ERIE, Pa. — Eriez is offering a white paper, Reducing Plastics Contamination in Food Manufacturing, which explores how metal and X-ray-detectable additives help food manufacturers detect and reject unwanted plastic contaminates in a process. Items such as cable ties, labels, ear plugs, pens, and other products are now available in metal and X-ray-detectable plastic materials. For more info and to download the white paper, visit www.eriez.com.

BURLESON, Tex. — KWS Manufacturing Co. Ltd. has partnered with Hareza Technical Sales. Hareza will service KWS clients in western Pennsylvania, northern Ohio, and northern West Virginia. KWS designs and manufactures heat-transfer screw conveyors and processors, jacketed housings for heating and cooling bulk materials, and other bulk solids equipment.

ALSIP, Ill. — Scientific Dust Collectors has released a white paper, New Nozzle Technology — Cleaning More with Less, on nozzle-cleaning technology for reverse pulse-jet dust collectors. The white paper covers the company's nozzle technology that allows high air-to-cloth-ratio baghouses to use 80 psig of compressed air instead of the industry-standard 100 psig. For more info and to download the white paper, visit www.scientificdustcollectors.com.

CHARLOTTE, NC — Spiroflow Systems, a distributer for Pacepacker solutions in North and South America, has announced that Pacepacker Services has upgraded the bagging line at Highclere Castle Horse Feed Ltd. The new Total Bag Control (TBC) bag closing system has eliminated labor and helps the company process 3,000 tons of oats, which is used as an ingredient in racehorse and in other feedstocks. Spiroflow Systems, Charlotte, N.C., supplies standard and custom powder handling equipment, including bulk bag dischargers and fillers, bag packing equipment, flexible storage silos, and mechanical, flexible, and pneumatic conveyors.

DALLAS, TX — Triple/S Dynamics has released a technical paper on screening equipment. The white paper addresses designing, developing, and manufacturing screening and classifying equipment for dry bulk processing. The 54-page white paper is written by James F. Sullivan, the former president of Triple/S Dynamics and is available at www.sssdynamics.com . The company manufactures horizontal motion conveying systems, screening and separation equipment, and distribution systems for processing applications.

FALLS CITY, NE — AIRLANCO has announced that it will join its internal and external sales forces with those of Union Iron, Decatur, Ill. The partnership will provide contractors and end-users with aeration sales support. Both companies are divisions of Ag Growth International (AGI), a manufacturer of grain handling, storage, and conditioning equipment. AIRLANCO, Falls City, Nebr., designs and manufactures air filtration systems.

CHARLOTTE, NC — Spiroflow Systems, a distributer for Pacepacker solutions in North and South America, has announced that Pacepacker Services has upgraded the bagging line at Highclere Castle Horse Feed Ltd. The new Total Bag Control (TBC) bag closing system has eliminated labor and helps the company process 3,000 tons of oats, which is used as an ingredient in racehorse and in other feedstocks. Spiroflow Systems, Charlotte, N.C., supplies standard and custom powder handling equipment, including bulk bag dischargers and fillers, bag packing equipment, flexible storage silos, and mechanical, flexible, and pneumatic conveyors.

SALINA, KS — Vortex Valves North America has announced that it will expand its headquarters in Salina, Kans., adding 64,000 square feet of production and office space to the facility. The expansion will make the headquarters 185,000 square feet in total. Construction should be completed by the end of the year. Vortex Valves provides slide gates, diverter valves, and iris valves for handling dry bulk solids in gravity, vacuum, dilute-phase, and dense-phase applications.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — GEAPS has named Gary Olmstead, General Mills (retired), the recipient of its Industry Leader award. The award recognizes those who have made contributions to the advancement of operation safety, health, environmental responsibility, efficiency, and stored-grain-quality preservation excellence in the grain handling and processing industries.

EXTON, PA — NETZSCH has hired David Watkins as a sales engineer in its Grinding and Dispersing Group. NETZSCH Premier Technologies LLC provides grinding, mixing, dispersing, and classifying solutions for the pharmaceutical, food processing, and ceramics industries.

BURR RIDGE, IL — Fauske & Associates Burr Ridge, Ill., has welcomed back Michael Grolmes as an exclusive consultant. Grolmes has more than 40 years of experience in multi-phase thermal hydraulics and process safety and is recognized for conducting comprehensive plant evaluation. Fauske provides process safety training and prevention tools for chemical, industrial, and nuclear clients.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) reports that its Primary Industrial Controls Index decreased 1.6 percent on a quarter-to-quarter basis during the fourth quarter of 2012. However, the index was up 5.1 percent above its year-to-date level and 43.0 percent above the cyclical trough in 2009. Inflation and seasonally adjusted shipments remain below the peak reached in 2007, prior to the recession. The Primary Industrial Controls and Adjustable Speed Drives Index also showed a small fourth-quarter decline, following a 1.2 percent loss in the third quarter. However, the index increased 7.6 percent on a year-over-year basis. The lower indices coincide with a manufacturing slowdown. The manufacturing sector saw a high 2012 first quarter and then lower volume through the year. Production growth is expected to be 1.4 percent year-over-year in 2013, and then rise to 3.0 percent in 2014 as global and domestic demand increases. Industrial control shipments are expected to follow this trend.

Between 2011 and 2012, investment in China's aluminum rolling industry experienced fast growth. Investing was focused on high-precision aluminum sheets and strips, tank aluminum sheet, electronic foils, packaging foils, and other products. As these investment projects are realized, the proportion of high-value-added products will increase. This is according to the report China Aluminum Rolling Industry Report, 2012-2015 by RnRMarket Research. In 2012, China's capacity for aluminum sheets and strips topped 10.0 million tons, and annual output reached 7.8 million tons, a capacity utilization of 74.5 percent. Aluminum foil capacity reached 3.22 million tons and output totaled 2.51 million tons, a capacity utilization of 78.0 percent.

The report analyzes output and consumption; China's import and export of aluminum sheets, strips, and foils; upstream and downstream sectors; financial performance; and the investment and planning of 17 industry players. CHINALCO, the largest aluminum processing enterprise, had a total capacity of 1.5 million tons, among its seven subsidiaries. In 2012, aluminum prices rose in China and fell worldwide, leading to huge losses for the company. However, aluminum prices in China are expected to decline, decreasing profit losses in 2013. The report also examines other aluminum processors in China, including Nanshan Aluminum and Dongyangguang Aluminum. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $1,800, visit www.rnrmarketresearch.com.

According to a newly updated market report, cereal demand will remain steady in the US. IBISWorld's report, Cereal Production in the US: Market Research Report, highlights trends in US cereal production. Inconsistent trends over the past 5 years have made the cereal production industry stagnant. During the recession, many consumers bought inexpensive off-brand cereal instead of major brands. In 2010 and 2011, consumers used their disposable income to eat at restaurants, and as people returned to work, they had less time for breakfast and instead bought food at cafes and coffee shops, decreasing the demand for cereal. However, in 2012, households began spending on cereal, mainly branded products and healthy cereals. The new spending is expected to lift revenue 0.5 percent in 2013, making an average 0.2 percent drop over the last 5 years with an average annual revenue of $11.7 billion through 2013.

Contributing to cereal's stagnant revenue, commodity prices for barley, sugar, corn, and other ingredients experienced price increases due to supply shocks and wheat prices increased by 41.4 percent in 2011 after a Russian export ban. Companies weren't able to pass these price increases to consumers, which lowered company profit margins until 2013. As disposable income recovers, consumers are expected to purchase more high-end cereal and breakfast bars. Competition from yogurt parfaits from coffee shops and eating out for breakfast is expected to make revenue grow slowly. Ingredient input prices will also continue to affect profits, but should not rapidly rise as in the past 5 years, allowing margins to stabilize. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $825, visit www.ibisworld.com.

According to Global and Chinese Glass Fiber Industry Report from Research and Markets, a market research firm, the global glass fiber supply reached 4.88 million tons in 2011, with demand reaching 4.66 million tons. Emerging markets are driving demand, and the global supply is expected to grow by more than 8 percent to 5.30 million tons. In 2012, demand will amount to 4.94 million tons at a growth rate of 6 percent. China has become the world's largest producer of glass fiber and in 2011 produced 3.72 million tons of it, accounting for 76 percent of the global total. In 2013, 16 Chinese glass fiber kilns will enter the cold repair period, making China's glass fiber capacity fall by approximately 250,000 tons. However, new capacity and rebounding of downstream demand will boost the country's glass fiber production during 2014 and 2015. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $2,400, visit www.researchandmarkets.com.

NAPERVILLE, IL — The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) has signed an agreement with the IoPP-Kenya to license its new "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology" online course, making it available in Kenya and other countries in the region. Corporate sponsors will provide program funding to offset costs for participating students. The program will help nations developing a packaging industry, enabling them to implement the latest packaging knowledge and strategies. The online course consists of 41 downloadable modules and 27 hours of learning and can lead to the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation through the institute. IoPP represents professionals in the packaging community.

Demand for rigid bulk packaging is forecast to increase 3.9 percent per year to reach $7.0 billion in 2017. This is according to Rigid Bulk Packaging, a new study by market research firm Freedonia Group Inc. The expected increased US demand for rigid bulk packaging is based on economic recovery in the motor vehicle and construction markets, which should cause higher demand for chemical, fabricated metal, and plastic products and boost demand for bulk packaging. Expanded use of larger and higher-value containers offering better performance and cost effectiveness will continue to grow. Also, natural gas development is expected to increase investment in US chemical production and related downstream goods, creating an increased demand for rigid bulk packaging. Plastic, steel, and paperboard are the most significant materials used in rigid bulk packaging.

Demand for rigid intermediate bulk containers (RIBCs) and material handling containers is expected to grow rapidly through 2017. Increased chemical production, cost effectiveness, and reusability will drive RIBC demand. Material handling container use will increase with greater production of durable goods such as motor vehicles and fabricated metal products. Plastic drums are expected to surpass steel drums due to plastic's reduced cost, weight, and corrosion resistance. However, competition from RIBCs, steel, and fiber drums will reduce plastic drum growth. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $5,100, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.

The pharmaceutical industry's 2013 Facility of the Year Awards (FOYA) have been announced. Presented by sponsors the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), INTERPHEX, and Pharmaceutical Processing magazine, winners and categories include: Biogen Idec, Triangle Park, N.C., Facility Integration Award for its Flexible Volume Manufacturing (FVM) Project in Research; F. Hoffmann — La Roche, Basel, Switzerland, Project Execution Award, for its TR&D — Building 97 Facility; MedImmune, Liverpool, UK, Equipment Innovation Award, for its UK Automation Upgrade Project; Merck & Co. Inc., Carlow, Ireland, Operational Excellence Award, for its Vaccine and Biologics Sterile Facility (VBSF) Project; Morphotek Inc., Exton, Pa., Sustainability Award, for its Morphotek Pilot Plant; and Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Holly Springs, N.C., Process Innovation Award, for its US Flu Cell Culture Facility. The annual awards recognize pharmaceutical manufacturing projects using innovative technology and reducing high-quality medicine costs. ISPE represents global pharmaceutical science and manufacturing professionals.

APPLETON, WI — Integrated Paper Services (IPS) has developed packaging testing methods that will help companies monitor food packaging production and ensure compliance with FDA and other good packaging safety regulations. The new screening method uses gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) methods to ensure that products and raw materials used in packaging are safe for direct food contact. IPS also performs tests to detect heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium in any packaging components. The company has found that many packaging products meet current standards, but others contain significant levels of known carcinogens. IPS is an independent testing laboratory for paper, food packaging, and other industries.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives in the US House have reintroduced legislation that would compel OSHA to issue a new rule protecting workers from combustible dust. The legislation, if passed, would also set deadlines for OSHA to finalize a permanent rule. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has set standards for industrial dust hazards, but the standards are optional or not enforced. OSHA would likely base a new rule on these standards, mandating more worker training, cleaning, and inspections to prevent dust buildups, and work procedures and equipment designs that minimize explosion and fire risk.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Obama administration's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has released a report based on input from nearly 900 stakeholders outlining the implementation and management of a National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). The proposed network of manufacturing institutes would serve as regional hubs of innovation to boost US manufacturing competitiveness and strengthen the economy. The report, National Network for Manufacturing Innovation: A Preliminary Design, proposes that the Institutes of Manufacturing Innovation will be designed to accelerate the development and adoption of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

ATLANTA, GA — Huber Engineered Materials, a division of J.M. Huber Corp., announced its participation in Phosphorus, Inorganic, and Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association-North America (Pinfa-NA). The association is focused on advancing environmentally friendly nonhalogenated flame retardant solutions in North America. Halogenated flame retardants are an environmental and health concern, and several have been banned in Europe. Huber has been a supplier of nonhalogenated products for more than 25 years and a proponent of sustainable and green industry solutions. Huber Engineered Materials develops engineered specialty ingredients for industrial, paper, and consumer-based applications.

The second annual Manufacturing Day will be held October 4. Manufacturers, educational institutions, and others are encouraged to highlight the importance of manufacturing to the nation's economy through events and factory tours. The effort is organized by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Manufacturing Institute, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Last year, more than 240 events were held in manufacturing facilities in 37 states with more than 7,000 participants. The events included open houses, public tours, career workshops, and other activities to introduce the public to the many rewarding skilled jobs in manufacturing fields while celebrating the accomplishments of US manufacturers. For more info, www.mfgday.com.

CHICAGO, IL — Independence Tube Corp. has received the TPJ-The Tube & Pipe Journal (TPJ) Industry Award 2013 for its resilience and recovery plan demonstrated by the company's staff after its Decatur, Ala., location was severely damaged by a 2011 EF5 tornado. The storm destroyed 385,000 square feet of the plant's 435,000-square-foot facility, but 12 months later the company had rebuilt and opened its facility. The award is presented by TPJ and sponsored by the Tube & Pipe Association Intl. (TPA). The award is given to an individual or company within the tube and pipe fabricating and producing industry that has successfully improved operations, attained business success, and contributed to local and industry communities. Independence Tube, Chicago, manufactures square, rectangular, and round structural steel tubing.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Summit Training Source has joined the Health & Safety Institute (HSI). Together the organizations offer more than 800 training programs available in e-learning, streaming video, DVD-course, and customized training formats for health, safety, and lifesaving educational training. Summit's training covers more than 100 OSHA, DOT, and EPA training topics. Summit provides technical, environmental, safety, and health training programs. HSI, Eugene, Ore., provides emergency response, care, and safety training for businesses, government agencies, and EMS and fire professionals.

BURLESON, TX — KWS Manufacturing Co. Ltd. has provided its employees with more than 4,000 hours of continuous education over a 1-year period. The training allows the company to give quality service and offer the most knowledgeable staff to clients. The company manufactures continuous and batch mixers and conveying and thermal process equipment.

SALINA, KS — Vortex Valves North America has acquired PMC Unlimited and now supplies dust-free loadout equipment under the Vortex Loading Systems Division. The new division will include retractable loading spouts, positioners, and loading spout filtration systems for loading and conveying dry bulk materials in various applications, including railcars, semitankers, open trucks, barges, and stockpiling. Vortex Valves supplies dry bulk solids handling valves to industrial companies.

ERIE, PA — Eriez has published a white paper about conducting a magnetic pull test, covering factors affecting magnet performance, which magnets to test, how to conduct the test, and common test piece misconceptions. In addition, the company is offering downloadable Installation, Operations, and Maintenance Manuals (IOMs) for more than 15 product lines, including parts lists and troubleshooting sections. White paper and IOMs are available for download from the Eriez website at www.eriez.com. Eriez manufactures and supplies magnetic, vibratory, and inspection equipment.

BELLEVUE, WA — Strain Systems Inc., is now offering a subscription-based continuous weight and level measurement monitoring service for silos at its website mysilo.info. Strain Systems provides inventory monitoring for storage silos.

PARSONS, KS — CST Storage has been certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) to manufacture welded structures that meet the bureau's Level 2 welding code. The code applies to dry bulk, wastewater, and other industrial projects. To become certified, the company's welders had to complete training, examinations, and audits, followed by 6-month surveillance and annual recertification. CST Storage provides modular, bolted, and shop-welded storage tanks and tank coatings.

NORTH PRAIRIE, WI — DYNATEK Articulated Loading Systems has named W.D. Patterson Co., North Kansas City, Mo., a rep for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. DYNATEK designs and builds articulated truck, railcar, and barge loading systems.

BURR RIDGE, IL — Fauske & Associates LLC has been accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to be an authorized provider, allowing them to offer IACET continuing education credits (CEUs). Fauske provides process safety training and prevention tools for chemical, industrial, and nuclear clients.

DALLAS, TX — KWS Manufacturing Co. Ltd., has launched an expanded website to improve user experience. The new content includes product videos and animations to provide users with more information and solutions. KWS manufactures continuous and batch mixers and conveying and thermal process equipment.

CHARLOTTE, NC — Spiroflow Systems Inc., has acquired the assets of Control & Metering, Mississauga, Ont., a company that manufactures bulk material handling equipment. This acquisition will expand Spiroflow's presence is Canada. Spiroflow will operate in the Toronto area under the name Control & Metering, A Spiroflow Company, and will retain key personnel to transition successfully. Spiroflow, Charlotte, N.C., supplies standard and custom powder handling equipment.

Atomization and Spray Technology: Focus on Spray Drying. May 2 at the Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wis. Conducted by the University of Wisconsin--Madison department of engineering professional development. Course covers atomization mechanisms and processes and atomizer designs, operation, and performance. Attendees will learn how to select and specify the proper spray nozzle and examine flow fields in atomizers. Contact Elaine M. Bower, 800-462-0876, fax 608-263-3160 (bower@engr.wisc.edu, http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu).

Elements of Applied Process Engineering. May 6-8 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, N.J. Conducted by the Center for Professional Advancement (CFPA). Course reviews process engineering basics, covering topics such as preparing various process diagrams, sizing and specifying piping systems and process equipment, checklists, and many other topics to help expedite designing and troubleshooting process systems in a practical manner. Contact CFPA, 732-613-4500, fax 732-238-9113 (info@cfpa.com, www.cfpa.com).

Basics of Polyurethane Coatings. May 8-9 at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. Conducted by the Coatings Research Institute. Course provides a fundamental understanding of polyurethane chemistry and technology and how it's harnessed in the formulation of various coating systems. Contact Bob Lahidji, 734-487-2040, fax 734-487-7087 (blahidji@emich.edu, www.emich.edu/cri).

Relief Systems Design Course. May 9-10 at Fauske & Associates' headquarters in Burr Ridge, Ill. Conducted by Fauske & Associates. Course covers the fundamentals and methods of relief systems design, including relief sizing methods, runaway classifications, single- and two-phase flow overview, and piping and nozzle sizing. Contact Lisa Karcz, 630-887-5232, fax 630-986-5481 (karcz@fauske.com, www.fauske.com).

Corrosion Engineering -- An Introduction. May 9-11 at Robroy Industries in Gilmer, Tex. Conducted by Corrosion College. Short course covers corrosion fundamentals and provides solutions for preventing industrial corrosion. Contact Corrosion College, 903-843-3461, fax 903-843-2655 (customerservice@corrosioncollege.com, www.corrosioncollege.com).

Practical Course on Viscosity Measurements. May 16 in New Brunswick, N.J. Conducted by Brookfield Engineering. Course teaches the basics of using the company's viscometer and rheometer instrumentation by providing information on calibration and verifications, rheology, methodology, and data interpretation. Contact customer training, 800-628-8139, fax 508-946-6262 (edu@brookfieldengineering.com, www.brookfieldengineering.com/services/educational-programs).

Practical Course on Viscosity Measurements. May 23 at Brookfield Engineering's headquarters in Middleboro, Mass. Conducted by Brookfield Engineering. Course teaches the basics of using the company's viscometer and rheometer instrumentation by providing information on calibration and verifications, rheology, methodology, and data interpretation. Contact customer training, 800-628-8139, fax 508-946-6262 (edu@brookfieldengineering.com, www.brookfieldengineering.com/services/educational-programs).

KALAMAZOO, MI — Hapman has announced that Process Equipment Solutions (PES) Inc., Brantford, Ont., is an authorized factory representative. Hapman manufactures powder and bulk handling equipment for the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, plastics, and other industries.

CARY, NC — Bühler AG, the parent company of Buhler Aeroglide, reports profits for 2012 with orders to the grain processing and food processing divisions increasing while the advanced materials division's orders remained stable. Buhler Aeroglide designs and manufactures thermal process equipment for handling foods, synthetic polymers, biomass, ethanol by-products, and other bulk materials.

HUMBOLDT, IA — Chantland MHS is celebrating 70 years in business. Al Chantland founded the company in 1943. Since opening, the company has manufactured more than 38,900 pieces of equipment and shipped to companies on six continents. Chantland manufactures bag filling, conveying, and palletizing equipment.

SIERRA BLANCA, TX — Texas Rare Earth Resources Corp. has announced it will be co-sponsoring the 2013 Rare Earth Summit to be held April 19th at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif. The event brings together industry professionals to lecture on the state of the global rare earth market, new technologies, and the possible development of a US-based rare earth processing plant. Texas Rare Earth is a heavy rare earths exploration company.

KANSAS CITY, KS — Magnum Systems Inc., has received a patent for its Continuous Semi-Dense Pneumatic Conveying and Method. The company intends to market this technology as ECOPhase. This conveying method uses an entrainment device that allows a system to operate continuously and more efficiently while achieving high solids loadings. Magnum Systems, manufactures dry bulk material handling, pneumatic conveying, and packaging systems and automation solutions.

MARIETTA, OH — Mole•Master Services Corp., has received fire and smoke restoration certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The certification is for the company's dry ice blasting technique for smoke removal and its commitment to industry standards and professionalism. Mole•Master manufactures and supplies silo and bin cleaning equipment and services.

UNION GROVE, WI — American Roller Co. is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1938, the company recently opened a location in Houston and also plans to open a new facility next year in Shanghai. Along with its anniversary, the company is announcing the launch of its new website at www.americanroller.com. www.americanroller.com. American Roller manufactures rollers, specialty roller coverings, and coatings for the converting and metals processing markets.

EIGHTY FOUR, PA — AMETEK Specialty Metal Products (SMP) has upgraded rolling capabilities at its plant. Improvements include the installation of a new clad metal rolling mill, an upgrade of its prebond surface preparation equipment, and the addition of advanced robotic clad material processing capabilities. AMETEK SMP, a division of AMETEK Inc., produces metal powders, master alloys, and clad metals used in various industrial applications.

DEARBORN, MI — Members of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), have elected Dennis Bray, Contour Precision Group LLC, as its 2013 president. In addition, SME members have elected the following people to serve on the 2013 executive committee: Michael F. Molnar, National Institute of Standards and Technology, president-elect; Wayne F. Frost, John Deere Waterloo Works (retired), vice president; Dean L. Bartles, General Dynamics Corp., secretary; and Sandra L. Bouckley, EATON Corp., at-large executive committee member. SME represents manufacturing practitioners worldwide.

PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA — TAPPI has named Robert (Bob) Vyse as the winner of TAPPI's 2013 Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award. Vyse, Honeywell (retired), received the award in honor of his contributions to the development and application of cross-machine control technology, which benefitted the paper industry by improving paper quality and paper machine operations. TAPPI represents the global pulp, paper, packaging, and converting industries.

BLUE SPRINGS, MO — Fike Corp. has hired Steve Hein as executive director of its Facilities Protection Group. The company supplies products and services that protect people and assets from fires, explosions, and overpressurization.

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), a trade association for packaging and processing companies, has released Pet Food Market Assessment 2013, a report showing the pet food market's similarities to the human food market in factors such as intense competition, growth in specialty niches, and demands of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Despite predictions by analysts and investors, the pet food market's consumers are still willing to invest in their family pets, try new products, and pay premium prices. In current trends, pets are treated as family members, affecting the average owner's pet food selection. Only five manufacturers produce more than 70 percent of the pet food products sold in the US, and more than 85 percent of the pet food sold in the US is produced in the US. The US accounts for 38 percent of the global market for pet food, worth $19.9 billion of the $56.0 billion global market in 2011. Brazil, India, and China are also becoming larger markets, with Brazil expected to be the second-largest market after the US by 2016. Market growth is primarily in the organic, natural, and premium pet foods, each growing 20 percent a year for the last 2 years. Outside premium products, some categories will have barely any growth. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $3,500 (free for PMMI members), visit www.pmmi.org.

Increased bauxite production and alumina refining capacity will support larger supplies of both materials over the next 5 years, according to Bauxite & Alumina: Global Industry Markets and Outlook, 8th Edition, 2012, a report by Roskill Information Services Ltd., an international metals and minerals research company. World production of bauxite and alumina has increased from 80 to 96 megatons between 2007 and 2011. The largest supplier of alumina is China, and refinery capacity is expected to increase there by 14 megatons in the next 3 years, causing the market to be temporarily oversupplied. China, as the largest consumer of aluminum, is importing bauxite from Indonesia, Australia, Guinea, Ghana, and Fiji. Recently, Indonesia limited unprocessed mineral exports, so another supplier could become a key player exporting to China. Aluminum production is the key driver for the bauxite and alumina industry, with 94 percent of alumina converted into aluminum. Global aluminum production has increased an average of 6.6 percent between 2002 and 2011, with the industry predicting rising consumption growth until 2020. Calcined bauxite supply levels concern those in the refractories and abrasive industries, but new sources of supply and expansion in Guyana and Brazil may help ease fears. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $5,800, visit www.roskill.com.

DENVER, CO — DEM Solutions has implemented its EDEM Simulation Software onto the SGI UV computer to provide large-scale bulk particle simulations. The simulations will help users design and optimize equipment that handles or processes bulk powders, granules, tablets, and aggregates. The discrete element method (DEM) simulation can help reduce engineering design cycle time, provide new information on bulk material behavior, and allow for future product and process innovation. DEM Solutions provides simulation software and services for bulk material handling and processing.

COLUMBUS, OH — River Consulting has added Tim Toth as director–automation services. The company provides multidiscipline engineering and project management solutions to global energy, food, process, and industrial clients.

Characterized by a microhardness equivalent to or more than 40 gigapascal, superhard materials are used in the construction, chemical, automotive, electronics, and environmental industries. According to Superhard Materials: A Global Strategic Business Report, a report by industry research firm Global Industry Analysts Inc., the superhard materials market will expand to $20.2 billion by 2018. Increased economic, manufacturing, and industrial activities in developing countries will spur a need for efficient metal machining, boring, grinding, and nonmetal machining tools. Growing demand for new abrasive products for precision grinding and machining applications will drive investment in R&D for diamond substitutes such as cubic boron nitride (CBN) and polycrystalline boron nitride (PCBN). The tool steel market will continue recovering, responding to new automotive engineering designs that require new tools, and advanced ceramics, another superhard material, will continue to evolve and begin to replace plastics and metals in construction applications and drive market growth. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $4,950, visit www.strategyr.com.

Global low-density polyethylene (LDPE) production is expected to reach 22.0 million tonnes by 2015 and 24.4 million tonnes by 2018. In 2012, production increased by 0.7 million tonnes, with markets in Europe, Asia, and North America generating almost 16.0 million tonnes. This is according to Polyethylene Low Density (LPDE): 2013 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2018, a report created by Merchant Research and Consulting Ltd., an industry research firm. The report covers analysis of the various LDPE markets, its historical background, price dynamics, import and export flows, LDPE prices, forecast on market size, and more. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $4,500, visit www.mcgroup.co.uk.

Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control (APC) has changed its name to Camfil Air Pollution Control (APC). The company's website has also changed to www.camfilapc.com. Camfil APC, Jonesboro, Ark., manufactures dust and fume collectors for industrial processes.

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — WAM Inc., has announced that Valentin Ordeanu is its new regional sales manager in Canada. Ordeanu is a mechanical engineer with more than 15 years experience in the bulk material handling industry. WAM manufactures and supplies bulk material handling, dust filtration, and mixing equipment.

NEWTON, KS — Bunting Magnetics Co. has named Sonia Cox as its Director of Marketing. Bunting, Newton, Kans., develops and manufactures precision magnetic products for plastics, food, recycling, and other industrial applications.

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) will be hosting a workshop called "FAMI-QS Awareness in Feed Safety Program: Solutions for the Specialty Feed and Mixture Industry" on April 17-18 in Des Moines, Iowa. The workshop will cover the regulations of the FAMI-QS program in an easy-to-understand format to help companies achieve certification. Workshop will be conducted by Michelle Lovett and Crista Righi, Eurofins Food Safety Systems, and Keith Epperson, AFIA. For more info and to register, visit www.afia.org.

The 2013 AACC International Annual Meeting will take place September 29-October 2 in Albuquerque, N.M., at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The annual meeting will include the latest cereal grain science research and will draw more than 1,000 researchers and industry professionals to present, discuss, and debate the future of cereal grain science. Abstracts for the event must be submitted by April 15. Abstract topics can include developments in the cereal grain research in the areas of biotechnology and interactions, chemistry and interactions, engineering and processing, food safety and regulatory, health and nutrition, ingredients and innovation, and quality and analytical methods. For more info and to submit an abstract visit www.aaccnet.org.

IBISWorld Inc., an industry research firm, has released the market research report Engineering Services in the US, which forecasts that the US engineering services industry is expected to grow from 2012 to 2017, after a recent downturn in the industry caused by the recession. In the years from 2007 to 2012, revenue declined on average 1.0 percent annually, however, the construction market is improving, causing 2012 industry revenue to rise 1.7 percent. The industry consists of many small-scale businesses in niche markets. Despite the fact that most industry firms are small, the 50 largest firms generate 40.0 percent of the industry revenue. This means businesses with only one proprietor, which is about 65.6 percent of the industry, generate only 2.9 percent of the industry revenue. Overall, industry revenue is anticipated to have an average growth of 2.9 percent each year to reach $211.2 billion in 2017. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $1,495, visit www.ibisworld.com.

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) Education and Training Foundation will administer the Richard C. Ryan Packaging Education Scholarship. The scholarship, funded by Dorner Mfg. Corp., Hartland, Wis., is in memory of Rich Ryan, the company's president and CEO, who died suddenly last year. Ryan was a PMMI board member and dedicated to lifelong learning. Students with a 3.0 GPA who major in packaging engineering at PMMI partner schools are eligible. The scholarship will be awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and an essay describing the applicant's interest in the packaging field. Donations to the scholarship are welcome. For more info, contact Maria Ferrante at mferrante@pmmi.org. PMMI, Arlington, Va., represents companies that manufacture packaging, processing, and packaging-related converting equipment and components.