Blog
Archive for October, 2011
Oct
Fast Company: 100,237 And Growing–Solar Industry’s Job Prospects Are Sunny
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Industry News
Source: Ben Schiller, Fast Company, October 24, 2011.
Despite the hit it took when Solyndra’s 1,000 jobs went away, the solar industry is adding positions at a pace that far outstrips the rest of the economy.
The solar industry has been in the post-Solyndra dumps. But here comes a timely ray of light: news that solar companies are adding jobs faster than the rest of the economy, and now employ more than 100,000 people nationwide.
The Solar Foundation, the research and education arm of the Solar Energy Industries Association, says the industry added 6,735 jobs from the start of the year through August. Six thousand jobs does not sound like a lot, but it does represent a 6.8% increase. And that is better than the rest of the economy, which had jobs growth of just 0.7 percent, or the fossil fuel industry, which lost 2 percent of its jobs in the same period.
Of course, growth figures can be misleading when you are starting from a relatively low base. But, according to the solar industry, the report shows the contribution to the economy that solar makes, and could continue to make if only policymakers would get behind it. Across manufacturing, installation, sales and distribution, solar companies now employ 100,237 people, including 25,575 in California, far-and-away the leading solar state (Colorado and Arizona come next, with 6,186 and 4,786 jobs respectively).
“Solyndra has tarnished the industry because of how political it has become,” says Andrea Luecke, executive director of the foundation. “But solar is the fastest growth energy sector, and one of the fast growing of any sector. Despite Solyndra and and the economy, solar is strong.”
Critics argue that solar’s growth is artificial, and would not have happened without huge subsidies. They say creating jobs by investing in untested technologies is a risky course, as the $535 million failure of Solyndra shows. When the California company went down in September, it took 1,100 jobs with it.
Moreover, there is evidence that subsidizing solar jobs can be expensive. A study (PDF) by Ruhr University of the German solar industry, the world’s most successful and most subsidized solar nation, estimates that its government paid €175,000 per job, more than most workers earn.
In response, the solar industry points out that renewables create more jobs than other energy industries. An analysis (PDF) of 13 reports by UC Berkeley’s Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory found that renewables produce more jobs per megawatt (after factoring the cost of construction, manufacturing, and installation) than either coal or natural gas.
And it also points to fossil fuels’ huge subsidies. Between 1918 and 2009, oil and gas industries received $4.86 billion a year from government (adjusted for inflation), according to a recent study by Nancy Pfund, of DBL Investors, and Ben Healey, a Yale student. By contrast, renewables got just $0.37 billion per year between 1994 and 2009–$5.93bn over the period.
“I think it’s double standard when people say that solar is only able to survive or create jobs because of subsidies. We receive a fraction of what the fossil fuels industries receive, and they are cutting jobs in the same period,” says Luecke, referring to the year to August.
The report says recent solar job creation has tended to go to the sunniest states–but not always. Pennsylvania (4,703 jobs) and New York (4,279) come fourth and fifth in the list, even though neither have year-round sun.
Luecke adds: “Everywhere in the United States has better solar resources than Germany, which is a world leader in solar energy, with 17 GW of installed capacity. I think the jobs come from having a good solar resource, but mostly from the policy development that’s occurred in the last five or six years.”
The industry prays that–environment aside–its jobs story can help makes the case.
Oct
US Department of Commerce: Resources for Going Global
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Opportunities
Conference: Southeast Asia NOW! Business Conference
Venue: Baltimore, MD
Date: November 9-10, 2011
Learn more/register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=2Q0J
This two-day conference is for companies looking to grow export sales to Southeast Asia. Your company will leave the conference with clear “next steps” to execute a market entry strategy for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Conference will include, Seminars: Top commercial diplomats will present an overview of 5 Southeast Asian markets that your company needs to be in now. Other topics to be explored include, ASEAN Economic Integration, Protecting Intellectual Property in Southeast Asia, China and India. Challenges and Opportunities, Tips for Market Success in Vietnam, Establishing a Legal Entity in Southeast Asia, and more. It will also include, Export Preparedness Exercises: Practical exercises will be led by professional facilitators to help your company assess export readiness, make decisions about market suitability, and begin filling “information” gaps pertaining to doing business in the region. One-on-One Consultations: Private meetings with country experts to learn more about Southeast Asian markets, how to identify immediate business opportunities, overcome financing issues, and achieve your export goals in the region. For more information, please contact Janee.Pierre-Louis@trade.gov.
Webinar Series: Business Opportunities in Asia for U.S. Companies
Venue: Your Computer
Dates: November 9; December 9, 2011 and January 9; February 9; March 9, 2012
Time: 9:00-10:15AM EST
Cost: $150 per company
Learn more: http://export.gov/pennsylvania/tradewinds/webinars
Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=2Q28
Southeast Asia, one of the most lucrative regions in the world, presents great opportunities for U.S. Businesses. Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service’s Trade Winds Team, this webinar series will help your company learn how to successfully do business in Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Gain knowledge about the export opportunities and best prospects in the region. Meet key contacts at the U.S. Commercial Service Offices in Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. This webinar is part of Trade Winds Asia 2012, an official U.S. Department of Commerce multi‐sector trade mission to be held in Singapore from May 14‐22, 2012, focusing on how to successfully do business throughout the Asia region. For more information, please contact Diego.Gattesco@trade.gov.
Webinar: Business Opportunities in Singapore
Venue: Your Computer
Date: November 9, 2011
Time: 9:00-10:15AM EST
Cost: $35 per participant
Learn more/register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=2Q27
This webinar is part of the series above. Singapore is a sophisticated and modern economy that offers excellent opportunities for U.S. firms interested in penetrating the Asian market. Gain knowledge about the export opportunities and best prospects in the market. Meet key contacts at the U.S. Commercial Service Offices in Singapore. This webinar is part of Trade Winds Asia 2012, an official U.S. Department of Commerce multi‐sector trade mission to be held in Singapore from May 14‐22, 2012, focusing on how to successfully do business throughout the Asia region. For more information, please contact Diego.Gattesco@trade.gov.
Webinar Series: EU Reach – What You should be Doing Now
Venue: Your Computer
Dates: November 15, 2011 and November 17, 2011 (11:00am-12:30pm each day)
Cost: $45 per session
Learn more/register: http://export.gov/newyork/westchester/eg_us_ny_040545.asp
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restrictions of Chemicals) is a major reform of European Union chemicals policy, affecting all global supply chains that produce and use chemicals. It is particularly important for small- and medium-sized companies to know about requirements under REACH and how to comply with this regulation, in force in all EU Member States since June 2007. Please join us for this two-part webinar led by U.S. Department of Commerce and industry experts, covering major aspects of EU REACH Legislation and Compliance. We’ll focus on REACH Fundamentals; The Practicalities of REACH – Business Planning to Registration; Introduction to the CLP Regulation on the Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Chemicals; CLP: Transitioning to 2015; and Protecting Your Supply Chain. For more information, please contact Michael.Grossman@trade.gov, telephone: 914.682.6712 or Dina.Vulpis@trade.gov, telephone: 973-645-4682, ext.213.
Seminar: Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Venue: William Paterson University. Wayne, New Jersey
Date: December 6 and 7, 2011
Cost: $430 before November 15, 2011
Lear more/register: http://export.gov/newyork/westchester/tradeevents/localevents/eg_us_ny_040125
The two-day program is led by the Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS’s) professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the U.S. Export Administration Regulation (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. Presenters will conduct a number of “hands-on” exercises that will prepare you to apply the regulations to your own company’s export activities. This program is well suited for those who need a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the EAR. Technical, policy, and enforcement professionals from BIS, as well as specialists from other agencies such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Bureau of Census will participate in certain programs.
Seminar: Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Venue: Salt Lake City, Utah
Date: December 7-8, 2011
Learn more/register: http://export.gov/utah/eg_us_ut_037994.asp
Join the U.S. Commercial Service Utah and the Utah District Export Council for a program led by the Bureau of Industry and Security’s professional counseling and compliance specialists. Complying with U.S. Export Controls provides an in-depth examination of the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. This program is well suited for any company or research institution that needs a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the U.S. Export Administration Regulations. For more information, please contact Dave Fiscus of the U.S. Commercial Service Utah, telephone: 801-255-1873.
Event: U.S. – Saudi Business Opportunities Forum
Venue: Omni CNN Center – Atlanta, GA
Date: December 5-7, 2011
Learn more/register: http://www.us-saudiforum.com
Already the largest economy in the region and a key member of the G20, Saudi Arabia is undergoing an extraordinary economic boom. Massive public investment, rapid private-sector growth, and new sector initiatives are driving an expansion projected to offer more than $1 trillion in trade and investment opportunities over the next decade. This three-day Forum will highlight the U.S.-Saudi commercial and trade relationship and how U.S. companies can participate in Saudi Arabia’s expansion. It will also provide a unique platform for U.S. and Saudi executives to establish new and lasting business ties.
The 2011 Forum will feature Davos-style panels, keynote speakers, and concurrent breakout sessions. Specific areas of opportunity for small and medium sized companies will be highlighted. Networking events and one-on-one matchmaking programs will enable companies to connect on an individual level and initiate new business relationships.
Conference: Hot Market Watch: Selling to Brazil, China, South Korea and Vietnam/ASEAN
Venue: Cincinnati, OH
Date: March 21-22, 2012
Learn more/register: http://export.gov/ohio/southernohio/tradeevents/index.asp
This conference is an annual event organized by the U.S. Commercial Service in Cincinnati. This year’s conference will focus on the “hot markets” of Brazil, China, South Korea and ASEAN region and will provide market updates, tools, and resources for U.S. companies interested in selling to or expanding further into these countries and regions. There will also be an evening networking reception the night before (March 21). Presenters will include U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Officers from the U.S. Commercial Service, who will also be available for one-on-one meetings to discuss your company’s market potential in Brazil, China, South Korea and/or ASEAN region. In addition to plenary sessions, there will be several break-out sessions to choose from. Selected topics for each country/region include: market overviews; corporate perspectives; economic outlooks; customs, tariffs and logistics; financial considerations; legal considerations; taxation/accounting; and more. For more information, please contact Marcia.Brandstadt@trade.gov or telephone: 513-684- 2944
International Trade Administration’s(ITA) Trade Agreements Compliance Program Helps Small Pennsylvania Company
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJu5JcdVot8&feature=player_embedded
Learn more: http://trade.gov/publications/ita-newsletter/0311/pennsylvania-company-international-sales.asp
When Chinese customs official’s impounded U.S. products destined for reexport to Australia, ITA worked to ensure that China honored commitments made under international trade agreements. ITA’s Trade Agreements Compliance Program, led by Market Access and Compliance, helps U.S. companies identify and overcome foreign government trade barriers, visit http://www.trade.gov/tcc, or e-mail: tcc@trade.gov. To report a trade barrier call 1-800-USA-TRADE and ask for Trade Barrier Assistance.
Commercial News USA Launches New Interactive PDF Edition
Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has launched a new interactive PDF edition. The new edition is available for free at http://cnusa.thinkglobal.us Commercial News USA offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. This does not include the Showcase section). Moreover, you will receive a free online listing in Chinese. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter-million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. Deadline is November 11, 2011. For more information, please contact your U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist, or call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, or visit http://www.thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us
USA Product Showcase Offers Inexpensive Way To Reach 178 Countries Worldwide
Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, you can advertise in the USA Product Showcase section of the magazine for just $499. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter-million buyers worldwide in print and 23,000 per month online. Reserve your space in the next issue today. Deadline is November 11, 2011. For more information, please call 1-800-581-8533, x 822, or visit http://www.thinkglobal.us/499, or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us
Special Discount for Exhibitors in the New USA Export Expo Online Trade Marketplace
Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an inexpensive way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, advertisers in the January-February 2012 issue will receive free booth set-up ($495 value) in the USA Export Expo Online Marketplace (http://www.usaexportexpo.com), sponsored by Commercial News USA. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, please call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, or visit http://www.thinkglobal.us or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us
The U.S. Commercial Service – Your Global Business Partner. With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html .
If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html
Oct
CTO: Investor Panel Discussed Cleantech Investment Outlook
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Complete Digest, Industry News
Source: Byron McCann and Mary Sullivan, Cleantech Open Pacific Northwest Newsletter, October 29, 2011.
At the Cleantech Open Pacific Northwest 2011 Awards Expo earlier this month, a solid panel of four investors and a representative of a cleantech company with some funding successes considered the cleantech investment environment today and factors that could affect investment in the near future. The panel was moderated by John Miner, Managing Director of Pivotal Investments, a cleantech-only investor based in Portland, OR. John was formerly head of intel Capital. Panelists were:
- Keith Gillard, General Partner, Panagaea Ventures (Vancouver, B.C.)
- Lars Johansson, Co-Chair, NW Energy Angels (Seattle)
- Rick Luebbe, CEO, Energ2 (Seattle, WA headquarters and Albany, OR manufacturing)
- Mike Sherman, Managing Director, Chrisalix Energy (Vancouver, B.C.)
- Lucinda Stewart, Managing Director, OVP (Kirkland, WA and Portland, OR)
The following are panelists’ comments relevant to entrepreneurs who are seeking private capital:
Factors in the best investments, in your experience:
- Stewart – The best exits happen where the company has the same CEO from beginning to end. Also, where no regulatory adjustment is required to achieve return on investment (ROI).
- Sherman – The best were where the product was something you never have thought of yourself.
- Johansson – Technology that is sustainable; sound go-to-market strategy.
The role of the exit strategy:
- Gillard – We need to focus on exit opportunity.
- Johansson – Angels focus more on a successful business than a planned exit.
The importance of capital efficiency:
- Stewart – Capital efficiency is hard to evaluate for cleantech because less historical data is available (as compared to IT or biotech). She recommends a tangible milestone at end of each round.
- Luebbe – Consider non-equity capital, too. — What is the minimum efficient scale to be successful?
On risks:
- Luebbe – There are different kinds of risks in each business situation; your job is to figure how to minimize each or to eliminate them.
The role of government policy:
- Luebbe – Government involvement is essential for highly capital-intensive industries.
- Sherman – Canadian viewpoint: Canada requires private matching funds and a government-industrial partner if they’re to invest.
- Johansson – Government support (grants) are most important at very early stage, and not later. Government shouldn’t pick winners. [Note: Government can support basic research that is at a too-early, unproven stage for venture capital.]
Basic wisdom for entrepreneurs:
- Miner – Entrepreneurs who harvest value from a strategic partner relationship more than the strategic partner tend to be more successful than most entrepreneurs.
- Sherman – The entrepreneur who is “constantly in pursuit of truth” is 10 times more likely to succeed. [This is a great axiom because getting down the facts without making unvalidated assumptions helps keep the venture off the rocky shoals.]
- Sherman – Question for entrepreneurs: Are you selling vitamins or painkillers? [This is a great analogy to describe the importance of solving real, painful problems for customers compared to discretionary solutions.]
- All – When approaching investors, be prepared; know what the investor has invested in; try to find someone to make an introduction rather than tossing a business plan into the ether; know exactly the value proposition you believe your target customer needs to solve their problem; be confident but open minded to advice.
All in all, the panelists provided terrific advice for both entrepreneurs and investors alike. They are actively engaged in finding clean technology investments, have a desire to see entrepreneurs succeed, and to build a healthy clean tech industry. That squares perfectly with the mission of the Cleantech Open, which is to “find, fund, and foster” the best cleantech startups on the planet.
Oct
Northeastern University Initiating Licensure Process to Establish WA Presence
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Company News, Complete Digest
Source: Email, October 31, 2011.
Northeastern University plans to initiate the licensure process to establish a presence in the Seattle region. Dr. Philomena Mantella, Senior Vice President , wrote that “We recognize the need for graduate education to play an expansive role in the evolution of our knowledge-oriented economy, and look forward to the opportunity to add a private, research university to the many assets of the region.”
Oct
Itron Signs Hong Kong Deal
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Company News, Complete Digest
Source: Northwest Innovation News, October 28, 2011.
Itron has signed a contract to supply 400,000 of its smart meters to the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department. Financial impact of the win was not disclosed. Itron said its meters will installed, beginning in late 2011, for a water conservation effort in Hong Kong.
Oct
SnoPUD’s Jackson Hydro Receives Low Impact Certification
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Company News, Complete Digest
Source: SnoPUD press release, October 27, 2011.
Snohomish County Public Utility District has received low impact certification from the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) for its Jackson Hydroelectric Project. The utility’s project is located in the Sultan River Basin, northeast of Everett in Western Washington. It provides about 4 percent of the PUD’s power needs and 80 percent of Snohomish County’s water supply.
LIHI certifies dams that have not been recommended for removal. They must adequately protect or mitigate their impacts in eight key resource areas: river flows; water quality; fish passage and protection; watersheds; threatened and endangered species; cultural resources; public access; and recreational opportunities.
“The Jackson Project is an invaluable community resource that is clean, renewable and reliable,” said PUD General Manager Steve Klein. “We’ve focused on operating the facility in a manner that protects the natural environment while serving the community’s needs for a high quality water and energy supply.”
The PUD recently received a new 45-year license for its Jackson Hydroelectric Project. Under the new license, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the project will continue to implement a range of environmental measures in and around the Spada Lake reservoir and Sultan Basin.
“All sources of energy have environmental impacts, but Snohomish PUD went the extra mile to reduce those impacts on the Jackson Hydroelectric Project,” said Tom O’Keefe, Pacific Northwest Stewardship Director for American Whitewater, which supported the PUD’s low impact certification. “We are particularly pleased that the instream flow provisions restore key elements of the natural flow regime that effectively balance ecosystem needs and recreation with power production.”
*LIHI Certification:
This product includes Low Impact Hydropower from facilities certified by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (an independent non-profit organization) to have environmental impacts in key areas below levels the Institute considers acceptable for hydropower facilities. For more information about the certification, please see www.lowimpacthydro.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: MEDIA RELATIONS 425-783-8444
Oct
3Tier Raises $2.5 Million
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Company News, Complete Digest
Source: Curt Woodward, Xconomy, October 25, 2011.
3Tier was reported to have raised $2.5 million from Good Energies, according to CB Insights. 3Tier uses supercomputers to map the best spots in the world for solar and wind energy.
Oct
PNNL Teams win DOE Secretary’s Honor Award
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Company News, Complete Digest
Source: PNNL Press Release, October 27, 2011.
Three teams of PNNL researchers received Honor Awards from Energy Secretary Steven Chu today for their work following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the tsunami that damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant in Japan, and for their efforts to transport and secure tons of spent nuclear fuel from a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. Presented at DOE headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Honor Awards represent the highest level of non-monetary recognition given to DOE federal and contractor employees.
“The employees recognized today have gone above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to public service,” said Secretary Chu. “Their dedication, knowledge and skills have served to strengthen our nation’s economic and energy security and the work of the Energy Department.”
During the summer of 2010 when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was occurring in the Gulf of Mexico, researchers from PNNL collaborated with seven other national laboratories to estimate the rate of oil flowing into the Gulf. Members of the PNNL team on the Flow Rate Technical Group being recognized with the award include: Phil Gauglitz, Lenna Mahoney, James Fort, Judith Bamberger, Jeremy Blanchard, Jagan Bontha, Carl Enderlin, Yasuo Onishi, David Pfund, David Rector, Mark Stewart, Beric Wells, Thomas Yokuda and former employee Perry Meyer. Additional PNNL staff supported this urgent effort, including: Bill Dey, Bill Kuhn, Chrissy Charron and Dana Ruane.
In the wake of a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan in March 2011, researchers from PNNL, other national laboratories, and domestic and foreign government agencies provided technical analysis and advice to U.S. and Japanese government officials to support immediate decision-making and longer term stabilization planning efforts. Recipients of the award, who were deployed in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., during the crisis, were supported by several technical staff at the Laboratory. Members of the PNNL team being acknowledged with the award include: Yasuo Onishi, chief scientist, and Jim Buelt, Nuclear Energy Sector Manager. Many additional PNNL staff also contributed to the technical analysis activities during the crisis, including: Bruce Reid, Burt Johnson, Ted Bowyer, Jeff Miller, Reid Peterson, Tom Michener, Wayne Johnson, Gary Sevigny, Ron Omberg, Diana Love, Loni Peurrung, Don Draper, Garrett Brown, Bruce Napier, Dawn Wellman, Jon Schwantes, Andy Prichard, Judah Friese, Jim Hayes, Larry Greenwood, Harry Miley and Carl Pitts.
Additionally, Paul Higgins, program manager, international technology assessments, was presented with a separate Certificate of Extraordinary Service for his superior support to the federal government during the Fukushima disaster.
Since the end of the Cold War, countries such as Kazakhstan have been tasked with disposing of spent nuclear fuel from their nuclear facilities. Between 1998 and 2010, researchers from PNNL and other national laboratories teamed to help Kazakhstan transport and secure spent fuel containing 10 metric tons of highly enriched uranium and three metric tons of weapon-grade plutonium from a fast breeder reactor in Aktau, Kazakhstan — enough spent fuel for 775 nuclear weapons. The fuel was transported approximately 3,000 km via rail and road to a long-term storage facility; it was the largest spent fuel shipment in the history of the National Nuclear Security Administration. Michael Macourek, project integration manager, now deceased, was presented the award posthumously. Jeff Andrie, lead project controls engineer, and Pete Pelto, retired PNNL senior equipment designer, also were primary contributors to this work.
Oct
Itron Chops 750 Employees
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Company News, Complete Digest
Source: Northwest Innovation News, October 26, 2011.
Itron, the maker of smart utility meters, is restructuring its manufacturing operations, which will result in a reduction of about 750 full time positions at the firm, or approximately 7.5 percent of its employees. The firm said the move goes to “increase efficiency and lower manufacturing costs.” Itron said it expects to save $30 million annually due to the cuts, which also includes the close or consolidation of several of its manufacturing facilities. The firm said it currently has 31 global manufacturing operations, 6 of which will be shutdown or sold. The firm will take restructuring charges of $65 to $75 million over the next 15 to 18 months for the shutdowns.
Oct
Verdiem Updates IT Energy Management Software
Posted by Tom Ranken | No Comments | Categories: Company News, Complete Digest
Source: Northwest Innovation News, October 26. 2011.
Seattle-based Verdiem, the developer of PC power management software run by John Scumniotales, released an update of its Surveyor software. Verdiem said its updated Surveyor 6 platform extends power management beyond the PCs and Macs supported in prior releases to include other network connected IT devices. The company also said it has bolstered the analytics and reporting capabilities of the software with a deal with Information Builders. Among the new devices supported by the software are switches, routers, Cisco IP phones, power distribution units, and other devices. Verdiem’s software helps improve the energy savings in corporate networks, by automatically powering down systems when not being used.
