Technology pooling will allow companies to advance autonomous vehicle development.
September 14, 2015
Manufacturing Group Cars/Light trucks Design Electronics Manufacturing
Stockholm, Sweden – Automotive safety systems suppliers Autoliv Inc. and Nissin Kogyo are setting up a 50/50 joint venture to develop brake control and brake apply systems. The intent is that Autoliv would own 51% of the joint venture and have management control.
The joint venture will combine the current brake control business of Autoliv with a carve-out of Nissin Kogyo’s automotive braking business. Nissin Kogyo is a leading supplier of high-performance braking systems for automotive and non-automotive markets, mainly in Japan.
With manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, and the United States, the JV will include approximately 2,000 technical, commercial, manufacturing, and administrative employees focused upon the design, development, and production of brake control and brake apply systems for the global light vehicle market. The JV will have three engineering sites and two test tracks with access to more than 1,200 patents and other intellectual property.
“This joint venture expands our capability in safety systems and strengthens a key building block in the actuator area of our portfolio towards autonomous driving. With this joint venture we further reinforce our commitment to a safety systems approach to real life safety”, says Autoliv Chairman, President, and CEO Jan Carlson.
The enterprise value of the JV is around $545 million. Upon closing, Autoliv will purchase 51% of the JV for $278 million, subject to customary adjustments. Autoliv expects the transaction to close in early Q1 2016, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals, including regulatory approvals and Nissin Kogyo shareholder approval.
Source: Autoliv
Improved sharpness speeds machining rates and generates less heat.
September 14, 2015
Manufacturing Group Manufacturing Turning/Milling Ashland, Oregon – The E-90 End Mill Sharpener quickly and easily sharpens a wide range of end mills. Renew end mills with up to 1″ in diameter and 6″ flute length and easily sharpen long fluted end mills. The easy-pull handle allows precise control of the air-bearing spindle and you can pull and rotate the spindle the full length of the end mill without the necessity of re-positioning your hand. A sharp end mill will allow maximum machining rates as well as generating less heat in the process. Fewer burrs will be created, reducing the time necessary for finishing processes. Whether your shop does high-tech mass production or creative custom fabrication, there’s a Darex sharpener to lower your tooling costs and make tough jobs run smoothly. The diverse product line of machines is designed with tool cribs and machine shops in mind – from manual drill sharpeners to fully automatic CNC machines. Founded in Beecher, Illinois, the D, A, and R of Darex are the initials of three generations of the Bernard family; David, Arthur, and Richard Bernard. David and his father Richard founded Darex in 1973. Grandfather Arthur Bernard, who earlier founded the Bernard Welding Co., contributed his energy and guidance to Darex. In 2008, Matthew Bernard became the fourth generation family owner of the company now located in Ashland, Oregon. Since its beginning, Darex has grown to become a maker of industrial drill sharpeners as well as full range of commercial and consumer sharpening products.
Truck maker will supply armored versions of its vocational vehicles.
September 14, 2015
Manufacturing Group Commercial vehicles Design Manufacturing
Lisle, Illinois – The U.S. Army Contracting Command has awarded Navistar Defense a $369 million contract to provide 2,293 Medium Tactical Vehicles (MTVs) to build upon the Afghanistan National Security Force’s (ANSF) MTV Fleet. Production will commence immediately, with deliveries starting in January 2016 and concluding in 2019.
“We are honored to continue supporting the efforts of the Afghanistan National Security Force’s missions to provide security and rebuilding in their country,” says Kevin Thomas, president, Navistar Defense. “We have been supporting ANSF since 2005 and have provided more than 9,000 medium-duty vehicles to the Afghan forces during that time.”
Under the contract, Navistar Defense will provide general troop transport vehicles, water and fuel tankers, ammunition trucks, and wreckers as well as a number of trucks with armored cabs. This fleet is based on the International WorkStar/7000-MV severe service vocational truck platform.
Production of the MTVs for ANSF will occur at Navistar’s assembly plants located in Springfield, Ohio, and West Point, Mississippi.
Source: Navistar Defense
IHS Automotive predicts continued slump, despite increase in drop-top models.
September 14, 2015
Manufacturing Group