The PTDA Business Index indicated the first quarter of 2012 was the eighth consecutive quarter for business growth among PTDA members, with a reading of 75.4. Compared with a reading of 67.3 for the fourth quarter of 2011, the recently released results indicate the power transmission/motion control industry is expanding at a faster pace than before.

Both distributors and manufacturers saw strong growth in this first quarter.

PTDA members participating in the Business Index expect 2012 to be another year of growth with an average forecast of 11 per cent, up from nine per cent in the 4Q11 survey.

The PTDA Business Index full report is available through PTDA’s website at www.ptda.org/businessindex. It includes U.S. and Canadian breakout data in addition to historical data. Conducted jointly by PTDA and Cleveland Research Company, the PTDA Quarterly Business Index was modeled after the widely respected Purchasing Managers Index and tracks change in business activity, new orders, employment, supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and backlog in the PT/MC market to arrive at an overall index.

Kaydon Corp. Bearings Division has added white papers, case studies, FAQs and more to the bearing remanufacturing section of its website, www.kaydonbearings.com.

"We've expanded the bearing remanufacturing content on our website to provide customers with more relevant, useful information," said Ron Shaw, Kaydon bearing remanufacturing manager. "Customers can learn more about bearing maintenance (especially for large diameter, lift-application bearings), warning signs of bearing wear or failure, and the remanufacturing process."

The website also includes a remanufacturing FAQ section, which provides answers to common bearing wear and repair questions.

The Kaydon bearing remanufacturing program returns bearings to service in the shortest possible time, on a cost-effective basis, while ensuring the highest quality workmanship. A bearing remanufactured by Kaydon performs as new and carries a warranty equal to a new bearing. Kaydon remanufactures bearings as small as 10" (25 cm) and as large as 240" (6.1 m) at a dedicated remanufacturing facility in Avon, Ohio.

Kaydon can remanufacture any ball bearing or roller bearing, including thrust, radial, cross roller, double row, three row, four point contact, eight point contact, cylindrical roller, and thin section bearings, regardless of the original manufacturer.

Kaydon offers free inspection of qualified slewing ring bearings up to 8' diameter in size. For more information, submit an RFQ from the remanufacturing section of KaydonBearings.com.

Kaydon infinite expertise in bearing design and manufacturing has established Kaydon as a leading slewing ring and thin section bearing remanufacturer in the world.
www.kaydonbearings.com

PTDA Canadian Conference participants will take away the latest news and information on the Canadian economy, how demographic trends will affect the future of Canadian business, the impact of clean energy on business, and issues affecting the Canadian mining industry.

Details regarding registration and the program are available at www.ptda.org/CanadianConference.

There will be two market briefing speakers who will address the interplay between the Canadian mining industry and the aboriginal community. Alec Morrison, director of relations with the Mining Suppliers Association of B.C., and Mike Bonshor, practice leader with MNP’s Aboriginal Consulting Services, will help participants gain ideas for addressing challenges and opportunities in Canada’s mining industry.

In 2011, more than 220 distributors and manufacturers attended the PTDA Canadian Conference, a number PTDA feels sure will be surpassed in 2012 thanks to the improving economy and the prime venue of the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C.

“The hotel block is already 90 percent booked, and our registrations numbers have already surpassed those of last year — a full month prior to our first early-bird deadline,” said Kelly Butler, PTDA meetings & education manager.

The early-bird registration date is May 2, 2012. Participants who register by that date will save $50 off their registration fee.
www.ptda.org/CanadianConference

For the third straight year, Imperial Oil is rewarding loyal customers of Mobil 1 and Mobil Delvac.

Mobil customers in Canada can enter for a chance to win one of three Hawaiian Escapes worth approximately $8,000 each. During the long Canadian winter, imagine an opportunity to jet away to a warm, sunny climate like Hawaii – a possibility with this year’s Win with Mobil promotion. As well, there are 90 Netbooks to be won through the daily instant prize giveaway. Imperial’s Win with Mobil contest runs between Feb. 1, 2012, and April 30, 2012.

“Our Win with Mobil promotion gives us a chance to reward our valued Mobil customers in Canada,” said Heather Burkett, marketing manager, lubricants and specialties, Imperial Oil. “Mobil is one of the most widely known and trusted performance brands in the world, especially when it comes to producing technologically-advanced products for customers who want the very best.”

Customers can enter the Win with Mobil contest and find additional contest details at www.winwithmobil.ca.

For additional chances to win the grand prize, customers are encouraged to visit participating Mobil retailers and pick up a contest entry ballot. Retailers participating in the Win with Mobil contest can be found at www.winwithmobil.ca.

In 2011, the Win with Mobil contest offered customers the chance to win one of three dream vacations. Imperial congratulates last year’s winners Donna-Mae Tegelberg of Eriksdale, Man.; Joseph Brazas of Toronto; and Francois Seguin of Coteau-du-Lac, Que.
 
Mobil 1 is the world’s leading synthetic motor oil. It keeps your engine running like new and offers outstanding wear protection to help extend engine life. Mobil 1 helps clean up virtually all sludge and combats new deposits, and it flows quickly to protect during startup, even down to –37°C.

With over 80 years of oil expertise, Mobil Delvac is one of the most highly developed commercial vehicle lubricants available. It is trusted by millions of truck professionals worldwide and endorsed by more than 300 original equipment manufacturers.
mobil.ca

Power transmission group Renold has launched a version of its website for access by smartphones. The mobile-optimized version has been designed to work perfectly with small screens and redirects users automatically whenever a mobile device visits www.renold.com.

The mobile version operates in a hierarchical structure, providing easy access to key product information, PDF files, an easy contact page, and the location of all Renold sites worldwide with addresses, contact details, directions and maps.

This will be particularly useful for engineers working on large sites needing quick information on a Renold product while away from a computer, and for engineers on the go. David Turner, Renold Chain’s marketing communications manager said: “It’s a bit like having a whole load of information on Renold products in your pocket. It’s easy to use, simple to navigate and we hope it will make Renold more accessible to all our customers.”
www.renold.com

The Timken Company made three new appointments to its Canadian operations in February. Louis Cormier was named regional sales manager for the West and Bruno Mylchreest was named regional sales manager for the East — Frank Mascia will manage the sales team in the Ontario in addition to his role as GM of Canada. Additionally, Andrew Platt was named customer service manager for Canada.

Cromier is responsible for sales in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba; he continues in his previous role as the product specialist for the Timken housed unit product line across Canada. Mylchreest is responsible for sales in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfound and Labrador.

All three appointees report to Mascia.
www.timken.com

Applied Industrial Technologies announced it has acquired the businesses of Solutions Industrielles Chicoutimi and Specialites Industrielles Harvey.

Solutions Industrielles Chicoutimi provides bearings, power transmission products and repair services through one location in Chicoutimi, Que. The company serves a broad base of customers, including saw mills, food, cement, agriculture, OEMs and machine shops.

Specialites Industrielles Harvey distributes bearings and power transmission products, plus hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical components from two locations serving the Quebec City and Beauce markets. Customers include industrial, OEM, commercial, construction, food and government businesses.

The current management team at both businesses will continue to serve with the Applied organization, reporting to Mike Allen, Vice President for the Eastern Canadian operations of Applied. Both businesses will continue to run under their current operating names.

"We're very pleased to welcome both of these businesses to Applied and extend our reach into key industrial markets in Quebec," said Todd Barlett, Applied's vice-president of acquisitions and global business development. "Customers will benefit from increased depth of service and expanded product availability while continuing to work with familiar sales associates and a respected local management team."

Neil Schrimsher, Applied's chief executive officer, said, "The addition of Solutions Industrielles Chicoutimi and Specialites Industrielles Harvey provide the right fit with our continuing strategy to expand in Eastern Canada. We are excited about the growth opportunities and success we can realize together."
www.applied.com

Since its debut in 2002, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) Canadian Conference has become a powerful business conclave for Canada’s power transmission/motion control industry. The event features intimate business networking opportunities, unsurpassed business educational information, and The Industry Showcase, a program designed for those marketing product in Canada.

This eleventh annual PTDA Canadian Conference, scheduled for June 7 to 9, 2012, will be held at the historic Fairmont Empress hotel, which is located in Victoria, B.C.

“The PTDA Canadian Conference delivers unmatched value for members,” said Mitch Bouchard, secretary treasurer of Ottawa-based General Bearing Service Inc. and the newly elected PTDA board of directors president. “There is no other organization that can deliver such thorough networking and educational opportunities in such an efficient package.”

Bouchard said the planning committee is optimistic about 2012, as the latest PTDA Market Forecast indicates the Canadian market will be steadily increasing in strength and growth throughout the year.

“We believe the Fairmont Empress will be the ideal location on the west coast to host this important Canadian-specific networking event,” said Bouchard.

Details regarding registration and program will be available in March at www.ptda.org/CanadianConference.