SSC Satellitbild in Sweden is increasing the number of satellite images of cityscapes that can be accessed over the Internet.

The introduction of the Thermalert GP series by Raytek Corporation now enables infrared temperature measurement to compete with thermocouples and other probe devices. The cost factor is especially significant in a wide range of multiple-sensor web applications. Examples are paper, textile and plastic production, where noncontact methods allow measurement of the actual process material rather than the heating medium.

The cornerstone of development in modern food packaging lies in the improvement of the raw material, i.e. board. Most board manufacturers work actively towards developing boards which are as functional and environmentally friendly as possible. However, many packaging manufacturers, both in the Nordic countries and in Europe, are not necessarily interested in the opportunities offered by new materials. Traditional materials are easier to use as they work well in old packaging machinery and in familiar packaging solutions. Enso Paperboards, the Finnish board manufacturer, considers continuous collaboration with, for example, manufacturers of food, confectionery and tobacco products to be the prerequisite for developing better and more sophisticated packaging materials. A package is a total concept, the development of which needs the cooperation of all parties, from the raw material producer to the end user. Besides making it possible to create tailor-made solutions, cooperation also produces considerable cost and environmental savings. Active product development work has already yielded results that are within the reach of consumers world wide.

In response to increasing concern about energy costs and environmental factors, users of gas compression and transfer equipment are turning to hydraulic drives as an alternative to air and electric powered units. U. S. company Haskel International is meeting this growing market need by introducing a new line of hydraulic driven gas boosters.

SCA, one of Europe's leading paper manufacturers, has started a wide-ranging collaboration with Amnesty. "The link between Amnesty and SCA feels natural, because paper has always been a vital bearer of free speech", says Niclas Holmén, marketing manager with SCA Fine Paper. In several European countries, part of the proceeds from sales of the office paper Wifsta Office will be used to support Amnesty's operations.

Before the launch of the S80 model, Swedish car manufacturer Volvo decided on a completely new vehicle assembly strategy. A company in the Constructor Group specialising in materials handling, MTH Constructor, was selected as a partner in setting up the production process. 'It proved a real challenge for us, with exceptional demands', says Sales Manager Lars Mila. 

By bringing together two separate production programmes, MTH Constructor can now offer a total system of new cranes for materials handling. The system is based on modular construction and optimising work areas to offer the customer a cost-effective alternative.

Thanks to the unique design of its aluminium grandstands, a Swedish family business has won a prestigious order to provide the arenas for the Formula One "circus" world wide. "Speed, safety and a practically unlimited field of application mean that we get enquiries from all over the world, and the growth of the business has been record-breaking", says Pär J. Johnsson, International Operations Officer at SitDown. "In three years the company has more than quadrupled its sales".

A Sanitary Refractometer has been developed to measure more accurately the concentration of liquids and mixtures within food and drinks processing.  Increasing demands on the food and beverage industries to maintain and improve quality and to meet the 3A Sanitary Standard are some of the reasons behind the development of the latest process refractometer,the PR-03-A by K-Patents OY in Finland.