Thomas Equipment Appoints Kasha Farm Supplies as Dealer for Thomas Skid Steer Loaders in Eckville, Alberta

Thomas Equipment Inc. announced the appointment of Kasha Farm Supplies Ltd., a major provider of heavy equipment for the agricultural industry in Lacombe County, Alberta, as a Thomas Skid Steer Loader Dealer in the growing town of Eckville, Alberta.

Kasha Farm Supplies, online at www.kashafarm.com, has a tradition of years experience serving the farming community of Alberta.  Kasha represents such brand names as Massey Ferguson tractors and combines, Claas harvest machinery and tractors, and Hesston Agco hay and forage equipment, among its other brand name equipment.  

Petter Etholm, President of Thomas Equipment said, "We welcome Bryan Kasha and his team to the family of Thomas Dealers and pleased Kasha Farm Supplies, with over a half century of experience, has chosen Thomas Skid Steer Loaders as the brand they prefer to offer their farmer customers in the skid steer sector.”   Etholm is also Chairman of Thomas' parent company, Osiris Corporation (OSRS).

Gilbert Bedard, Vice President of Global Sales at Thomas, said, “The Thomas Team is grateful to Bryan Kasha and his team and Kasha Farm Supplies and we look forward to a long relationship as Thomas Skid Steer Loaders join the other top brands offered by Kasha.”

Eckville is a growing community in Lacombe County, Alberta, and in addition to its agricultural industry, has a thriving, multifaceted business base in its vibrant community.

Thomas skid steers have a long tradition on the farm.  Whether on a Thomas 85 or 105, turning in a tight barn stall or moving with a heavy load through a narrow doorway, or operating the larger Thomas 153, 175 or 250 models, all Thomas skid steers make short work of tough, dirty jobs and keep labor costs down, working effectively year-in, year-out.

Thomas Equipment is online at www.thomasloaders.com, where farmers can learn more about Thomas Skid Steer Loaders.

Thomas Equipment Inc. is a unit of Osiris Corporation (OSRS), www.osiriscorp.net, which provides a variety of branded and other products to industrial markets through subsidiaries including: Thomas Equipment Inc.; Thomas Equipment Asia Co. Ltd.; Thomas Ventures, Inc., Pneutech-Rousseau, Inc. and TcomT Inc.  Osiris’ units manufacture and market industrial and construction equipment, distribute pneumatic and hydraulic systems and design wireless devices for the telecommunications industry, among other activities.  For more information about Thomas Equipment, visit the company’s website at: www.thomasloaders.com.

WIKA Instrument Corporation Announces
Recent Hires and Promotions

Metro Atlanta-based WIKA Instrument Corporation (WIKA) recently announces the additions and promotions of the following key personnel:

• Steve McCullough, CPA, Chief Financial Officer. McCullough comes to WIKA from Barco, Inc., where he worked for the last 13 years in the accounting department. McCullough’s most recent position was Vice President and CFO. McCullough has a master’s in accounting from Ohio University and a bachelor’s in English from Slippery Rock University. McCullough will be reporting to Michael Gerster, WIKA President.
• Jim Zielinski, Director of Supply Chain. In his new role at WIKA, Zielinski will be responsible for supplier management, inbound logistics, inventory management, master scheduling and purchasing. Zielinski will also continue to oversee distribution management. Zielinski has served as Distribution Manager with WIKA since January 2002. Zielinksi will be reporting to Klaus Gross, Chief Operations Officer.
• Kenneth Grams, Product Marketing Manager. Grams will be responsible for the conceptualization, definition, strategy, market potential estimation, and competitive analysis. He will also be accountable for articulating product marketing needs, planning new product launches, analyzing potential product enhancements, and updating product plans for existing products. Grams comes to WIKA with over 12 years experience in product management. Nine of those years were spent at Berendsen Fluid Power. Grams has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in industrial distribution. Grams will be reporting to Cameron Reebals, Director of Marketing.
• Harry Booth, Regional Sales Manager, TRONIC East Region. Booth will be responsible for the sales of pressure transducers and associated instrumentation through manufacturer representatives, independent distributors, OEMs and end users within his region. Booth comes to WIKA from Flowline, where he was responsible for the start up business unit focusing on OEM tank level measurements. Prior to that, Booth worked for 10 years at Gem Sensors as a Regional Manager. Booth has a degree in science electronics from Moraine Valley College in Illinois. Booth will report to Martin Armson, Director of TRONIC.

For over 60 years, WIKA Instrument Corporation has continued to advance pressure and temperature instrumentation on a global basis. In the U.S., WIKA’s operation utilizes state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and highly automated production equipment. As the industry leader for lean manufacturing, WIKA offers a made-to-stock and made-to-order process that can distribute most products within three days or less. By combining world-class LeanSigma® operations, agile manufacturing and resident engineering, WIKA can deliver the best instrumentation solutions including products for critical applications.

Higher Fuel Costs Drive Construction Industry
Demand for Greater Efficiency,
According to Komatsu America Corp. Survey

Oil prices remain high, and like everyone else in North America, construction equipment owners and operators are feeling the pinch at the pump. According to a new Pulse Survey by Komatsu America Corp., more than three-quarters (76.9%) of construction equipment owners surveyed said that fuel efficiency has become a greater priority at their firms during the past 12 months.  As a result, many respondents now employ a variety of fuel conservation methods including:

• 53% have reduced idle time
• 43.9% are considering purchasing more fuel efficient machines
• 42.4% are running machines in “fuel efficient” mode
• 24.2% are utilizing their fleet management systems to better track fuel consumption
• 19.7% are using biodiesel
• 9.1% are integrating automatic shut-down technology

Komatsu answers the call

“In this climate of high fuel costs and growing concern about environmental impact, Komatsu remains committed to providing compelling value to our customers through innovative technology and customer support,” said Erik Wilde, Vice President, Product Marketing, Komatsu America Corp.  “Through our fleet management system, KOMTRAX, all machine owners can more accurately monitor idle time—a key to greater fuel efficiency—helping Komatsu customers match the correct machine for idle time. Additionally,” Wilde continued, “our products are equipped with fuel efficient modes which help customers operate efficiently, while reducing their carbon footprint .”

Higher fuel costs mean fuel expenses have become a larger portion of construction firms’ operating budgets in the past year.  According to the Pulse Survey,  43.9%  of the respondents said that between 30-50% of their operational budgets would be allocated to fuel costs this year, compared to just 13.6% of respondents who indicated that fuel costs were such a large portion of their operating budget in 2007. Additionally, 12.1% of survey respondents said fuel expenses would be more than half of their operating budget this year, compared to 9.1% for 2007.

Komatsu America Corp’s Pulse Surveys are designed to “take the pulse” of construction professionals on topics of significant interest to the construction industry. The Pulse Surveys are conducted approximately 4-6 times a year.  This online survey about fuel efficiency was conducted from June 4 to July 11, 2008.

Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd., the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Global annual sales of Komatsu exceed 22 billion US dollars. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers state-of-the-art parts and service programs while helping you gain more ground by listening harder, digging in and doing more for your business in North America as well as globally. Komatsu has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century. Wherever you mine, Komatsu will be there. Visit the website at www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.

HEIDENHAIN Offers Linear Encoders
for Vacuum Technology

Vacuum technology plays a significant role in many modern production procedures and research tasks.  To meet those needs, HEIDENHAIN Corporation offers high quality linear encoders in three product versions, all differing in accuracy, vacuum class, bake-out temperature, electrical connection and production environment.

The components used in a vacuum are subject to especially high demands affecting the encoders used in the positioning task.  HEIDENHAIN’s specially designed linear encoders for high and ultrahigh vacuums satisfy these demands as a result of specialized design measures including:

• Vacuum-compatible PCBs, adhesives and paints reduce the amount of outgassing
• Vented hollow spaces reduce the pumping time
• Temperature resistance permits high bake-out temperatures manufactured without ferromagnetic materials increases the process reliability
• Special cleaning of the components and production in a clean room guarantees cleanliness.

The three HEIDENHAIN encoders for vacuum technology include the LIF 481V, the LIP 481V and the LIP 481U.   The first two models are for high vacuum to 10-7 mbar, the latter is for ultrahigh vacuum up to 10-11 mbar.  All of these LIF and LIP series encoders consist of a glass scale, a scanning head and the interface electronics (APE) requiring signal conversion to 1 Vpp.  The cable between the scanning head and interface can be up to 3 meters in length. The vacuum compatible APE can be placed either inside or outside the vacuum chamber, depending on customer wishes.

Available encoder accessories include fixing clamps, fixed point holders, vacuum feedthroughs, vacuum-compatible epoxy and extension cables (both 481V high-vacuum encoders with interface electronics outside the vacuum are supplied with a vacuum feedthrough (round, 16-pin)).

Common procedures using vacuum technology have become indispensable in today’s electronics industry and biotechnology, in thin-film deposition technology, in the development of new materials, and in the medicine and analytical technology.

More information on these linear encoders for vacuum technology is available by contacting HEIDENHAIN at (847) 490-1191 or HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION, 333 E. State Parkway, Schaumburg, IL  60173.  HEIDENHAIN can also be accessed directly via the web site at www.heidenhain.com or e-mail at info@heidenhain.com.

HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION is the North American subsidiary of DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH, a leading international manufacturer of precision measurement and control equipment.  Our product line includes linear scales, rotary and angular encoders, digital readouts, digital length gages, CNC controls and machine inspection equipment.

New Doran 360HD™ Tire Pressure Monitoring System Features “Green Means GOOD™” Indicator for Ease of Use

The new Doran 360HD™ Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides the driver ‘at- a-glance’ status updates with a new patent pending Green Means GOOD™ indicator.  This next generation system monitors up to 36 tires for truck, tractor and trailer applications with wireless tire pressure sensors that are screwed on to the valve stems and transmit a signal to a monitor in the cab.  The driver is alerted through multiple alarms types (audible, location, pressure and warning symbol) and a new “Fast Leak” alarm so that low tire-pressure problems can be addressed and costly breakdowns and repairs are eliminated.   

The system, which works with traditional dual wheel configuration or wide base single configuration, provides an estimated payback of less than nine months per truck (based on driving 100,000 miles annually).  The Doran 360HD™ is ideal for fleets of all types and sizes, including owner-operators, panel or box trucks, and more.
    
Installation can be accomplished in about an hour per truck/trailer.  A simple to understand and operate monitor includes digital LCD screen with backlit display and comes equipped with 4-way navigational buttons.  Spin-welded, heavy-duty truck-tested wireless tire pressure sensors are corrosion resistant and deliver the longest life on the market. 

Additionally, a patent-pending “sleep” mode ensures that the vehicle stays protected at all times.  With this unique feature, tire pressures are monitored, but potential warnings are withheld until the driver turns the ignition on in the morning. 

 “The Doran 360HD™ was designed – from the ground up – to be the most versatile and easiest to use tire pressure monitoring system for trucks” says General Manager Jim Samocki.  “From ease of installation, to at-a-glance status, to the date/time stamp storage of alarms – the 360HDTM delivers value and performance to fleet managers, service technicians and drivers.  It is the smart choice for trucks of all types and sizes.”  

Tire Industry Safety Council studies have shown that nearly half of all tires are under inflated.  Tires under-inflated by 10% loose up to 12% of their tread life - at 20% under-inflation the tread life loss is nearly 23%.  Nearly 83% of tire problems begin with low tire pressure, which causes premature tire wear and increased operating costs.  The Doran 360HD™ eliminates these concerns, providing peace of mind at an affordable price.

Cincinnati based Doran Manufacturing has been the providing transportation safety products for commercial trucks, RVs and school buses for over 35 years.  In addition to tire pressure monitoring systems, the company supplies LED and incandescent Exterior Light Monitors, Sleeping Child Checks, Emergency Exit Monitors and a full range of LED lighting products.  

For more information on the Doran 360HDTM visit www.doranmfg.com or contact them via e-mail at nau_chris@doranmfg.com, write to Doran Manufacturing, 2851 Massachusetts Avenue, Cincinnati, OH  45225, or call toll-free (866) 816-SAFE (7233).