Hot Off the Press

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Toyota Brewing a Little Texas Tea

Today is the day, Friday, November 17, when the first Toyota Tundra (officially available for sale) rolls off the line at the new 2.2-million-sq.-ft. plant in San Antonio, TX. The Texas plant and its 21 onsite suppliers will eventually employ 4100 people, according to Toyota. The suppliers will provide some 70 percent of the parts used in the Tundras, and 50 percent of the value of parts in each truck. Since Toyota announced its intentions to build in south Texas, more than 25 manufacturing operations have moved to the area or expanded existing facilities. Most notable among them is aircraft manufacturer Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corp., which a few months ago announced plans to build a new $20 million facility at the San Antonio International Airport and eventually create 850 new jobs. And, San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger says that among the companies actively considering establishing operations in San Antonio, 40 percent have manufacturing potential.

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Lincoln Acquires British Consumables Supplier

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., Cleveland, OH, acquired Metrode Products Limited, headquartered near London, England. The firm manufactures specialty welding consumables for the process and power-generation industries. Lincoln Electric is online at www.lincolnelectric.com.

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Laser and Automation Companies Join Hands

Laser-systems integrator Preco, Inc., Lenexa, KS, and automation-systems provider PaR Systems, Shoreview, MN, have agreed to partner in the sales and integration of industrial-based laser-processing technology for applications such as paint removal, laser cutting and trimming, laser welding, laser perforating and heatttreating. Learn more about each company at www.precolaser.com and www.par.com.

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