Industry Intelligence

INDUSTRY NEWS

Molex Expands Flexible Circuit Capabilities

Global electronic components manufacturer Molex Inc. (Lisle, IL, USA) has announced that it has acquired AFlextech Inc. (Taipei, Taiwan), which makes 1–10-layer flexible circuits for applications including handheld consumer devices and personal medical electronics. According to Molex, the acquisition will help the company boost its share of the global flexible circuit market. AFlextech will operate as a subsidiary of Molex and will be part of the company’s Global Integrated Products Division.

For more information, contact Molex, 2222 Wellington Court, Lisle, IL 60532-1682, USA; phone: +1 630 5274043; e-mail: gary.manchester@molex.com; Internet: www.molex.com.

Medical Fabric Manufacturer Secures £230,000 of Funding

As part of a £230,000 funding round, the MedInnovate group from Oxford Investment Opportunity Network (OION) has provided £115,000 of new funding to APA Parafricta Ltd., a developer of low-friction products for the medical sector. The balance of the new investment has come from the bank of Scotland Corporate under a coinvestment programme arrangement between the bank and OION. The investment will allow the firm to increase its marketing activities, including further expanding its Web site, according to APA Parafricta’s CEO George Sampson.

For more information, contact APA Parafricta Ltd., 9 Kenilworth Rd., GU51 3AT Fleet, Hants UK; phone: +44 1252 816900; e-mail: info@parafricta.com; Internet: www.parafricta.com.

Nanofibre Specialist Launches Nanostructured Nonwoven

Nanofibre producer SNS Nano Fiber Technology (Uniontown, OH, USA) has partnered with polymer manufacturer Struktol Co. (Stow, OH, USA) to produce a nanostructured nonwoven known as Nanosan. What differentiates Nanosan from other nano-nonwovens is the incorporation of particles into the nanofibre matrix. Using proprietary technology, various types of particles or additives can be either entrapped in the nanofibre matrix or encapsulated within the nanofibres. By varying the type of polymer nanofibre as well as the additive, an array of product characteristics can be achieved. The material is suited for medical filtration and other applications.

For more information, contact SNS Fiber Technology LLC, 1505 Corporate Woods Pky., Ste. 300, Uniontown, OH 44685, USA; phone: +1 330 8991298; e-mail: info@snsnano.com, Internet: www.snsnano.com.

Smithers Rapra Launches Publishing Company

Polymer testing, research, and consulting company Smithers Rapra Technology announced recently that it has reorganized its UK business into two operating divisions, separating its information business into a new entity known as iSmithers. The move follows continued expansion of the US-based parent company, the Smithers Group, and will allow the company to align its information business with its growing global client base.

For more information, contact Smithers Rapra Technology, Shawbury Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4NR UK; phone: +44 1642 370406, fax: +44 1642 564551, e-mail: all@rapra-ne.co.uk; Internet: www.rapra.net.

Isotron Extends Sterilization Services

Sterilization specialist Isotron has announced that it now offers a 24-hour turnaround for single-palette volumes. In addition to its existing gamma technology, the firm will introduce electron-beam processing, as well. Available since September, the company’s expanded sterilization services are suited for a variety of products that require urgent processing to meet delivery deadlines.

For more information, contact Isotron Ltd., Moray Rd., Elgin Industrial Estate, Swindon, Wilts, SN2 8XS UK; phone: +44 1793 601050; fax: +44 8456 889978; Internet: www.isotron.com.

Miniature Connectors Manufacturer Increases Engineering Investment

Omnetics Connector Corp., a manufacturer of miniature high-reliability connectors, has announced an ambitious product rollout schedule. According to the firm, recent product introductions have already led to a 42% increase in new customers, mainly from the defence, medical, and industrial sectors. The company has doubled its engineering headcount to drive its product introduction plans. The firm plans on continuing to expand in Europe, Asia, and North America.

For more information, contact Omnetics Connector Corp., 7260 Commerce Circle East, Minneapolis, MN 55432, USA; phone: +1 763 5720656; fax: +1 763 5723925; Internet: www.omnetics.com.