IN FOCUS

Wilo Salmson Components has introduced an innovative new product that will cut the cost of manufacturing or upgrading combi-boiler and district heating stations. Called Hydrobloc, the new product is essentially a fully integrated assembly that replaces a number of otherwise separate core components, including the pump, heat exchanger, valve units, sensors and all appropriate connections.

For this reason, the new MJT couplings are suitable for use in applications requiring rotation-angle transmission without backlash, or in applications necessitating torque transmission.

The couplings have a unique design with a polyurethane sleeve, pressed and assembled between two aluminium hubs.

End of October of this year, KSB Aktiengesellschaft, Frankenthal, received an order for pumps for a new seawater desalination plant in Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman for a total of more than DM 30 million.

2002 Outlook Shows Continued Earnings, Cash Growth

– FY2001 operating margin expected to increase despite lower volume

– FY2001 free cash flow to exceed $250 million

– Outlook for 2002 assumes no near-term economic upturn

– Management actions will support strong margins, cash flow

According to a Financial Times article of Dec. 14, 2001 ITT Industries, the US manufacturing group with products ranging from electronic components to valves and pumps, is to cut about 3,400 jobs – approximately 8 per cent of its workforce – as it fights the economic slowdown.

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ — IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of 14 cents per common share. The cash dividend will be paid on January 31, 2002, to shareholders of record on January 15, 2002.

A wide-ranging expansion and modernization project has been drawn up and developed for the Venice Marco Polo airport, providing for the creation of various infrastructures for the benefit of travellers and for the construction of new buildings dedicated to the various airport services.

EFTEC Ltd, manufacturers of sealers, coatings and adhesives for the automotive industry, required a pump that was able to handle the high viscosity PVC materials without generating high pressures.

The CW084 pump installed allows the materials to be pumped throughout the system more effectively.

Weir Group PLC has announced senior appointments at three of its major subsidiaries to strengthen its existing management teams.

Sulzer Pumps order volume for the first nine months increased by 18% (+5% adjusted) to CHF 750 million, consolidating in the third quarter after the outstandingly successful first half-year.