Hot Off the Press

---

Metalforming Industry Movers & Shakers

Specialty-metals slitter and distributor Almetals, Inc., Wixom, MI, hired Michael J. Krzyskowski as purchasing manager. He’ll manage all purchasing and inventory processes, including the dissemination of purchase orders, inventory maintenance and monitoring of supplier quality and performance; www.almetals.com/.

Murata Machinery, USA’s fabrication division, Charlotte, NC, promoted Cary Teeple from district sales manager to fabrication products sales manager. He’ll direct sales of the Muratec brand throughout North and South America, excluding Brazil. Murata’s fabrication division manufactures mechanical, servo-drive and punch-plasma hybrid turret-punch presses, as well as automated stockers, loaders and sorting equipment; www.turretpunchpresses.com/.

Wilson Tool Intl., White Bear Lake, MN, appointed Chris Lawless president and Paul Johnson president of new business development. Lawless, previously vice president of operations for the firm’s punching division, will oversee operations in North and South America. Johnson, previously vice president of operations for Wilson Tool’s press brake and stamping divisions, will lead the company’s foray into new business opportunities. Wilson Tool is online at www.wilsontool.com/.

---

Arku Infrastructure Expansion to Enable Construction of Larger Machines

Arku Maschinenbau GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany, parent company of Arku Coil Systems, Cincinnati, OH, is constructing a new production building that will enable the firm to manufacture larger machines—Arku produces sheetmetal-leveling machines and coil-handling equipment. The $5-million expansion project, slated for completion in May 2013, will increase manufacturing space to more than 16,000 sq. ft. and increase the apprenticeship workshop from 1000 to 4000 sq. ft. It is the largest single investment project in the company’s history. More at www.us.arku.com/.

---

New England Welding Distributor Opens Online Storefront

Maine Oxy, Auburn, ME, a supplier of welding equipment and specialty gases, has opened an online storefront to supplement sales efforts from its 13 locations across New England. The distributor sells equipment from several leading suppliers including Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, Esab, Thermal Arc, Metabo, Norton and 3M. Shop online at www.maineoxyshop.com/.

---