Company Announcements

Endress+Hauser’s 2008 revenues increased 8.8% to €1.211 billion ($1.781 billion). Operating profit increased 7.0% to €156.5 million ($230.1 million).

In June, Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG announced a strategic partnership with company Integrated Sensing Systems (ISSYS) for the development of MEMS-based fluidic products.

A $3.3 million, 15-company Enterprise Ireland research program to improve the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical medicines will use ABB’s xPAT PAT Data Management Solution.

SpectraSensors announced in May that it raised in excess of $6 million in new financing from both existing and new investors, including Chevron Technology Venture Investments.

Under a partnership agreement announced in July, Sartorius Stedim Biotech will combine its expertise in filtration and liquid handling systems with SAFC Biosciences’ proficiency in development and manufacturing of cell culture media and downstream purification products.

In August, GE and Fanuc announced they have agreed to dissolve the GE Fanuc Automation Corporation joint venture. GE Intelligent Platforms retains the software, services, embedded systems and control systems businesses globally. Fanuc retains the CNC (computer numerical controls) business.

Roka Biosciences, created through the spin off of Gen-Probe’s industrial assets, and Millipore will collaborate to develop molecular assays and portable instruments for biopharmaceutical products.

In September, ECO PHYSICS AG acquired Omnisens SA’s Trace Gas Analyzer business, which makes systems based on photo acoustic spectroscopy.

Siemens named Daryl D. Dulaney president and CEO of Siemens Industry, the US affiliate of Siemens’ global Industry sector business. Siemens Energy & Automation, Siemens Transportation Systems, Siemens Building Technology and Siemens VAI Services merged to form Siemens Industry, effective October 1.

Product Introductions

ABB released the Industrial IT eXtended PAT software (xPAT), a standalone product for use with any process automation solution, including ABB’s System 800xA and non-ABB distributed control systems.

AMETEK Process Instruments launched the Model 5100 Portable Gas Analyzer, which is based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy.

Emerson Process Management introduced the Rosemount Analytical Model 6081-C, calling it the first WirelessHART contacting conductivity transmitter.

IONICON launched the PTR-TOF 8000 and PTR-TOF 2000 MS systems for measurement of trace volatile organic compounds using proton transfer reaction technology.