News Digest
Technology and Business News for the Industry
Updated: February 6th, 1998
EEGR Valve Cuts NOx Levels On Accord Green EnginesAUBURN HILLS, Mich. — An electrically actuated exhaust gas recirculation valve that reduces emissions system cost is helping Honda meet California's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards two years ahead of schedule. The electrically actuated valve could be a major factor in the industry's efforts to develop lower NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) thereby producing more fuel efficient powertrains of the future.
The valve from Siemens Automotive is among the technologies used by Honda in the 1998 Accord engines. The 1998 Accord is the first car to be sold in all 50 states to meet California's stringent Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard, and one model will be the first production automobile certified as a ULEV. These vehicles meet the LEV and ULEV standard for NOx based on state-of-the-art engine and emissions technology, which includes the Siemens valve, according to Peter Hoffer, director of business and technology development for the Emissions Components group of Siemens Automotive's Powertrain Division. Meeting NOx emission standards poses the biggest challenge to Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Direct Injection for Diesel (DI) engine technologies. GDI and DI are advanced powertrain technologies considered by many experts to be the alternative engines best able to meet global emission and fuel consumption standards expected to take effect during the next decade. "The Siemens valve offers GDI and DI diesel two important advantages," Hoffer said. "First, like conventional EGR systems, it lowers NOx by reducing peak combustion temperatures. This is accomplished by diluting the intake air with exhaust gas by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gas flow via the EGR valve. "But traditional EGR valves are actuated by manifold vacuum which will not be available during unthrottled operation of GDI and DI diesel concepts,” he added. “The more stringent LEV, ULEV and Federal Tier II standards require faster valve response times and greater control accuracy than the vacuum actuated valves can achieve." The EEGR valve provides these capabilities, Hoffer explained. "It's essentially a very precise flow control valve using linear solenoid technology for infinitely variable control of valve position. The accuracy is further enhanced by an EEGR valve position feedback sensor." The EEGR system also costs less and significantly reduces the number of system components, vehicle assembly operations and complexity. These savings result from the elimination or consolidation of a number of parts and components: the back pressure transducer or vacuum control valve, plus tubes, brackets and hoses. "Another benefit of the EEGR valve can be improved fuel economy when applied on engines designed specifically to tolerate high EGR rates," Hoffer said. The Siemens EEGR valve debuted in California on the 1996 Honda Civic HX, which featured a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a variable valve timing system (VTEC). That vehicle was the first to meet the California LEV standard, which included NOx emission levels twice as strict as federal requirements. The ULEV-certified Accord, equipped with a new 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder VTEC engine, will be sold in California and certain Northeast states beginning this fall. It meets the strict California ULEV standard two years ahead of the deadline for offering such engines. ULEV requires achieving 0.04 grams per mile of non-methane organic compounds (NMOG) — unburned hydrocarbons (HC) produced during engine warm-up — which is 46 percent lower than the LEV standard for NMOG (0.075) and 84 percent lower than the current federal standard (0.25). The NOx standard is 0.2, the same as the LEV requirement.
Clinton Proposes $50 Million Investment Increase In Advanced Combustion Engines, Batteries, and Fuel CellsWASHINGTON — President Bill Clinton requested $277 million in federal funding for the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles — a $50 million (22 percent) increase over fiscal year 1998 spending for the government-industry partnership.
The partnership was announced in September 1993 by Clinton and the CEOs of Chrysler Corp., Ford Motor Co., and General Motors Corp. The partnership is an historic alliance between the federal government and the U.S. auto industry — under their U.S. Council for Automotive Research umbrella organization — to develop a new generation of vehicles with very low emissions and up to three times the fuel efficiency of conventional cars. At the program's outset, a large number of promising technologies were identified for simultaneous research and development to improve the probability of achieving the needed technology breakthroughs. A major program milestone was to narrow these technology development efforts by the end of 1997 and focus resources on the most promising. Last month, the partnership announced the results of its Technology Selection, narrowing the program's research and development efforts to four key system areas deemed most promising: hybrid electric vehicle drive, direct-injection engines (especially emissions controls), fuel cells, and lightweight materials. The president's fiscal year 1999 budget reflects the Technology Selection priorities. As in years past, the Department of Energy (DOE) receives the lion's share of the president's PNGV budget request at $164 million, a $36 million (or 28 percent) increase over its fiscal year 1998 appropriation. Increases in DOE's PNGV budget include: $21 million for fuel cell research; $10 million for research on direct-injection engines and advanced fuels; and $6 million for advanced battery research. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) PNGV budget would more than double under the president's fiscal year 1999 request from $17 million to $35 million. This increase primarily reflects EPA research to demonstrate emission control technologies for advanced combustion engines, including alternative fueled and petroleum fueled clean Diesel engines. The Commerce Department's proposed $22 million budget includes ongoing funding for the PNGV Secretariat under the Technology Administration, and research in Advanced Automotive Manufacturing, a focus area under the Department's Advanced Technology Program (ATP) managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The decline in the Commerce budget between fiscal year 1998 and 1999 reflects the paydown on mortgages on ATP projects that were initiated in 1997. No new projects were initiated in 1998. Future ATP funding may, or may not, include new PNGV-related projects. The Department of Transportation's fiscal year 1999 budget for PNGV is $4.0 million, equal to its 1998 appropriation. The National Science Foundation's PNGV budget, which supports long-term research, drops slightly in 1999 to $52 million, down from $53 million in fiscal year 1998. In addition, the budget reflects decreases in some areas of research deemed, as a result of the technology selection process, to be less important for the federal government to pursue. Some of these technologies — such as gas turbines and ultracapacitors — were deemed less promising, while others - - such as hybrid vehicles system designs — reached a point in the development process where the industry partners were moving the research into more proprietary, commercial applications. Four years into the 10-year partnership, PNGV has made solid progress toward developing the enabling technologies for affordable, midsize, family sedans capable of achieving up to 80 miles per gallon with very low emissions. Chrysler, Ford, and GM are all working on high-mileage PNGV concept vehicles that will be debuted in 2000, followed by production prototypes in 2004. Research conducted through the partnership is done on a cost-shared basis. The federal government funds a proportionately larger share of fundamental research, but as research and development moves closer to commercial viability, industry provides an increasing share of the cost. Under PNGV, teams of scientists and engineers from 19 federal government laboratories are working with their counterparts at Chrysler, Ford, GM, and more than 300 automotive suppliers and universities. Currently, most federal funding for PNGV flows to the Federal laboratories, auto suppliers, and universities.
I30 features new Microsoft Windows CE-based Auto PC for Advanced In-car Information and EntertainmentCHICAGO — Infiniti’s I30 Executive Luxury Special Edition (ELSE) is a concept car designed to showcase the most advanced mobile office technology soon to be available on the market, featuring state-of-the-art connectivity, communication, entertainment and performance.
At the heart of the Infiniti I30 ELSE is the new Auto PC in-dash automotive computing system, the latest member of the PC companion line of products powered by Microsoft Windows CE. The Auto PC takes the core Windows CE 2.0 operating system and adds speech recognition, a sporty car-stereo-sized visual interface and other car-oriented features to create an information and entertainment device for the automobile. Clarion Corp. of America is expected to be the first car audio manufacturer to bring its Clarion AutoPC in-car computing platform to market this spring/summer. The Clarion AutoPC is a 1-DIN AM/FM radio and CD audio/CD ROM player that fits within the dash of a car. It uses voice-activation to receive e-mail alerts, dial a cell phone, navigate to a specific destination, locate a restaurant or hotel, access traffic and weather conditions or change the musical selection on the stereo. The I30 ELSE concept car uses Global Positioning System (GPS) and state-of-the-art cellular phone technology — connected to the Infiniti Response Center (IRC) — to provide access to assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of the security and convenience features of the Auto PC are included in the Infiniti Communicator in-vehicle communications system, which will be available next month on the 1998.5 Infiniti Q45 and I30 luxury sedans. For improved performance, safety, driver control and enjoyment, the I30 ELSE concept car features a number of enhancements to the suspension, brake and exhaust systems. The ELSE suspension features specially tuned springs, shocks and front and rear strut tower braces to reduce body roll and improve steering response. Wider, low-profile, 17-inch Enkei wheels and Michelin tires enhance the styling while increasing cornering and braking traction. To shorten stopping distances, the ELSE car also features Brembo high performance brakes similar to the ones used on Formula 1 cars. To enhance power and economy, the car also features a low restriction air intake and exhaust system. Infiniti is the luxury division of Nissan Motor Corp. Infiniti introduced The Total Ownership Experience customer care philosophy as part of its continuing dedication to providing exceptional consumer treatment and service.
Ford Plans to Offer Cleaner Vehicles in 1999 Model YearCHICAGO — Ford Motor Co. advised the Environmental Protection Agency that it will opt-in to the National Low Emission Vehicle Program (NLEVP), providing low emission vehicles beginning in the 1999 model year.
"These cars and trucks are 70 percent cleaner than currently required, according to the EPA," said Jacques Nasser, president of Ford Automotive Operations. "We are prepared to move forward with this historic cooperative agreement because it is simply the right thing to do." Initially, 12 states and the District of Columbia were asked by the EPA to voluntarily participate in the NLEV program. At the end of the states' consideration period, eight states and the District of Columbia agreed to participate. "We urge the four remaining states who have not opted-in to NLEV to do so,” Nasser said. The company previously announced that it would make all sport utility vehicles as well as the popular Windstar minivans Low-Emission (LEV) beginning in the 1999 model year. Ford will begin selling the NLEV vehicles in the Northeast later this year and will expand to the rest of the country in the 2001 model year.
Plug Power, LLC and Los Alamos Join Forces in the Advancement of Fuel Cell TechnologyLATHAM, N.Y. — Plug Power, LLC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory (Los Alamos, NM).
The MOU supports Plug Power's effort to move rapidly toward the commercialization of fuel cell systems for both stationary and automotive applications, and also formalizes the organizations' goal to execute a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) in the near future. "Fuel cells represent our nation's best pathway toward developing a new generation of distributed power," said Gary Mittleman, president and chief executive officer of Plug Power. "Researchers at Los Alamos have made significant strides in laying the foundation for polymer electrolyte fuel cell systems, and Plug Power is dedicated to expanding upon the current technology to make it a commercial reality. Working together, our focus will be on improving efficiency, enhancing reliability, and lowering costs to produce units for distribution to a global marketplace." David Watkins, a group leader in the Materials Science and Technology Division of Los Alamos, said, "There are very few technologies capable of meeting our nation's energy needs and also reducing greenhouse emissions. Fuel cells are a viable and economic method for helping our country meet the environmental challenges set forth in President Clinton's State of the Union address."
ARCO Foundation Awards Over $600,000 to Minority Engineering Programs; 11-Year Total Exceeds $7 MillionLOS ANGELES — The ARCO Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Los Angeles-based ARCO, awarded $651,375 to 19 universities and colleges throughout the nation to help retain and graduate minority students pursuing engineering degrees.
Since 1987, the ARCO Foundation has contributed approximately $7.2 million to minority engineering programs at selected colleges and universities nationwide. Institutional grants in 1997 ranged from $5,000 to $45,000. Seven of the institutions are located in California, two in Kentucky, three in Texas and one each in Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma and Washington State. Mike R. Bowlin, ARCO chairman and chief executive officer, said, "Education remains central to full participation in American life. Our Minority Engineering Program helps our industry increase the available pool of engineering talent, which, in turn, will help us develop the kind of high-quality, diverse workforce that is critical to our success." Institutions use ARCO minority-engineering funds to improve undergraduate learning communities by hiring counselors, retention specialists, tutors, and workshop organizers to further develop their engineering school's minority retention efforts. The 19 institutions selected by the ARCO Foundation, were California Maritime Academy, California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, California State University at Long Beach, California State University at Los Angeles, Colorado School of Mines, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Kansas State University, Montana Tech, Texas A&M University, University of California at Davis, UCLA, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Houston, University of Kentucky, University of Missouri-Rolla, University of Oklahoma, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Washington.
Boeing to Conduct Joint Strike Fighter Final Assembly and First Flight in PalmdaleSEATTLE —Final assembly and first flight of Boeing’s two Joint Strike Fighter (X-32/JSF) demonstrator aircraft will take place in Palmdale, Calif., with subsequent landings at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
The Boeing JSF Program will use existing facilities in Palmdale to provide the infrastructure and personnel for sub-assembly, final assembly engineering support, ground testing and preparation for pre-flight checkout and first flight operations. Overall program responsibility will continue to be managed from Seattle. Frank Statkus, Boeing vice president, general manager and JSF program manager, characterized the site selection as a best-value business decision that supports the affordability initiatives the company has set in place for building the next-generation fighter. "Accomplishing this critical segment of work in Palmdale allows us to take full advantage of one of the world's premier experimental test flight facilities to meet our requirements relative to first flight," Statkus said. "More importantly, the cost savings associated with performing these activities at our existing facilities reinforces the Boeing commitment to making program decisions that provide tangible affordability benefits to our JSF customer." Assembly of both X-32 aircraft including integration and checkout of the fuselage, and mating of the fuselage, wing and tail assemblies, will occur at Palmdale, while the forebody will be assembled at Boeing facilities in St. Louis. Prior to first flight, the assembled aircraft will undergo final system installation, extensive system checkout and ground and taxi testing at Palmdale. The anticipated JSF workforce in Palmdale will peak at approximately 200 workers and include current Boeing employees from Downey, Palmdale and Seal Beach, Calif., St. Louis and Seattle. The Boeing Co. has approximately 1,000 employees in Palmdale and an additional 100 employees at Edwards. No decisions have been made regarding final assembly locales for future program phases. Following departure from Palmdale, both JSF demonstrator aircraft will accomplish initial airworthiness flight tests at Edwards. Afterward, both aircraft will be flown to Patuxent River, Md., for additional flight testing unique to the short-takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) and carrier-based (CV) operations. Boeing is competing to build the next-generation strike fighter under a four-year Joint Navy and Air Force Concept Demonstration Phase (CDP) contract awarded in late 1996. The Boeing JSF team currently is building two JSF X-32 demonstrator aircraft; one of which will demonstrate characteristics of the Air Force conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) and the Navy's CV variants, and a second aircraft which will demonstrate the STOVL variant envisioned for use by the Marine Corps and the Royal Navy. Boeing also is demonstrating critical technologies, processes and affordability initiatives that support the company's plan to produce an affordable JSF. In addition to building the demonstrator aircraft, Boeing also is defining the operational aircraft — the multi-service Preferred Weapon System Concept (PWSC) — for the next phase of the JSF program, the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) program. A competition winner will be selected in 2001, with actual fighter deployment set for 2008.
Chrysler Goes Natural, Again, With Two Models That Have Super Ultra Low Emissions StatusAUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Corp., the company that introduced the world's first Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) and Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), is re-entering the natural gas vehicle market this fall with two even cleaner models — the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) Dodge Ram Van and Wagon.
"This fall we will begin production of natural gas powered versions of our full-size Dodge Ram Van and Wagon for sale nationwide," Chrysler President Thomas T. Stallkamp said. "The Ram Van and Wagon are extremely popular with both large and small fleet operators and the benefits of this less costly and super clean fuel are an added incentive for our customers." Thanks to advances in the fuel storage technology, he added, Chrysler plans to offer the natural gas system at a significantly reduced price compared to previous models. Chrysler suspended natural gas vehicle production at the end of the 1996 model year. Since that time, it has been evaluating new manufacturing techniques, storage tank and emissions reduction technology, and the market potential for natural gas vehicles (NGVs). "The new Ram Van and Wagon represent the state-of-the-art in NGV system design," said Bernard I. Robertson, vice president of Engineering Technologies and general manager of Truck Engineering. "New fuel tanks will allow these vehicles to store 13 to 46 percent more fuel than our previous NGVs for an extended driving range. "Our 1993 natural gas powered Ram Van and Wagon and 1994 natural gas powered minivans were the first to achieve the LEV and ULEV certification, respectively," Robertson said. "The 1999 natural gas powered Ram Van and Wagon will meet the even cleaner SULEV requirements." "For heavy fuel users, such as airport shuttle operators, the modest incremental cost of the NGV package will most likely be recovered in the first year of operation on natural gas, which is typically 30 percent less expensive than gasoline," said Mike Clement, Chrysler's Manager-Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sales and Marketing. "In subsequent years, the operator can pocket $2,000-3,000 per year in fuel cost savings and reduce emissions every mile along the way." Clement noted other advantages for customers. The Dodge Ram Van and Wagon were totally redesigned for the 1998 model year and remain the most affordable vehicles in their segment. "The Dodge Ram Van and Wagon are among the most popular vehicles in their segment and the refinements to these versatile vehicles, together with the natural gas powertrain should make them even more appealing," Clement said. Clement also noted that Chrysler is rejoining the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition to further explore the marketing opportunities offered by the group. Pricing for the 1999 natural gas powered Dodge Ram Van and Wagon will be announced closer to the fall launch.
Pratt & Whitney's Engine Makes First FlightEAST HARTFORD, Conn. — The engine billed as the most powerful in commercial aviation made its first test flight aboard a Boeing 777-300 from Paine Field in Everett, Wash.
The flight was the first in a series of missions that will lead to certification of the 98,000 pound thrust PW4098 on the 777. The engine/airplane combination will enter service in the fall. The flight lasted three hours and 45 minutes and included a full 98,000 pound thrust take-off. The crew also performed two inflight starts and successfully completed various stability tests to clear the aircraft for full-crew engineering test flights. The PW4098 is the latest model of the 112-inch fan PW4000 series, the launch engine for the Boeing 777 family. It holds leading market share among the three competing engines. The engine was the first to ever earn a full 180-minute Extended Twin Operations approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration when it went into service in 1995. "We developed the PW4000 family to meet the future thrust requirements of the 777," said Robert Leduc, Pratt's senior vice president of programs and service. "The outstanding performance of the original engine over the last three years and our ability to increase its thrust from 84,000 pounds to 98,000 pounds with only a few modifications demonstrates the technology and planning that went into this engine." The 112-inch fan engine is capable of further growth to 102,000 pounds of thrust for the proposed Boeing 777-200X/300X.
Mercedes Takes Clean-Sheet Approach to SUV Design While Keeping Occupant Safety in Mind, Crumple Zone Fine TunedMONTVALE, N.J., — The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class sport utility vehicle is designed to be compatible with passenger cars in collisions. Unlike SUVs that are based on existing truck platforms, the Mercedes M-Class features a clean-sheet design which allowed its developers to take a fresh approach to occupant safety as well as compatibility with other vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz engineers considered what happens when a small car collides with a larger vehicle. While people in the smaller vehicle are usually at greater risk, thoughtful engineering can help protect the occupants of both vehicles. Auto safety experts maintain that two key factors determine crash compatibility, especially between vehicles of disparate size. First and foremost, the main structures of the two colliding vehicles must align and meet squarely, which means that the frame members of both vehicles must be about the same height above the road. This not only reduces the possibility of one vehicle overriding the other catastrophically, but also helps the protective crumple zones designed into both vehicles to serve their purpose in absorbing crash energy. Secondly, the crumple-zone performance of a larger vehicle should be equalized to a smaller car, since a larger vehicle can safely absorb the same crash energy and thus help protect the occupants of both vehicles. Mercedes-Benz designers have been fine-tuning crumple zone stiffness relative to vehicle size for several years, and this sophisticated new concept is likely to be adopted by other automakers. In general, the new M-Class is designed to be compatible with the world around it, and the super-clean M-Class sport utility is already performing at "Ultra-Low-Emission-Vehicle" (ULEV) levels, a feat many passenger cars have yet to attain. Thanks to its new-generation 215-horsepower V6 engine, the new M-Class sport utility yielded exhaust emissions of only 0.032 grams per mile of HC (unburnt hydrocarbons), 0.25 gpm of CO (carbon monoxide) and 0.07 gpm of NOx (oxides of nitrogen) in certification tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In terms of fuel efficiency, the M-Class got EPA numbers of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Overall, the new-generation Mercedes-Benz powerplants get up to 40 percent lower exhaust emissions, 13 percent better fuel-efficiency, are 25 percent lighter in weight, and have a broader torque range than previous Mercedes engines. The new engines feature two spark plugs and three valves per cylinder, for cleaner-burning combustion and smoother, stronger performance. Another key part of the M-Class safety story is its independent front and rear suspension. Many SUVs have only independent front suspension, while some even use "solid" axles front and rear. Four-wheel independent suspension gives the M-Class impressive handling, stability and ride comfort, both on and off-road. Compared to rigid axles, independent suspension reduces unsprung weight by two-thirds, resulting in both better handling and ride quality. The M-Class suspension features upper and lower control arms in a double-wishbone configuration at the front and rear, with stabilizer bars and double-tube gas shocks as well. The M-Class employs a sophisticated four-wheel adaptation of the company's proven electronic traction control system to help maintain stability and traction under a wide range of road conditions. The M-Class system senses wheel slip electronically and brakes the slipping wheels, which delivers the right amount of torque to those tires with the most grip, on virtually any road surface. Unlike conventional four-wheel-drive systems, the M-Class system provides mobility even when three wheels lose traction. Using four-wheel traction control rather than locking differentials aids maneuverability, both on and off-road. In tight steering situations there is no axle "binding," which the driver would experience as sluggish steering response and vibration. Like every 1998 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle, the M-Class is also equipped with dual front airbags, emergency seatbelt tensioning retractors (ETRs) and belt force limiters as well as front door-mounted side-impact airbags.
Cooper Industries To Acquire INTOOL Purchase Grows Cooper's Worldwide Power Tool BusinessHOUSTON — Cooper Industries, Inc. signed a letter of intent to purchase the Intool Division of Global Industrial Technologies, Inc. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Completion of the sale, which is expected in the second quarter of 1998, is subject to governmental approvals and certain other customary closing conditions.
Intool, with 1997 revenues of $113 million, is headquartered in Houston. The company manufactures and sells pneumatic and electric assembly tools, precision drilling equipment, fastening systems and portable and fixed mounted tools used in industrial, automotive, aerospace and energy markets. "The acquisition of Intool will allow Cooper to extend its product line of industrial power tools and equipment, offering customers one of the most complete lines in the industry," said H. John Riley, Cooper's chairman, president and chief executive officer. Intool, which will become a part of the Cooper Power Tools Division, manufactures products under the brand names Airetool, Cleco, ITD Automation, Quackenbush, and Rotor Tool. Intool employs more than 740 people worldwide at four manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and 12 domestic and six international sales offices. Global Industrial Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, is a major manufacturer of technologically advanced industrial products supporting high-growth markets worldwide.
Intercim Division Forms Alliance With CIMx to Create Enhanced, Seamless Manufacturing Execution SystemMILWAUKEE — Effective Management Systems Inc., a leading provider of manufacturing software to discrete manufacturers, said that its Intercim Division forged a strategic business alliance with CIMx that will provide the marketplace with an enhanced Integrated Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solution that allows a seamless flow of information from manufacturing process planning to manufacturing execution.
The blending of Intercim and CIMx's core competencies will allow manufacturing-software customers to attain more easily the anticipated productivity gains from installing an MES system. Intercim is contributing the FACTORYnet MES system to the alliance; CIMx's expertise is in the area of process planning, including its Manufacturing Data Management (MDM) solution, which includes a complete computer-aided process planning tool. The partnership will enable the two companies to provide customers with an MES system that can author process plans and compound documents. "It is very important to Intercim to have strategic partners that complement our customer-intimate, vendor-assembled business model," said Joseph Poirier, president of the Intercim Division. "CIMx embraces this model, and has the integrity and reputation for customer satisfaction that we look for in a partner. And, their MDM architecture integrates easily with our FACTORYnet offering, providing the information flow that today's manufacturing enterprise needs to be competitive."
ABC Rail Products Unit to Acquire Systems Engineering Subsidiary Of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.WATERTOWN, Mass. — Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) and American Systems Technologies, Inc. (AST), a subsidiary of ABC Rail Products Corp. signed a Letter of Intent for acquisition by AST of Transit & Rail Systems Engineering, Inc. (TRS), the systems engineering subsidiary of VHB.
The acquisition is expected to be completed by Feb. 23. No price was announced. AST, headquartered in Verona, Wis., is the nation's leading systems service supplier. AST designs and builds signal, yard control, and other operating systems for the rail and transit industries. The TRS acquisition will give AST a strong Northeast presence and otherwise expand its capabilities. TRS will continue to provide engineering, management, and field services from its offices in Boston and Omaha, Neb. In addition, TRS will begin coordinating certain joint systems projects with United Railway Signal, another ABC Rail Products recent acquisition, and AST. VHB remains committed to providing planning and engineering services to the rail and transit industries. The sale of TRS will allow VHB to focus its rail and transit expertise on: transportation planning to assist government agencies evaluate and plan transit investments; design and engineering of railroad and transit infrastructure improvements in track and structures; and development/delivery of railroad and transit projects through VHB's skills in Intelligent Transportation Systems. VHB and AST also will enter into a strategic alliance to seek opportunities for joint development and construction of rail infrastructure projects to meet the growing needs of the nation's freight railroads. VHB's technical skills in rail engineering and environmental permitting complement AST's construction expertise. ABC Rail Products is a leader in the engineering, manufacturing, and marketing of replacement products and original equipment for the freight railroad and rail industries. The company's products include specialty trackwork such as rail crossings and switches; mechanical products such as rail car, locomotive and idler wheels, mounted wheel sets and metal brake shoes; classification yard products and automation systems; and railway signal systems installation and maintenance services. VHB, a major transportation, land development, and environmental services firm, provides engineering, planning and applied science services to a wide variety of public and private sector clients from its headquarters office in Watertown, MA and regional offices in Bedford, N.H.; Boston, Mass.; Springfield, Mass.; Providence, R.I.; Middletown, Conn.; Fredericksburg, Va.; Williamsburg, Va.; Miami and Orlando, Fla.
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Mechanical Engineering Magazine Online's News Digest is compiled from original reporting and various print and online news sources. The Digest will be updated regularly.
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