Laitosjalkine Oy, a Finnish company specialising in the manufacture of work shoes, has developed a new type of winter footwear that efficiently prevents accidents caused by slipping and falling. Each sole of the Laja Icego footwear incorporates a permanent anti-slip device that is easy to engage or disengage with the tip of the other shoe. The new footwear will be launched during winter 2002/2003.

The Swedish company Comtax has developed PC-based tax planning software that uses mathematical calculations and information about tax regulations in different countries to suggest the most suitable strategies for handling cross-border taxation.The software is aimed at multinational companies with subsidiaries in several countries, and at international tax consultants, lawyers, auditors and banks. 

Copper smelting operations at major Chilean plant, currently owned by a subsidiary of the oil company, Exxon, are able to run smoothly thanks to the use of Rammer hammers. The hammers, supplied by Sandvik Tamrock, prevent the Chilean furnaces becoming clogged with molten copper so halting operations.

Ormond Building Products Ltd has invested in PCE Engineering Oy's Acotec building technology for the production of extruded lightweight concrete wall panels. The company is trying to address the high demand for construction in Ireland with time and labour saving solutions.

Cramo is intensifying its strategic relationship with Caterpillar and introducing the worldwide 'Cat Rental Store' concept in the Group starting this autumn. The aim is to be able to satisfy the rapidly growing rental market's demands even more efficiently, with an expanded product range for the rental market and a higher level of additional services, according to Cramo's CEO. Cramo, which is already one of Europe's largest rental companies, is consequently becoming a key player in a pan-European trend. The agreement is not linked to any change in ownership.

SWE-DISH Satellite Systems was on Thursday night, September 5th, given the "Excellent Swedish Design" award at a prize ceremony at Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden. The award was given for the satellite system IPT Suitcase, designed by Tor Bonnier and Lars Hofsjö - Reload Design.

The Swedish company Munters has developed a new type of dehumidifier, the MDry 150. The new dehumidifier is characterised by its high capacity and ergonomic design. Furthermore, it is reported to be one of the more lightweight dehumidifiers on the market. In contrast to cold condenser dehumidifiers, the new product can be used in both hot and very cold environments. The dehumidifier will probably be used primarily within the sanitation industry, but it could also be of use to the building industry and the private market for summer cottages closed up for the winter, in crawlspaces and on boats.

Launching its range of coated release liners at America's premier speciality papers exhibition is how Stora Enso Speciality Papers is marking its entry onto the world scene.

Stora Enso Packaging Boards has introduced PartnerWeb, a real-time software system that lets customers track the product order and delivery process via the Internet. Early customer acceptance of this web-based business resource planning system has encouraged the company to launch a more comprehensive version of the software in the autumn.

The Vacuum technology company Piab has been developing new vacuum conveyors. The development work is based on technology employed in the company's vacuum conveyor, C33. It was the first vacuum conveyor to satisfy the requirements of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The new conveyors, available in varying sizes, are developed to meet the same criteria and every component is approved by the USDA.