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Welding machinery market to cross $14.5B by 2010 In a report titled, "Welding Machinery: A Global Strategic Business Report," published by Global Industry Analysts Inc. said that the worldwide welding machinery market is characterized by relative maturity, with developing regions such as, North America, Europe, and Japan emerging as major markets. However, future growth is primarily anticipated from developing regions of the world, fueled by growth associated with infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. Factors such as modern electronics, new welding techniques, adhesives sector, and quality control significantly impact potential growth. Growing popularity of plastic welding, and rising demand for ultrasonic welding are some of the key market drivers. United States is the largest market for welding machinery worldwide. The market is estimated at US$3.7 billion for 2007 as stated by Global Industry Analysts Inc. Europe is the second largest market followed by Japan. United States, Japan, Europe, and Asia collectively account for over 75% of the global welding machinery market. The global and regional markets are expected to register modest CAGRs ranging between 1% and 2%. Arc welding machinery market represents the largest segment with sales projected to be US$3.3 billion in 2008. Laser welding machinery market is projected to reach US$1.1 billion by 2010, at a CAGR of over 3.2% during the period 2000-2010. Aisin Seiki to build second production firm in Thailand Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd will establish Aisin Thai Automotive Casting Co. Ltd (ATAC) as its second production base in Prachinburi province in Thailand, corresponding to production expansion in the ASEAN region. Construction of the new company will begin in December 2008 and the aforementioned business will be shifted from Siam Aisin upon completion in the latter half of 2009. Plans call for production to commence in November 2009. Its main product line will be engine components, including timing chain cases, water pumps and oil pumps. The new company will create an integrated production system from the die cast processing of aluminum parts to machining processes and assembly. In the future, the new company will bolster its aluminum production capacity, including die cast processing of drivetrain related components, such as manual transmissions, which are currently produced by a local subsidiary of AISIN group company Aisin AI Co. Ltd. This will reinforce Aisin Seiki誷 production system in the ASEAN region. SPI Lasers now a member of TRUMPF Group Machine tool and laser manufacturer TRUMPF has assumed control of SPI Lasers effective October 7, 2008. The bid submitted by TRUMPF became effective after shareholders of SPI Lasers approved the sale of more than 90 percent of the company's shares to TRUMPF. Peter Leibinger, vice-chairman of the managing board and head of the laser technology and electronics division, said, "Both companies will benefit from the acquisition. The market for industrial lasers will continue to grow in the future. This is also true for fibre lasers used in the low power range applications. SPI Lasers is one of the leading manufacturers of fiber lasers. The company has a broad product range which will nicely complement TRUMPF's product portfolio. Its worldwide distribution network, numerous patents as well as its fiber laser manufacturing expertise all speak well of SPI Lasers." TRUMPF intends to maintain and expand the merchant laser sales channel established by SPI Lasers. It is expected that other OEM products will be marketed through this channel over time. Tungaloy inks business collaboration with IMC Tungaloy Corp. has executed a business collaboration agreement with IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V. About 71.2% of the total number of issued shares in the company held by the parent company, Nomura Principal Finance Co. LtdWomens Running Shoes