IN FOCUS

Pentair announced that its second quarter 2004 earnings per share (EPS) of $0.55 increased 25 percent over second quarter 2003 EPS of $0.44 (adjusted to reflect the impact of a two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2004). Pentair’s second quarter 2004 net sales totaled $813.9 million, up 13 percent from $719.0 million in the same period a year ago.

Dover Corporation (NYSE: DOV) earned $109.7 million or $.53 diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the second quarter ended June 30, 2004, compared to $71.6 million or $.36 EPS from continuing operations in the comparable period last year, an increase in earnings and EPS of 53% and 47%, respectively.

Order intake at Sulzer rose to CHF 1095 million in the first half of 2004. Compared with the previous year, this represents a respectable growth rate of 9% in nominal terms (adjusted , 7%).

SKF published the half-year report 2004. The company reports a 10.7% increase in sales, measured in local currencies, compared to the same period in 2003.

Waters Corporation has responded to customer demand for oil-free vacuum pump systems by offering the BOC Edwards XDS 35i dry pump as an option on its Micromass Technologies Quattro Premier range of mass spectrometers.

Baker Hughes announced that it is creating a new division — Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids. The new division will be responsible for the oilfield drilling fluids, completion fluids and fluids environmental services businesses.

Blacoh’s Flow-Thru Sentinel diaphragm seals prevent the dead-leg effect common in most piping systems and provide the ideal solution for viscous or thick slurries which clog appendage type diaphragm seals.

Bell & Gossett® has introduced Circuit Sentry™, an automatic flow limiting valve designed to adjust hydronic HVAC systems to peak operating performance.

Allweiler Pumps Ltd and ITT Flygt Ltd have signed an exclusive distribution agreement, whereby Flygt will distribute all Allweiler products throughout the UK and Ireland over the next five years.

Johnson Pump and Mayfair Marine pump lines now offer new, easy-to-install Dura-Port discharge ports. A stronger and more durable pump discharge port has been designed to eliminate plastic failure, saving time and labor.