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Berliner Specialty Distributors, an ice cream and specialty and natural frozen foods distributor, transitioned from paper-based systems to a fully automated mobile sales and delivery solution with the IntegraSys-Apacheta solution, produced by IntegraSys. Deployed to its 25-plus route sales and delivery personnel, this solution reduces data entry and accounting errors, shortens time-to-delivery and provides more accurate invoices to customers. The application communicates daily via electronic data interchange (EDI) with manufacturers such as Unilever to facilitate ordering and provide full visibility into their sales operations. The IntegraSys solution also offers full scan-based trading (or consignment-based inventory) functionality, which includes inbound and outbound EDI to and from the retailer.

Spirax Sarco refurbished its Blythewood, S.C., state-of-the-art training facility to offer world-class training to help steam system operators address key issues, such as improving energy efficiency, reducing downtime and operating costs and ensuring safety. The center’s courses offer hands-on experience that provides real-world training, leading to formally recognized qualifications.

TriCore Inc. was named a service partner of SAP AG for the integration of automated systems on the factory floor with SAP’s Enterprise Planning software suite. SAP’s manufacturing module manages and monitors work-in-process on the factory floor. By integrating this module with automated systems, plant managers can better plan, schedule and sequence production and deliver quality products in a cost-effective and timely manner.

DSM North America will be hosting the 33rd Annual Tribute to Women and Industry Awards Dinner, set for April 18, 2012 at the Hanover Marriott Hotel in Parsippany, N.J. The company will donate $45,000 in cash and services to the YWCA of Central New Jersey’s TWIN (Tribute to Women and Industry) Program to help the organization provide career and mentoring services to the women it serves. To participate in the program, go to www.ywca-cnj-twin.org.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) and Enova launched a Green for Free program, which allows fleet executives to purchase all-electric vehicles for the cost of a diesel-powered commercial vehicle. The savings fleets incur from the reduced maintenance and fuel savings of the electric vehicles is then used over a period of time to cover the incremental expense for the technology. FCCC and Enova plan to deploy 3,000 alternative-fuel vehicles within a two-year timeframe beginning third quarter 2012.
 

Internationally Known

China Bosch Packaging Technology intends to build a second 66,000-square-meter production facility in Chengdu, Pujiang, county in Sichuan province at the beginning of next year. The new facility will enable Bosch to serve the food, confectionery and pharmaceutical sectors with packaging machines of medium output capacity. Following the signing of the new building agreement, Walter Häcki, a Bosch Packaging Technology representative, received the Honorary Citizenship of Pujiang county, making him the first foreign Honorary Citizen of Pujiang. The Pujiang government honors the company's commitment in supporting the economic and industrial development of the region.

Bericap Brazil received the “Most Innovative Supplier to the Brazilian Water Industry” award from ABINAM (Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Águas Minerais) during the 8th Global Bottled Water Congress held concomitantly with the 20th edition of Brazil’s Mineral Water Congress, Sept. 13-15 in Rio de Janeiro. Bericap’s past initiatives include providing sustainable closure solutions, such as the lightweight Hexacap 26,7, DoubleSeal SuperShorty and the Thumb’Up sports caps along with offering 48-millimeter closures and corresponding handles for 5- to 10-liter containers.

Kalsec Inc. named Yee Yon Chemicals Co. Ltd. as their new, sole and exclusive distributor of Kalsec brand products to the Korean market. Yee Yon Chemicals is an importer and distributor of ingredients for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Barry Callebaut and P.T. Comextra Majora entered into a joint venture and formed a new company, P.T. Barry Callebaut Comextra Indonesia, which will be headquartered in Makassar, Indonesia, the world's third largest cocoa producing country. Barry Callebaut will own 60%; P.T. Comextra Majora will own 40%. Operations for the new facility will begin early 2013. Barry Callebaut will be responsible for running the factory and purchasing the products manufactured, whereas P.T. Comextra Majora will supply the factory with cocoa beans under a long-term supply agreement.

 

On the Move: Personnel Changes

Koch Membrane Systems Inc., Wilmington, Mass.
Carlos Rodrigues was promoted to business development manager, industrial and life sciences for South America, responsible for all aspects of the continued development and expansion of KMS’ industrial and life sciences business.
 
Deacom Inc., Wayne, Pa.
Drew Schwoyer was named lead product consultant, bringing 10 years of manufacturing management experience and offering a unique perspective into Deacom software implementation. Matthew Keffer is the new senior sales executive, bringing more than 12 years of industry experience with engineer-to-order, make-to-order, make-to-stock and mixed-mode manufacturing companies in the small- to mid-sized enterprise market. Plus, he specializes in working with ERP, SCM, CRM and BI software.
 
Wixon Inc., St. Francis, Wis.
Paul Whitaker was named consumer products divisional leader, responsible for growth of top-line revenue through direct sales and business development activities, divisional leadership of the consumer products cross-functional team, management of the day-to-day operations and organizing strategic and tactical planning.