Company news

Mectrol Corp. announces the sale of its polyurethane timing belt business to Gates Corp., a subsidiary of Tomkins plc. The sale allows Mectrol to concentrate on its rapidly growing motion control and automotive business units. It will continue to operate with its headquarters, central engineering, and manufacturing facility in Salem, N.H. All employees in the Salem facility will remain in their current positions, either with Gates or Mectrol. Gates has formed a new company called Gates Mectrol, which will operate the timing belt business. The sale involves the people and facilities located in Salem; Cuautla, Mexico; and Pfungstadt, Mexico.

Rockwell Automation announces the Dodge and Reliance Electric brands marked their 125th and 100th anniversaries, respectively. Dodge started in 1878 and took off in 1881, when Wallace Dodge constructed his revolutionary Wood Split Pulley with an interchangeable bushing system. In 1904, the Reliance Electric Co. began when Cleveland industrialist Peter Hitchcock and inventor John Lincoln opened a shop for electrical experimentation and development. The following year, they developed a dc motor with adjustable speeds.

Kevin Powers has been named president, Industrial Business Div. of U.S. Tsubaki Inc. In his new position, Powers will manage sales, marketing, operations, and customer service.

AC Technology plans to add 94,000 sq ft to its existing 33,000-sq-ft Uxbridge, Mass., headquarters by next spring. The added space will provide the needed room to accommodate an increased range of products and improve the efficiency of product flow. The new building will also bring all operating departments under one roof.

Wago Corp. has appointed Tom Artmann president of its North American operations. Artmann has been with the company since 1982, holding numerous roles, including his previous role as V.P. of sales and marketing.