Tokyo, Japan- Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. announced that it will expect to meet shipment volume for requests of its customers. Hitachi Automotive systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT / TSE:6501), had recently faced delays in the shipment of engine control units (ECU), a key device in automotive engine systems. However, in strong collaboration with STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a supplier of a custom IC that is a core component in ECUs, Hitachi Automotive Systems now expects to meet procurement volume requirements, starting from August of this year. As a result, it will be able to ship the required volumes of ECUs with no further delays. In the past few months, Hitachi and ST have jointly faced the challenge to keep up with unprecedented booming demand in the automotive market via close communication and cooperation, though recent stories in some medias regarding ST’s role in meeting its commitments, may have been misleading.

Like much of the industry, our supply chain has been challenged by the rapid recovery in our end markets. In this situation, ST has been a fair and honest partner.Based on the long-standing and close cooperation with STMicroelectronics in the procurement of custom ICs, Hitachi Automotive Systems will continue to devote itself to ensuring a stable supply of ECUs and other automotive devices.

Source: http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/100728.html

USA - The global construction equipment industry is recovering faster than earlier predicted, evidenced by Volvo CE’s significantly improved second quarter 2010 financial results. Strongly driven by the BRIC markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China – which increased by 63% during the quarter – the total world market for heavy, compact and road equipment increased by 43% during the period when compared to last year. All markets were up: Europe increased by 20%, North America by 9%, Asia by 60% and Other markets by 77%. This sharply rebounding market had a positive impact on Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE’s) financial performance during the quarter.

Net sales in the second quarter amounted to SEK 15,295 M (SEK 9,151 M in Q2 2009). This represents a 67% jump in demand, and when adjusted for currency movements increases to 73%. Operating income also improved strongly, increasing to SEK 2,086 M from a loss of SEK 1,259 M in the same period in 2009. Additionally, the company also posted an operating margin of 13.6% in the period, (up from a negative 13.8% in 2009).

Commenting on the results, Mr. Olof Persson, president of Volvo CE said: “The spring selling season is traditionally the most active period in our industry, and so it is encouraging to see momentum building stronger-than-expected during this important period, particularly in Asia and South America. This puts us in good shape for the rest of the year. It is also encouraging to note that our increased sales have been accompanied by considerably increased profitability, a result of cost reduction measures implemented during the recession, improved cost absorption in our factories and better productivity.”

Brighter outlook
In another sign of improving conditions, the value of the order book at the end of the second quarter was 78% higher than at the same date in 2009. These encouraging results have prompted a revision in the outlook for the full year 2010. The European market is now expected to increase by 10% for the full year, up from the previous forecast of 0-10%. North America is now predicted to grow by between 5-10% in 2009, up from the previous expectation of 0-10%. The biggest upward revisions are in Asia and Other International Markets however, with Asia now predicted to rise by 30-40% and Other Markets up 40% – a jump from earlier forecasts of 20% for both regions.

Notable events for Volvo CE during the second quarter included the announcement of a SEK144 M investment in a new excavator manufacturing facility in Bangalore, India and an agreement that will see Ferronordic Machines take responsibility for distribution of Volvo CE products throughout the Russian Federation.

Source:http://www.volvo.com/constructionequipment/na/en-us/newsmedia/pressreleases/NewsItem.htm?channelId=2377&ItemID=86043&sl=en-gb

USA - Volvo Construction Equipment’s new manufacturing facility in Shippensburg, USA is one of North America’s most innovative and environmentally friendly buildings. The facility, which recently unveiled a $30 million expansion, has focused on sustainability in its design, construction, operation and culture to meet the US Green Building Council’s highest standards – LEED certification.

“We wanted to create a work environment that is not only sustainable but promotes eco-friendly practices,” explains Chris Stone, director of industrial support and project in Shippensburg. “LEED certification is designed more for office buildings and not heavy manufacturing plants. But every aspect of our facility emphasizes the importance of our environment. In this way, we aim to create a culture that extends beyond the boundaries of our facility and into our employees’ everyday lives.”

Getting friendly
The Shippensburg facility began its quest for LEED certification during its design phase more than two years ago. Numerous environmental innovations were incorporated such as a customized building automation system, high efficient lighting and skylights, substantial insulation, low volume plumbing fixtures and low maintenance outdoor plants that do not require fertilizers or watering. Even improving indoor air quality was thought out with increased ventilation and the use of low-emitting interior finishing products (adhesives, paint, etc).

Green building
The $30 million expansion at Shippensburg created a materials service center and an assembly hall, designed to improve manufacturing flow and increase production space. During construction of the 200,000 ft2 facility, sustainable practices covered both building materials and waste materials. Many building products were sourced locally or used recycled materials and a total of 75% of construction waste was diverted from disposal either through recycling or recovery for re-use.

Sustainable behavior in action
Once up and running, the Shippensburg facility adopted sustainable manufacturing methods to continue its efforts towards LEED certification. This covers almost every aspect of the facility’s activity, down to the smallest detail. For example, there are three different recycling solutions for the packaging that Volvo CE receives its materials in, including adopting Volvo’s own re-usable packaging solution called emballage.

“Volvo CE acts with understanding and care for the life cycle of every component and material that we use and create,” says Mr. Stone. “In some cases, our methods may not seem like the grandest undertaking but many modest changes add up to make a huge difference.”

Volvo CE also seeks to develop relationships with companies that share its values for environmental care. ISO 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications are among the qualities it looks for and encourages in suppliers.

Simple things count
The quest for LEED certification does not stop at the facility’s operation, the accolade is as much about physical changes as it is about creating the right culture. The Shippensburg facility uses visual aids – such as recycling bins – and eco-friendly options to build environmental awareness among employees.

“Simple things like providing bicycle racks, preferred parking for low emission vehicles and carpooling can shine a sustainable light on everyday activities and promote the need for environmentally conscious solutions,” explains Mr. Stone.

Volvo CE is also creating a comprehensive environmental training program for all new employees to instill the importance of eco-friendly practices at an early stage.

“For Volvo CE the most important aspect of environmental care is the promotion of eco-friendly practices – both at work and at home,” concludes Mr. Stone. “We aim to be one of the most forward thinking companies in the world. Achieving LEED certification measures our total commitment to the environment. There are few manufacturing facilities in America that are LEED certified, which makes us even more proud and determined to reach our goal.”

Source:http://www.volvo.com/constructionequipment/na/en-us/newsmedia/pressreleases/NewsItem.htm?channelId=2377&ItemID=86156&sl=en-gb

England - JCB is continuing its investment in global excavator production capability with the opening of its newest factory in Brazil where the first 20 tonne machine has just rolled off the line.

The JS200LC

tracked excavator has been bought by Jorcal Engenharia E Construções S/A, a company based in Sao Paulo State and owner Renato Rédis says he is “extremely pleased” with the performance of the machine.

The sale of the first Brazilian-made tracked excavator follows an investment in the new production facility next to the JCB’s existing backhoe loader factory in the city of Sorocaba.

The investment in the facility in Brazil follows the opening of a new £40 million tracked and wheeled excavator factory in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, UK.

The ceremony to mark the production of the first excavator in Brazil was attended by Vitor Lippi, the Mayor of Sorocaba, David Bell, JCB’s Chief Corporate Development Officer and Carlos Hernández, Regional Director JCB in Latin America.

Carlos Hernández said: “The Latin American region is undergoing strong growth this year and our decision to constantly invest in the expansion of production capability will help us achieve our objective of maintaining business growth and increasing our market share in the region.”

The construction of the new Brazilian excavator factory took just seven months and includes a new training area to enhance the service back up provided to excavator customers in the region.JCB has also recently doubled its backhoe loader production capacity in Brazil to help meet demand for machines in the region.

Source: http://www.jcb.com/presscentre/NewsItem.aspx?ID=813

America - Komatsu America Corp. introduced its new line of D65-16 crawler dozers. Komatsu’s new crawler dozers are powered with the fuel efficient 8.27 Liter, EPA Tier 3 emission certified Komatsu SAA6D114E-3 engine. These new models push with a net (ISO 9249 / SAE J1349) 205 HP at 1950 rpm. A standard (EX), low ground pressure (PX) and a wide (WX) track models are available, offering customers flotation and weight distribution options to best match their applications. Operating weight ranges from 43,690 lbs to 48,940 lbs depending on the version.

Developed primarily for heavy dozing and finishing operations, the new model combines the revolutionary SIGMADOZER blade with a highly efficient automatic transmission with torque converter lock-up to achieve exceptional productivity and fuel economy. A new Komatsu 6-way Power Angle Tilt (PAT) blade is also available for all models, making it a perfectly balanced and agile tractor for light and medium dozing operations as well as providing precise grade cutting required for site prep, golf course or house pad applications.

The new dozer is equipped with the latest KOMTRAX® technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Hour meter, location, cautions, load ratio, fuel consumption and maintenance alerts – to name a few of its features – are relayed to the web application for analysis. The KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor, and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity.

Special features of these new crawler dozers include:

• Choice of the next generation SIGMADOZER blade for unsurpassed productivity and grading, or PAT blade for maximum versatility and performance

The D65EX and WX can be equipped with SIGMADOZER, providing the machine with a large blade capacity of 7.34 yd³ and 7.72 yd³ respectively. Based on a completely new excavation theory, SIGMADOZER dramatically improves dozing performance and increases productivity by 15% over conventional Semi-U blades as proven on the larger D155AX-6 and D275AX-5 dozers.

The blade features a new frontal design concept adopted for digging and rolling up at the center of the blade increasing soil holding capacity while simultaneously reducing sideway spillage. It also reduces digging resistance producing a smoother flow of material enabling the dozing of larger amounts of soil with less power.

A PAT blade with highly durable box structure C-Frame is optionally available for each model. The hydraulic blade tilt and angling function expands versatility and productivity in a variety of applications. The manually adjustable blade pitch further expands the versatility and productivity in many applications.

• New automatic transmission significantly improves fuel economy

The D65-16’s have a new automatic transmission with lock up torque converter that greatly reduces fuel consumption and offers greater power train efficiency. The lockup mechanics of the torque converter automatically transfers engine power directly to the transmission, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. Because of the efficiency of the electronically controlled engine and transmission, fuel consumption is decreased while machine power is maintained.

Two gearshift modes – automatic or manual – can be easily selected to fit the appropriate application: automatic for all general dozing offers the choice of 4 forward and reverse speeds and manual for dozing and ripping rough ground offers the choice of 3 forward and 3 reverse speeds. For operating efficiency, the automatic gearshift transmission shifts to the optimal gear range based on the working conditions and load.

Two selectable Working Modes – E and P – match machine performance to the application. The E Mode is chosen for all general dozing, leveling and spreading applications providing adequate speed and power while saving up to 10% fuel. The P Mode is chosen for slot dozing, ripping or other applications requiring higher production where engine power has priority over fuel consumption.

• Newly designed joystick controls for power and comfort

Komatsu’s ergonomically designed Palm Command Control System (PCCS) gives operators maximum control, offering a relaxed posture and superb fine control to minimize operator fatigue. Thumb push buttons simplify transmission gear shifting. The pilot controlled hydraulic blade and ripper control joystick offers excellent blade and ripper fine control.

Engine speed is controlled using an easy-to-operate electronic throttle control dial, which eliminates maintenance of linkage and joints. Powerful turns under various work conditions are achieved with the Hydrostatic Steering System (HSS), which is driven by an independent hydraulic pump and motor to transmit power to both tracks without interruption. Counter-rotation is available for minimum turning radius, providing excellent maneuverability.

• New cab design creates optimal operator environment

The new D65-16 crawler dozer’s comfortable working environment, allows the operator to concentrate on the work at hand for increased productivity. The new larger cab is now integrated with ROPS (Roll-Over Protection Structure) and moves the standard air ride operator’s seat 3 inches higher and 4 inches closer to the blade for excellent front, side and rear visibility. The dozer’s viscous cab mounts reduce shocks and vibration even over adverse conditions and the interior cab decibel has been decreased to 75db for a quiet work environment. A new, large 7” color LCD monitor in the cab displays all machine information.

• Convenient maintenance equals reliability

Knowing that maintenance is critical for successful equipment uptime, Komatsu has designed the D65-16 with easy routine maintenance in mind. Daily engine checks are grouped at the left hand side of the engine compartment. A manually reversing fan allows for quick cleaning of the radiator without leaving the cab. The D65-16 also comes standard with PLUS undercarriage. This rotary bushing system doubles the undercarriage life over prior conventional systems significantly lowering O&O costs.

Source: http://www.komatsuamerica.com/062410-D65-16

Tokyo, Japan - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has achieved the world’s first direct bonding of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) with silicon (Si) respectively at room temperature. The company has also been successful in the direct bonding of sapphire with Si at room temperature. Realized by a room-temperature wafer bonding machine developed by MHI which enables highly efficient, high-quality bonding of these materials, the achievement promises possibilities for various applications. MHI’s room-temperature bonding machine will further facilitate and pave the way for new device development while dramatically enhancing productivity. Leveraging its “Mitsubishi Bonding Support Program (MBSP),” which supports the room-temperature wafer bonding manufacturing and product development activities of users, MHI looks to expand applications of room-temperature bonding to new fields.

MHI’s room-temperature bonding machine uses a method to bond atoms of various materials at room temperature by activating the surface of the materials with ion beam radiation in a vacuum. The machine is capable of bonding various materials, for which optimized ion beam radiation set according to characteristics of each material is a critical factor. Room-temperature bonding of SiC, GaN and sapphire with silicon were achieved through optimized precise ion radiation, respectively. For all three materials, solid and rigid bonding has been confirmed.

Due to its characteristic high-voltage durability and suitability for high-speed and high-efficiency switching, SiC has been in the spotlight for applications for next-generation power devices (power semiconductor devices), including a component of inverters for electric vehicles (EV). Application of GaN for blue light-emitting diodes (LED), as well as high-frequency wave and low-loss power devices has been growing. Sapphire, which is expanding as a material in optical devices, is also applicable as a substrate for high-frequency circuits when bonded with silicon to produce silicon on sapphire (SOS).

Eliminating the heating process required in conventional heated bonding, room-temperature bonding not only frees devices from heat stress and strain, thereby enabling rigid and highly reliable bonding, but also significantly reduces the processing time that previously included a heating/cooling cycle. With these advantages significantly shortening production time and securing a higher yield ratio, the room-temperature bonding machine realizes reductions in device production costs.

MBSP is a program to support MHI’s room-temperature bonding machine users at each stage of development: conceptual design, functional prototype production, trial mass production and mass production. In implementing the program, MHI will utilize its own engineers and facilities to liaise closely with customers and provide support relating to device bonding and evaluation. The program aims not only to support the users of the bonding machine, but to promote the machine to potential users who are considering its introduction, demonstrating the machine’s superior capability in new device development and production.

MHI will exhibit samples of SiC-Si, GaN-Si and SOS at “Micromachine /MEMS 2010″ to take place from Wednesday, July 28, through Friday July 30, at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo. By promoting understanding and recognition to potential users about the advantages of MHI’s room-temperature bonding machine, capable of bonding various materials and MBSP, the company intends to expand the potential application fields of the machine and further accelerate sales expansion.

Source: http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/news/story/1007221366.html

Australia - Hino is gearing up for a major presence at next month’s AgQuip in Gunnedah – building on the recent opening of its new sales office in Tamworth.

The company is poised to unveil a range of improved medium and heavy duty product, including its latest 700 Series prime mover with automated manual transmission.

The new Tamworth Hino premises are located in Denison Street, directly opposite Hino truck service agent RC Barber & Son Pty Ltd.

Respected Tamworth motor industry figure Brian Mulligan heads the new Hino office, and can be contacted on 02 6765 5552.

Hino recently opened the Tamworth branch with a gala function attended by 250 guests from the local truck industry, as well as current and potential customers.

Hino Australia’s chairman and chief executive officer Mr Kenichi Sekine attended, along with president and chief operating officer Steve Lotter, divisional manager, sales and marketing Bram van der Schaar and national sales manager Enzo Magsitro.

Hino Australia president Steve Lotter said Tamworth Hino would improve customer service by giving the manufacturer direct representation in the growing north-western market.

“The new branch shows our on-going commitment to existing and new customers in the region,” he said.

“Hino already enjoys a strong market presence in Tamworth with our 500 Series medium-duty and 700 Series heavy duty trucks.

“It’s a logical extension into the Northern Tablelands, based on the success over many years of prime regional dealer Muswellbrook Hino – which has a great track record, especially in medium-duty truck sales.”

Dealer principal of Muswellbrook Hino and the new Tamworth Hino, Greg Robinson, said Hino had achieved strong growth in the region, including servicing the horse and farming industries.

“The north-west has been a strong Hino market for years – in fact Hino first made its name in this area through the civil engineering side of pioneering importer Thiess Bros working in the coal industry,” Mr Robinson said.

“In recent years we could see that more and more trucks sold at Muswellbrook Hino were going to customers around Tamworth.

“The combination of the new sales office and our established service agency RC Barber & Son is a win-win for Tamworth area customers.

“Ray Sipple, the service manager at RC Barber, has 40 years’ experience there and is steeped in the customer service tradition.”

Source:http://www.hino.com.au/News_LatestRelease.aspx?TabID=6&newsTabID=2&newsID=sL28JOaQCTZ2TFEdbyYbOA==

Tokyo, Japan – NSK Ltd. (NSK; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Norio Otsuka) announced that it has received the 2009 Komatsu Grand Partner Award from Komatsu Manufacturing Corporation (President and CEO: Kunio Noji). The Grand Partner Award (R&D division) was given to NSK as one of seven outstanding performance suppliers for contribution in fiscal year 2009.

The Komatsu Grand Partner Award was awarded to suppliers for their excellence in fields such as product quality, delivery performance and technical service. NSK was honored for the first time, for improving the performance of its bearings within a short time. NSK made possible great improvements for Komatsu large dumper trucks.

Source: http://www.nsk.com/company/presslounge/news/2010/press100615.html

Japan - NTN Corporation (hereafter NTN) has developed “New standard cam follower” achieving longer life and low torque.

Cam followers are widely used for guides in transfer equipment, machine tools, printing machines and presses. Conventionally, special design specifications were integrated to survive in severe applications conditions. By upgrading the performance of catalogue items, “New standard cam follower” has been made available as a series.

For this new series of products, longer life is ensured by applying crowning to the roller outside diameter surface to reduce edge loading* and a special heat treatment process.

In addition, new grease was developed to improve bearing life. The new grease has a wide range of operating temperatures, superior anti- wear properties and good low temperature performance (a 35% reduction in starting torque at -20°C was achieved).

NTN will implement these design characteristics in the current standard without an increase in selling price and are entitling them the “New standard cam follower”.

Load generating harmful plastic deformations on contact surfaces between rolling elements (rollers) and raceways due to application misalignment and or supporting very large moment loads.

Source: http://www.ntn.co.jp/english/news/news_files/new_products/news201000042.html

Japan - Bridgestone Corporation (4 Arakawa, president decree), the sealing adhesive film for solar cells is used as the EVA film to meet the growing demand for more factories Iwata (Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture) and related plants (Seki, Gifu Prefecture) to increase production capacity. The total investment is 82 billion yen, both plant production capacity, 4200 tons / month (including minutes from the scheduled 2011 increase) rapidly increased from 2,400 tonnes, 6,600 tonnes in 2012 / month and will be. More investment in each plant are as follows.

01. Iwata Factory Investment Amount - 42 billion

02. Related plant Investment Amount - 40 billion

In recent years, demand for solar cells has been radical extension worldwide, Europe is also the long term demand is expected to expand significantly in North America and around the country. With this demand, adhesive sealing film used in solar cells we have increased demand for EVA film.

Source: http://www.bridgestone.co.jp/info/news/2010072001.html