-off labels marked with point values on select Cooper electrical products may be redeemed for Cooper-branded merchandise.
Cooper’s electrical products divisions, including Cooper B-Line, Cooper Bussmann, and Cooper Lighting, will be included in the program, which will begin in January.
December 5, 2005
Hubbell Wiring Device-Lellems updates Web site
Milford, Conn.-based Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems recently launched an update of its Web site. The site’s reorganization includes more in-depth product information and search capabilities, easier navigation, and links to online catalog sections.
Specification and sales information are prominently positioned in the redesign.
December 2, 2005
Business Briefs for the week of November 28, 2005
- Edison, N.J.-based IBOCO Corp., manufacturer of integrated panel management systems, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Among the company’s product lines are the DIN Rail, Dinosaur Flexible Duct, T1-E Duct, and the Space Saver Panel Management System.
- Hemlock Semiconductor Corp., producer of polycrystalline silicon used in the production of solar cells, will begin construction of a $400 million expansion at its Hemlock, Mich., headquarters in December. The expansion will increase site capacity by 50% and is expected to generate more than 100 full-time jobs.
- Everett, Wash.-based Fluke Corporation recently pledged $250,000 to the National Association of Electrical Distributors Education & Research Foundation, St. Louis, Mo. The donation will become part of an endowment fund, and the interest will be used to commission future projects and studies.
- Lisle, Ill.-based Molex and Tustin, Calif.-based LumaCon have entered into an agreement providing Molex sole rights to manufacture, distribute, and sell Small Form Factor connectors, which use LumaCore technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Molex gains immediate access to LumaCon’s all-metallic, LC-compatible interconnect product line LC2 and its circular connector product, which will be marketed as Molex’s MXL-38999 interconnect system.
- Cooper Industries, Houston, recently announced its acquisition of Novitas, Inc., Torrance, Calif., manufacturer of occupancy sensors, switch packs, and accessories. Novitas will become part of the Cooper Wiring Devices division.
December 1, 2005
California Energy Commission releases 2005 Integrated Energy Policy Report
The California Energy Commission recently approved the 2005 Integrated Energy Policy Report. The 182-page report suggests reducing demand through energy efficiency and alternative resources, improving the state’s energy infrastructure, and cutting statewide greenhouse gas emissions.
The report is available on the Energy Commission’s Web site.
