NAPLES, Fla. - Members of the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) elected Dan Fannin, Emerson Power Transmission, president of the association at its 75th Annual Meeting. Other CEMA officers elected at the meeting include R. Todd Swinderman, Martin Engineering, vice president; Bill Pugh, Ralphs-Pugh Co., secretary; and George Huber III, Industrial Kinetics Inc., treasurer. New Board of Directors members include Jay Lee, Baldor Dodge Reliance; Tom Melton, Martin Sprocket & Gear Inc.; and Bill Casey, SI Systems.

JONESBORO, Ark. - Farr Air Pollution Control (APC) has appointed Thomas Vorbach regional pharmaceutical sales engineer and David A. Steil global pharmaceutical sales and technical support. The company manufactures containment dust collection equipment for industrial applications.

FALLS CITY, Nebr. - AIRLANCO has promoted Becky Duerfeldt to purchasing agent, Nathan Huning to senior sales engineer, and Shiela Huppert to the parts sales department. The company designs and manufactures air management equipment, including dust collectors and aerators.

BEVERLY, Mass. - FilterSense has obtained certification to the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Standard, a global standard that defines quality and customer satisfaction. The company achieved the accreditation from TUV SUD America. FilterSense supplies process filtration solutions, including instrumentation, controls, and software for air pollution control, industrial ventilation, and process control applications.

112th Annual Conference & Expo. May 13-16 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel and the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Sponsored by the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM). Contact IAOM, 913-338-3377, fax 913-338-3553 (info@iaom.info, www.iaom.info).

2008 Glass and Optical Materials Division Meeting. May 18-21 at the Marriott University Park Hotel in Tucson, Ariz. Sponsored by the American Ceramic Society (ACerS). Contact ACerS, 866-721-3322, fax 301-206-9789 (customerservice@ceramics.org, www.ceramics.org).

SAMPE ’08 -- Material and Process Innovations: Changing our World. May 18-22 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif. Sponsored by the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE). Contact SAMPE, 800-562-7360, fax 626-332-8929 (sampeibo@sampe.org, www.sampe.org).

Pharmaceutical Technology School. May 19-23 at the Intercontinental San Juan Resort & Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sponsored by Mixing Consultants. Contact Juan Muzzio, 954-880-0399, fax 954-880-0228 (juan@mixingconsultants.com, www.mixingconsultants.com).

2008 AFS Annual Conference. May 19-22 at the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge in King of Prussia, Pa. Sponsored by the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS). Contact Suzanne Sower, 612-861-1277, fax 612-861-7959 (kssafs@mac.com, www.afssociety.org).

EASTEC 2008. May 20-22 at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds in West Springfield, Mass. Sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Contact SME, 800-733-4763, fax 313-425-3401 (training@sme.org, www.sme.org).

CeMAT 2008. May 27-31 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds in Hannover, Germany. Sponsored by Deutsche Messe. Contact Art Paredes, 562-901-9191, fax 562-901-9192 (info@hf-usa.com, www.cemat.de).

Understanding Coating Raw Materials. May 13 at the Student Center at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Mich. Conducted by the Coatings Research Institute. Course provides a basic understanding of coating raw materials, including raw material classification, coatings characteristics and properties, testing and evaluation methods, and pigment and extender properties. Contact Jamil Baghdachi, 734-487-2203, fax 734-483-0085 (jamil.baghdachi@emich.edu, www.emich.edu/public/coatings_research).

Pneumatic Conveying of Bulk Solids. May 13-14 at the Wolfson Centre at the University of Greenwich at Medway in Chatham Maritime, Kent, UK. Conducted by the Wolfson Centre. Course covers the fundamentals of pneumatically conveying bulk solids, including pneumatic conveying components, design techniques, operational problems and their effects, interfacing storage bins to conveying systems, and system selection and operation. Contact the short course administrator, +44-(0)-20-8331-8590, fax +44-(0)-20-8331-8145 (courseinfo@gre.ac.uk, www.greenwich.ac.uk/wolfson/education).

Advanced Techniques for Pore Structure Characterization: Theory and Practice. May 13-15 at Porous Materials Inc. (PMI) headquarters in Ithaca, N.Y. Conducted by PMI. Course covers the basic principles, current practices, recent advances, critical assessments, and applications of pore structure characterization. Attendees are encouraged to bring samples for testing along with any application-specific questions. Contact Krishna Gupta, 607-257-5544, fax 607-257-5639 (info@pmiapp.com, www.pmiapp.com/shortcourse).

Powder and Bulk Mixing: Processes, Applications, and Equipment. May 20-22 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Philadelphia. Conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison department of engineering professional development. Course covers the basic concepts and practical methods for blending dry particulate solids. Topics include the similarities and differences in dry solids applications, how to use different equipment types for blending, and ways to improve and maintain blend uniformity. Contact Elaine M. Bower, 800-462-0876, fax 608-263-3160 (bower@engr.wisc.edu, http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu).

WHITEWATER, Wis. - Schenck Process, the parent company of Schenck AccuRate, has received the Frost & Sullivan 2007 European Growth Strategy Leadership Award. The award recognizes Schenck Process for demonstrating an exceptional growth strategy within its industry, including its structured business approach, broad product offering, and ability to provide complete solutions. Schenck AccuRate supplies bulk solids metering equipment and systems.

MINNEAPOLIS - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has opened a manufacturing facility in Adelaide, South Australia, to increase the company’s materials and minerals business. The facility will manufacture cross-belt analyzers, integrated sampling and analysis stations, multiple-stream analyzers, and belt scales for the cement, coal, plastics, paint, and other material handling industries. Thermo Fisher Scientific provides high-end analytical instruments and integrated lab workflow solutions.

BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Metso Minerals Industries Inc. is expanding its manufacturing operations by building a new fabrication facility in Northeast Ohio near the company’s existing engineering and manufacturing facility. The new facility is expected to double the company’s fabrication capacity. Metso Minerals’ Brunswick facility manufactures vibratory feeders, screeners, conveyors, tables, bulk bag loaders and unloaders, and other material handling equipment.

NEWTON, Kans. - Bunting Magnetics Co. has acquired Magnet Applications Group Ltd. (MAGL), Dubois, Pa., and Berkhamsted, England, a manufacturer and distributer of technical-bonded magnets, precision magnetic assemblies, and other magnetic products. The acquisition is a strategic association to enhance Bunting’s product offerings, with MAGL retaining its name and current staff. Bunting Magnetics manufactures magnetic separation equipment and magnetic and nonmagnetic conveyors for food, plastics, chemical, manufacturing, and recycling applications.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The global market for material handling equipment is expected to reach $104 billion by 2010, according to “Material Handling Equipment: A Global Strategic Business Report, a report from Global Industry Analysts Inc. (GIA), an industrial market research company. The tendency toward complete integration of material handling systems with procurement systems, manufacturing management systems, and shipping operations is expected to bolster demand for automation equipment and software. Europe and the US are projected to be the leading regional markets for material handling equipment with an estimated 55 percent of worldwide sales by 2010. Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing regional market, with sales projected to reach $25 billion in 2009. Rapidly expanding infrastructure needs from Asian countries, such as China, will drive demand. The report is available for $3,950 from GIA, 5645 Silver Creek Valley Road, San Jose, CA 95138; 408-528-9966, fax 408-528-9977 (press@strategyr.com, www.strategyr.com/material_handling_equipment_market_report.asp).

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest up to $13.7 million over 3 years for 11 university-led projects focused on developing advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology manufacturing processes and products. When combined with a university and industry cost share of 20 percent, up to $17.4 million will be invested. These projects are integral to President Bush’s Solar American Initiative, which aims to make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional electricity forms by 2015. Increasing solar energy use will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on foreign oil. Projects have already been selected, and the DOE is currently working to determine final plans and funding levels. For more information, visit www.energy.gov.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State’s World Campus, a unit of Penn State Outreach, is now accepting applications for a new online Master in Systems Engineering. The program is designed to help busy engineers continue their education and keep up with the latest advancements and technologies in their fields without interrupting their careers. The program is especially suitable for adult and nontraditional students and focuses on developing skills in areas such as project management, system management, and communication. Penn State World Campus, University Park, Pa., specializes in adult online education. For more information about this program, visit www.worldcampus.psu.edu/syseng.

FORT WORTH, Tex. - IMin Partners has purchased the kaolin business of Huber Engineered Materials and renamed the business KaMin LLC. KaMin, Macon, Ga., supplies high-quality kaolin products for paper and industrial applications. IMin Partners is a private equity capital fund that invests in specialty minerals and chemical businesses.

WHITEWATER, Wis. - Schenck AccuRate has opened a new sales office across the street from its current four-building facility. The new office provides sales and application engineering support for food, plastic, chemical, and pharmaceutical applications. In addition, the company has integrated Bluetooth wireless technology into its bulk solids metering controls. The Schenck Bluetooth module and USB-to-Bluetooth adapter allow control parameters to be changed from a computer up to 300 feet away, eliminating the need for cable hookups and permitting several pieces of equipment to be simultaneously connected and monitored. Schenck AccuRate supplies bulk solids metering equipment and systems, including screw feeders, bulk bag dischargers, and gravimetric control systems.

CALGARY, Alberta - Bulkflow Technologies Ltd. has changed its corporate name and brand identity to Solex Thermal Science. The company manufactures heat exchangers and other heating and cooling equipment for powder and bulk solids applications.

RACINE, Wis. - Ultra Industries Inc. has appointed Roessler Co., Louisville, Ky., as an exclusive sales rep for Kentucky, Ohio, and Southern Indiana. The company supplies dust collection and air filtration equipment.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. - Charles Ross & Son Co. has opened a new manufacturing plant in Pune, India, about 150 kilometers from Mumbai. Initially, the new plant will be used to manufacture dry solids blenders and high-shear mixers that will be sold primarily in Asia and the Middle East. The company plans to expand the facility and add new product lines within the next year. The company manufactures mixing, blending, drying, and dispersing equipment.

PARSONS, Kans. - The Tank Connection Affiliate Group has acquired Starvrac, Nimes, France, a manufacturer of bottom-reclaim unloaders used in bulk material storage and discharge applications. The unloaders, which will be marketed under the name of Action Unloaders, integrate with the company’s silos and other concrete silos and domes. Tank Connection designs and manufactures steel storage systems.

ARLINGTON, Va. - Consumer and industrial goods companies plan on spending approximately $6.3 billion for packaging machinery in 2008, a 0.6 percent increase in spending over 2007 levels. This is according to the Packaging Machinery and Manfucaturers Institute’s (PMMI’s) 2008 U.S. Packaging Machinery Purchasing Plans Study, which is based on interviews with 511 decision makers responding for 1,564 US plants. The study notes that only two of the eight tracked market segments will show growth -- foods and personal care products. The remaining six categories show moderate declines with slight potentials for growth. The study is free to PMMI members or $1,500 for nonmembers. To order or for more information, call Paula Feldman at 703-243-8555 or send an e-mail to pfeldman@pmmi.org. PMMI represents companies manufacturing packaging and packaging-related converting machinery and components.

NAPLES, Fla. - The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) has reported that its Billed Sales (shipments) Index was 143 in December, up 6 points or 4 percent from November’s index of 137. (One point is 1 percent of the baseline data established in 1990.) The December 2007 index represents an increase of 19 points, or 15 percent, from the December 2006 index of 124. CEMA prepares a monthly statistics report for participating member companies. For more information, visit www.cemanet.org. CEMA represents leading North American manufacturers and designers of conveyor equipment systems and accessories.

DEARBORN, Mich. - The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is offering a free downloadable version of the 2008 SME Publications Catalog. The comprehensive catalog features more than 370 books, DVDs, study guides, and CD-ROMs focused on manufacturing’s hot topics, including lean manufacturing, robotic welding, tool design, composites manufacturing, and more. To view or download the catalog, visit www.sme.org/store. SME promotes ongoing manufacturing education through member programs, publications, expositions, and professional development resources.

PITTSBURGH - Organizers of Pittcon -- The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy have announced the awardees of the 2008 Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grants Program (PCMNCG). The program’s $10,000 grants support science education. Awardees include California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pa.; Hampshire College, Amherst, Mass.; St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa; and Whitworth University, Spokane, Wash. For a complete list of awardees, visit www.pittcon.org.

PRINCETON, N.J. - The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) has launched an e-learning program that offers online courses on various aspects of powder metallurgy (PM), helping companies involved in the PM industry with workforce training requirements. The first three e-learning courses are now available. Each self-paced course can be completed in about 30 minutes and includes two assessment quizzes. Attendees also receive a personalized completion certificate after each course. For more information, visit www.mpif.org. MPIF represents the international metal powder producing and consuming industries.

EXTON, Pa. - Sartomer Co., a global specialty chemicals manufacturer, has opened a new manufacturing plant in Nansha, in China’s Guangzhou province. The new plant will manufacture and supply specialty acrylate monomers and oligomers, used as raw materials in products such as paints, coatings, and adhesives, to customers in Asia, Europe, and the US.

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - ASTM International is seeking papers for the 2008 ASTM Advantage Award, a paper competition with prizes up to $15,000. The organization is accepting original papers that demonstrate the positive impact of using ASTM International standards. Papers should include background information and data about the standards, including cost savings, efficiency, and market access. The deadline for submission is June 2, 2008, and winning papers will be published in ASTM International’s bimonthly magazine. For more information, including competition rules, submission requirements, and entry forms, visit www.astm.org/advantageaward. ASTM International develops standards and delivery systems that are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions.

CLEVELAND - US demand for converted flexible packaging is expected to exceed $16 billion in 2011, according to Converted Flexible Packaging, a study from The Freedonia Group Inc., an industrial market research firm. Growth will be stimulated by cost, performance, and source reduction advantages over most rigid packaging formats. Technological advances and manufacturer requirements for higher-performance packaging with enhanced graphics capabilities will also fuel growth. The fastest growth is anticipated for stand-up pouches based on its advantages, including excellent visual appeal, product differentiation, convenience, portability, and reclosability. The study is available for $4,600 from The Freedonia Group, 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326; 440-684-9600, fax 440-646-0484 (pr@freedoniagroup.com, www.freedoniagroup.com).