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.

A new family comprising two high output, variable axial piston pumps for load-sensing systems is now being presented by the Swedish manufacturer Sunfab Hydraulics. The pumps are designed for demanding operations for mobile truck hydraulics.

Statoil is to replace 40 separate fire protection systems on its three platforms, Statfjord A, B and C, over a period of 2-3 years. The order is valued at approx. NOK40 million. The titanium pipes to be used in the new systems will be supplied by the Swedish company Permascand. Statoil has recently carried out tests on the materials used in fire protection equipment. They were subjected to a 'jet fire', with temperatures well in excess of 1,000°C. The titanium pipes do not appear to have suffered any adverse effects.

Optima Yellowtop 5.5 L is reported to be the first large lead/acid battery on the market to combine deep cycling with high cranking amperage.  It builds on the manufacturer's spiral-cell technology and is suitable for forestry, building and construction equipment and for distribution vehicles and other vehicles with electrically-powered accessory equipment.  Operating environments characterised by vibrations, heat, humidity and dust make harsh demands of a robust and reliable battery design.