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Remember this? Back in 2019, Electric Motor Technologies was expanding - we wrote about how the company bought an additional sales and service operation to grow its own sales/service opportunities and revenues. Today the tables have turned -- and it's Electric Motor Technologies that has been purchased, by Industrial Service Solutions, the national sales and service operation with more than 38 nationwide locations and 1,700+ employees. Per ISS, "Current EMT leadership, employees, and the company’s three Cincinnati, Ohio facilities will continue operations under the May 1, 2024 agreement." The acquisition was hailed as a win-win by executives of both companies, who cited expanded, enhanced service and new growth opportunities as reasons for the move. Read the press release here: https://iss-na.com/news/industrial-service-solutions-completes-ohio-rotating-services-acquisition/

Once again, the "go beyond" motor company Infinitum has received notable recognition for its "next-generation" motors. For the second consecutive time, the prestigious Edison Awards have honored Infinitum in the Sustainable Energy category, this year with a Silver award for the company's Aircore EC , a motor system designed to bring smart motor technology to a wide range of HVAC and industrial applications. The Edison Awards describe award criteria as based on several measures: Concept Value Delivery Impact Opportunity Conception Method Development In the true spirit of Thomas Edison, we are looking for innovations that not only address a need and solve a problem but also seize an opportunity and create a new market or industry. And true to Edison’s work, we are interested in the overall method and development of the concept and opportunity. We would like to understand how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation as it progressed from genesis to design and implementation. As described in an Infinitum company press release, "Infinitum’s next-generation Aircore EC motor system offers higher levels of efficiency, power, and torque density in a smaller package that is 20% lighter than the previous version. The motor can also be tailored to fit specific application power, torque, and input current requirements, allowing customers to save on upfront electrical infrastructure costs while saving energy." Read the Infinitum press release. here. Read more about the motor and its commercial and industrial applications, here.

From left: Brian Zachetti, industrial safety consultant specialist at Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation; Karen Wright, safety manager for Compco; and Claudia Kovach, vice president, City Machine Technologies Inc.. Claudia Kovach, known to many readers of Electrical Apparatus for her leadership role at City Machine Technologies, was in the spotlight at the Mahoning Valley Safety Council Leadership Awards luncheon, Thursday, May 9. At the event, held to honor businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to workplace safety in Ohio's Mahoning Valley, Claudia presented the Joan Kovach Safety Leadership Award to Columbiana-based manufacturer Compco, a supplier of ASME and Non-Code tank heads and tank accessories, known in the Valley as "America's leading tank head supplier." The safety award was first issued in 2007 in honor of Claudia's mother, Joan Kovach, who died in a hiking accident in 2006. The owner of City Machine Technologies Inc., Joan was a dedicated safety advocate whose legacy continues to inspire safety initiatives within the Mahoning Valley and beyond. The award is designed to recognize companies who make safety a priority, with special attention to those who transform high risk areas into safe environments for workers. The winner of this year's award, Compco, is an industry leader with a storied history. As told on the company website, "Clarence Smith Sr. founded the company in 1952… yet his true start in business came at age 10 when, as a homeless orphan in Youngstown, Ohio, he found shelter with a local grocer. Clarence spent his days learning about business as an apprentice to the shop owner and, at night, he slept in the basement." Today's Compco is a state-of-the art, modern manufacturing environment, and one where safety is a high priority. From first day orientation, new employees must take and pass inspector training. All employees take part in monthly safety sessions. weekly meetings, and ongoing electronic communications. Team members are encouraged to contribute their own ideas for safety improvement, and high-tech equipment has been installed for warnings and protection systems. Following up on the luncheon, the Business Journal of Youngstown Ohio published a glowing report. Read the full article here.

Munich-based Siemens has announced the sale of its large motors and drives division, recently renamed Innomotics, to a private equity firm, New York's KPS Capital Partners. The transaction, for a €3.5 billion enterprise purchase price. is expected to close by Q2 of 2025, subject to required merger control and foreign investment approvals. Last fall, the Wall Street Journal reported that KPS, dedicated to "Transforming Manufacturing and Industrial Businesses", had raised more than $22 billion since its founding in 1991, and recently secured premium terms for $9.7 billion "to back businesses facing supply-chain distruptions and higher interest rates." 2023 investments included Princess Yachts and Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. In November 2022, Siemens split the motor and drive division off from its main operations, renaming it Innomotics, and made preparations for a public listing of Innomotics that was annnounced in November 2023. Instead, however, Siemens decided that the sale to KPS was "more beneficial to all parties involved." Per Ralf P. Thomas, Siemens AG CFO, “By selling Innomotics to KPS, I am pleased that we have made further significant progress in optimizing our portfolio. The search for the best new owner has been successful,...This decision gives customers and the people who work at Innomotics clarity and paves Innomotics’ way to extensive opportunities for further successful business development. In the future, Siemens and its shareholders will benefit even more from combining the real and the digital worlds.” The company reports Innomotics as having $3.3b in revenue and employing 15,000 people (approx.) Read the full press relese here: Siemens to sell Innomotics to KPS Capital Partners | Press | Company | Siemens https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-sell-innomotics-kps-capital-partners

Photos from the awe-inspiring 2024 edition of the coil winding event in Berlin It's the final day of CWIEME Berlin 2024, and Electrical Apparatus is fortunate enough to have been on the ground for the entire event. We'd like to thank the entire CWIEME and Hive teams for running a well-organized trade show and expo, and for allowing us to be a media partner this year. Our many thanks to everyone for their tremendous efforts and hospitality! Below you'll see some photos from the first two days of the show...but if you're looking for booth photos from the show floor, we're largely saving them for the photo spread in our July issue, so check back in a couple of weeks for that print edition! Thanks again! And here's a note from CWIEME Instagram ---

Electronics firm announces key new hires JD Martin, a leading provider of electrical solutions, announced several strategic promotions within its leadership team, signaling a commitment to local leadership and sustainable growth, effective April 24, 2024. David Dean has been promoted to Executive Vice President for the Southeast region. With years of senior leadership experience and a proven track record of developing talent and building cross-functional teams within the electrical industry, David is "ideally positioned to drive JD Martin's continued success in the Southeast," per an April 29 press release from JD Martin published on PR Newswire. In parallel, Chris Schell has been elevated to the role of Regional Vice President of Florida. Chris "brings a proven track record in sales and leadership, having demonstrated exceptional success in various positions within JD Martin," the company says. In his new role, Chris will spearhead all sales-related activities in Florida, while also focusing on nurturing talent and fostering growth within the region. To bolster growth in the mid-Atlantic region, Kevin Fugate has been promoted to Regional Vice President, overseeing Eastern Tennessee and Kentucky. Kevin's successful tenure as a business development consultant for JD Martin in the territory equips him with the necessary skills to drive growth and establish an expanding sales team. His proven leadership and expertise in integrating multi-line manufacturer sales strategies will drive growth and success in the region. These strategic promotions "reflect JD Martin's commitment to empowering talent and strengthening its leadership team to better serve its customers and drive growth," per the press release. The company added that it "looks forward to leveraging the expertise and leadership of David, Chris, and Kevin as it continues to excel in delivering innovative solutions and unparalleled service to its clients." JD Martin Company is an electrical manufacturers' representative agency that sells and markets premier lines of electrical products to OEM and MRO contractors, and end-user markets through wholesale distribution. Since 1954, it has supported industries such as oil & gas, mining, steel, wastewater treatment, wind power generation and commercial construction. JD offers solutions and sell electrical products, through qualified electrical distributor channels, in over 16 states in territories that include Alabama, Arkansas, The Carolinas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.

Major Swiss manufacturer GF set to bring 350 jobs to Augusta, GA GF Casting Solutions, a division of Georg Fischer AG, Schaffhausen (Switzerland) that produces lightweight components for the mobility and energy industries, will invest more than $184 million in a new manufacturing facility in Augusta, GA, according to a May 3 press release from the Georgia governor's office. This project will reportedly create 350 new jobs for Richmond County. “Georgia is proud to carry the title of the No. 1 state for business to companies across the globe, bringing opportunities to communities in every corner of the state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Having met the great team at GF Casting Solutions during our recent mission to Switzerland, we could not be more excited to welcome them to the Peach State. Congratulations to Augusta and Richmond County for securing these jobs of the future for Georgians.” GF Casting Solutions develops and produces parts made from aluminum, magnesium, iron, and super alloy for light vehicles, trucks, aerospace, energy, off-highway vehicles, and industrial applications. “Building a High Pressure Die Casting Facility is a very long-term investment. The new facility will complete our footprint to become truly global in the e-mobility market,” said Carlos Vasto, President of GF Casting Solutions. “We are looking forward to bringing leading technology to the US and to creating advanced manufacturing jobs for several generations in Georgia. The location is ideal for addressing the thriving automotive industry in the region.” GF Casting Solutions’ new state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility at the Augusta Corporate Park, a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site, will produce cast aluminum parts, with a special focus on large structural components for the automotive industry. Operations are expected to begin in 2027. GF Casting Solutions will hire for roles in manufacturing and automation over the next few years. Jobs will be posted as they become available, and interested individuals can learn more about careers with GF at www.georgfischer.com/en/career.html.

Scenes from this year's trade show, May 6-9 in Chicago Automate, one of the world's largest trade shows and conferences for robotics, automation, and associated industries, took place this week at McCormick Place in Chicago. As we usually like to do when events take place in our hometown, Electrical Apparatus was fortunate enough to attend portions of the show. Thanks to the showrunners for holding another successful event! At Automate this year, we saw robots continuing to take steps towards doing, well, darn near everything. Robot forklifts, robot sanders, robot bartenders, robots shooting basketballs...you name your next trick. It was a show that made it tough not to worry about your job, with these amazing devices performing nearly every human task there is. Luckily, plenty of people were there to accompany them and explain how many of these (especially cobots) products are designed to work alongside humans. Here are just some of the examples we came across on the floor. For the full show report and photo spread, keep an eye out for the July issue of Electrical Apparatus. Meanwhile, check out some videos from Automate on our X (Twitter) page: (1) Electrical Apparatus (@ElecAppMag) / X (twitter.com) ....Enjoy!

Good news from a California school's training program Most headlines about colleges aren't too positive right now, with protests taking place across the nation. UC-San Diego provided a welcome change from that tenor last week, when it announced recognition for one of its departments. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of California San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering was recognized for its pioneering hands-on lab curriculum by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association (ECEDHA). ECEDHA is the leading association for electrical and computer engineering educators in North America. UC San Diego’s hands-on, project-based and experiential course curriculum all four years of undergraduate study was awarded the ECEDHA’s Innovative Program Award for 2024. This award is given to one individual or department that has created, implemented and sustained a program that has produced measurable improvements in the quality of the electrical and computer engineering education received by a significant number of students. With classes like the introductory Experience ECE: Making, Breaking and Hacking Stuff; to Rapid Hardware & Software Design; and Art of Product Engineering, students have the opportunity to take at least one of these project-based lab courses every year. The curriculum culminates with two senior capstone project courses, in which students work in teams to complete an industry or academic-sponsored real-world project. The UC San Diego Electrical and Computer Engineering department was honored not just for pioneering such an innovative curriculum, but for actively working to share their resources and serve as a model that has been adopted by other institutions around the country. This includes active partnerships with several local community colleges, to ensure students have exposure to these topics before transferring to a four-year institution. “It is an honor to be recognized by our electrical engineering peers for the impact this curriculum has had and will continue to have on countless students and on the field of engineering education itself,” said Bill Lin, Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “The hands-on, project-based courses developed at UC San Diego serve as a model for engaging students early and continuously with real-world applications of engineering theories and principles.”

Reputable Texas-based electromechanical company's acquisition program Shermco Industries, the reputable Irving, Texas-based electromechanical company, is pushing its acquisition program and partnership model with new details. According to the company's website and e-mails to Electrical Apparatus, Shermco is actively pursuing new partners and acquisitions. Here are some of the main incentives the company offers: Successful Partnership Model Shermco began as a family business in 1974 and has had a successful history of partnering with, integrating, and growing acquired businesses, while preserving the legacy of prior owners. Experienced Leadership Team "Our board and management team are accomplished professionals with significant experience growing larger organizations," Shermco says. People-Centric Philosophy The company believes a people-centric approach fosters a culture of trust and growth. Strong Financial Partner Reduce the risk of further reinvestment into your business by partnering with a larger organization with a sizable balance sheet seeking to invest in the continued development of both your people and organization. Benefit from Economies of Scale Gain significant leverage in negotiations with suppliers and customers, a robust national infrastructure and salesforce, expanded operational expertise, dedicated procurement department, and financial partners that will facilitate sustainable growth for years to come. Growth Acceleration "We don’t just see your business for what it is—we see it for what it could be," the company states on this new section of its website, adding that Shermco can help provide capital and resources, execute internal strategies, accelerate growth through additional add-on acquisitions, and cultivate synergies between our businesses. Integrity and Transparency Shermco believes in transparent communication and ethical business practices: "You can trust us to uphold the highest standards of integrity." Certainty and Quick Closing "With our dedicated financing and backing of a leading private equity firm, you can expect both certainty and speed in closing the deal." Flexible Employment Transition "We are flexible and will work closely with you to determine the right amount of day-to-day involvement for all parties involved."

EPA lays out new rules to curb power plant emissions, sparking backlash On April 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a suite of final rules to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants "in order to protect all communities from pollution and improve public health without disrupting the delivery of reliable electricity." These rules, finalized under separate authorities including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, purport to "significantly reduce climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector, delivering on the current administration's commitment to protect public health, advance environmental justice, and confront the climate crisis," per a lengthy April 25 news release from the EPA. The climate and health benefits of this rule, the branch claims, will also "substantially outweigh the compliance costs." In 2035 alone, the EPA's regulatory impact analysis estimates substantial health co-benefits including: Up to 1,200 avoided premature deaths 870 avoided hospital and emergency room visits 1,900 avoided cases of asthma onset 360,000 avoided cases of asthma symptoms 48,000 avoided school absence days 57,000 lost workdays By announcing these final rules at the same time, EPA is following through on the commitment that Administrator Michael S. Regan made to industry stakeholders at CERAWeek 2022 to provide regulatory certainty as the power sector makes long-term investments in the transition to a clean energy economy. The standards are designed to work with the power sector’s planning processes, providing compliance timelines that enable power companies to plan in advance to meet electricity demand while reducing dangerous pollution. “Today, EPA is proud to make good on the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision to tackle climate change and to protect all communities from pollution in our air, water, and in our neighborhoods,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By developing these standards in a clear, transparent, inclusive manner, EPA is cutting pollution while ensuring that power companies can make smart investments and continue to deliver reliable electricity for all Americans.” “This year, the United States is projected to build more new electric generation capacity than we have in two decades – and 96 percent of that will be clean,” said President Biden’s National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “President Biden’s leadership has not only sparked an unprecedented expansion in clean electricity generation, his leadership has also launched an American manufacturing renaissance. America is now a magnet for private investment, with hundreds of billions of dollars committed and 270,000 new clean energy jobs created. This is how we win the future, by harnessing new technologies to grow our economy, deliver environmental justice, and save the planet for future generations.” The suite of final rules includes: A final rule for existing coal-fired and new natural gas-fired power plants that would ensure that all coal-fired plants that plan to run in the long-term and all new baseload gas-fired plants control 90 percent of their carbon pollution. A final rule strengthening and updating the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants, tightening the emissions standard for toxic metals by 67 percent and finalizing a 70 percent reduction in the emissions standard for mercury from existing lignite-fired sources. A final rule to reduce pollutants discharged through wastewater from coal-fired power plants by more than 660 million pounds per year, ensuring cleaner water for affected communities, including communities with environmental justice concerns that are disproportionately impacted. A final rule that will require the safe management of coal ash that is placed in areas that were unregulated at the federal level until now, including at previously used disposal areas that may leak and contaminate groundwater.

New guidelines released by Treasury Department for air emissions The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released guidance on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credit established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), part of a U.S. agenda to create good-paying jobs and reduce climate pollution by spurring innovation in the aviation industry. The Treasury Department worked closely with administrative partners, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Department of Energy (DOE) on today’s Notice. “[The] Inflation Reduction Act is driving American innovation to create good-paying jobs and help the U.S. clear hurdles in our clean energy transition,” said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. “Incentives in the law are helping to scale production of low-carbon fuels and cut emissions from the aviation sector, one of the most difficult-to-transition sectors of our economy. Today’s guidance provides additional clarity and certainty to companies and producers.” “Sustainable aviation fuel is a key part of [America's] efforts to transition the economy to a clean energy future and rebuild the middle class from the bottom up to the middle out in rural America,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “Today’s announcement is an important stepping stone as it acknowledges the important role farmers can play in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and begins to reward them through that contribution in the production of new fuels. This is a great beginning as we develop new markets for sustainable aviation fuel that use home grown agricultural crops produced using climate smart agricultural practices. USDA will continue to work with our federal agency partners to expand opportunities in the future for climate smart agriculture in producing sustainable aviation fuel.” “The guidance released today reflects the latest data and science needed to help create new economic opportunities for America's agricultural sector,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “This interagency effort will help our climate goals take flight with cheaper, cleaner sustainable aviation fuel -- ensuring America maintains an innovative edge on the global clean technology stage.” “Innovation in the aviation sector has brought our country and our world together and now, it’s fueling the solution to meet our ambitious net-zero carbon emission goals,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “Today’s announcement will strengthen America’s position as a leader in the production of sustainable aviation fuels, help cut carbon emissions, and create a better future for all Americans.” “The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credit for sustainable aviation fuels is a critical tool for decarbonizing air travel,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “Today’s announcement of an updated GREET model and Treasury guidance is a big step forward for American farmers, for American innovation, for American jobs, and for America’s ability to cut carbon pollution from our transportation sector and protect our planet.” The Treasury Department’s guidance provides important clarity around eligibility for the SAF Credit. The credit incentivizes the production of SAF that achieves a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction of at least 50% as compared with petroleum-based jet fuel. Producers of SAF are eligible for a tax credit of $1.25 to $1.75 per gallon. SAF that achieves a GHG emissions reduction of 50% is eligible for the $1.25 credit per gallon amount, and SAF that achieves a GHG emissions reduction of more than 50% is eligible for an additional $0.01 per gallon for each percentage point the reduction exceeds 50%, up to $0.50 per gallon. As part of today’s guidance, the agencies comprising the SAF Interagency Working Group (IWG) are jointly announcing the 40B SAF-GREET 2024 model. This model provides another methodology for SAF producers to determine the lifecycle GHG emissions rates of their production for the purposes of the SAF Credit. The modified version of GREET incorporates new data, including updated modeling of key feedstocks and processes used in aviation fuel and indirect emissions. The modified GREET model also integrates key greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies such as carbon capture and storage, renewable natural gas, and renewable electricity. The Notice released today also, on a pilot basis, incorporates a USDA pilot program to encourage the use of certain Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices for SAF feedstocks. Incorporating CSA practices into the production of SAF provides multiple benefits, including lower overall GHG emissions associated with SAF production and increased adoption of farming practices that are associated with other environmental benefits, such as improved water quality and soil health. For corn ethanol-to-jet, the pilot provides a greenhouse gas reduction credit if a “bundle” of certain CSA practices (no-till, cover crop, and enhanced efficiency fertilizer) are used. It similarly would allow a greenhouse gas reduction credit for soybean-to-jet if the soybean feedstock is produced using a “bundle” of applicable CSA practices (no-till and cover crop). This is a pilot program specific to the 40B credit, which is in effect for 2023 and 2024. To credit CSA practices in the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z), which becomes available in 2025, the agencies will do further work on modeling, data, and assumptions, as well as verification. A new 45Z-GREET will be developed for use with the 45Z tax credit.