Responding to process manufacturers' need to increase plant productivity, uptime and efficiency, Emerson Process Management has launched AMS Suite: Asset Portal as part of its PlantWeb digital plant architecture. The Web-based application provides a single view into predictive diagnostics from critical plant assets. AMS Asset Portal aggregates and unifies information on the health and performance of mechanical, electrical and process equipment, field instruments and valves. It also provides longer range performance monitoring and historical trend analysis. Using technology such as Web services and XML, AMS Asset Portal can span the production assets in a single plant or across an entire enterprise. All applications in Emerson's AMS Suite are integrated with AMS Asset Portal.
— Emerson Process Management, c/o Ad-Track, 6060 Huntington Court, N.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402; 952/828-3180;
emersonprocess.com

Packaging Concepts has introduced high-strength UNSA FIBCs that feature a full range of package symbols and markings required by UN code. UNSA's lab testing is approved and supervised by TNO of the Netherlands. The company supplies FIBCs in a range of configurations for different packing groups, and all offer UN-code exterior markings for classes of hazardous materials. — Packaging Concepts; 5700 Cleveland St. Ste. 420, Virginia Beach, Va. 23462; 800/284-8312

Anderol has introduced high-performance food machinery greases that meet NSF International, Halal, and kosher safety requirements. Among Anderol's grease offerings, the high-performance has been designed with synthetic base fluids and advanced anti-wear chemistries to reduce equipment friction and overall operating temperatures. In extreme temperature and pressure applications, Anderol 783 does not soften or evaporate. The grease portfolio also contains white oil-based products such as the PQ 40AA and PQAA series. These white oil based food machinery greases also have been formulated with advanced anti-wear chemistries. — Anderol, 215 Merry Lane, P.O. Box 518, East Hanover, N.J. 07936; anderol.com

One Network Enterprises Inc. recently launched Supply Chain On Demand for retailers, distributors, manufacturers and logistics service providers. Supply Chain On Demand provides access to next-generation supply chain solutions through a monthly subscription to Network Applications. The applications synchronize order, inventory and shipment processes across a multi-company, multi-tier distribution environment through a command center, which is also the user's connection to One Network. — One Network Enterprises Inc., 200 South College St., Charlotte, N.C. 28202; 866/302-1936;
onenetwork.com

The Steritech Group Inc. recently launched a high-tech bar code monitoring program that helps eliminate excessive or unnecessary application of pesticides. The bar code technology allows Steritech pest management professionals to track recommendations and degree of compliance, analyze pest activity, including seasonal trends, and make any necessary program adjustments. Customers can access information about each pest monitoring station on the job site via a secure Web site. Pest management professionals also can access the information online, or update it by scanning the bar code. — The Steritech Group Inc., 7600 Little Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28226; 704/544-1900; steritech.com

Handling Specialty has designed a custom lift for the brewing industry that can handle loads as heavy as 4,000 pounds while unstacking and restacking damaged cases. The lift's two-post, dual-screw drive, which is mechanically synchronized, can handle damaged cases on pallets stacked as high as 12 cases. Additionally, the lift's mechanical actuation offers 100-percent level lifting, repeatable positioning and zero creep at any height, according to the company.
— Handling Specialty, Box 279, Walmore Rd. Entrance, Gate 6, Bldg. 4, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14304-0279; 800/559-8366; handling.com

A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp. recently debuted the Model 49 decaser, which automatically unloads glass or plastic bottles and containers from neck-down reshipper cases, single files the containers and uprights the emptied cases to be conveyed to the case packer at speeds as fast as 75 cases per minute. The decaser features a "soft roller" system that transfers cases from unloading to case turnover with finger-style grippers that bend to hold cases during a 180-degree transfer to the overhead discharge conveyor. These features are standard on the new Model 49 case unloader, and are available as a conversion kit for other A-B-C unloader models. — A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., 811 Live Oak St., Tarpon Springs, Fla. 34689; 800/237-5975, abcpackaging.com

Atago has released the PAL-1, a digital refractometer that is 2 inches wide by 1 inch high by 4 inches long. The PAL-1 weighs 4 ounces and provides a measurement range from 0 to 53 brix percent with accuracy of brix +/-0.2 percent. The refractometer digitally reads two to three drop samples in less than three seconds and automatic temperature compensation is accurate within a range from 10º to 40º C. The battery-powered PAL-1 also comes with a storage case. — Wilkens-Anderson Co., 4525 W. Division St., Chicago, Ill. 60651; 773/384-4433; waco-lab-supply.com

Why Design offers beverage packaging options for applications from niche to mass-market to create brand recognition and awareness on the store shelf. Why offers retail packaging, food label, display, box and container designs for high-impact point-of-purchase environments. Additional services include brand building and logo design. — Why Design Ltd., 55 Bradford St., Providence, R.I. 02903; 401/421-7622; whydesign.com

Fogg Filler Co., has introduced Acculift as part of the company's Fill Pro Series. Acculift is a cam-activated container lift system that eliminates traditional carousels used to transport bottles as they are filled along the circumference of the filling bowl. By integrating the lifting pedestal and the filling bowl, Acculift ensures positioning and container/valve alignment, and can be designed to incorporate one of several Fogg neck-handling technologies. Available in a wide range of capacities, from single-serve to 5-liter containers, the Fill Pro filling system features an oversized two-to-one filler-to-capper transfer ratio and the lube-free non-metallic gear drive is warranted for two years. Additionally, all operations are performed from the interface panel, including product supply, CIP activation, and fault condition indication and reset. Other Acculift options include a CIP trough, all-metal valves, HEPA systems and steam cap sterilization. — Fogg Filler, 3455 John F. Donnelly Dr., Holland, Mich. 49424; 616/786-3644; foggfiller.com

Radcliffe Inc. has launched Synchronicity 3.0, an enterprise supply chain solution for the third-party logistics marketplace. One of the key enhancements in this version is WebRF, which extends the Web-based architecture to include radio frequency terminals. Currently, WebRF supports both text-based and Pocket PC terminals. Enhancements also have been made to the Event Monitoring module, allowing users to set up 'triggers' that automatically send exception and summary reports to user interfaces such as e-mail or Synchronicity's Dashboard. The graphical dashboard is customizable, which makes key information readily available. Synchronicity 3.0 is recommended for 3PL providers. — Radcliffe Inc.,105 Commerce Valley Dr. W., Ste. 510, Markham, Ontario L3T 7W3; 905/771-5400; RadcliffeInc.com

Mike Liantonio was recently promoted to vice president of operations at Vexure Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. Liantonio will be responsible for Stonier Transportation Group, which includes pre-printed newspaper inserts and general commodities divisions; Alert Cargo Express, the expedited division and Stonier Trucking, the company's regional asset-based trucking operation.

Louis Belliveau has been appointed general manager of Renaissance Mark's Montreal wine and spirits facility, and Rob McDaniel was named general manager of the Napa, Calif., wine and spirits operation. The addition of Belliveau and McDaniel follows recent announcements about Renaissance Mark's corporate realignment into market-focused business units.

Michael Cleary has been appointed FKI Logistex Real Time Solutions' regional sales manager of the western sales region, and David Mickelsen as regional sales manager for its south central sales region. Cleary will manage Real Time Solutions sales in nine western states. Mickelsen will manage sales in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas. He will be based in Acworth, Ga.

Terry Holinsky was appointed president of National Instrument Co., Baltimore, Md., and Geoff Perez was recently added to the company's sales team, assigned to the western region.

Todd J. McPeek was recently promoted to vice president at Seaga Manufacturing Inc., Freeport, Ill., a full-service, global supplier of vending machines and refrigerated coolers. McPeek's new responsibilities will include improving current operations, procuring new markets and working with future acquisitions.

Michael Nark recently joined GEOCOMtms, Atlanta, as executive vice president of sales and marketing. Nark's previous experience includes positions in sales force management and field operations with Datastream, Logility and Honeywell.

Productivity Press recently published Six Sigma Fundamentals — A Complete Guide to the System, Methods, and Tools, by D.H. Stamatis. The book defines the six-sigma initiative and what is expected from the organization throughout the entire implementation process, according to the publisher.

Sherwin-Williams Industrial and Marine Coatings group now offers a 12-page brochure featuring its ControlTech family of coatings for tank linings, secondary containment and corrosion control.

Cadec Corp., Londonderry, N.H., recently announced its Mobius TTS onboard computer fully supports changes documented in the new rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. As a result, Cadec customers are now compliant and paperless.

AIM North America, Warrendale, Pa., the chapter organization for Automatic Identification and Data Capture Technologies, has created an RFID Informational Toolkit. The contents include materials about basic RFID technology, RFID market data, tips on selling RFID products and application stories.

CH2M Hill, Denver, recently acquired Lockwood Greene, Spartanburg, S.C., for $95.5 million.

Morrison Timing Screw, Glenwood, Ill., recently changed its name to Morrison Container Handling Solutions to more accurately reflect the full range of container-handling services offered.

Graphic Packaging Corp., Marietta, Ga., has dismissed the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Riverwood International Corp., a predecessor company to Graphic Packaging Corp., against MeadWestvaco. As part of the settlement, Graphic Packaging and MeadWestvaco have entered into a global cross license of the Fridge Vendor-style carton. In addition, Graphic will supply these innovative cartons to Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. in various locations.

Alcoa Flexible Packaging, Richmond, Va., recently launched the Pouch Express rapid-response printing program. Pouch Express provides pharmaceutical manufacturers with fine rotogravure printing from the Alcoa Flexible Packaging Downingtown Pharmaceutical Packaging Center for applications as small as 3 million square inches within six weeks.

Constar International Inc., Philadelphia, in collaboration with Diageo, has introduced Smirnoff Ice in high-performance Starshield barrier PET bottles. The 330-ml. bottles are primarily used at concerts and events where glass bottles are prohibited.