Instron Corp. (Canton, MA), a provider of testing equipment designed to evaluate mechanical properties of materials and components, offers the Extend Program.

Xygent Inc. (Warwick, RI), developer and distributor of the XactCOM enterprise-wide metrology architecture and applications suite, has signed an agreement with Omni-Tech Corp. (Pewaukee, WI) to act as an authorized Xact technology provider.

Fluke Corp. (Everett, WA) plans to acquire Lifschultz Industries Inc., including its wholly owned operating subsidiary, Hart Scientific Inc. (American Fork, UT).

Quality Systems International Inc. (QSI, Lexington, MA) has been acquired by IBS America Inc. (Medford, MA), a wholly owned subsidiary of German-based IBS-AG.

Are auto part makers sacrificing quality to meet the stringent demands from automakers to lower component prices? The resounding answer seems to be yes.

The ultrasonic flowmeter market will experience explosive growth over the next several years, according to a study from Flow Research and Ducker Worldwide (Bloom-field Hills, MI).

Thomas J. Mosgaller began his tenure as the American Society for Quality's president on July 1.

Mike Quinton has been appointed to quality process guardian for General Motors' Global Manufacturing System.

The members of the American Measuring Tool Manufacturers Association (AMTMA) would like to know more about their industry, and a majority of them say they are willing to contribute data to help the cause, according to a survey of AMTMA members.

The Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing was awarded to six manufacturing plants.