OMRON Automation Americas is set to exhibit at IPC APEX 2025, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from March 18 to March 20. Attendees are encouraged to explore the latest advancements in SMT manufacturing technology in booth #2900 and #2910. OMRON will present its new AI-powered Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) features designed to enhance the SMT manufacturing process.
RS now offers Phoenix Contact’s growing line of terminal blocks equipped with its innovative Push-X connection technology, which is tested and proven to facilitate wired connections that are user-friendly, flexible, durable, reliable, repairable, and safe. Connectivity is at the core of all electrical and electronic technologies. But it plays a particularly vital role in facilitating the effective operation of the densely interconnected and automated Industry 4.0 technologies that are essential to overcoming common industrial market challenges, including unplanned downtime, new safety and sustainability demands, and cost constraints.
SCHURTER is pleased to announce it’s partnership with Hughes-Peters, a prominent distributor in the industrial electronics sector. This collaboration will enable SCHURTER to broaden its distribution network and further strengthen its presence in key markets. Through their renewed relationship, Hughes-Peters will distribute SCHURTER’s high-quality range of components, including fuses, circuit protection devices, connectors, and switches, to customers.
Bill Fowler, Southwire’s Manager of Business Development and eMobility Infrastructure Solutions, was recently elected to serve on the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Board of Directors. The IEC association represents over 4,100 merit shop-based contractor members and trains over 17,000 apprentices each year to become electricians. Merit shop electrical contractors perform two-thirds of all electrical work in the industry each year.
OMRON has welcomed ATS Corporation (ATS) as the newest partner in its Certified Systems Integrator program. Headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, and operating in the United States of America, ATS is a global automation and technology company supporting customers across various industries, including Life Sciences, Food & Beverage, Energy, Consumer Products, and Transportation.
RS offers an expansive selection of digitalization and integration solutions engineered to boost efficiency and productivity in the process manufacturing industry. In addition to pervasive industrial market challenges, including unplanned downtime, skilled labor shortages, and supply chain interruptions, process manufacturers contend with stringent safety, tracking, and tracing requirements and a variety of environmental hazards, including extreme temperatures, high-pressure washdowns, and chemical exposure.
Hammond Manufacturing is pleased to announce its new partnership with Tech-Reps (www.tech-reps.net), a major manufacturers’ representative firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. This collaboration will enhance Hammond’s presence across Missouri, Southern Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa by leveraging Tech-Reps’ extensive industry expertise and regional market knowledge. Tech-Reps has built a strong reputation for delivering cutting-edge technology solutions and providing exceptional support to customers in the telecommunications, data center, and industrial sectors.
In January of 2025, Orion Innovation Partners, Inc. was formed as the amalgamation and evolution of Mercer Midwest, a business that originated in Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan, and now also serves the Rocky Mountain region ((Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Idaho), following their merger with RM Elec Spec.
Southwire is pleased to announce upcoming changes to its executive leadership team, including the addition of two new executive leaders. To better equip the business to respond to market needs, two new executive leadership positions, Executive Vice President (EVP), Residential and Commercial Group, and EVP, Utility and Industrial Group, have been created. Additionally, the position of EVP of Operational Excellence will become EVP of Operations with expanded responsibilities. These three positions report through the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Norman Adkins.
Emerson and Aspen Technology, Inc. have recently announced that they have reached an agreement under which Emerson will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of AspenTech not already owned by Emerson for $265.00 per share pursuant to an all-cash tender offer. The transaction values the minority stake being acquired at $7.2 billion, and values the total company at a fully diluted market capitalization of $17.0 billion with an enterprise value of $16.8 billion. Emerson currently owns approximately 57% of AspenTech’s outstanding shares of common stock following Emerson’s 55% majority investment completed in 2022. Upon the closing of the transaction, AspenTech will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Emerson.
Recently, Schneider Electric and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), announced the election of Aamir Paul, President of North America Operations for Schneider Electric, to NAM’s Board of Directors. Executives on the NAM Board, which comprises leaders representing companies of all sizes in every industrial sector, are the driving force behind the organization’s efforts. In his capacity, Aamir will join leaders from businesses like General Motors, Dow Inc., Northrup Grumman, Johnson & Johnson, Intel, and Fluor, to bolster the association’s energy, sustainability, and industrial expertise, helping to shape policy advocacy, legal action, workforce solutions, and operational excellence.
ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings Division and Wieland Electric have recently announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize modular and serial construction with advanced prefabricated electrical installation systems. The collaboration combines Wieland’s innovative connector technology with ABB’s extensive portfolio – including switches, sockets, installation boxes, energy distribution, and smart home solutions – to deliver plug-and-play electrical installation for greater efficiency in modular and serial construction projects.
This month, NOARK Electric joins their parent company, the CHINT Group, a global smart energy solutions provider, in unveiling their global 2030 sustainable development strategy, marking a milestone in their commitment to building a diversified future. The strategy was launched in collaboration with thousands of supply chain partners and Chief Sustainability officers (CSOs) of the Group’s key subsidiaries.
RS has recently welcomed Abhishek Singh — an expert in commercial transformations, go-to-market strategy, sales excellence, pricing and segmentation, and capability building — to the executive leadership team as the new Vice President of Margin Management, Pricing, and Procurement. Abhishek brings more than 16 years of experience in consumer analytics, advanced statistical modeling, pricing and procurement, and corporate strategy for the manufacturing and distribution industry to his new role.
Littelfuse, Inc. has recently announced that David Heinzmann, President and Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire as President and CEO. The Board has appointed Dr. Greg Henderson, a member of the Littelfuse Board of Directors, as President and Chief Executive Officer effective February 10, 2025. Mr. Heinzmann will remain on the Littelfuse Board through April 2025 and, to support a seamless transition, serve as an advisor to the Company through August 10, 2025.
LUTZE is excited to announce the opening of its new facility in Sparks, Nevada. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to enhancing service for its customers and distribution partners across the Western United States. Until now, LUTZE has served the entire North American market from its headquarters in Charlotte, NC. With the addition of the Sparks location, LUTZE aims to improve delivery times and elevate customer service levels for its partners in the western region.