Expansions: Hydraulic hybrids in motion, more efficient transformer manufacturing
Smarter motion systems and more efficient, more highly efficient transformers seem likely to result from opening of a Bosch Rexroth technology center and a new WEG Electric Motors manufacturing facility.
By Control Engineering Staff
Smarter motion systems and more efficient more highly efficient transformers seem likely to result from opening of a Bosch Rexroth technology center in Michigan and a new WEG Electric Motors manufacturing facility under construction in Mexico.
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Federal, state, and local government officials joined company officials on June 2 to celebrate the opening of Bosch Rexroth’s new Tech Center East located in the Rochester Hills, MI. |
Officials dedicate new Bosch Rexroth facility: Advances in hybrid hydraulics, pneumatics, electric drives and linear motion technologies seem likely to advance motion control concepts and systems, as a result of Bosch Rexroth’s new Tech Center East located in the Rochester Hills, MI, area called SmartZone. Federal, state, and local government officials joined company officials on June 2 to celebrate the opening. Displays of state-of-the-art drive, motion, and control concepts and systems designed and developed at the center were included.
The facility will house 120 workers and technical personnel from the company's hydraulics, pneumatics, electric drives, and linear motion and assembly technologies groups. Berend Bracht, president and chief executive officer of Bosch Rexroth Corp. in North America, noted that the new facility underscores Bosch Rexroth's commitment to the industry.
“Tech Center East will define market requirements, prototype important concepts, develop testing facilities, and coordinate product testing,” said Bracht. 'It is modeled on our Tech Center West, where we have tailored automation solutions for the semiconductor industry, solar applications and medical technology.”
Bosch Rexroth advances motion control technologies, especially hybrid hydraulics, with its new Michigan technology center. |
Tech Center East is involved in development of hydraulic hybrid systems being tested to conserve energy and reduce environmental impact of vehicles. The facility is key in the development of hydraulic regenerative braking system and automation solutions for solar applications. It will focus on hydraulics applications such as hydraulic hybrid vehicle technology, compact construction machinery, hybrid hydraulic drives, alternate energy, and off-shore marine applications.
“This facility is a sign of the good things that are happening in Oakland County,” said Rep. Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI), during ribbon-cutting event. “Though Michigan's economy has been struggling, when we focus on our strengths, we succeed. This facility focuses on our strengths– R&D, advanced manufacturing, and alternative fuels. I'm proud to have worked with Bosch-Rexroth to help bring new, good-paying jobs to our community.”
Rochester Hills mayor Bryan K. Barnett added, “We’re very pleased to welcome a company with the reputation of Rexroth to our city, bringing valuable jobs and solutions to this country's dependence on foreign oil. We believe the American automotive industry is ready to take a major step forward in updating and modernizing its facilities here and around the world. As a long-time supplier to the industry around the world and in this country, we believe we can play an important role in that process.”
The company expects to continue to expand technical capabilities for its customers, as the business warrants, with future technology centers in Europe and Asia.
WEG builds new transformer plant : WEG Electric Motors Corp. has broken ground on an advanced transformer plant to serve U.S. customers in utility, municipality, wind, and industrial market segments. WEG, based in Atlanta, GA, located the new 75,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility north of Mexico City, to produce transformers of up to 300 MVA (million volt-amperes) and 230 kV.
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WEG Electric Motors Corp. is building an advanced transformer plant in Mexico. |
“Our new transformer facility will feature the most up-to-date equipment and processes to guarantee shorter delivery times and highest reliability,” said Salvador Sordo, sales manager for WEG transformers in North America. Products will help customers step up or step down voltage. WEG is accepting orders for the new plant, with deliveries beginning in early summer 2009.
– Control Engineering News Desk
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