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Hanovia Launches New UV Transmittance Analyser for Water Disinfection Monitoring

2008-08-13T00:00:00+01:00

The new TX Online UV transmittance analyser from Hanovia has been specifically designed to provide accurate monitoring of UV water disinfection systems in the food and beverage, brewing, pharmaceutical, electronics, aquaculture and marine (ballast water treatment) industries. The TX Online’s one-piece design allows simple mounting and uses minimal space. Its new optics provide increased accuracy and more consistent readings with online and laboratory analysers.
A unique feature of the TX Online is an ultrasonic automatic cleaning system that keeps the optical chamber clean at all times. This ensures accurate, consistent reading of percentage UV transmittance at all times and reduces the need for manual cleaning. In addition, a bubble rejection system which eliminates air from a sample while simultaneously creating a vortex cleaning action throughout the optical chamber.
The unit has a 0 - 100% transmittance range and response time can be adjusted to allow the user to program readings between 4 - 60 seconds. Calibration is inexpensive due to the small sample volume requited (only 30ml) and removable sample cuvettes allow for easy cleaning and calibrating. An adjustable backlight display allows viewing in low light conditions. A 4-20 mA output is provided as standard and an RS-485 output with Modbus protocol is available as an optional extra.
The TX Online is certified to CE, UL and CSA (ETL, ETLc). The calibration standard is prepared as outlines in ‘Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 20th Edition, Method 1080 A-C, Methods for Preparation of Reagent Water'.(Hanovia Limited)

Bucher Industries setzt hohes Wachstum fort

2008-08-13T00:00:00+01:00

Im ersten Halbjahr 2008 setzte Bucher Industries trotz ungünstiger Währungseinflüsse das hohe Wachstumstempo fort. Der Umsatz stieg um 19% auf CHF 1 450 Mio. Der Auftragseingang von CHF 1 383 Mio. übertraf den Wert der Vorjahresperiode um 18%. Das Betriebsergebnis nahm um 41% auf CHF 132 Mio. zu und das Konzernergebnis stieg um 32% auf CHF 89 Mio.
Die Dynamik der Märkte von Bucher Industries war trotz der Finanzkrise, steigender Zinsen und stark anziehender Preise für Energie und Rohmaterial im ersten Halbjahr 2008 ausgesprochen hoch. Der Konzern steigerte den Umsatz um 18.5%, währungsbereinigt um 22.8%, auf CHF 1 449.5 Mio. Der hohe Auftragsbestand zu Beginn des Jahres lastete mit dem Anstieg des Auftrageingangs um 18.3% auf CHF 1 382.8 Mio. die Kapazitäten aus. Die Schwäche des US-Dollars und des britischen Pfunds reduzierten die Margen von Exporten aus dem Franken- und Euroraum. Trotzdem übertraf das Betriebsergebnis von CHF 132.0 Mio. den Vorjahreswert um 41.2%. Die EBIT-Marge nahm von 7.6% auf 9.1% zu. Das Konzernergebnis stieg um 31.5% auf CHF 89.3 Mio.(Bucher Processtech AG)

Ist Ihr Business people_ready?

2008-08-13T00:00:00+01:00

Um das herauszufinden sollten Sie sich, Ihren Teams und den Mitarbeitern in Ihrem Umfeld folgende Fragen stellen:
- Haben Sie immer die Informationen, die Sie brauchen um intelligente und fundierte Entscheidungen zu treffen?
- Können Ihre Teams mit anderen Teams auf der ganzen Welt so zusammenarbeiten und so Ideen austauschen, als säßen alle in einem Raum?

Was können Sie tun, um das Potenzial Ihres Unternehmens zu entfalten?
Geben Sie Ihren Mitarbeitern die richtigen Werkzeuge, die richtigen Informationen und die richtigen Möglichkeiten, die jeden Mitarbeiter dazu befähigen, das Unternehmen voranzubringen.

Die Antworten könnten sehr wohl von Ihrer Infrastruktur abhängen, von Ihrem IT-Partner oder von Ihren Softwarelösungen. Was Sie tun können, um Ihre Mitarbeiter zu unterstützen und dadurch Ihr Geschäft erfolgreicher zu machen, erfahren Sie in unserer Broschüre.
Es sind nicht die Unternehmen, die Entscheidungen fällen. Es sind nicht die Unternehmen, die sich mit Kunden treffen, Verträge abschließen oder neue Produkte entwickeln. Es sind Ihre Leute. Es sind Ihre Mitarbeiter. Geben Sie Ihnen die richtigen Werkzeuge, die richtigen Informationen und die richtigen Möglichkeiten und Ihr Erfolg wird mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit alle Erwartungen übertreffen. Firmen, die sich an diesem Konzept orientieren und es erfolgreich umsetzen, nennen wir "people_ready Unternehmen".(amball business-software)

Russia: Baltika Breweries reveals successful financial results for H1 2008

2008-08-12T00:00:00+01:00

Baltika Breweries, the leader on the Russian beer market, announced financial results for H1 2008, the company’s official site reported on August 5.

In H1 2008, Baltika’s operating profit increased by 11.9 % (€286.7 mln to €256.1 mln in 2007). Total sales volume amounted to 23.2 mln hl (+6.1% compared to H1 2007), of which 22.8 mln hl was beer sold — 6.0% more than last year.

The company’s net profit grew by 13.5% (€213.6 mln against €188.2 mln last year).

Sales revenue in 2008 amounted to €1246.8 mln from €1067.3 mln in 2007 (+16.8%).

Gross profit: €611.9 mln compared to €552.9 mln last year give a10.7% increase.

EBITDA grew by 13.0% (€359.0 mln against €317.8 mln last year).

In July 2008, the Financial Times 500 ranking for the second time in a row listed Baltika Breweries as the largest FMCG company in Eastern Europe in terms of market capital.

Baltika’s success on the Russian beer market and abroad

According to Company estimates, the Russian beer market grew by 2.4% in H1 2008. Growth was especially strong for the licensed and premium beer, whereas demand for beer in the economy segment declined. Growing category inflation driven by excise and input prices growth significantly influenced the beer market.

Nevertheless, during H1 2008 Baltika grew ahead of the market and increased market share by +0.5% compared to H1 2007 to 38.1%.

Export sales grew by +32.4% in H1 2008 and reached 1.2 mln hl. With licensed beer sales in Ukraine and in the UK, sales abroad increased by +38.8% compared to previous year.

In May 2008, an agreement was signed in Baku, Azerbaijan whereby Baltika Breweries for the first time in its history acquires assets abroad — the brewery of Baku-Castel Ltd.

Baltika also signed a license agreement with the JV Sarbast Plus. The contract provides for the production and sale of the Baltika sub-brands Baltika №3 Classicheskoye and Baltika №9 Krepkoye in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Baltika added four new markets to its geography of sales abroad, and today Baltika beer is exported to 50 countries in the world.

Baltika Breweries is the largest FMCG producer in Russia. Ever since 1996, it has been the leader on the Russian market. The Company comprises 11 breweries situated in all of Russia. Its broad portfolio of more than 40 brands includes such well known brands as Baltika, Nevskoye, Yarpivo, Arsenalnoye, Tuborg and Carlsberg. The Company has more than 12,000 employees.

USA: Boston Beer Q2 profit exceeds market estimates

2008-08-12T00:00:00+01:00

The Boston Beer Company, Inc. achieved second quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.60, an increase of 30% or $0.14 per diluted share over the second quarter 2007, the brewer’s official site announced on August 5.

The second quarter results include an estimated negative impact on net income of $2.8 million or $0.19 per diluted share related to additional costs of the voluntary product recall announced April 7th, while benefiting somewhat from increased shipments due to the replacement of recalled product. For the six months ended June 28, 2008, the company's earnings per diluted share were $0.33, a decrease of $0.53. The decrease is primarily a result of provisions taken for the recall, which have an estimated negative impact on net income of $11.6 million or $0.81 per diluted share.

Net revenue for the second quarter of 2008 was $117.4 million, an increase of $24.5 million or 26% over the same period last year, and net revenue for the first six months of 2008 was $193.5 million, an increase of $28.2 million or 17% over the same period last year.

Key highlights reported for the second quarter were:

-- Depletions growth of 8% for the quarter and 10% year to date.

-- Net Pricing increased approximately 5% year to date.

-- Product Recall expenses increased to $20.6 million from the previously announced $15.0 million, due primarily to an increase in returns above what was originally estimated.

-- Excluding the effects of the product recall, there is no change in guidance for gross margin and earnings per share for the full year.

-- The acquisition of the Pennsylvania Brewery was completed and capital investment for the brewery start up is on budget and on time, and beer was successfully brewed and racked. Bottling of beer was initiated in July.

Jim Koch, Boston Beer’s Chairman and Founder, commented, "We achieved 8% depletions growth in the second quarter compared to 12% depletions growth in the first quarter. Our depletions growth slowed slightly in the first half of the summer, but we still appear to be growing our share within the craft beer category. We are encouraged by our position and remain positive about the future of craft beer, even as the craft category has raised pricing in the face of significant cost pressures. "

China: Tsingtao Brewery to focus on cost reduction

2008-08-12T00:00:00+01:00

Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd. , China's number two beer maker, said it would focus on reducing costs to maintain profit margins as there was little room to raise product prices as market growth slows, Reuters reported on August 6.

According to Chairman Jin Zhi Guo, the company’s focus will be on cost reduction (in addition to the earlier announced cuts of investments).

"We will make some adjustment in prices of our premium brands, but I can tell you the extent will not be large," he said.

ABN AMRO said Tsingtao's average barley price could increase this year by 50 percent in China, the world's largest beer market by volume.

One of the sponsors of the forthcoming Beijing Olympics, Tsingtao in April posted an 18 percent slide in 2007 second-half earnings as strong sales failed to offset higher tax rates and barley prices.

Jin said rising cost of production was a challenge for many companies but for firms like Tsingtao it was an opportunity to upgrade their operations, reduce costs and become more efficient.

"This pressure from rising costs is a good opportunity for Chinese industry to become more efficient, weed out the weak and let the strongest survive," he said.

The maker of China's most famous beer brand is struggling with soaring costs as are rivals Heineken, Carlsberg, and China Resources Enterprise Ltd, which runs a joint venture with SABMiller Plc.

Tsingtao is 27 percent-owned by top U.S. beer maker Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. Jin said the purchase of Anheuser-Busch by InBev was a part of a global trend, while its impact on his company still needed further study.

India: Four Belgian beer brands to be launched in partnership with InBev

2008-08-12T00:00:00+01:00

The launch of four Belgian beer brands in partnership with InBev was formally announced on August 1 by Ravi Jaipuria, the head of the RKJ Group, ANI reported a day later.

The four beers will be marketed by InBev India, which has its office in Gurgaon. InBev would take an initial 49 percent stake in the venture with the option to increase its participation at a later date, the company said in a statement.

InBev's aim was to gain access to the strong distribution network developed by the RKJ Group.

Stella Artois is a premium Belgian lager, while Hoegaarten is an original Belgian white beer laced with coriander and orange peel and an alcohol content of 4.8 percent volume. Beck's is the world's most famous German beer, while the famous Leffe beer is a dry, fruity, lightly spiced beer, full and creamy - a perfect balance of strength and subtlety.

Leffe beer is sold in over 60 countries worldwide and has established itself as a leader for its distinct taste, texture feel and a unique brewing heritage. Prices range from Rs.100 to 140 for a 330 ml bottle.

Beer sales in India are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17.2 percent to 2011. So, with the Indian beer industry seeing steady growth during the last decade, due to strong economic growth resulting in high disposable incomes, an increase in beer sales in the next two or three years is expected.

In addition to the increase in sales, the number of brands is expected to increase in the near future, with existing players like United Breweries and SABMiller expanding their ranges, and new players like Anheuser-Busch, Carlsberg and setting up production facilities. United Breweries Ltd. is the market leader in the Indian beer market with a 40 percent market share.

This new report indicates how the market has developed, which markets/regions are strongest, the leading brands and sales by segment and region.

Malaysia: Carlsberg launches Carlsberg Gold after a limited edition is successfully sold

2008-08-12T00:00:00+01:00

Carlsberg Malaysia announced the launch of a new permanent product, Carlsberg Gold, after the limited edition of Carlsberg’s 160th anniversary brew was sold out successfully, the Star posted on August 5.

“We wanted to give beer drinkers in Malaysia a special beer made from three different malts like crystal, brown and lager blended to perfection with hops and Carlsberg’s world famous yeast Saccharomyces Carlsbergensis,” said Carlsberg Malaysia managing director Soren Holm Jensen.

However, the sale of the beer has far exceeded their expectations and was sold out within one month of its launch, while requests and phone calls for the brand to bring back the limited edition beer mounted.

“We had numerous phone calls asking us why it was only a limited edition beer and not a permanent item.

“Thus, we decided that we should reward our consumers’ confidence by re-launching the Carlsberg 160th anniversary brew as Carlsberg Gold. Now our consumers can enjoy Carlsberg Gold every day during every occasion,” said Jensen.

He added that Gold was the chosen name as it symbolised power, strength and perfection while its values and appeal stretched across the cultures of history, often associated with excellence and triumph.

“Gold represents what is purest, most sought after and most valued in terms of human aspirations. It is obvious that a premium beer with such a strong heritage and high quality needs a winning name — Carlsberg Gold,” said Jensen during the media launch of the product last week.

The new product will be available in both quart and pint bottles with 5.5% alcohol content. It will be available at restaurants, food courts, coffee shops, pubs, bars and supermarkets throughout the country this month.

Krüss Optronic: Dichtemessgerät mit extrem geringer Probenmenge: DS7000 Serie

2008-08-06T00:00:00+01:00

Jetzt präsentiert A. Krüss Optronic seine aktuellste Neuheit: ein digitales Dichtemessgerät, welches mit nur 0,3 ml Probenmenge auskommt! Zusätzlich überzeugt das Gerät mit einer noch nie dagewesenen Messgenauigkeit: Im Messbereich von 0.00000 – 1.99999 g/cm³ beträgt die Messgenauigkeit 0.00005 g/cm³. Ob Sie Dichte, relative Dichte oder die Konzentration von wässrigen Lösungen messen wollen: Durch dieses hochpräzise Messinstrument erhalten Sie Ergebnisse mit 5 Stellen hinter dem Komma. Und es kommt noch besser: Sie erhalten Ihr Messergebnis in nur 1 Sekunde!

DS7000-Serie
Dahinter verbirgt sich eine mikromechanischen Messzelle mit lediglich 80 µl Probenvolumen und integrierter Messung der Probentemperatur. Durch das eingebaute Peltier Thermostat ist eine präzise geregelte Temperierung mit einer Reproduzierbarkeit von +/- 0.02 °C gewährleistet. Natürlich besitzt das Dichtemessgerät ein Kalibrierzertifikat gemäß N.I.S.T. Dichtestandard, und eignet sich besonders für den Einsatz im GLP / GMP-Bereich. Für jeden Benutzer kann eine individuelle Userverwaltung mit eigenem Passwort eingerichtet werden.

Die Software ist in 6 Sprachen ausgelegt, und durch den Touchscreen sehr leicht zu bedienen. Die gemessenen Daten können z.B. im Excelformat auf einen USB-Stick exportiert werden. Weitere Schnittstellen sind RS232 und Ethernet. LIMS- und Druckeranschlüsse sind vorhanden.

Verschiedene Messeinheiten sind programmierbar (990 Methoden), wobei 9 schon vorgegeben werden, um die Bedienerfreundlichkeit noch zu erhöhen. Die SQL-Datenbank verwaltet 999 Ergebnisse für Sie.

Das Gerät kann in sehr verschiedenen Bereichen zur Anwendung kommen, z.B. bei der Bestimmung von Mischungsverhältnissen sowie bei der Quantitäts- und Qualitätskontrolle. Einsatzgebiete für das neue Dichtemessgerät sind u. A. die chemische Industrie, der Pharma- und Kosmetikbereich, Brauereien und Getränkehersteller, Zucker- und Süßstoff-Industrie, Zellstoff- und Papierindustrie, Elektronik-Industrie, petrochemische Industrie und Abwasserkontrolle.

Hochpräzise Dichtemessungen können jetzt zu niedrigen Verbrauchsmaterialkosten schnell und einfach durchgeführt werden – eine Arbeitserleichterung und Ergebnisverbesserung zugleich! (A. Kruess Optronic GmbH)

Kruess Optronic: Density meter with extremely small sample volume: DS7000-serie

2008-08-06T00:00:00+01:00

A. Kruess Optronic GmbH now presents its latest novelty: a digital density meter, which only requires 0.3 ml of sample volume! Additionally the density meter convinces with a measuring accuracy never seen before: in the measuring range of 0.00000 – 1.99999 g/cm³ measuring accuracy is 0.00005 g/cm³. Whether you want to measure density, specific gravity or the concentration of liquid solutions: by this highly precise measuring instrument you receive results with 5 digits behind the comma. And even better: You receive your measuring result in only 1 second!

DS7000-serie
Behind these improvements stands a new-developed micromechanical measuring cell which needs only 80 µl of sample volume and provides an integrated temperature measurement of the sample. A built-in Peltier thermostat ensures a precisely regulated temperature with a repeatability of +/- 0.02 °C. Naturally the density meter possesses a calibration certificate in accordance with N.I.S.T. density standard. It’s particularly suitable for application fields in the GLP/GMP range. An individual user management with separate passwords can be programmed.

The user-friendly Software operates in 6 languages and is easily operated with the touch-screen. Measured data can be exported e.g. in Excel-format on a USB stick. Other interfaces are RS232 and Ethernet. LIMS and printer connections are integrated.

Customized measuring methods are programmable (990 methods), 9 of which are already preset in order to increase user friendliness. The SQL data base stores and controls 999 results for you.

The device can be used in a widespread range, e.g. for determination of mixing ratios, quality and quantity controls. Operational areas for the new density meter are to be found in the chemical industry, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, breweries and beverage manufacturers, sugar and sweet material industry, pulp and paper industry, electronic industry, petrochemical industry and waste water management.

Highly precise density measurements can now be accomplished fast and simple at low sample costs – an ease of work and an improvement of results at the same time. (A. Kruess Optronic GmbH)