INDUSTRY NEWS
Key acquisition in medical device market
Montagu , a private equity firm , recently agreed to acquire the medical device components ’ ( MDC ) business of Johnson Matthey , for a deal valued at US $ 700 million . With the acquisition , Montagu is set to grow in several key medical device markets ( which are forecast to grow in the next decade ) according to GlobalData , a data and analytics company . MDC specialises in the development and manufacturing of small components for medical devices . These components , crafted from platinum group metals and nitinol , exemplify precision engineering .
Thomas Fleming , a medical analyst at GlobalData , commented : “ MDC has applications in electrophysiology , cardiac rhythm management , vascular intervention , structural heart , neurostimulation and cochlear markets , among others . According to GlobalData ’ s latest market models , these markets and related ones are predicted to show positive growth over the next decade .”
Fleming continued : “ One of the key strengths of MDC lies in its global presence . With manufacturing sites strategically located in the U . S ., Mexico and Australia , the company is poised to cater to the needs of medical device manufacturers worldwide . This geographical diversity ensures resilience and flexibility in the supply chain , crucial for meeting the demands of an ever-evolving healthcare landscape .”
Following the acquisition , MDC is slated to continue its operations as a stand-alone company , with its existing management team maintaining the lead . The acquisition of MDC by Montagu is the company ’ s second recent carve-out , following the acquisition of Cook Medical ’ s biotech business in January . n
Music plays on C-frame press
The sound of a running machine is often music to the operator ’ s ears . However , two employees of the Swiss Schuler subsidiary Beutler Nova have now proved that a C-frame press can actually make a cymbal sound rhythmically when a drumstick is attached to the slide . The two had even learned to play the harmonica during the preliminary acceptance test at the Gettnau site for instrument manufacturer , Hohner .
The video has been running in an endless loop on the screen of the customer ’ s production hall in Trossingen , Germany , where the C-frame press has been in operation since the beginning of February . This is Hohner ’ s first press from Schuler , alongside an older system from Müller Weingarten .
“ The CFL 63 system with a table size of
820mm x 590mm is characterised by its modular design , which enables ergonomic set-ups and offers more comfort for the operators . Thanks to two different clamping concepts , it can be optimally adapted to the respective customer requirements . It allows both manual and automatic operation ,” said Schuler .
The new press is now used to produce reed plates , lid supports and slides for harmonicas . Hohner Musikinstrumente GmbH was founded in 1857 and today , with 122 employees at its Trossingen site , is a global specialist in the production of harmonicas ( around half a million per year ) and accordions . The company also manufactures melodicas and recorders .
Manual work continues to play a major role at Hohner : unlike other manufacturers , the
The instrument manufacturer , Hohner , produces parts for harmonicas on a C-frame press from Schuler .
company relies on nailed reed plates rather than screwed ones . In 1965 , the smallest harmonica called “ Little Lady ” was the first instrument ever to be played in space WATCH because an astronaut had smuggled it on board . n
VIDEO www . hohner . de
www
. schulergroup . com
Innovation accolade for Bobcat Company
Bobcat Company ( a global equipment , innovation and worksite solutions brand ) has been recognized as one of Fast Company ’ s ‘ 2024 Most Innovative Companies ’ as part of its manufacturing awards .
“ Since 1958 , Bobcat has been looking forward in all aspects of its business to transform how the world works , build cities and support communities for a more sustainable future . We have advanced our manufacturing facilities , both in terms of our footprint and the technology at our global locations ,” commented Bobcat .
Recent updates to its facilities in the United States have included a US $ 9.3-million automated press system at its Gwinner , N . D ., manufacturing facility ; technology at its Statesville , N . C ., facility that streamlines
Bobcat displayed an extensive material handling line-up at LogiMAT 2024 .
component inspection and a new robotic forming press at its Johnson Creek , Wis ., factory . These have led to improved efficiencies and more ergonomic worksites for its employees .
With a focus on innovation , Bobcat is paving the way for electrification and autonomy in equipment design and development .
Since 2022 , the brand has launched several machines , including the all-electric T7X compact track loader , the all-electric concept S7X skid-steer loader and the fully electric and autonomous concept pair of loaders , the RogueX and the RogueX2 .
Backed by the support of a global dealership network , Bobcat offers an extensive line of worksite solutions including loaders ; excavators ; tractors ; utility vehicles ; telehandlers ; mowers ; turf renovation equipment ; light compaction ; portable power ; industrial air ; forklifts and attachments . The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat , Inc ., a company in The Doosan Group . n
www . bobcat . com / eu / en
14 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2024