IN FOCUS

ABS’ first six months of 2004 have been characterized by the process of making the organization more efficient and increasing its competitiveness. This has been done for example by rationalization, moving the sales resources closer to the customers, …

Hoffman Specialty, a unit of ITT Industries, has announced enhancements to its popular ESP-PLUS Steam Component Selection Program. Updates to two parts of the program will assist engineers and installers by making the steam component selections process easier.

After a record year in 2003, the Grundfos Group has managed to further increase its sales. During the first six months of 2004, the Group’s turnover reached DKK 5,956 million — an increase of 12% compared with the same period of 2003.

The Group’s inflow of orders amounted to SEK 4,002 million (3,897), an increase of 4 percent after adjustment for the effects of exchange rate movements.

Pfeiffer Vacuum, a leading manufacturer of high quality vacuum pumps, vacuum gauges, mass spectrometers and complete vacuum systems, announces its results for the 1st half of 2004.

Sluggish growth has characterised the mature European markets for centrifugal and turbine pumps in recent years. Now, however, rising demand for advanced technologies, improvements in selected application sectors and strong growth potential in eastern Europe are set to underpin a modest expansion in revenue levels from current estimates of $3.41 billion to $4.13 billion in 2010.

According to the Full Year Results Announcement of GUD Holdings Limited for year ended 30 June 2004, Davey lifted profitability despite a combination of lower returns from export markets and a more subdued market for Firefighter® pumps in Australia.

Thomas Industries Inc. announced that it has completed the sale of its 32% interest in Genlyte Thomas Group LLC (GTG) to The Genlyte Group Incorporated effective July 31, 2004.

National Oilwell, Inc. announced results for the second quarter of 2004, reporting net income of $21.4 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to first quarter 2004 net income of $11.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share. Revenues were $534 million for the period compared to first quarter revenues of $496 million.