Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) today acquired Automation Control Products (ACP), a leading provider in centralized thin client, remote desktop and server management software. ACP’s two core products, ThinManager® and Relevance®, provide manufacturing and industrial leaders with visual display and software solutions to manage information and streamline workflows for a more connected manufacturing environment.
This acquisition supports the Rockwell Automation growth strategy to help customers increase global competitiveness through The Connected Enterprise – a vision that connects information across the plant floor to the rest of the enterprise. It is accelerated by the Industrial Internet of Things and advances in technologies, such as data analytics, remote monitoring, and mobility.
“Today’s plant engineers turn to our technology innovation and domain expertise to help improve their manufacturing quality and reliability while increasing productivity,” said Frank Kulaszewicz, senior vice president of Architecture and Software, Rockwell Automation. “With ACP’s industry-leading products now in our portfolio, we can provide new capabilities for workers as the manufacturing environment becomes more digital and connected.”
ThinManager centralizes the management and visualization of content to every facet of a modern manufacturing operation, from the control room to the end user. It streamlines workflows and allows users to reduce hardware operation and maintenance costs. Relevance extends the ThinManager functionality through proprietary location-based technology, enabling users’ secure mobile access to content and applications from anywhere.
“We are a perfect addition to Rockwell Automation’s industrial automation offerings that aim to increase reliability, productivity and security as well as lower energy and maintenance costs while implementing sustainable technology for leading global manufacturers,” said Matt Crandell, CEO of ACP. “We are confident that our customers will quickly see the value from our two organizations working to address their needs together.”
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs approximately 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
About ACP
Prior to the acquisition, ACP was a leader in the automation industry, providing full-featured industrial thin client management and location-based mobility software. ACP is a privately-held company located in Alpharetta, GA with less than 30 employees. Its solutions are installed in 3,000 locations globally with more than 1,000 customers in 30 countries, including nearly 30 of the top 100 global manufacturers.
A report in today's Gisborne Herald describes how a joint venture company known as WET Gisborne Ltd (WLG) has been formed between Wood Engineering Technology Ltd and the Eastland Community Trust (ECT) resulting in a wood processing plant being built which will manufacture a new style of building frame.
This first ever plant to commercially manufacture the OEL™ framing for builders anywhere in the world is located at the former Prime sawmill site, near Matawhero.
The new technology, developed and proven by Wood Engineering Technology Ltd, allows any logs — even one metre-long pieces can be used — to be dismantled and then reassembled into uniformly strong and straight structural OEL™ framing in an internationally-patented, state-of-the-art automated process.
Replacing broken or damaged mirrors can be an expensive and time wasting business not to mention the seven years bad luck many associate with it!Well now with the release in New Zealand last month of the Solar Gard Mirror Shield this has all changed. This innovative product is practicle, cost effective and has many benefits. For application all that is required is a flat surface to apply it on so, this opens up significantly those areas where a mirrored look can be applied. It is ideal for those locations where there is human contact such as gyms, clothing stores and restaurants. One benefit that will please many is Mirror Shield's resistance to acid etching, the new method employed by graffiti vandals these days where glass etching compounds are used. Solar Gard's Ross Eathorne is the person to direct your questions to. Ross can be reached on 09 441 0040 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Link here to reach a spec Sheet
ContainerCo (NZL) is weighing up options to fund "significant growth opportunities" to beef up the container depot operator's level of automated equipment and potentially see it expand overseas.
The Auckland-based company hired investment bank Cameron Partners to advise on its options and spent $377,402 on initial public offering related costs in the year ended March 31, its annual report says. Since the March 31 balance date, ContainerCo has "commenced preparatory work to raise additional capital and list on the NXT board of the New Zealand Stock Exchange," it said.
The Canterbury tech summit to be held in Christchurch on Thursday is already a sell-out which is not surprising considering the rapidly increasing interest and investment in all things technology, Muller says.
“Technology is growing at a staggering pace around New Zealand which now has about 29,000 tech firms, contributing $16.2 billion to gross domestic product, $6.3 billion in exports and employing almost 100,000 Kiwis,” Muller says.
“Technology is New Zealand’s fastest growing and third largest export sector. Christchurch now has its own vibrant tech sector. It is one of New Zealand’s top regions for IT businesses. Christchurch companies include the listed SLI Systems, Diligent Board Books and Wynyard, as well as global niche players such as Tait, Trimble and Dynamic Controls.
“The Canterbury Tech Cluster is playing a big part in helping technology growth in South Island’s biggest city and they have done a great job in organising the big tech summit this week. The timing is right for Canterbury to step up as a leader in NZ tech sector growth.
“With rebuild activities at a turning point, a strong regional tech network and a clearly defined strategy for the Christchurch tech sector, the Canterbury tech community is in a healthy position to help strengthen the nation’s tech sector growth.
“The Canterbury tech sector contributes $2.4 billion worth of GDP and 14,837 jobs to the local economy and combines grassroots organisations with large technology companies to produce some of the best innovations in New Zealand.
“Technology impacts almost every aspect of our lives and is a very competitive global market. Growth of the Canterbury tech sector is important but it is equally as important for all regions to work together and share knowledge to help grow the nation’s economy.”
Physically New Zealand’s biggest region, Canterbury has a large agricultural sector and is experiencing growth in the precision agriculture sector. NZTech is supporting the Canterbury-based Precision Agriculture Association of New Zealand grow its members.
For further information contact New Zealand Technology Industry Association chief executive Graeme Muller on 021 02520767 or Make Lemonade media specialist Kip Brook on 0275 030188
Retired Court of Appeal judge, the Honourable Lyn Stevens QC, will chair an independent inquiry into the Havelock North water supply contamination incident, Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson announced yesterday.
Justice Stevens will be joined on the panel by NZQA CEO and former Director-General of Health, Dr Karen Poutasi CNZM, and local government and engineering expert, Anthony Wilson.
“The members of the inquiry panel have the extensive legal, public health, local government and water management expertise required to conduct an inquiry of this nature,” said Mr Finlayson.
The Inquiry will commence this week and report back by 31 March 2017. Under the final terms of reference, the Inquiry will focus on:
Retired Court of Appeal judge, the Honourable Lyn Stevens QC, will chair an independent inquiry into the Havelock North water supply contamination incident, Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson announced yesterday.
Justice Stevens will be joined on the panel by NZQA CEO and former Director-General of Health, Dr Karen Poutasi CNZM, and local government and engineering expert, Anthony Wilson.
“The members of the inquiry panel have the extensive legal, public health, local government and water management expertise required to conduct an inquiry of this nature,” said Mr Finlayson.
The Inquiry will commence this week and report back by 31 March 2017. Under the final terms of reference, the Inquiry will focus on:
It will also consider any necessary changes to prevent or minimise similar incidents in the future.
The Inquiry will conduct an initial sitting in the Hawke’s Bay in the coming weeks.
Biographical details of panel members
The Honourable Lyn Stevens QCJustice Stevens is a retired Court of Appeal judge, now based in Auckland. He has had a long and distinguished legal career. In addition to serving on the bench, he was the Crown Prosecutor and Partner at Auckland law firm Meredith Connell & Co, and a Partner at Russell McVeagh McKenzie Bartleet & Co. Justice Stevens was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1997 and holds a range of professional memberships. He was previously a member of the International Bar Association.
Dr Karen Poutasi CNZMDr Poutasi served as the Director-General of Health and has worked in senior management roles across the health sector. She is currently the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. She has been a Director of The Network For Learning Limited since 2 July 2014. She is the Chair of Basketball New Zealand and the New Zealand Committee for Harkness Fellowships. She received a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to health in 2006. Dr Poutasi also holds management qualifications from both the University of Otago and Harvard. She is a medical graduate specialising in public health and will bring significant public health expertise to the inquiry.
Anthony WilsonMr Wilson is currently City Engineer at the Wellington City Council, Chief Engineer for the Let’s Get Wellington Moving Alliance and alternate Group Controller for the Wellington Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group. He has extensive experience in municipal infrastructure, both in New Zealand and overseas, and has held responsibility for multibillion dollar asset portfolios, including essential and public services. He is a recognised leader in strategic asset management and has led the New Zealand water sector in the development of best practice. Mr Wilson is a past president of both the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand and Water New Zealand. He holds professional qualifications and memberships in the engineering and infrastructure management fields from New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Mr Wilson will bring essential skills of senior local government management, governance and engineering expertise in water care to the Inquiry membership.Related Documents
Terms of Reference for the Government Inquiry into Havelock North Drinking-Water.pdf (pdf 373.79 KB)
One of Auckland’s very few women yacht brokers is reporting a big surge in recreational boating in Auckland – and is expanding her business in the city by linking with a southern broker to help meet the demand for both new and used boats.
Janis Marler and partner Blair Harkness of City of Sails Marine Brokers have been appointed Northern Sales Representatives for South Island based NZ Boat Sales, offering the full range of new Aquila cruising catamarans, as well as Seawind, Outremer, Corsair and Overblue power and sail catamarans.
“This is a very exciting new development for both the Auckland and New Zealand luxury boat market. Now we can offer from our Auckland base an impressive range of luxury cruising catamarans that are also perfectly designed for entertaining.
“We’re looking forward to a great summer, and we’ll be at this year’s On Water Boat Show aboard the brand new 13.32 metre luxury power catamaran Aquila, which is the first example of the Aquila range of catamarans to be brought into the country by NZ Boat Sales and Australian partners Multihull Central,” says Janis. The show runs from September 29 to October 2 in the Viaduct Harbour.
The Aquila 44 recently turned lots of heads at the Sydney Boat Show and is certain to do the same in New Zealand. She arrived in Auckland by freighter early in September and has been readied for the boat show.
The Aquila 44 features an unusual yet very modern, efficient hull design and is the ultimate in cruising style and luxury. “The Aquila range will be very popular with those wanting the additional space, stability, layout and comfort. They’ll catch the eye of cruisers, wine buffs and gourmet cooks alike, and will bring a new meaning to the term ‘dream boat’ for those who take their fun seriously this summer,” says Janis.
Janis and Blair and their son Jay Harkness have together sold a very wide range of recreational yachts and launches to sailors from throughout New Zealand and overseas. All the team members have long experience in owning and sailing boats, as well as in marketing, communications, selling, and yachting journalism. Janis’ connections with boating extend over three generations – as well as through family ownership of a number of traditional and modern sail and power boats.
Source: NZ Boat Sales
The CPMA (Consumer Packaging Manufacturers Alliance) warns of soft drinks plain packs following NZ report.
The organisation has voiced its concern over potential plain packaging of soft drinks in New Zealand following the results of a study by the University of Auckland that suggested plain packaging and graphic warning labels could potentially reduce soft drink consumption amongst young people.
A team of researchers surveyed 600 young people, aged 13-24, online to find out what impact plain packaging and warning labels would have on their buying habits. It found that plain packaging and warning labels had a bigger impact than price on whether or not a young person would buy a particular soft drink.
Research leader Dr Cliona Ni Mhurchu said branding was a major factor in their decision making.
Dairy organizations in the United States, Australia, the European Union, Mexico and New Zealand today issued a joint letter to their respective trade and agriculture officials, expressing indignation about Canada's recent actions to deepen its already prohibitive restrictions on dairy trade.
The groups said Canada's increasingly protectionist policies violate "international trade obligations, hold out the prospect of trade diversion with attendant global price-depressing impacts and are in conflict with the principles of free markets and fair and transparent trade."
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242