AURORA, IL-Mitutoyo America Corp., developer of the MeasurLink suite of manufacturing quality management software that integrates enterprise metrology functionalities with real-time, on-line data collection, status indication, analysis and archiving,

PROVIDENCE, RI-With the acquisition of Helios, the Mahr Group enhances its existing product range in horizontal length measurement with the brands SIP and Helios, as well as in the

CLEVELAND-Metalforming companies experienced a spike in shipping levels and expect business conditions to remain steady during the next three months, according to the April 1, 2006, Precision Metalforming Association

MCLEAN, VA-December U.S. machine tool consumption totaled $311.03 million, according to the Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA). This total, as reported by companies participating in the United States Machine Tool Consumption (USMTC) program, was up 30.8% from November and up 7.8% from the total of $288.54 million reported for December 2004.

NEW YORK-Maxcor Inc. has completed the purchase of the global operations of Ex-Cell-O, which includes locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and China.

PROVIDENCE, RI-Mahr Federal's Scope of Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) has been expanded to include the company's Field Service Group. Qualified Mahr Federal field service group personnel will now be able to provide accreditated calibration services at customer facilities.

NEW YORK-Large, U.S.-based industrial manufacturers report renewed optimism about the U.S. and world economies over the next 12 months, despite continued concern about high energy prices, according to Pricewater-houseCoopers' Manufacturing Barometer. In the year ahead, these companies expect solid revenue growth, a higher level of new investments, as well as an upturn in hiring and M&A activity.

CHARLOTTE, NC-SATO, a company in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions, has successfully completed the acquisition of Checkpoint Systems Inc.'s former BCS businesses as well as the Hand-held Labeling Systems (HLS) in the United States.

In the February 2006 issue, the photo published in "Developing a Formal Calibration Plan," (page 22) was inaccurate. At right is the correct photo of Quality Calibration Service Inc.'s calibration lab.

The Association for Operations Management (APICS, Alexandria, VA) announces the 2006 board of directors. The board took office January 1.