The deal covers systems engineering, integration, modernization, maintenance, management and contingency support among other things, the Pentagon's daily contract digest said. (Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Andre Grenon)
11 years ago
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Lockheed gets $421.1 million U.S. Air Force deal
WASHINGTON, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) has won a $421.1 million U.S. Air Force contract for "Weapon System Integrator" work at the Air and Space Operations Center, the Defense Department said on Wednesday. The deal covers systems engineering, integration, modernization, maintenance, management and contingency support among other things, the Pentagon's daily contract digest said. (Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Andre Grenon)
The deal covers systems engineering, integration, modernization, maintenance, management and contingency support among other things, the Pentagon's daily contract digest said. (Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Andre Grenon)
WTO panel may rule against Airbus in subsidy case -WSJ
Sept 3 (Reuters) - In a victory for Boeing (BA.N), a preliminary World Trade Organization panel is likely to rule on Friday that European governments illegally subsidized Airbus aircraft, the Wall Street Journal said, citing trade officials, lawyers and executives from both sides.
The expected ruling in the biggest trade dispute in the WTO's nearly 15-year history has been years in the making.
Britain three weeks ago pledged 340 million pounds ($553.5 million) in loans to help Airbus develop the A350 widebody passenger jet, which is intended to compete with Boeing's much-delayed 787 Dreamliner.
Germany would provide 1.1 billion euros ($1.57 billion) and France 1.4 billion euros ($2.0 billion), German and French officials have said.
Last week, a Ted Austell, Boeing's vice president for government operations, told reporters that he hoped the expected ruling would force European governments to reconsider plans to help finance the A350. [ID:nN27324858]
Boeing and Airbus could not be immediately reached for comment by Reuters. ($1=.6143 Pound =.7006 Euro) (Reporting by Ajay Kamalakaran in Bangalore; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) (ajay.kamalakaran@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +1 646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 4135 5800 +1 646 897 1898; Reuters Messaging: ajay.kamalakaran.reuters.com@reuters.net))
The expected ruling in the biggest trade dispute in the WTO's nearly 15-year history has been years in the making.
Britain three weeks ago pledged 340 million pounds ($553.5 million) in loans to help Airbus develop the A350 widebody passenger jet, which is intended to compete with Boeing's much-delayed 787 Dreamliner.Germany would provide 1.1 billion euros ($1.57 billion) and France 1.4 billion euros ($2.0 billion), German and French officials have said.
Last week, a Ted Austell, Boeing's vice president for government operations, told reporters that he hoped the expected ruling would force European governments to reconsider plans to help finance the A350. [ID:nN27324858]
Boeing and Airbus could not be immediately reached for comment by Reuters. ($1=.6143 Pound =.7006 Euro) (Reporting by Ajay Kamalakaran in Bangalore; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) (ajay.kamalakaran@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +1 646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 4135 5800 +1 646 897 1898; Reuters Messaging: ajay.kamalakaran.reuters.com@reuters.net))
Pall's Centrisep® Air Cleaners Chosen for Mil Mi-8 and Mi-17 Helicopters
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.-- September 3, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE)--Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL - News) a global leader in filtration, separation and purification systems and technologies, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Russian Helicopters, JSC to provide Centrisep® air cleaner filters for Mil Mi-8 and Mi-17 civil transport helicopters. A service bulletin authorizing installation of the Centrisep filters is anticipated following completion of standard flight trials this summer. 
Business Wire - Pall's Centrisep air cleaner fitted above the cabin on this Mi-17 helicopter is a "Fit and Forget" solution ...
Russian Helicopters is one of the largest helicopter producers in the world. The company’s Mil Mi-8 is the aerospace industry’s most-produced helicopter, with approximately 12,000 craft manufactured since 1968 and over 2500 currently in service. More than 1000 of the heavier transport Mi-17 version, introduced in 1974, are currently in-service and the helicopter is still in production.
Pall’s Centrisep air cleaners protect helicopter engines from airborne contamination by utilizing centrifugal force to continuously remove particles, such as sand, dust and salt spray, before they can enter the engine air intake. The engine air particle separator (EAPS) technology extends the life of a helicopter engine against erosion, while enhancing engine safety, reliability, availability and performance. Centrisep air cleaners are a “Fit and Forget”, environmentally sustainable solution which can be certified for all-weather operation.
“We’ve been working toward this partnership for some time and are delighted to have concluded an agreement,” said Andrei Shibitov, CEO, Russian Helicopter. “The new particle separators will significantly enhance the engine operation performance of our Mi-8/17 helicopters, which is particularly important for operators of the Russian-made helicopters in the Middle East and Africa. We are also considering further cooperation with Pall on upgrading our other models, particularly the Mi-38, Ka-226T and others.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to provide our engine protection technology to Russian Helicopters. We’re looking forward to a long-term collaboration in advancing the state of helicopter performance,” said Jim Western, president, Pall Aerospace and Transportation.
Over 40,000 helicopters are currently in service worldwide, excluding piston-powered, single-engine craft. Industry forecasts project over $14 billion revenue in additional helicopter production in 2010.
Pall Aerospace provides fluid filtration and separation solutions for a broad range of military and commercial aircraft. Its filter products are used on all major rotorcraft brands worldwide. Centrisep air cleaners have been protecting helicopter engines since the 1960s. Over fifty different designs have been certified and operate worldwide.
To learn more about Centrisep air cleaners, go to www.pall.com/Centrisep
About Pall Corporation
Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL - News) is a filtration, separation and purification leader providing Total Fluid ManagementSM solutions to meet the critical needs of customers in biopharmaceutical, hospital and transfusion medicine, energy and alternative energy, electronics, municipal and industrial water, aerospace, transportation and broad industrial markets. Together with our customers, we foster health, safety and environmentally responsible technologies. The Company’s engineered solutions enable process and product innovation and minimize emissions and waste. Pall Corporation is an S&P 500 company with more than 10,000 employees servicing customers worldwide. To see how Pall is helping enable a greener and more sustainable future, visit www.pall.com
About Russian Helicopters, JSC
Russian Helicopters, JSC, a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, is the managing body of all Russian helicopter industry enterprises. Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, and Kazan Helicopters conduct R&D. Serial production plants were also integrated into the Russian Helicopters company: Kazan Helicopters manufactures the medium Mi-8/17 and the light Ansat, and is starting production of the Mi-38. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant manufactures the Mi-8/171. Rostvertol manufactures the heavy lift helicopter Mi-26T, the transport-combat helicopter Mi-24/35, and the attack helicopter Mi-28N. Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise produces the Ka-27/Ka-32 and the light Ka-226. Arsenyev Aviation Company Progress manufactures the military attack helicopter Ka-50/52 and the light Mi-34. Russian Helicopters Company is also engaged in the management of production and aftersale support enterprises for major components and systems: Vpered Moscow Machine-Building Plant, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM and Helicopter Service Company (VSK).
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6041974&lang=en
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6041974
Business Wire - Pall's Centrisep air cleaner fitted above the cabin on this Mi-17 helicopter is a "Fit and Forget" solution ...Russian Helicopters is one of the largest helicopter producers in the world. The company’s Mil Mi-8 is the aerospace industry’s most-produced helicopter, with approximately 12,000 craft manufactured since 1968 and over 2500 currently in service. More than 1000 of the heavier transport Mi-17 version, introduced in 1974, are currently in-service and the helicopter is still in production.
Pall’s Centrisep air cleaners protect helicopter engines from airborne contamination by utilizing centrifugal force to continuously remove particles, such as sand, dust and salt spray, before they can enter the engine air intake. The engine air particle separator (EAPS) technology extends the life of a helicopter engine against erosion, while enhancing engine safety, reliability, availability and performance. Centrisep air cleaners are a “Fit and Forget”, environmentally sustainable solution which can be certified for all-weather operation.
“We’ve been working toward this partnership for some time and are delighted to have concluded an agreement,” said Andrei Shibitov, CEO, Russian Helicopter. “The new particle separators will significantly enhance the engine operation performance of our Mi-8/17 helicopters, which is particularly important for operators of the Russian-made helicopters in the Middle East and Africa. We are also considering further cooperation with Pall on upgrading our other models, particularly the Mi-38, Ka-226T and others.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to provide our engine protection technology to Russian Helicopters. We’re looking forward to a long-term collaboration in advancing the state of helicopter performance,” said Jim Western, president, Pall Aerospace and Transportation.
Over 40,000 helicopters are currently in service worldwide, excluding piston-powered, single-engine craft. Industry forecasts project over $14 billion revenue in additional helicopter production in 2010.
Pall Aerospace provides fluid filtration and separation solutions for a broad range of military and commercial aircraft. Its filter products are used on all major rotorcraft brands worldwide. Centrisep air cleaners have been protecting helicopter engines since the 1960s. Over fifty different designs have been certified and operate worldwide.
To learn more about Centrisep air cleaners, go to www.pall.com/Centrisep
About Pall Corporation
Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL - News) is a filtration, separation and purification leader providing Total Fluid ManagementSM solutions to meet the critical needs of customers in biopharmaceutical, hospital and transfusion medicine, energy and alternative energy, electronics, municipal and industrial water, aerospace, transportation and broad industrial markets. Together with our customers, we foster health, safety and environmentally responsible technologies. The Company’s engineered solutions enable process and product innovation and minimize emissions and waste. Pall Corporation is an S&P 500 company with more than 10,000 employees servicing customers worldwide. To see how Pall is helping enable a greener and more sustainable future, visit www.pall.com
About Russian Helicopters, JSC
Russian Helicopters, JSC, a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, is the managing body of all Russian helicopter industry enterprises. Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, and Kazan Helicopters conduct R&D. Serial production plants were also integrated into the Russian Helicopters company: Kazan Helicopters manufactures the medium Mi-8/17 and the light Ansat, and is starting production of the Mi-38. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant manufactures the Mi-8/171. Rostvertol manufactures the heavy lift helicopter Mi-26T, the transport-combat helicopter Mi-24/35, and the attack helicopter Mi-28N. Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise produces the Ka-27/Ka-32 and the light Ka-226. Arsenyev Aviation Company Progress manufactures the military attack helicopter Ka-50/52 and the light Mi-34. Russian Helicopters Company is also engaged in the management of production and aftersale support enterprises for major components and systems: Vpered Moscow Machine-Building Plant, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM and Helicopter Service Company (VSK).
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6041974&lang=en
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6041974
Boeing CEO has confidence in new 787 schedule
* Boeing CEO has confidence in 787 schedule
* Company plans first test flight by year end
CHICAGO, Sept 3, 2009 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) has "a lot of confidence" in its plan to test fly its 787 Dreamliner by the end of the year, Chief Executive Jim McNerney said September 2.
Speaking on a webcast of a Morgan Stanley conference, McNerney said Boeing and its chief rival, EADS (EAD.PA) unit Airbus, have been chastened by embarrassing production glitches for Boeing's 787 and the superjumbo Airbus A380.
Boeing this year again delayed the first test flight of its revolutionary carbon-composite 787. The delay was a blow to Boeing's credibility and drew criticism from customers. The company issued a new test flight and delivery schedule last week.
"At the end of the day, I think customers value people who deliver and not people who promise," McNerney said. "And that's what we had to relearn."
The A380 is being delivered to customers two years late due to wiring problems. Meanwhile, Boeing and Airbus are suffering from weak demand as airlines grapple with a sagging economy.
McNerney said Boeing has learned not to promise a timetable that it cannot meet.
"We're going to be far more disciplined in the next couple of developments," McNerney said.
Also on Wednesday, Boeing confirmed an order from Turkmenistan Airlines for three 737-700s worth about $192 million at list prices. (Reporting by Kyle Peterson; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
* Company plans first test flight by year end
CHICAGO, Sept 3, 2009 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) has "a lot of confidence" in its plan to test fly its 787 Dreamliner by the end of the year, Chief Executive Jim McNerney said September 2.
Speaking on a webcast of a Morgan Stanley conference, McNerney said Boeing and its chief rival, EADS (EAD.PA) unit Airbus, have been chastened by embarrassing production glitches for Boeing's 787 and the superjumbo Airbus A380.Boeing this year again delayed the first test flight of its revolutionary carbon-composite 787. The delay was a blow to Boeing's credibility and drew criticism from customers. The company issued a new test flight and delivery schedule last week.
"At the end of the day, I think customers value people who deliver and not people who promise," McNerney said. "And that's what we had to relearn."
The A380 is being delivered to customers two years late due to wiring problems. Meanwhile, Boeing and Airbus are suffering from weak demand as airlines grapple with a sagging economy.
McNerney said Boeing has learned not to promise a timetable that it cannot meet.
"We're going to be far more disciplined in the next couple of developments," McNerney said.
Also on Wednesday, Boeing confirmed an order from Turkmenistan Airlines for three 737-700s worth about $192 million at list prices. (Reporting by Kyle Peterson; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
Japan's Hatoyama, U.S. envoy discuss enhancing ties
* Concerns simmer about U.S-Japan ties after election
* Japan's next leader seeks to sooth alliance concerns
* Tough U.S. words could spark backlash - analysts (Recasts with meeting between U.S. envoy and Hatoyama)
By Chisa Fujioka and Linda Sieg
TOKYO, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Japan's new leader and Washington's envoy agreed on Thursday to enhance ties amid concerns about the alliance after an election win by Yukio Hatoyama's party, which has pledged a more independent diplomatic course.
The prospect of a Democratic Party administration in Japan, ruled for most of the past half-century by conservatives who put the U.S. partnership at the core of its security stance, has raised worries in Washington about a tilt away from the alliance.
Most analysts say no huge shift is in store after Hatoyama takes up the premiership on Sept. 16, but investors are also concerned about a possible rocky road ahead.
"We talked about the very deep relationship between the United States and Japan," U.S. ambassador to Japan John Roos told reporters after a meeting with Hatoyama.
"We spent a lot of time talking about how to enhance and further deepen that relationship across a broad range of issues, not only strategic issues, but scientific issues, cultural matters ... because the two countries have shared values and shared interests," Roos said.
"We have lot of work to do but we are going to do it together," he said.
The meeting followed an early morning phone conversation in which Hatoyama sought to reassure U.S. President Barack Obama that the relationship would stay central to Tokyo's diplomacy.
"I told him we think the U.S.-Japan alliance is the foundation (of Japanese diplomacy) and I would like to build U.S.-Japan relations with eyes on the future," Hatoyama said.
The Democrats pledged in their campaign platform to create a more equal partnership with Washington while forging warmer ties with Asian neighbours such as China.
NEED TO SEND MESSAGE
The U.S.-educated Hatoyama also raised eyebrows in Washington with a recent essay, published in English, in which he attacked the "unrestrained market fundamentalism" of U.S.-led globalisation. He has since sought to play down those comments.
"It was an error of judgment on the part of Hatoyama and the DPJ to have the essay published in English," said Koichi Nakano, a professor at Tokyo's Sophia University.
"It was for domestic consumption and had its purpose in the campaign context, but putting it out in English for an American audience was unwise."
U.S. officials, including Roos himself, have recently raised some eyebrows too by forcefully reiterating Washington's position that deals on U.S. forces in Japan were not up for renegotiation.
"Obama needs to send a message to the whole administration to bite their tongues or they will provoke a fight," said Columbia University professor Gerry Curtis.
"The internal politics of the DPJ and its coalition don't allow them to just walk away from his platform a few days after the election. But give them a few months and there will be ways to deal with these issues," he said.
The Democrats, themselves a mix of former LDP members, ex-socialists and younger conservatives, are trying to form a coalition with two tiny parties, including the leftist Social Democrats, whose support is needed in parliament's upper house.
The new ruling party has said it wants to re-examine an agreement governing U.S. military forces in Japan and a deal on rejigging U.S. troops under which about 8,000 Marines would leave for the U.S. territory of Guam and a Marine air base be shifted to a less populated part of the southern island of Okinawa.
Hatoyama has also said he plans to end a naval mission in support of U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan when its legal mandate expires in January.
Few analysts expect a Democratic Party government to make big changes in the alliance, given decades of close ties and Japan's reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella to protect it from such regional threats as unpredictable nearby North Korea.
But Washington would do well to avoid a strident tone in talks with Japan's government-in-waiting, some analysts said.
"Japan is so heavily reliant on the United States that radical change is not going to happen," Nakano said.
"But American senior officials taking such a haughty stance after the Japanese people have spoken in favour of a change of government is not diplomatically very sound. (Additional reporting by Yoko Nishikawa and Yoko Kubota in TOKYO, and Matt Spetalnick and Paul Eckert in WASHINGTON; Editing by Paul Tait)
* Japan's next leader seeks to sooth alliance concerns
* Tough U.S. words could spark backlash - analysts (Recasts with meeting between U.S. envoy and Hatoyama)
By Chisa Fujioka and Linda Sieg
TOKYO, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Japan's new leader and Washington's envoy agreed on Thursday to enhance ties amid concerns about the alliance after an election win by Yukio Hatoyama's party, which has pledged a more independent diplomatic course.
The prospect of a Democratic Party administration in Japan, ruled for most of the past half-century by conservatives who put the U.S. partnership at the core of its security stance, has raised worries in Washington about a tilt away from the alliance.
Most analysts say no huge shift is in store after Hatoyama takes up the premiership on Sept. 16, but investors are also concerned about a possible rocky road ahead.
"We talked about the very deep relationship between the United States and Japan," U.S. ambassador to Japan John Roos told reporters after a meeting with Hatoyama.
"We spent a lot of time talking about how to enhance and further deepen that relationship across a broad range of issues, not only strategic issues, but scientific issues, cultural matters ... because the two countries have shared values and shared interests," Roos said.
"We have lot of work to do but we are going to do it together," he said.
The meeting followed an early morning phone conversation in which Hatoyama sought to reassure U.S. President Barack Obama that the relationship would stay central to Tokyo's diplomacy.
"I told him we think the U.S.-Japan alliance is the foundation (of Japanese diplomacy) and I would like to build U.S.-Japan relations with eyes on the future," Hatoyama said.
The Democrats pledged in their campaign platform to create a more equal partnership with Washington while forging warmer ties with Asian neighbours such as China.
NEED TO SEND MESSAGE
The U.S.-educated Hatoyama also raised eyebrows in Washington with a recent essay, published in English, in which he attacked the "unrestrained market fundamentalism" of U.S.-led globalisation. He has since sought to play down those comments.
"It was an error of judgment on the part of Hatoyama and the DPJ to have the essay published in English," said Koichi Nakano, a professor at Tokyo's Sophia University.
"It was for domestic consumption and had its purpose in the campaign context, but putting it out in English for an American audience was unwise."
U.S. officials, including Roos himself, have recently raised some eyebrows too by forcefully reiterating Washington's position that deals on U.S. forces in Japan were not up for renegotiation.
"Obama needs to send a message to the whole administration to bite their tongues or they will provoke a fight," said Columbia University professor Gerry Curtis.
"The internal politics of the DPJ and its coalition don't allow them to just walk away from his platform a few days after the election. But give them a few months and there will be ways to deal with these issues," he said.
The Democrats, themselves a mix of former LDP members, ex-socialists and younger conservatives, are trying to form a coalition with two tiny parties, including the leftist Social Democrats, whose support is needed in parliament's upper house.
The new ruling party has said it wants to re-examine an agreement governing U.S. military forces in Japan and a deal on rejigging U.S. troops under which about 8,000 Marines would leave for the U.S. territory of Guam and a Marine air base be shifted to a less populated part of the southern island of Okinawa.
Hatoyama has also said he plans to end a naval mission in support of U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan when its legal mandate expires in January.
Few analysts expect a Democratic Party government to make big changes in the alliance, given decades of close ties and Japan's reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella to protect it from such regional threats as unpredictable nearby North Korea.
But Washington would do well to avoid a strident tone in talks with Japan's government-in-waiting, some analysts said.
"Japan is so heavily reliant on the United States that radical change is not going to happen," Nakano said.
"But American senior officials taking such a haughty stance after the Japanese people have spoken in favour of a change of government is not diplomatically very sound. (Additional reporting by Yoko Nishikawa and Yoko Kubota in TOKYO, and Matt Spetalnick and Paul Eckert in WASHINGTON; Editing by Paul Tait)
Research and Markets: Frost & Sullivan Report: Middle East Strategic and Tactical Communications Market Assessment
DUBLIN-- September 3, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3b03a3/middle_east_strate) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "Middle East Strategic and Tactical Communications Market Assessment" to their offering.
Middle East countries are showing growing recognition of MILSATCOM capability, which is reflected in their growing investment on space assets for both defence and Home Land Security (HLS) needs. Most of the Middle East MODs under study are likely to acquire dedicated MILSATCOM capability between 2011 and 2013, by the way of leasing dedicated transponders onboard hybrid satellites (satellites being used for both military, government and commercial purposes), and owning SATCOM terminals and associated network infrastructures. Although present bandwidth use is dominated by mostly C and Ku bands, the scenario is likely to favour mass use of ka band towards the end of research period, with a sizable intake of AEHF band.
This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Middle East Strategic and Tactical Communications Market Assessment provides a quantitative overview of both satellite communication (SATCOM) and radio communication spending in the whole of the Middle East markets. The research also identifies the key market drivers and restraints, industry challenges and opportunities, and analyses their impact. It provides key findings, strategic insights and a set of actionable recommendations for companies that wish to enter the regional defence communication market. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: satellite communication bandwidths, SATCOM terminals and radio systems in the Middle East defence communication industry. The following technologies are covered in this research: space technology, wireless and network technology and microwave technology.
Market Overview
Credit Crunch Notwithstanding, the Middle East Strategic and Tactical Communications Market Poised for Robust Growth, Boosted by Satellite Communications
With SATCOM now widely recognised as a force multiplier, the Middle East Ministry of Defences (MODs) are earnestly acquiring the SATCOM capability, boosting growth in the regional defence communication market at an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 12.5 per cent from 2009 to 2018. "The military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) terminal market is experiencing a major shift towards miniaturised multi-band communication-on-the-move (COTM) terminals as higher bands are gradually being widely utilised," says the analyst of this research. "Miniaturised multi-band terminals are likely to dominate the future SATCOM terminal market due to advantage of higher mobility, flexibility of accommodating a range of higher bands such as Ku,and Ka with an option to accommodate futuristic advanced extremely high frequency (AEHF) band that ensures connectivity with faster throughput in the last tactical mile. Communication companies need to focus more on R&D and innovation in this direction to remain competitive. Companies with budgetary constraints related to R&D should investigate the potential of collaborations.
The radio market is moving towards the software-defined radio (SDR) technology based tactical networks, with High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR) being the centrepiece. This will offer the advantage of upgrading radios through new software waveforms based on software communication architecture (SCA) or its European equivalent, while keeping the existing hardware intact. It will allow greater bandwidths, faster throughputs and transmission of Internet protocol (IP)-based applications, resulting in integration with SATCOM. However, the benefit of the technology depends largely on the efficacy of waveforms, most of which are still in the laboratory stage. Compared to the previous growth rate of 14.0-15.0 per cent, the market has slowed to a growth rate of 4-5 per cent. This indicates that the market is still stable and will gain momentum by 2011-2013, depending on the cycle time.
System Integrators to Focus on the Intangible Benefits of Projects in Terms of Branding to Win More Bids in the Region
The Middle East MODs are increasingly replicating European model of Through-life service support, albeit with a bit difference. "Whereas, Euroean MODs are either wholly owning the total MILSATCOM infrastructure including space craft and ground terminals or completely leasing the whole system such as SKYNET 5; their Middle East counter parts are mostly leasing the transponders from hybrid satellites while owning the ground terminals" explains the analyst. As through-life support is being treated as an integral part of the project in the current scenario, major system integrators need to develop in-house 'through life capability management' (TLCM) expertise to bring in greater visibility in term of ascertaining costs related to managed services offering over the life cycle. "System integrators should consider the intangible value that the project brings to the company in terms of branding, provided a superior quality project and associated services are delivered," concludes the analyst. "This will have a cascading effect of winning further bids elsewhere in the region, as references to past projects have a distinct advantage in the Middle East market."
Key Topics Covered:
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Engineering Research Methodology
3. Total Market Analysis
4. Competitive Analysis
5. Country Analysis
6. Market Assessment - Actionable Recommendations
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3b03a3/middle_east_strate
Middle East countries are showing growing recognition of MILSATCOM capability, which is reflected in their growing investment on space assets for both defence and Home Land Security (HLS) needs. Most of the Middle East MODs under study are likely to acquire dedicated MILSATCOM capability between 2011 and 2013, by the way of leasing dedicated transponders onboard hybrid satellites (satellites being used for both military, government and commercial purposes), and owning SATCOM terminals and associated network infrastructures. Although present bandwidth use is dominated by mostly C and Ku bands, the scenario is likely to favour mass use of ka band towards the end of research period, with a sizable intake of AEHF band.
This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Middle East Strategic and Tactical Communications Market Assessment provides a quantitative overview of both satellite communication (SATCOM) and radio communication spending in the whole of the Middle East markets. The research also identifies the key market drivers and restraints, industry challenges and opportunities, and analyses their impact. It provides key findings, strategic insights and a set of actionable recommendations for companies that wish to enter the regional defence communication market. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: satellite communication bandwidths, SATCOM terminals and radio systems in the Middle East defence communication industry. The following technologies are covered in this research: space technology, wireless and network technology and microwave technology.
Market Overview
Credit Crunch Notwithstanding, the Middle East Strategic and Tactical Communications Market Poised for Robust Growth, Boosted by Satellite Communications
With SATCOM now widely recognised as a force multiplier, the Middle East Ministry of Defences (MODs) are earnestly acquiring the SATCOM capability, boosting growth in the regional defence communication market at an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 12.5 per cent from 2009 to 2018. "The military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) terminal market is experiencing a major shift towards miniaturised multi-band communication-on-the-move (COTM) terminals as higher bands are gradually being widely utilised," says the analyst of this research. "Miniaturised multi-band terminals are likely to dominate the future SATCOM terminal market due to advantage of higher mobility, flexibility of accommodating a range of higher bands such as Ku,and Ka with an option to accommodate futuristic advanced extremely high frequency (AEHF) band that ensures connectivity with faster throughput in the last tactical mile. Communication companies need to focus more on R&D and innovation in this direction to remain competitive. Companies with budgetary constraints related to R&D should investigate the potential of collaborations.
The radio market is moving towards the software-defined radio (SDR) technology based tactical networks, with High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR) being the centrepiece. This will offer the advantage of upgrading radios through new software waveforms based on software communication architecture (SCA) or its European equivalent, while keeping the existing hardware intact. It will allow greater bandwidths, faster throughputs and transmission of Internet protocol (IP)-based applications, resulting in integration with SATCOM. However, the benefit of the technology depends largely on the efficacy of waveforms, most of which are still in the laboratory stage. Compared to the previous growth rate of 14.0-15.0 per cent, the market has slowed to a growth rate of 4-5 per cent. This indicates that the market is still stable and will gain momentum by 2011-2013, depending on the cycle time.
System Integrators to Focus on the Intangible Benefits of Projects in Terms of Branding to Win More Bids in the Region
The Middle East MODs are increasingly replicating European model of Through-life service support, albeit with a bit difference. "Whereas, Euroean MODs are either wholly owning the total MILSATCOM infrastructure including space craft and ground terminals or completely leasing the whole system such as SKYNET 5; their Middle East counter parts are mostly leasing the transponders from hybrid satellites while owning the ground terminals" explains the analyst. As through-life support is being treated as an integral part of the project in the current scenario, major system integrators need to develop in-house 'through life capability management' (TLCM) expertise to bring in greater visibility in term of ascertaining costs related to managed services offering over the life cycle. "System integrators should consider the intangible value that the project brings to the company in terms of branding, provided a superior quality project and associated services are delivered," concludes the analyst. "This will have a cascading effect of winning further bids elsewhere in the region, as references to past projects have a distinct advantage in the Middle East market."
Key Topics Covered:
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Engineering Research Methodology
3. Total Market Analysis
4. Competitive Analysis
5. Country Analysis
6. Market Assessment - Actionable Recommendations
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3b03a3/middle_east_strate
UK Ministry of Defense Chooses RADWIN's Wireless Broadband Systems for Connecting Bases in Afghanistan
TEL-AVIV, Israel, September 3 /PRNewswire/ --
- Horsebridge Network Systems was the Local Partner for the Project; RADWIN's Systems Receive MoD Security Accreditation
RADWIN (http://www.radwin.com ), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that the Ministry of Defense (MOD) in the UK chose its wireless broadband systems for the mission-critical task of establishing voice and data communications between military bases in Afghanistan. RADWIN's high-capacity RADWIN 2000 links enhanced the satellite system, which had become increasingly overloaded and couldn't handle the amount of traffic and provide the level of service required. Horsebridge Network Systems, RADWIN's certified partner in the UK, was the local partner for the project, providing proof of concept testing, expert system and network design, network management system and high gain antennas.
Geoff Smith, Managing Director, Horsebridge, stated: "The MoD had a vital need for an efficient, robust solution with the ability to deliver TDM and Ethernet in challenging topographies and no direct line-of-sight situations, and we knew that RADWIN's links were ideal for this project. Extremely fast, compact, robust and simple to deploy, the RADWIN 2000 systems are up and running in less than an hour. The entire RADWIN 2000 solution had to be subjected to full 'Proof of Concept' testing prior to deployment to ensure it met operational requirements and guaranteed the system availability levels originally stipulated by the MoD."
Major Lee Hawkes, UK Ministry of Defence, stated: "We carefully evaluated different communications options before handing the final decision over to the Deployed Solutions staff in Afghanistan. RADWIN's systems meet our requirements, without additional modification or equipment. The Horsebridge team was also extremely helpful in putting together a solution within a very short time frame."
Roni Weinberg, RADWIN's COO, stated: "We are glad to have teamed with Horsebridge to provide the MoD with a carrier-grade affordable solution that significantly improves the capacity and capability of their existing network whilst significantly expanding the previously limited bandwidth. Work for the MoD carries with it very specific challenges as all products need security accreditation and all work is subject to rigorous checks and balances throughout the project. We are proud that are solutions met the rigorous performance and quality demands."
About RADWIN
RADWIN delivers wireless backhaul and broadband access solutions in the sub-6GHz space, empowering carriers and service providers to connect subscribers everywhere. Whether voice, data, or video streaming, the company provides wireless broadband solutions of unrivaled performance, capacity, range, and quality at competitive prices. Established in 1997, RADWIN has installations in over 110 countries around the world.
http://www.radwin.com
About Horsebridge
Horsebridge Network Systems portfolio covers a range of legacy and next generation technologies including fixed and wireless, core to edge synchronization and timing; network management and network planning tools. Highly trained staff deliver a full end-to-end service, ranging from consultation, design, installation, training, customer care and maintenance.
For further information call +44(0)1242-530630 or visit the new website
at http://www.horsebridge.net
Sales Contact:
Efrat Blaettner
Commercial Manager
RADWIN
Tel: +972-3-7662961
Email: sales@radwin.com
Media Contact:
Tammy Levy
Marcom Manager
RADWIN
Tel: +972-3-7662916
Email: pr@radwin.com
- Horsebridge Network Systems was the Local Partner for the Project; RADWIN's Systems Receive MoD Security Accreditation
RADWIN (http://www.radwin.com ), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that the Ministry of Defense (MOD) in the UK chose its wireless broadband systems for the mission-critical task of establishing voice and data communications between military bases in Afghanistan. RADWIN's high-capacity RADWIN 2000 links enhanced the satellite system, which had become increasingly overloaded and couldn't handle the amount of traffic and provide the level of service required. Horsebridge Network Systems, RADWIN's certified partner in the UK, was the local partner for the project, providing proof of concept testing, expert system and network design, network management system and high gain antennas.
Geoff Smith, Managing Director, Horsebridge, stated: "The MoD had a vital need for an efficient, robust solution with the ability to deliver TDM and Ethernet in challenging topographies and no direct line-of-sight situations, and we knew that RADWIN's links were ideal for this project. Extremely fast, compact, robust and simple to deploy, the RADWIN 2000 systems are up and running in less than an hour. The entire RADWIN 2000 solution had to be subjected to full 'Proof of Concept' testing prior to deployment to ensure it met operational requirements and guaranteed the system availability levels originally stipulated by the MoD."
Major Lee Hawkes, UK Ministry of Defence, stated: "We carefully evaluated different communications options before handing the final decision over to the Deployed Solutions staff in Afghanistan. RADWIN's systems meet our requirements, without additional modification or equipment. The Horsebridge team was also extremely helpful in putting together a solution within a very short time frame."
Roni Weinberg, RADWIN's COO, stated: "We are glad to have teamed with Horsebridge to provide the MoD with a carrier-grade affordable solution that significantly improves the capacity and capability of their existing network whilst significantly expanding the previously limited bandwidth. Work for the MoD carries with it very specific challenges as all products need security accreditation and all work is subject to rigorous checks and balances throughout the project. We are proud that are solutions met the rigorous performance and quality demands."
About RADWIN
RADWIN delivers wireless backhaul and broadband access solutions in the sub-6GHz space, empowering carriers and service providers to connect subscribers everywhere. Whether voice, data, or video streaming, the company provides wireless broadband solutions of unrivaled performance, capacity, range, and quality at competitive prices. Established in 1997, RADWIN has installations in over 110 countries around the world.
http://www.radwin.com
About Horsebridge
Horsebridge Network Systems portfolio covers a range of legacy and next generation technologies including fixed and wireless, core to edge synchronization and timing; network management and network planning tools. Highly trained staff deliver a full end-to-end service, ranging from consultation, design, installation, training, customer care and maintenance.
For further information call +44(0)1242-530630 or visit the new website
at http://www.horsebridge.net
Sales Contact:
Efrat Blaettner
Commercial Manager
RADWIN
Tel: +972-3-7662961
Email: sales@radwin.com
Media Contact:
Tammy Levy
Marcom Manager
RADWIN
Tel: +972-3-7662916
Email: pr@radwin.com
Saft Partners With Apollo Solar on US DOE 'Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems' (SEGIS) Project
*Saft Li-ion Battery System Will Provide 'Time-Shifting' Renewable Energy Storage in Project to Develop Innovative Smart Grid Products
PARIS, September 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Saft, world leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-end batteries for industry and defence, is supplying a state-of-the-art lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system to provide energy storage for one of the 'Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems' (SEGIS) projects funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE). Saft is working in collaboration with Apollo Solar, a company specializing in the design and manufacture of power electronics for solar energy systems, which has just been awarded a contract for the second design phase of SEGIS to deliver a working prototype of a less expensive, more efficient Smart Grid inverter.
The objective of the SEGIS program, managed by Sandia National Laboratories, is to develop high performance products that will allow photovoltaics to become a more integral part of household and commercial Smart-Energy systems.
Apollo Solar has been selected by the DOE to design and develop a cost competitive and more efficient Smart Grid inverter to enhance the value of solar electric systems to home and business users. The innovative design will incorporate energy storage and two-way communications between solar electrical systems and utilities.
The role of the Saft Li-ion battery system, which will be sized at around 10 kWh, will be to provide efficient energy storage that will enable the solar energy to be effectively 'time shifted' to make it available for home consumption during periods of peak demand, or for injection into the grid when needed either for support or when it will generate the most economic value. Saft is already demonstrating this approach in SOL-ION, a Franco-German project dedicated to the development of a new concept in energy conversion and storage for grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems in Europe.
"The SEGIS program aims to maximise the value of distributed solar electric generation, offer greater control of electricity consumption and its cost and to anticipate the emergence of future smart grids," says John Pfeifer, President and CEO of Apollo Solar. "The inclusion of Li-ion energy storage and its capability for time-shifting was therefore a key success factor in our project proposal."
This contract means that the partnership is well-positioned to progress to the next phase of SEGIS, which will focus on the field demonstration, deployment, and commercialization of the products being developed.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.
For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com
About Apollo Solar
Apollo Solar provides premium solar photovoltaic power electronics in a full line of inverters, charge controllers, and communications modules that integrate into electric power systems for fail-safe installation and use. With more than 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of power systems for numerous industrial Fortune 500 clients, NASA, and the US military, Apollo Solar brings to the market products that feature optimal solar energy harvest and web-based communications capabilities which increase performance, enhance reliability, and reduce overall system costs. Learn more at http://www.apollosolar.com
Press contacts
Jill Ledger,
Saft Communications Director,
Tel: +33-1-49-93-17-77
e-mail: jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com
Yannick Duverge,
Financial Dynamics,
Corporate Press contact
Tel.: +33-1-47-03-68-10
e-mail: yannick.duverge@fd.com
PARIS, September 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Saft, world leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-end batteries for industry and defence, is supplying a state-of-the-art lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system to provide energy storage for one of the 'Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems' (SEGIS) projects funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE). Saft is working in collaboration with Apollo Solar, a company specializing in the design and manufacture of power electronics for solar energy systems, which has just been awarded a contract for the second design phase of SEGIS to deliver a working prototype of a less expensive, more efficient Smart Grid inverter.
The objective of the SEGIS program, managed by Sandia National Laboratories, is to develop high performance products that will allow photovoltaics to become a more integral part of household and commercial Smart-Energy systems.
Apollo Solar has been selected by the DOE to design and develop a cost competitive and more efficient Smart Grid inverter to enhance the value of solar electric systems to home and business users. The innovative design will incorporate energy storage and two-way communications between solar electrical systems and utilities.
The role of the Saft Li-ion battery system, which will be sized at around 10 kWh, will be to provide efficient energy storage that will enable the solar energy to be effectively 'time shifted' to make it available for home consumption during periods of peak demand, or for injection into the grid when needed either for support or when it will generate the most economic value. Saft is already demonstrating this approach in SOL-ION, a Franco-German project dedicated to the development of a new concept in energy conversion and storage for grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems in Europe.
"The SEGIS program aims to maximise the value of distributed solar electric generation, offer greater control of electricity consumption and its cost and to anticipate the emergence of future smart grids," says John Pfeifer, President and CEO of Apollo Solar. "The inclusion of Li-ion energy storage and its capability for time-shifting was therefore a key success factor in our project proposal."
This contract means that the partnership is well-positioned to progress to the next phase of SEGIS, which will focus on the field demonstration, deployment, and commercialization of the products being developed.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.
For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com
About Apollo Solar
Apollo Solar provides premium solar photovoltaic power electronics in a full line of inverters, charge controllers, and communications modules that integrate into electric power systems for fail-safe installation and use. With more than 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of power systems for numerous industrial Fortune 500 clients, NASA, and the US military, Apollo Solar brings to the market products that feature optimal solar energy harvest and web-based communications capabilities which increase performance, enhance reliability, and reduce overall system costs. Learn more at http://www.apollosolar.com
Press contacts
Jill Ledger,
Saft Communications Director,
Tel: +33-1-49-93-17-77
e-mail: jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com
Yannick Duverge,
Financial Dynamics,
Corporate Press contact
Tel.: +33-1-47-03-68-10
e-mail: yannick.duverge@fd.com
FLIR Systems Announces $4.9 Million Order for the Colombian Military
PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - 09/03/09) - FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLIR - News) announced today that it has received a $4.9 million U.S. Government Foreign Military Sale (FMS) order for the Colombian Army and Air Force. The order includes FLIR System's Star SAFIRE� III infrared multi-sensor surveillance systems, training and related services. The units delivered under this award will be installed on Rotary Wing Surveillance and Tactical Platforms in support of Colombian Ministry of Defense airborne day and night counter-narcotic and counter-insurgency missions.
Work on this order will be performed at FLIR's facility in Wilsonville, Oregon and deliveries are expected to be completed in 2010.
"This order demonstrates FLIR's significant presence in Colombia and Latin America, as we have now fielded over 240 multi-sensor systems in the region," said Earl R. Lewis, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. "We are pleased to be selected once again by the Colombian Ministry of Defense for their life saving counter-narcotic and counter-terror missions."
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this release by Earl R. Lewis, and the other statements in this release about the order described above, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including the following: the ability to manufacture and deliver the systems referenced in this release, changes in demand for the Company's products, product mix, the timing of deliveries under the order discussed above, the impact of competitive products and pricing, constraints on supplies of critical components, excess or shortage of production capacity, the ability of the Company to manufacture and ship products in the time period required, actual purchases under agreements, the Company's continuing compliance with US export control laws and regulations, the timely receipt of export licenses for international shipments, the continuing eligibility of the Company to act as a federal contractor, and other risks discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet service providers.
About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of thermal imaging and stabilized camera systems for a wide variety of thermography and imaging applications including condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, airborne observation and broadcast, search and rescue, drug interdiction, surveillance and reconnaissance, navigation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring and ground-based security. Visit the Company's web site at www.FLIR.com
Contact:
Company contact:
Tony Trunzo
FLIR Systems, Inc.
(503) 498-3547
www.flir.com
Work on this order will be performed at FLIR's facility in Wilsonville, Oregon and deliveries are expected to be completed in 2010.
"This order demonstrates FLIR's significant presence in Colombia and Latin America, as we have now fielded over 240 multi-sensor systems in the region," said Earl R. Lewis, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. "We are pleased to be selected once again by the Colombian Ministry of Defense for their life saving counter-narcotic and counter-terror missions."
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this release by Earl R. Lewis, and the other statements in this release about the order described above, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including the following: the ability to manufacture and deliver the systems referenced in this release, changes in demand for the Company's products, product mix, the timing of deliveries under the order discussed above, the impact of competitive products and pricing, constraints on supplies of critical components, excess or shortage of production capacity, the ability of the Company to manufacture and ship products in the time period required, actual purchases under agreements, the Company's continuing compliance with US export control laws and regulations, the timely receipt of export licenses for international shipments, the continuing eligibility of the Company to act as a federal contractor, and other risks discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet service providers.
About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of thermal imaging and stabilized camera systems for a wide variety of thermography and imaging applications including condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, airborne observation and broadcast, search and rescue, drug interdiction, surveillance and reconnaissance, navigation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring and ground-based security. Visit the Company's web site at www.FLIR.com
Contact:
Company contact:
Tony Trunzo
FLIR Systems, Inc.
(503) 498-3547
www.flir.com
SAIC Announces Financial Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2010
*Revenues: Up 8 percent (7 percent internal) to $2.75 billion - Operating Income: Up 17 percent to $221 million - Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations: Up 19 percent to $0.31 - Reaffirming guidance for fiscal year 2010
SAN DIEGO and MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 3, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SAIC, Inc. (NYSE: SAI - News), a scientific, engineering, and technology applications company, today announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010, which ended July 31, 2009.
"SAIC delivered another quarter of solid program execution and financial performance in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010," said Ken Dahlberg, SAIC chairman and chief executive officer. "As we look forward to the transition to Walt Havenstein's leadership later this month, the company's employees and capabilities have created a strong foundation for continued growth."
Summary Operating Results
Revenues for the quarter were $2.75 billion, up 8 percent from $2.55 billion in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Internal, or non-acquisition, growth represented 7 percentage points of the consolidated growth for the quarter. Key drivers of internal growth included recent wins in defense logistics, information technology, and cyber-security as well as increased tasking on existing defense programs.
Operating income for the quarter was $221 million (8.0 percent of revenue), up 17 percent from $189 million (7.4 percent of revenue) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Growth in quarterly operating income margin percentage was driven by continued improvements in cost efficiency and program performance. Income from continuing operations for the quarter was $125 million, up 19 percent from $105 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Income from continuing operations benefited from a year-over-year improvement in the effective tax rate from 40.7 percent to 38.1 percent.
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the quarter were $0.31, up 19 percent from $0.26 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, driven by the increase in income from continuing operations and a lower share count compared to the prior year quarter. The diluted share count for the quarter was 388 million, down 3 percent from 400 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, due primarily to share repurchases made over the last four quarters. Diluted earnings per share, which include discontinued operations, were $0.31 for the quarter, up 15 percent from $0.27 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009.
Cash Generation and Capital Deployment
Cash flow from operations for the quarter was $109 million (or 0.9 times income from continuing operations) compared to $230 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. The drop in cash flow from operations primarily resulted from an additional payroll cycle in the current quarter, accounting for approximately $150 million of the year-over-year difference. Cash collections continued to be strong as days sales outstanding were 64 days, an improvement of four days sequentially and two days year-over-year.
The company acquired Atlan, Inc., a small cyber-security product testing firm, during the quarter. In addition, the company acquired R.W. Beck Group, Inc., a leading provider of business and technical consulting services in engineering, energy and infrastructure, after the close of the second quarter.
During the quarter, the company used $53 million to repurchase approximately 3 million shares including 2 million under the company's stock repurchase program and the remainder in recurring repurchases from employees in settlement of withholding taxes associated with stock option exercises and vesting events. Whether any future repurchases are made and the timing and actual number of shares repurchased under the stock repurchase program will depend on a variety of factors, including share price, corporate capital requirements, and other market conditions. As of July 31, 2009, the company had $951 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.1 billion in long-term debt.
New Business Awards
Net new business bookings totaled $2.3 billion in the second quarter, representing a book-to-bill ratio of 0.8, reflecting an industry-wide slow down in contract awards and an increase in proposals awaiting adjudication. Net bookings are calculated as the period's ending backlog plus the period's revenue less the prior period's ending backlog and backlog obtained in acquisitions. No bookings value is assigned unless the company has received a signed contract for a priced statement of work.
Large, competitive definite delivery contract awards received during the quarter include:
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Joint Logistics Integrator (JLI) Support. SAIC was awarded a thirty-month, $357 million task order to provide JLI and operational readiness services for MRAP vehicles in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. SAIC will provide logistics planning, management, and analytical support to maximize fleet readiness and sustainment.
Army Chief Information Officer (CIO) Support. Under a three-year, $55 million task order, SAIC will provide technical, analytical, and management support services to the U.S. Army's CIO in the areas of enterprise architecture, portfolio management, strategy and technology assessment and operations.
Army Director of Information Management (DOIM) Support. SAIC received a five-year, $30 million task order from the U.S. Army's DOIM at Fort Polk, La., to provide a variety of information technology and network support services, including information assurance; automation and network support; and telephone, wireless and data communications services.
In addition, SAIC also won several indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts that are not included in net bookings. The most notable IDIQ awards during the quarter were:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Communications System (NCS) Support. SAIC was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. DHS Office of Cybersecurity and Communication to provide scientific, engineering and technical services in support of the NCS, a cornerstone of the country's ability to provide key communications services to support government functions during emergencies. The new multiple-award contract has a five-year period of performance and a combined ceiling value of $388 million for all awardees.
U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) Joint Concept Development and Experimentation Directorate (J-9) Support. SAIC was awarded a five-year, $284 million contract by USJFCOM J-9 to provide research, development, engineering and technical services. Under the contract, SAIC will conduct studies and simulation, and provide concept definition, research, analysis and technological assessments.
Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Atlantic Support. SAIC was awarded a prime contract by SPAWAR to provide command and control integration support. The multiple-award contract has a five-year period of performance and a potential value of more than $196 million. SAIC will provide engineering and technical support services for the development, test and evaluation, and life cycle support of command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems and related equipment and subsystems.
The company's backlog of signed business orders at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 was $16.3 billion, of which $5.6 billion was funded. As compared to the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, total backlog increased 2 percent and funded backlog increased 4 percent. The negotiated unfunded backlog of $10.7 billion is the estimated amount to be earned in the future from negotiated contracts for which funding has not been authorized and priced but unexercised contract options. Negotiated unfunded backlog does not include any estimate of future expected task orders to be awarded under IDIQ or other master agreement contract vehicles.
Forward Guidance
The company currently expects to achieve all of its long-term financial goals in fiscal year 2010:
Growing revenue internally in the six percent to nine percent range;
Improving operating income margin by 20 to 30 basis points until reaching a sustainable level between eight percent and nine percent; and
Growing earnings per share from 11 percent to 18 percent.
Mark Sopp, SAIC chief financial officer commented, "The company's continued strong execution enables us to reaffirm our expectation that we will achieve our long-term financial growth goals again in fiscal year 2010. We are positioned to see increased contract awards in the second half of the year, which should provide a strong foundation as we head into fiscal year 2011."
About SAIC
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. For more information, visit www.saic.com
SAIC: From Science to Solutions®
SAN DIEGO and MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 3, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SAIC, Inc. (NYSE: SAI - News), a scientific, engineering, and technology applications company, today announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010, which ended July 31, 2009.
"SAIC delivered another quarter of solid program execution and financial performance in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010," said Ken Dahlberg, SAIC chairman and chief executive officer. "As we look forward to the transition to Walt Havenstein's leadership later this month, the company's employees and capabilities have created a strong foundation for continued growth."
Summary Operating Results
Revenues for the quarter were $2.75 billion, up 8 percent from $2.55 billion in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Internal, or non-acquisition, growth represented 7 percentage points of the consolidated growth for the quarter. Key drivers of internal growth included recent wins in defense logistics, information technology, and cyber-security as well as increased tasking on existing defense programs.
Operating income for the quarter was $221 million (8.0 percent of revenue), up 17 percent from $189 million (7.4 percent of revenue) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Growth in quarterly operating income margin percentage was driven by continued improvements in cost efficiency and program performance. Income from continuing operations for the quarter was $125 million, up 19 percent from $105 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. Income from continuing operations benefited from a year-over-year improvement in the effective tax rate from 40.7 percent to 38.1 percent.
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the quarter were $0.31, up 19 percent from $0.26 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, driven by the increase in income from continuing operations and a lower share count compared to the prior year quarter. The diluted share count for the quarter was 388 million, down 3 percent from 400 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, due primarily to share repurchases made over the last four quarters. Diluted earnings per share, which include discontinued operations, were $0.31 for the quarter, up 15 percent from $0.27 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009.
Cash Generation and Capital Deployment
Cash flow from operations for the quarter was $109 million (or 0.9 times income from continuing operations) compared to $230 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. The drop in cash flow from operations primarily resulted from an additional payroll cycle in the current quarter, accounting for approximately $150 million of the year-over-year difference. Cash collections continued to be strong as days sales outstanding were 64 days, an improvement of four days sequentially and two days year-over-year.
The company acquired Atlan, Inc., a small cyber-security product testing firm, during the quarter. In addition, the company acquired R.W. Beck Group, Inc., a leading provider of business and technical consulting services in engineering, energy and infrastructure, after the close of the second quarter.
During the quarter, the company used $53 million to repurchase approximately 3 million shares including 2 million under the company's stock repurchase program and the remainder in recurring repurchases from employees in settlement of withholding taxes associated with stock option exercises and vesting events. Whether any future repurchases are made and the timing and actual number of shares repurchased under the stock repurchase program will depend on a variety of factors, including share price, corporate capital requirements, and other market conditions. As of July 31, 2009, the company had $951 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.1 billion in long-term debt.
New Business Awards
Net new business bookings totaled $2.3 billion in the second quarter, representing a book-to-bill ratio of 0.8, reflecting an industry-wide slow down in contract awards and an increase in proposals awaiting adjudication. Net bookings are calculated as the period's ending backlog plus the period's revenue less the prior period's ending backlog and backlog obtained in acquisitions. No bookings value is assigned unless the company has received a signed contract for a priced statement of work.
Large, competitive definite delivery contract awards received during the quarter include:
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Joint Logistics Integrator (JLI) Support. SAIC was awarded a thirty-month, $357 million task order to provide JLI and operational readiness services for MRAP vehicles in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. SAIC will provide logistics planning, management, and analytical support to maximize fleet readiness and sustainment.
Army Chief Information Officer (CIO) Support. Under a three-year, $55 million task order, SAIC will provide technical, analytical, and management support services to the U.S. Army's CIO in the areas of enterprise architecture, portfolio management, strategy and technology assessment and operations.
Army Director of Information Management (DOIM) Support. SAIC received a five-year, $30 million task order from the U.S. Army's DOIM at Fort Polk, La., to provide a variety of information technology and network support services, including information assurance; automation and network support; and telephone, wireless and data communications services.
In addition, SAIC also won several indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts that are not included in net bookings. The most notable IDIQ awards during the quarter were:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Communications System (NCS) Support. SAIC was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. DHS Office of Cybersecurity and Communication to provide scientific, engineering and technical services in support of the NCS, a cornerstone of the country's ability to provide key communications services to support government functions during emergencies. The new multiple-award contract has a five-year period of performance and a combined ceiling value of $388 million for all awardees.
U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) Joint Concept Development and Experimentation Directorate (J-9) Support. SAIC was awarded a five-year, $284 million contract by USJFCOM J-9 to provide research, development, engineering and technical services. Under the contract, SAIC will conduct studies and simulation, and provide concept definition, research, analysis and technological assessments.
Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Atlantic Support. SAIC was awarded a prime contract by SPAWAR to provide command and control integration support. The multiple-award contract has a five-year period of performance and a potential value of more than $196 million. SAIC will provide engineering and technical support services for the development, test and evaluation, and life cycle support of command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems and related equipment and subsystems.
The company's backlog of signed business orders at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 was $16.3 billion, of which $5.6 billion was funded. As compared to the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, total backlog increased 2 percent and funded backlog increased 4 percent. The negotiated unfunded backlog of $10.7 billion is the estimated amount to be earned in the future from negotiated contracts for which funding has not been authorized and priced but unexercised contract options. Negotiated unfunded backlog does not include any estimate of future expected task orders to be awarded under IDIQ or other master agreement contract vehicles.
Forward Guidance
The company currently expects to achieve all of its long-term financial goals in fiscal year 2010:
Growing revenue internally in the six percent to nine percent range;
Improving operating income margin by 20 to 30 basis points until reaching a sustainable level between eight percent and nine percent; and
Growing earnings per share from 11 percent to 18 percent.
Mark Sopp, SAIC chief financial officer commented, "The company's continued strong execution enables us to reaffirm our expectation that we will achieve our long-term financial growth goals again in fiscal year 2010. We are positioned to see increased contract awards in the second half of the year, which should provide a strong foundation as we head into fiscal year 2011."
About SAIC
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. For more information, visit www.saic.com
SAIC: From Science to Solutions®
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems Completes Acquisition of Axsys Technologies
FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 3, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD - News), today completed its previously announced purchase of Axsys Technologies, Inc., (Nasdaq: AXYS - News) for $54 in cash per share of Axsys Technologies' outstanding common stock. The cost of the transaction is approximately $643 million.
The acquisition, which was approved by the boards of both companies and Axsys Technologies' shareholders, will be neutral to General Dynamics' earnings in 2009 and accretive thereafter.
Axsys Technologies is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors and systems and multi-axis stabilized cameras. The company's sophisticated solutions are typically found in applications that demand the finest optical surfaces, highest accuracy and tightest motion-control tolerances, such as weapon systems, long-range surveillance cameras and highly precise imaging telescopes. The company employs approximately 1,000 workers in five principal locations: Cullman, Ala.; San Diego and Grass Valley, Calif.; Nashua, N.H.; and Rochester Hills, Mich.
Lou Von Thaer, president of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, said, "Axsys Technologies strengthens our portfolio of offerings and discriminators in the tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance market. We look forward to maintaining and strengthening the relationships that Axsys Technologies enjoys with its existing customers, and collaborating to create new products and pursue new markets together."
Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is a provider of end-to-end mission solutions in systems integration, development and operations support to customers in the defense, intelligence, space and homeland security communities. The company integrates land, air, sea, space and cyber assets to facilitate the collection, exploitation, analysis and dissemination of mission-critical intelligence information. More information is available online at www.gd-ais.com
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,000 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com
Certain statements made in this press release, including any statements as to future results of operations and financial projections, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, understandings, projections and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. Additional information regarding these factors is contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made. The company does not undertake any obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this press release.
The acquisition, which was approved by the boards of both companies and Axsys Technologies' shareholders, will be neutral to General Dynamics' earnings in 2009 and accretive thereafter.
Axsys Technologies is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors and systems and multi-axis stabilized cameras. The company's sophisticated solutions are typically found in applications that demand the finest optical surfaces, highest accuracy and tightest motion-control tolerances, such as weapon systems, long-range surveillance cameras and highly precise imaging telescopes. The company employs approximately 1,000 workers in five principal locations: Cullman, Ala.; San Diego and Grass Valley, Calif.; Nashua, N.H.; and Rochester Hills, Mich.
Lou Von Thaer, president of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, said, "Axsys Technologies strengthens our portfolio of offerings and discriminators in the tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance market. We look forward to maintaining and strengthening the relationships that Axsys Technologies enjoys with its existing customers, and collaborating to create new products and pursue new markets together."
Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is a provider of end-to-end mission solutions in systems integration, development and operations support to customers in the defense, intelligence, space and homeland security communities. The company integrates land, air, sea, space and cyber assets to facilitate the collection, exploitation, analysis and dissemination of mission-critical intelligence information. More information is available online at www.gd-ais.com
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,000 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com
Certain statements made in this press release, including any statements as to future results of operations and financial projections, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, understandings, projections and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. Additional information regarding these factors is contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made. The company does not undertake any obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this press release.
Research and Markets: Domestic Deployment of the Armed Forces: Military Powers, Law and Human Rights
DUBLIN-- September 3, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/092c18/domestic_deploymen) has announced the addition of the "Domestic Deployment of the Armed Forces: Military Powers, Law and Human Rights" report to their offering.
Until recently, internal use of the armed forces has been generally regarded by the public, as well as academic commentators, as conduct to be expected of a military or autocratic regime, not a democratic government. There is however growing concern that the 'war on terror' has been used to condition public opinion to accept the internal deployment of the armed forces, including for broader industrial and political purposes.
This book examines the national and international law, human rights and civil liberties issues involved in governments calling out troops to deal with civil unrest or terrorism. As the introduction of military call-out legislation has become an emerging global trend in the opening years of the 21st century, there is considerable and growing interest in the constitutional and related problems surrounding the deployment of military forces for domestic purposes. Examining the changes underway in six comparable countries, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Japan and Australia, this book provides a review and analysis of this trend, including its implications for legal and political rights.
Key Topics Covered:
1 An International Trend
2 The Troubled Historical Record
3 United States: Eroding Protections against Military Intervention
4 Canada: Making 'Domestic Security' a Core Mission
5 Britain: 'Defend the State'
6 Germany and Italy: Post-War Restraints under Challenge
7 Japan: Undermining the 'Pacifist' Clause
8 Australia: Legislating Military Powers
9 Legal Immunities and Uncertainties
10 Wider Legal, Political and Democratic Implications
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/092c18/domestic_deploymen
Contact:
Research and Markets
Laura WoodSenior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
Fax from USA: 646-607-1907
Fax from rest of the world: +353-1-481-1716
Until recently, internal use of the armed forces has been generally regarded by the public, as well as academic commentators, as conduct to be expected of a military or autocratic regime, not a democratic government. There is however growing concern that the 'war on terror' has been used to condition public opinion to accept the internal deployment of the armed forces, including for broader industrial and political purposes.
This book examines the national and international law, human rights and civil liberties issues involved in governments calling out troops to deal with civil unrest or terrorism. As the introduction of military call-out legislation has become an emerging global trend in the opening years of the 21st century, there is considerable and growing interest in the constitutional and related problems surrounding the deployment of military forces for domestic purposes. Examining the changes underway in six comparable countries, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Japan and Australia, this book provides a review and analysis of this trend, including its implications for legal and political rights.
Key Topics Covered:
1 An International Trend
2 The Troubled Historical Record
3 United States: Eroding Protections against Military Intervention
4 Canada: Making 'Domestic Security' a Core Mission
5 Britain: 'Defend the State'
6 Germany and Italy: Post-War Restraints under Challenge
7 Japan: Undermining the 'Pacifist' Clause
8 Australia: Legislating Military Powers
9 Legal Immunities and Uncertainties
10 Wider Legal, Political and Democratic Implications
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/092c18/domestic_deploymen
Contact:
Research and Markets
Laura WoodSenior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
Fax from USA: 646-607-1907
Fax from rest of the world: +353-1-481-1716
Intertek Unveils New Design for Product Safety and Quality Certification Marks
*New design underscores Intertek brand in one of the world’s most recognized and widely used range of product certification marks
CHICAGO--September 3, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to a wide range of industries worldwide, today unveiled the new design for its family of product safety and quality certification marks. The new designs prominently position Intertek as the global platform underpinning the world’s most recognized and widely used product safety certification marks. These include, but are not limited to, the ETL Listed Mark (North America), WH Mark (North America - Non-electrical Building Products), the S Mark (Scandinavia), ASTA and BEAB Marks (United Kingdom), and the GS Mark (Germany). In addition to its product safety certification marks, Intertek has an extensive portfolio of quality, safety and performance marks covering Consumer Products, Food, RoHS certification and Energy Efficiency verification, among others.
Manufacturers rely on Intertek’s certification marks, on products and packaging, to demonstrate 3rd party compliance to prescribed industry standards and of ongoing follow-up inspections. Intertek has more than a century of product testing expertise and helps manufacturers navigate through complex regulatory requirements, making product certification faster, simpler and more efficient. With each certification mark now prominently supported by the Intertek brand, clients’ products will benefit from greater recognition and market acceptance in the world’s most thriving economies.
“The new design highlights the underlying strength of the Intertek brand, supporting each of our certification marks,” said Gregg Tiemann, Chief Executive of Intertek Commercial and Electrical division. “We appreciate the trust that manufacturers, authorities, code officials and consumers place in Intertek, and we want to ensure that our marks of compliance are consistent, impactful and easily recognizable all around the world.”
Products currently on the market will not require re-labelling to the new Intertek mark scheme. To avoid unnecessary costs to manufacturers, there will be a five-year transition period, ending 1 January 2015, for products already on the market to use the updated marks on products, packaging, literature and websites. The new Intertek marks are, however, available immediately for new product certifications and those manufacturers that want to transition to the new marks now.
Additional information on our new certification mark design for customers, media and investors can be found at www.intertek.com/certmarks
- ends-
About Intertek’s testing and certification services
The Commercial & Electrical division of Intertek provides testing and certification services, including product safety testing and certification, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, performance testing, and management systems certification. These services provide global market access to customers in industries such as building products and materials.
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace.
Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world.
For further information, visit www.intertek.com
Contact:
Intertek
Nicole Kimmick, 978-263-2662
Field Marketing Manager
nicole.kimmick@intertek.com
www.intertek.com
CHICAGO--September 3, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to a wide range of industries worldwide, today unveiled the new design for its family of product safety and quality certification marks. The new designs prominently position Intertek as the global platform underpinning the world’s most recognized and widely used product safety certification marks. These include, but are not limited to, the ETL Listed Mark (North America), WH Mark (North America - Non-electrical Building Products), the S Mark (Scandinavia), ASTA and BEAB Marks (United Kingdom), and the GS Mark (Germany). In addition to its product safety certification marks, Intertek has an extensive portfolio of quality, safety and performance marks covering Consumer Products, Food, RoHS certification and Energy Efficiency verification, among others.
Manufacturers rely on Intertek’s certification marks, on products and packaging, to demonstrate 3rd party compliance to prescribed industry standards and of ongoing follow-up inspections. Intertek has more than a century of product testing expertise and helps manufacturers navigate through complex regulatory requirements, making product certification faster, simpler and more efficient. With each certification mark now prominently supported by the Intertek brand, clients’ products will benefit from greater recognition and market acceptance in the world’s most thriving economies.
“The new design highlights the underlying strength of the Intertek brand, supporting each of our certification marks,” said Gregg Tiemann, Chief Executive of Intertek Commercial and Electrical division. “We appreciate the trust that manufacturers, authorities, code officials and consumers place in Intertek, and we want to ensure that our marks of compliance are consistent, impactful and easily recognizable all around the world.”
Products currently on the market will not require re-labelling to the new Intertek mark scheme. To avoid unnecessary costs to manufacturers, there will be a five-year transition period, ending 1 January 2015, for products already on the market to use the updated marks on products, packaging, literature and websites. The new Intertek marks are, however, available immediately for new product certifications and those manufacturers that want to transition to the new marks now.
Additional information on our new certification mark design for customers, media and investors can be found at www.intertek.com/certmarks
- ends-
About Intertek’s testing and certification services
The Commercial & Electrical division of Intertek provides testing and certification services, including product safety testing and certification, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, performance testing, and management systems certification. These services provide global market access to customers in industries such as building products and materials.
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace.
Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world.
For further information, visit www.intertek.com
Contact:
Intertek
Nicole Kimmick, 978-263-2662
Field Marketing Manager
nicole.kimmick@intertek.com
www.intertek.com
BHP Billiton pulls out of cobalt spot market
LONDON, Sept 3, 2009 (Reuters) - Miner BHP Billiton (BHP.AX)(BLT.L) said on Wednesday that it had pulled out of the spotmarket for minor metal cobalt. The company has put alternative arrangements in place for
the sale of its cobalt production to achieve better returns and
in response to changing market conditions, it said. "The company doesn't anticipate being in a position to offer
cobalt metal on the spot market for the foreseeable future," a
company statement said. A spokesman for the world's biggest miner declined to give
further details and was unable to offer cobalt production
numbers. A by-product of nickel and mainly to make aero engines and
batteries for hybrid cars, high grade cobalt COB-CATH-LON
currently stands at about $18.50/$20.00 a lb. Production cutbacks and rising demand have buoyed cobalt
prices in recent weeks, with a deficit seen next year.
"The price remains firm," said one cobalt trader. "On the
other hand, there is not a huge amount of demand, so this news
may strengthen prices but it will not send it through the roof."
(Reporting by Michael Taylor; editing by Anthony Barker)
the sale of its cobalt production to achieve better returns and
in response to changing market conditions, it said. "The company doesn't anticipate being in a position to offer
cobalt metal on the spot market for the foreseeable future," a
company statement said. A spokesman for the world's biggest miner declined to give
further details and was unable to offer cobalt production
numbers. A by-product of nickel and mainly to make aero engines and
batteries for hybrid cars, high grade cobalt COB-CATH-LON
currently stands at about $18.50/$20.00 a lb. Production cutbacks and rising demand have buoyed cobalt
prices in recent weeks, with a deficit seen next year.
"The price remains firm," said one cobalt trader. "On the
other hand, there is not a huge amount of demand, so this news
may strengthen prices but it will not send it through the roof."
(Reporting by Michael Taylor; editing by Anthony Barker)
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