When Pittards, the leading leather goods producer, moved part of its manufacturing process from Leeds to Yeovil, they made very sure that its long-serving wastewater pumps went with them.

Founded back in 1826* as glove makers, Pittards transferred its dependable long-shaft chopper pumps (made by Landia), even though they were already 15 years old.

“Keeping hold of the Landia pumps was a must”, said Pittards’ Engineering Manager, Tim Copland.

Landia Chopper Puimp still going strong in a tough application at Pittards“Pumps in this environment take a huge amount of punishment, dealing with grit and what can be a very slimy mass of small leather pieces that I’m sure would clog other pumps; but with Landia, we’ve never had an issue”.

At its facility in Yeovil, where Pittards makes top-quality leather goods, the twin-channel 24/7 wastewater flow of 350m³ to 400m³ per day is first sent to circular tanks containing the Landia long-shaft chopper pumps, before the screening, pH control, chemical correction and then to a Lamella clarifier for final separation of particles from the effluent.

In addition to fashion items such as gloves and handbags, Pittards (with a team of 120) makes performance leathers for sports and the military, treating leather from its tannery in Ethiopia with a series of lengthy softening/hardening processes to produce a wide variety of finishes, including fire resistance.

“Depending on the required finish”, added Tim Copland, “our ‘laundry-type’ process, which can require up to 24 hours, simply has to have a reliable, robust wastewater stream. Over the years, the odd lump of something like a corner part of a pallet block will somehow find its way into the drain to cause us to lift a pump out, but thankfully that doesn’t happen too often”.

‘Value for money investment’

He added: “We know that we ask an awful lot of the Landia pumps, which one has to say, are used and abused, but still continue to show what an excellent, value for money investment they’ve been. We are always vigilant of course about our discharge consent – and have a good working relationship with Wessex Water. The pumps play an important role in ensuring that we keep well within our discharge consent”.

To further prolong their lifetime, Tim explained that the long-shaft chopper pumps are swapped around every 6-12 months, with a unit always kept on standby to ensure that there is little or no interruption to the process. Pittards’ first purchase from Landia (who invented the Chopper Pump back in 1950) was in 2002. After proving its worth, four more pumps were secured in the next two years, followed by further purchases in 2019.

‘Very Good Gatekeepers’

“The Landia pumps have always been very good gatekeepers”, continued Tim Copland, “even with the slimy, clinging nature of the leather pieces, they just keep on going – and are also very easy to service. And whenever we’ve needed advice, Landia are always available on the ‘phone or in-person to help”.

At Leeds, pumps and mixers from Landia (typically 1500rpm / 7.5kW) kept solids in suspension and improved aeration, greatly enhancing the consistency of the facility’s wastewater discharge. As has been the case at Yeovil, the unique external knife system of the Landia Chopper Pump prevents solids from entering its casing; the long-shaft version of the pump more suited to the application because of the inevitable build-up of solid particles.  Cast iron has proved more than effective at Pittards, but the pumps can also be supplied in various coatings and materials, including acid-proof stainless steel. The operating range is up to 6 bar, which makes the long-shafts ideal for replacing most displacement pumps that may struggle with wastewater containing solids and hard-to handle pieces of debris.

“One of the pumps we have is over 15 years old”, said Tim. “Despite all the wear and tear, it continues to thoroughly chop and pump the particles and larger debris that we have in our wastewater. The recirculation that the pumps provide also helps keep the tanks clean. Back at Leeds there was equipment that was cast-booted in, with no viable option other than to leave it behind, but looking at life expectancy, which we can break down into a weekly cost, keeping hold of the Landia pumps was a decision that continues to prove very wise indeed”.

Outokumpu will delay the restart of one of its ferrochrome furnaces after a maintenance break due to the elevated electricity price – stainless steel deliveries to remain on a normal level

Due to exceptionally high energy prices and an unstable energy market, stainless steel producer Outokumpu has decided to delay the restart of one of its three ferrochrome furnaces after a planned maintenance break. The maintenance break starts on September 7 and a restart was initially planned for week 40. Ferrochrome production will continue at about 70 per cent of its full capacity.

“Energy prices have increased significantly, which has had a negative impact on our cost competitiveness compared to our non-European competitors. We hope that decisive actions are taken at both EU and national level to stabilize the energy market. We are keeping a close eye on the situation and hope that politicians will take an active role in normalizing the operating environment,” says Martti Sassi, President, business area Ferrochrome.

“We have already been optimizing our ferrochrome production by not producing ferrochrome at the highest hourly prices to avoid the worst peaks in prices, as communicated earlier*. The decision to delay the reopening of one of our furnaces is a continuation of the ferrochrome production optimization,” Sassi continues.

In Finland, the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant plays an important role in stabilizing the electricity market, and it is vitally important to get it up and running during this year for a healthier energy market. On a European level, Outokumpu uses 4 TWh of electricity, which is close to the entire electricity consumption of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Stainless steel deliveries on a normal level in the third quarter

Despite the decrease in Outokumpu’s ferrochrome production, the company’s stainless steel production will remain on the same level as guided in our January–June interim report, and these measures will not impact our customer deliveries or financial outlook for the third quarter. We will comment on our outlook for the fourth quarter in connection with Q3 results on November 3.

Ferrochrome is an alloy between chromium and iron and is an essential raw material in the production of stainless steel. Ferrochrome production uses more than 50 per cent of Outokumpu’s total electricity consumption in Finland.

*) Pia Aaltonen-Forsell, blog 31.8.2022: Energy crisis in Europe – how the rising electricity price impacts Outokumpu,  https://www.outokumpu.com/news/2022/blog-energy-crisis-in-europe---how-the-rising-electricity-price-impacts-outokumpu

Outokumpu is the global leader in stainless steel. The foundation of our business is our ability to tailor stainless steel into any form and for almost any purpose. Stainless steel is sustainable, durable and designed to last forever. Our customers use it to create civilization’s basic structures and its most famous landmarks as well as products for households and various industries. Outokumpu employs some 9,000 professionals in more than 30 countries, with headquarters in Helsinki, Finland and shares listed in Nasdaq Helsinki. www.outokumpu.com

Kemira is implementing a 4% energy surcharge for all Pulp and Paper process and functional chemistries across North America for all non-contract customers, effective October 1, 2022. The surcharge announced in April for inorganic coagulants sold through our Industry & Water segment remains in effect.

As direct and indirect energy costs continue to rise, Kemira is seeing a significant impact to its facilities and the breadth of its global supply chain and logistics capabilities. We have taken steps to mitigate the increases over the last 18 months, but there is no sign of reversing the continuing upward trend for these costs while we are in an inflationary environment. Implementing the surcharge will help to offset these continued cost increases. We will review the need for the surcharge as well as the percentage on a quarterly basis.

“We are hopeful the current energy cost landscape is a temporary situation. Although we implemented the surcharge for our industrial customers in April, we are monitoring the development and will make necessary adjustments based on significant changes to energy costs,” says Michael Cavallero, VP, Industry & Water Commercial, Americas.

“We are really proud of how we have managed the global supply chain disruptions over the past 18 months. We have proven to be a reliable and sustainable supplier for all of our customers. By implementing this energy surcharge to our non-contract customers, we can continue focusing on security of supply and our ability to deliver an excellent customer experience,” says Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, SVP, Pulp & Paper Commercial, Americas.

Kemira is a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water intensive industries. We provide best suited products and expertise to improve our customers’ product quality, process and resource efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, water treatment and energy industry. In 2021, Kemira had annual revenue of around EUR 2.7 billion and around 5,000 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. 
 www.kemira.com 

Metso Outotec will invest in establishing its first polymer filter plate production unit in Mexico. With this investment, Metso Outotec is responding to global market demand by increasing its capacity to deliver high-quality polymer filter plates for its mining customers’ filter presses.

The company expects to invest a total of around EUR 28 million to acquire the land and develop the production facilities by 2025. 

The construction work will begin as soon as the acquisition of the land and the planning of the facility have been completed. The construction of the new factory is expected to begin in 2023 and reach full capacity during 2025, following a gradual ramp-up. Once fully operational, the new factory is expected to employ around 60 skilled personnel. 

“Polymer filter plates are strategic and critical spare parts. To serve our customers’ growing needs, we will further develop our supply capabilities by investing in a new state-of-the-art factory where quality and safety are key focus areas. We also have maintained and will maintain a strong network of suppliers globally,” says Tomas Hakala, Senior Vice President, Beneficiation, Dewatering and Hydrometallurgy Services.  

“We have selected Mexico as the target country for reducing lead times, transportation distances, especially to the Americas, and CO₂ emissions for our end customers.”

Metso Outotec has high sustainability targets for CO₂ for its own operations and the supply chain. The target is to have net-zero CO₂ emissions in the company’s own operations by 2030, and a 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions from logistics by 2025. In addition, the goal is for 30% of suppliers by spending to commit to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and set reduction targets for CO₂ emissions by 2030.

The new factory will be located in the central region of Mexico, where Metso Outotec already has a rubber and Poly-Met factory.

Metso Outotec is a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for global aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries. By improving our customers’ energy and water efficiency, increasing their productivity, and reducing environmental risks with our product and process expertise, we are the partner for positive change. Metso Outotec is committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C with Science Based Targets.

Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Metso Outotec employs over 15,000 people in more than 50 countries, and its sales for 2021 were around EUR 4.2 billion. The company is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. mogroup.com

Improves safety and productivity by providing more visible indication of status

Pfannenberg, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of thermal management and signaling technologies, highlights the INTENSE BR50 Series Stacklight™. The INTENSE BR50 is the brightest stacklight available, which outshines previous Pfannenberg LEDs by 10,000 percent. The new INTENSE BR50 Series Stacklight features an online configuration tool that make it easier to design a simple stack light and provide a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the resulting bill of materials. 

The line of Stacklights results in significantly improved safety and productivity from increased levels of ambient light. Whether installed on cabinets, machinery frames, or junction boxes, INTENSE BR50 Stacklights adds to facility safety, productivity, and style. They are available in a variety of mounting options, including direct-to-base, tube-and-bracket, and tube-and-stand (plinth). The optional wall-mount bracket creates a clean look.

The exponentially brighter LEDs offer higher visibility and a slim design (ø 54 mm). The INTENSE BR50 LED’s heightened luminosity is further amplified by the internal prisms’ impact-proof, heat-resistant, and dust-proof polycarbonate lens, which is easily identified from all sides. 

INTENSE BR50 Stacklight’s easy-to-assemble component architecture supports up to five interchangeable modules. They are available in several custom configurations, with up to five color segments independently actuated and a sound module that provides a distinctive audible warning for sensitive applications. Users can select from BR50 LEDs for continuous or blinking operation, as well as high-visibility flashing xenon tubes. The INTENSE BR50 Stacklights also offer easy integration into an AS-Interface bus system.

Pfannenberg’s new stacklight configurator takes the guesswork out of determining the specific part numbers for an application. With the pre-configured part number option, users can select a specific voltage and color combination, and the stacklight comes pre-assembled in the box, offering plug and play signaling with one part number. The “build your own” option lets users create a custom design with a wide range of options for voltage, mounting style, color combination/sequence, IP rating, safety and network capability, and signaling modes.

“ INTENSE BR50 Stacklights will have an immediate and practical impact on evolving customer challenges,” said Jacob Vernon, Pfannenberg’s Signaling Product Manager. “As ambient light levels rise on manufacturing floors around the globe, we have focused on developing new configurations of our alarm and signaling devices to better protect people and processes.”

For more information about the INTENSE BR50 Stacklight, visit https://www.pfannenbergusa.com/signaling-technologies/stacklights/ 

About Pfannenberg

Established in 1954 by Otto Pfannenberg in Hamburg Germany, Pfannenberg, Inc. is recognized as a leading global manufacturer of thermal management technologies within the Electro-technology Industry. In 1958 we invented the Filterfan®, which continues to be recognized worldwide as a leading product to help manage the temperature in electrical enclosures. Our business philosophy: Protecting Man, Machine and the Environment.

An advanced engineering & manufacturing apprentice from Telford was named as the region’s brightest vocational star last week.

Torus Measurement Systems’ James Morgan overcame competition from more than 100 apprentices across the West Midlands to secure the ‘Outstanding Learner of the Year’ title at this year’s annual In-Comm Training Awards.

More than 300 people packed into The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham to hear how the 24-year-old is working his way towards a degree by impressing on the shopfloor, helping deliver critical projects and, importantly, becoming a STEM ambassador that sees him go into schools to inspire the next generation.

The high-profile ceremony, which is backed by main sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), saw ‘girl power’ come to the fore again, with four out of the eight personal accolades won by females, illustrating how apprenticeships are increasingly for everyone.

Britney Biju (Collins Aerospace) won Engineering & Manufacturing Foundation – Telford, Jean Catchpowle (Gestamp) secured Quality & Continuous Improvement, whilst Emily Lander (M&A Doocey) and Tracy Reynolds (William King) were successful in the Business Support and Ambassador categories.

Group Winners 2022: (l-r back) Declan Walsh (Hoshizaki Europe), Britney Biju (Collins Aerospace), Emily Lander (M&A Doocey), Tracy Reynolds (William King) and Jean Catchpowle (Gestamp). (l-r front) Oliver Eskriett (Brandauer), George Moore (Precision Technologies), James Morgan (Torus Measurement Systems), Lewis Laidler (Hoshizaki Europe) and Christian Newey (IMI Norgren)

Companies were also recognised on the evening, with Billcar Precision Engineering winning the small employer award for the way it uses staff to develop young learners and Hoshizaki Europe taking the large employer accolade.

The latter has been a long-term supporter of vocational learning and has invested heavily in an apprentice scheme that spans all departments, including engineering, quality, manufacturing and business administration.

It also runs a scheme where apprentices are rewarded for their ideas on how to improve their role or the business.

Bekki Phillips, Chief Operating Officer at In-Comm Training, commented: “We are finally seeing the perceptions of apprenticeships change since Covid-19 and events like these are crucial to achieving that level of equality.

“Vocational learning shouldn’t be seen as the pathway you take if you don’t get good grades, that’s nonsense. We now have clear pathways in place where a learner can go all the way to a degree in less time than going to university, with the added benefits of hundreds of hours of real-life experience and zero debt.”

She went on to add: “Our finalists have demonstrated hard work, commitment, teamwork, innovation and, importantly, technical competences. They are already making a real difference to the companies they work for, and this is just the start.”

This was the eleventh year the In-Comm Training Awards have been held and gave nearly 50 finalists the opportunity to celebrate their achievements in front of their peers, mentors and employers.

Other winners included:

• Christian Newey (IMI Norgren) – Engineering & Manufacturing Advanced at Aldridge

• George Moore (Precision Technologies) – Engineering & Manufacturing Foundation at Aldridge

• James Morgan (Torus Measurement Systems) – Engineering & Manufacturing Advanced at Telford

• Oliver Eskriett (Brandauer) – Management & Leadership

• Lewis Laidler (Hoshizaki Europe) – Most Improved Learner

The evening was also used to celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen, with guests marking the unrivalled service and dedication of Her Royal Highness.

Gareth Jones, Managing Director In-Comm Training, concluded: “The Awards have grown massively from when they first started and we want to them to continue to get bigger, as it’s a fantastic way of spreading the message about vocational learning and everything it has to offer.

“The apprentices rightly get the majority of the plaudits, but we shouldn’t forget the huge contribution and impact employers have on shaping the professionals and engineers of the future.”

The In-Comm Training Awards were made possible by headline sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) and other sponsors, including Aptem, Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Collins Aerospace, Crowe LLP, EAL Awards, FBC Manby Bowdler, In-Comm TMG, MyWorkwear and the West Midlands Apprentice Ambassador Network.

For further information, please visit www.in-comm.co.uk

BASF will showcase VALERAS™ for its plastic additives portfolio for the first time at K 2022. VALERAS adds value to plastic applications by delivering significant sustainability benefits with additive technical solutions and services. Among these are solutions to accelerate the plastics journey to a circular economy and net zero emissions. BASF will also present its latest addition to the VALERAS portfolio, Product Carbon Footprints (PCF) of several antioxidants and light stabilizers as a premium service. This complements the recently launched solutions IrgaCycle™ and RegXcellence^®. These offerings, along with other novel additive solutions, will be showcased in a series of “Creator Talks” being held at the BASF stand (Hall 5, booth C21/D21).

• Trendsetting sustainable solutions to create new value
• Evolving portfolio benefits customers wanting to meet and exceed their sustainability goals
• “Creator Talks” to spotlight value creation in MAKE – USE – RECYCLE

“Trends in plastic innovation are changing rapidly, driven across the different industries by legislation and higher consumer awareness. As an ongoing effort to create new value for plastics, we proactively collaborate with our customers to develop sustainable solutions that contribute to the make, use, and recycle phases of a plastic’s lifecycle,” said Dr Achim Sties, Senior Vice President, Performance Chemicals Europe, BASF. “We believe that with our proven track record in additives, coupled with our customer's knowledge of the applications, we will be able to solve the current challenges the industry is facing and deliver innovative solutions to meet tomorrow’s needs. We invite visitors to K 2022 and “Go! Create” together with us.”

BASF will showcase VALERAS™ for its plastic additives portfolio for the first time at K 2022.

New sustainable solutions for a competitive edge

BASF will be showcasing various new trend-setting sustainable additives solutions at K 2022:

Rotomolded products are commonly used for outdoor applications such as water storage tanks. Extreme weather is very damaging to the properties of these applications. Designed specifically for polyethylene rotational moulding resins, the tailored additive package from the Irgastab^® range extends the service life of rotomolded parts and also saves time, energy and costs during processing.

The Irgatec^® CR technology enables the creation of advanced melt-blown nonwoven materials that fulfil the increasing requirements defined for personal hygiene and filter applications. With Irgatec^® CR 25, BASF introduces a solution targeting PP melt blown modification, which is of high interest for filtration materials. The solution can be implemented directly by the meltblown producers without additional investment in their existing line, thus enabling a faster-to-market solution for speciality PP nonwoven products.

Additives are key enablers for circular plastics and drive innovation for recyclability. The recently launched IrgaCycle range includes additives solutions that are specifically designed to improve the properties of mechanically recycled plastics for different target industries. Recyclers can benefit from a higher quality of recyclates whereas converters can increase recycled content in their applications. IrgaCycle tackles challenges like gel formation mitigate the impact of impurities and improves mechanical performance by enhancing process stability.

Sustainability journey continues

As an extension to the VALERAS portfolio, BASF is now offering its plastic additives customers product carbon footprints for several antioxidants and light stabilizers as a premium service via the myPlasticAdditives online portal. Customers using this service will be provided with greenhouse gas emission information starting with raw material extraction right up to the point a product leaves the BASF factory gates. With the additional transparency, BASF helps its customers to prioritize carbon savings actions, validate sustainability claims for creating low-carbon plastics, and increasingly make sustainable purchasing decisions.    

A platform for industry players to exchange ideas

In a series of high-level “Creator Talks” at its booth featured under MAKE – USE – RECYCLE, BASF will showcase projects with technology leaders where strong collaboration and open exchange have enabled customers to overcome technical challenges. The BASF plastic additives experts will also share insights into innovative applications for packaging, automotive, building and construction. More information on these Creator Talks can be found on BASF’s K 2022 website.

BASF at K 2022: Welcome to #OurPlasticsJourney!

Go! Create! At K 2022, we invite everyone to join #OurPlasticsJourney! At our booth in hall 5, C21/D21, we will explore new ways in which sustainable action is possible in all phases of the lifecycle of plastics: from how we can produce plastics more sustainably, to how we can use them better, to how we can discover new solutions to close the loop. Solving these challenges is a journey that we are all on together. At K 2022, we want to make that journey go faster. K is the #1 trade fair for plastics and rubber and will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 19 – 26, 2022. Visit www.plastics.basf.com/K2022.

About BASF Plastic Additives

BASF is a leading supplier, manufacturer, and innovation partner of plastic additives. Its comprehensive and innovative product portfolio includes additives that provide ease in processing, and heat and light resistance to a variety of polymers and applications including moulded articles, films, fibers, sheets, and extruded profiles. The portfolio is constantly analyzed, assessed and actively improved towards solutions which make a larger contribution to sustainability. More information about plastic additives: www.plasticadditives.basf.com.

BASF plastic additives are part of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. The division’s portfolio also includes fuel and lubricant solutions, kaolin minerals, as well as oilfield chemicals and mining solutions. Customers from a variety of industries including Chemicals, Plastics, Consumer Goods, Energy & Resources and Automotive & Transportation benefit from our innovative solutions. To learn more, visit http://www.performancechemicals.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

COSEL Co, Ltd (6905: Tokyo) has just announced the launch of three new DIN Rail AC/DC power supplies for industrial applications. Based on its long experience and expertise in developing high-efficiency power conversion solutions for demanding industrial applications optimized for highly automated manufacturing, Cosel’s design team has developed without compromise a new family, the WDA family that shortens Time-To-Market. In addition to its electrical performance, built on high runner components with very limited handling during manufacturing, the WDA series offers the best ratio of value vs performances on the market. Available in three power levels, 30W, 60W and 90W, combining a low profile design, a wide input voltage range of 85V – 264V, and high-performance levels, the WDA series is suitable for a large range of applications. The WDA comes with a 5-Year warranty and complies with industrial standards.

• Economical design
• 35 mm DIN Rail standard
• Low standby power consumption
• Low profile for space optimization
• High efficiency 30W, 60W and 90W
• 5-Year warranty

With years of experience in developing DC/DC and AC/DC power supplies based on flyback topology and highly automated manufacturing processes, the WDA series delivers up to 90W with an efficiency of up to 90%, reducing energy consumption and power dissipation.

The three models, WDA30F, WDA60F and WDA90F are designed for DIN-Rail attachment and are compatible with the DIN EN60715TH 35 standard (35×7.5mm or 35×15mm), the top hat-shaped DIN rail.

Designed for international applications, the versatile WDA series boasts a wide input voltage range of 85 to 264VAC and features overvoltage protection with latching and overcurrent protection with automatic recovery.

COSEL’s compact low profile 30W, 60W and 90W Din-Rail AC/DC power supplies

The WDA30F is available in four different output voltages, 5V, 12V, 24V and 48V within a power level of 30W and a typical efficiency of 88%. Three output voltages are proposed for the WDA60F and WDA90F of 12V, 24V and 48V within an output power of 60W and 90W respectively, and a typical efficiency level of up to 90%. All models include a potentiometer making it possible to finely trim the output voltage when installed. A DC OK LED visually confirms the output status.

Optimized for convection cooling, the WDA series can be operated within an ambient temperature range of -20 to +70 degrees centigrade. Depending on the assembly method and ventilation used in the final equipment, a derating may apply as specified in the technical documentation.

Designed for use in rack applications where space is often limited, the WDA30F measures just 32 X 90 X 90mm (1.26 X 3.54 X 3.54 inches) and weighs 200g max, the WDA60F measures 32 X 90 X 90mm (1.26 X 3.54 X 3.54 inches) and weighs 250g max, and finally the WDA90F measures 50 X 90 X 90mm (1.97 X 3.54 X 3.54 inches) and weighs 350g max.

All three ranges have a 3,000VAC input to output isolation voltage, a 2,000VAC input to ground rating, a 500VAC output to ground, and a leakage current below 0.75 mA (AC IN 240V).

The WDA series complies with safety requirements UL62368-1, EN62368-1, C-UL (equivalent to CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.62368-1). They comply with the RoHS and Low Voltage directives and carry the CE mark and UKCA.

The WDA30F, WDA60F and WDA90F are suitable for a wide range of applications including measurement and analysis equipment, machine tools and industrial robots, display equipment, process control and more.

Related links:   https://www.coseleurope.eu/Products/AC-DC/WDA

About COSEL:

Established in Japan in 1969, COSEL is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of high-performance AC-DC Power Supplies, DC-DC Converters and EMI Filters. With quality, reliability & flexibility as our main focus, we pride ourselves on developing some of the highest quality and most reliable products seen anywhere in the world today. The Cosel Group is a $210 million global company employing some 690 staff with sales offices throughout Japan, Asia, Europe and North America. Our product range is aimed mostly at demanding applications within the Industrial, Factory Automation, Medical, Telecoms, Lighting, Audio/Broadcast & Renewable Energy sectors. A flexible approach with full in-house design means we deliver products using the very latest technology meeting the growing demands of our customers.

Scan Global Logistics opens in Abu Dhabi, its second office in the UAE in less than a year

On 1 September, only seven months after opening its first wholly owned operation in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the global logistics provider Scan Global Logistics (SGL) opened its second office in Abu Dhabi. Setting up business in the UAE capital, the fastest-growing international trade hub in the Middle East, is also a step towards enhancing SGL's presence in the economically flourishing region while expanding its global foothold.

Strategically located in the Abu Dhabi Airport Freezone, the new office is equipped with a dual license of a Freezone and a mainland company for offshore and onshore requirements. Located at the centre of the industrial zone close to the Khalifa seaport and the Etihad Cargo and International Airport, air and ocean customers will benefit from quick and easy freight handling, including expedited customs handling.

Operational 24/7/365
As the first logistics provider in Abu Dhabi, the new office is operational 24/7/365. For customers within verticals such as aid and relief or pharma often requiring urgent handling of shipments, the round-the-clock service hours enable fast customs clearance, even during night time.  

"By having customs close by, we can provide our air and ocean customers with fast inspections and efficient solutions in no time. Customs optimization can save considerable time and money and keep our customers' vital supply chain running smoothly," says Leslie Farnworth, General Manager, Abu Dhabi, who holds 23 years of experience in the industry.

He continues, elaborating on the power of proximity and collaboration with the Abu Dhabi office:

"Our proximity to import and export gateways enables us to provide speedy turnaround times, especially for our customers in the Abu Dhabi area. And, in close collaboration with our sister office, we can ensure smooth operations for customers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including land transportation to our neighbouring countries in the region." 

From left to right: Gennaro Moraca, Finance Director, UAE – Ayman Kabbara, Managing Director, UAE – Leslie Farnworth, General Manager, Abu Dhabi

Logistics of tomorrow
SGL offers a range of tangible, low-emission solutions to help decarbonize their customers' supply chains. For example, customers worldwide can opt for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

"Sustainable logistics can provide customers with a competitive edge. Therefore, we engage daily in helping our customers reduce their CO2 emissions, including long-term planning, allowing for choosing the most environmentally friendly modes of transport,” says Leslie Farnworth.

Ayman Kabbara, Managing Director, UAE, concludes:

"The opening of the Abu Dhabi office follows the trajectory of SGL's growth strategy, expanding our extensive, worldwide network, providing entrepreneurial logistics solutions to our global and regional customers. Our industry experts are handpicked within aerospace, pharma, aid & relief, retail, agriculture, and defence. Coupled with Abu Dhabi's logistical capabilities, connectivity, and strategic location as an important gateway to the African continent, Europe and Asia, we look forward to providing efficient logistics and helping uncomplicate our customers' world."

About Scan Global Logistics
Scan Global Logistics is a global full-service logistics provider headquartered in the Nordic, which excels in uncomplicating logistics through tailored solutions made by skilled specialists, proud problem-solvers, and passionate entrepreneurs.

Since 1975, the core of our DNA has been a 'can-do-attitude,' agility, and the willingness always to go the extra mile, and we are not afraid to go left when others go right. For us, every challenge is an opportunity. We go above and beyond to bring anything anywhere – whether by air, ocean, rail or road, or any other mode of transportation.

NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (hereinafter “NGK”) has received an order for NAS batteries for electrical power storage intended as those for grid storage from Toho Gas Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Toho Gas”).

The NAS batteries that Toho Gas ordered have an output of 11,400 kW (11.4 MW) and a capacity of 69,600 kWh (69.6 MWh, equivalent to one day’s worth of electrical power consumption by approximately 6,000 average households) and will be installed at the former site of Toho Gas’s Tsu LNG station, with construction set to begin this month. The batteries will be directly connected to an electrical power grid as the same for grid storage and are intended to stabilize the supply and demand of electrical power by storing electrical power when there is an excess supply and discharging it during shortages. With the introduction of these batteries for grid storage, Toho Gas was selected as a business operator for the “Business to Support the Introduction of Storage Batteries for Power Grids to Accelerate the Introduction of Renewable Energy (Revised Budget FY2021)” * led by the Sustainable open Innovation Initiative, and it is expected that the batteries will stabilize the supply and demand of electrical power supply while promoting the spread of renewable energy.

Although further introduction of renewable power generation, including solar and wind power, is anticipated to achieve carbon neutrality, the fact that the amount of power generated is affected by seasons and weather presents a challenge for renewable energy. Furthermore, handling the tightening supply and demand of electrical power due to factors such as climate change is becoming a social issue. Charging and discharging batteries for grid storage in line with supply and demand for electrical power can help to solve these issues.

NAS batteries (container type unit)

NAS batteries have been installed at more than 200 locations worldwide. They are used for load leveling and providing supply and demand alignment capabilities by harnessing their unique properties which include enabling discharge over long periods of time with a large capacity. NGK will continue to meet demand for large capacity storage batteries, such as those for grid storage, strive to stabilize the supply and demand for electrical power and promote the spread of renewable energy, while helping to realize a carbon-neutral society.

*Business to Support the Introduction of Storage Batteries for Power Grids to Accelerate the Introduction of Renewable Energy: A business that subsidizes a portion of expenses for those who introduce storage batteries or water electrolysis equipment in Japan, enabling the provision of alignment capabilities to handle fluctuations in the output of renewable energy and absorption of excess electrical power with the objective of accelerating the introduction of renewable energy and arranging environments that can fully harness its potential to meet the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

＜overview of the ordered NAS batteries >

Installed site : Former site of Toho Gas’s Tsu LNG station (Tsu City, Mie Prefecture)

Output : 11,400 kW (11.4 MW)

Capacity : 69,600 kWh (69.6 MWh)

Number of units to be installed : 48 NAS batteries (container type unit)

Applications : Provision of electrical power to capacity markets, supply and demand adjustment markets, wholesale markets, and others, and adjustment to supply and demand for electrical power

Start of construction : August 2022 (planned)

Start of operation : Fiscal 2025 (planned)