Company news

Magnet Applications, Horsham, Pa., announced the appointment of Chris Riley, Ph.D. to its staff as senior magnetics engineer. He received his doctorate in magnetization of bonded isotropic magnets at Sheffield University, UK. Riley will support large customers of the manufacturer of bonded magnets, rare earth magnets, and magnetic assemblies, focusing particularly on motor design.

Danaher Motion, Wood Dale, Ill., strengthened its motion portfolio with the acquisition of G&L Motion Control Inc.'s (GLMC) Fond Du Lac, Wis. business. The acquisition does not include the ThyssenKrupp Dusseldorf, Germany, company's machine tool company. As a global supplier to machine building OEMs in packaging, converting, assembly, and factory automation, GLMC will become a part of the Motion Control Systems Center of Excellence in Danaher's motion platform.

Aromat Corp., New Providence, N.J., the U.S. subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Works Ltd., changed its name to Panasonic Electric Works Corp. of America. The change results from a collaborative agreement between Matsushita Electric Works and Matsushita Electric Industrial to develop a worldwide brand and common name. In addition, Aromat's wholly-owned Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries have also assumed the names of Panasonic Electric Works Canada Inc. and Panasonic Electric Works Mexicana S.A. de C.V. The company markets signal, power, solid state, photoMOS, high frequency, and automotive relays.

Regina Chain, an Italian manufacturer of industrial steel and engineered plastic chain, named Robert Callahan CEO of its worldwide operations. He will be based in Cernusco, Italy, and will report to the board of directors of the privately-held corporation. Callahan will manage the company's overall performance, including helping the company achieve its long-term goals, building an effective executive team, providing a strategic vision, and establishing and strengthening relationships with key industry partners worldwide. Callahan has more than 28 years experience in the power transmission industry and was previously a senior executive at U.S. Tsubaki Inc.

Horton Holding Inc., Roseville, Minn., announced the appointment of Randall Nord as president and CEO. He replaces founder Hugh K. Schilling, who is retiring. Schilling will remain chairman of the board. Nord will oversee the company's global headquarters, as well as its subsidiaries in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico. Horton supplies cooling solutions for engines. Nord has been president and COO at Horton since 1999. Previously, he was vice president of commercial systems at Tetra Rex Packaging Systems. He also served as Horton's vice president of manufacturing.