News » World News Cyber-security standard tackles risks of using IT measures
The ISA (International Society of Automation) has published a standard that addresses the risks that arise from the growing use of business IT cyber-security measures to address cyber-security in complex and dangerous manufacturing and processing applications.
Latin American drives growth drops from double-digit highs
Sales of low-voltage AC and DC motor drives in Latin America will expand from $420m in 2012 to $595m in 2017 – with a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7.1% – according to a new forecast from IMS Research, now part of IHS.
China is causing a ‘shakeup’ in the pneumatics market
A “teeming mass” of Chinese manufacturers of pneumatic valves and actuators is expanding aggressively into the US and European markets, causing a competitive shakeup, according to a new report from the market analyst, IHS.
Motion control sales fell by 6.8% in first half of 2013
Global shipments of motion control products fell by 6.8% in the first half of 2013, according to statistics released by the industry trade group, the Motion Control Association (MCA).
China’s rare-earth producers face a series of setbacks
It appears that Chinese attempts to restrict its exports of rare-earth materials and to raise their prices may have backfired. Exports last year were more than 40% down on their peak levels, prices have dropped, some producers have gone out of business, and illegal mines and smugglers are thriving.
McMaken succeeds Tsavalas as Eaton’s EMEA president
Eaton has appointed Kurt McMaken as its EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region president. He succeeds Yannis Tsavalas who has been president since 2009 and is moving on to a new role as senior vice-president for strategic initiatives in Eaton’s electrical sector.
Almost half of automation sales are now in Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region spends more on industrial automation products than anywhere else in the world, with 46% of global expenditure in 2012 – equivalent to $76.6bn – says a new report from IMS Research, now part of IHS.
Rockwell launches three-pronged cyber-security plan
Rockwell Automation has announced an initiative to help manufacturers to cut risks to their control systems from cyber-security threats. The initiative aims to help automation and IT professionals to secure industrial processes more effectively using a combination of control system design, best practices, technologies and services from Rockwell and its strategic partners, including Cisco.
Misumi announces discounts of up to 59% across 50 categories
The mechanical components manufacturer Misumi is introducing discounts of up to 59% for large volume orders for factory automation and machine-building products in more than 50 categories, including linear motion equipment, gears, pulleys and bearings. The reductions depend on the type of equipment and the quantity ordered.
Schneider’s £3.4bn takeover of Invensys goes ahead
Schneider Electric’s takeover of Invensys is going ahead without the bidding war that some observers had predicted. The French multinational is paying £3.4bn ($5.2bn) for UK-based Invensys, making it Schneider’s biggest acquisition since it bought American Power Conversion for $6.1bn in 2006.
Siemens CEO is ousted and succeeded by CFO
Siemens' chief executive Peter Löscher has resigned “by mutual consent” and been replaced as president and CEO by the company’s chief financial officer, Joe Kaeser. The changes take effect from 1 August, 2013.
ABB buys ring motor business to boost its gearless mill drives
ABB is buying Alstom’s ring motor business to enhance its gearless mill drive (GMD) activities. The business, based in Bilbao, Spain, has about 120 employees and achieved a turnover of €57m in 2012/13. It will become part of ABB’s Process Automation division. The financial details of the deal have not been revealed.
Sales of MV and HV motors expand in South-East Asia
Sales of medium- and high-voltage motors in South-East Asia will climb from $615.4m in 2012 to reach $802m by 2019, according to a new forecast from Frost & Sullivan.
Shale gas boom propels North American drives market
Sales of variable speed drives for use in natural gas applications in North America are growing 1.5 times faster than the general drives market, according to a new report. The analyst Frost & Sullivan says the growth is being driven by the rapid expansion of shale gas extraction, an increase in natural gas exploration and production, and new investments in transport infrastructure.
Schneider Electric makes $5bn bid to buy Invensys
Schneider Electric has launched a $5bn bid to buy the British industrial software and control systems supplier Invensys. Invensys’ board has told Schneider that it is likely to recommend that its shareholders should accept the offer, but there is speculation that other bidders may enter the fray, possibly including Emerson, GE or ABB.
