Dear Sir or Madame-
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In this April 21, 2010 Publication:
Cascade Die Weathers Recession, Expects Growth
China "Expected" To Let Yuan Rise
Against The Dollar
Dual technologies improve die casting quality
Nissan Begins Taking Orders For Its Electric Car
Just Announced! June 2nd NADCA Energy Efficiency
Workshop
Cascade Die Weathers Recession, Expects Growth
Although Cascade Die Casting Group Inc., based in
Sparta, has suffered the same manufacturing downturn as the rest
of Michigan, the diversified supplier is coming back from its lowest point in years with a plan to grow its
business.
The privately held manufacturer, with plants in Grand Rapids and High Point, N.C., supplies the electronic, power
tool, medical, heavy truck and other industries, but its dominant customer is Tier One automotive at 53 percent,
said Jim Moran, vice president of sales and marketing. Because of that, Cascade, established in 1978, felt some of
the first waves of the economic recession.
“We probably experienced some of the downturn early because we had parts on pick-ups,” said President Patrick
Greene. “When Chrysler went into bankruptcy and shut down, Magna called and said, ‘Chrysler shut down, we’re
shutting down.’”
To view the rest of this article,
click here.
China "Expected" To Let Yuan Rise Against The Dollar
The AP (4/13, Rugaber) reported, China is "expected" to let its currency rise against the dollar, "a
long-sought goal of US manufacturers." This change could "boost exports and potentially raise the prices of imported
Chinese goods." However, economists feel "any changes will likely be slow," and say consumers should not "expect to
see higher prices on store shelves or large jumps in exports anytime soon." President Obama said Tuesday he feels
the "yuan is undervalued," and urged President Hu Jintao to "move towards a more market approach." Many Chinese
companies that "depend on exports would likely cut their prices to compensate for some or all of a currency
revaluation." However, Frank Vargo, VP for international economic affairs for the Manufacturers, said that "Chinese
companies reduced their profit margins, sold at a loss and took other steps to suppress price increases," resulting
in a rise in import prices of only 6%.
Hu Stresses "Outside Pressure" Won't Influence Beijing's Currency Policy. The Washington Post (4/13, Higgins) reported President Hu Jintao stated China is "reviewing its
current policy" regarding the yuan, but "stressed" that any modification of China's currency "will not be advanced
by outside pressure," according to official Chinese media reports. Hu's remarks "followed widespread speculation in
the foreign media and on foreign currency markets in recent days that China is about to bow to American demands and
raise the value of the yuan, or renminbi, which is essentially pegged to the dollar. Such a revaluation would make
Chinese exports more expensive on world markets and make foreign imports to China cheaper." Following their meeting,
President Obama "struck a conciliatory tone" and said China "sees the issue of currency as a sovereign issue,"
adding, "I think they are resistant to international pressure when it comes to them making decisions about their
currency policy and monetary policy."
According to the AP (4/14), Hu "rebuffed US calls to re-value China's currency, telling" President Obama "that any
tinkering with the yuan will be done by Beijing in accord with domestic interests." Hu is quoted as saying,
"Detailed measures for reform should be considered in the context of the world's economic situation, its development
and changes as well as China's economic conditions. It won't be advanced by any foreign pressure. ... [Yuan]
appreciation would neither balance Sino-US trade nor solve the unemployment problem in the United States."
Dual technologies improve die casting quality
CSIRO says two of its new environmentally friendly technologies can result
in stronger conventional die castings.
According to the organisation, the two new technologies, a dynamic gating system and the “ATM runner system”,
produce high-integrity castings with fine-grained microstructure and low porosity.
The technologies influence the flow behaviour of the molten metal, the fill pattern of the die and subsequent
solidification. They can be used with aluminium and magnesium alloys.
To view the rest of this article, click here.
Nissan Begins Taking Orders For Its Electric Car
McClatchy (4/19, Hull) reported Nissan's four-door Leaf, "an affordable, all-electric car," will
go on sale later this year for approximately $25,000 after a federal tax credit. Auto industry analysts feel the
price is "low enough" to attract potential consumers "who have never considered electric vehicles before." The
interest in the Leaf "is so high that Nissan will begin accepting reservations Tuesday." Paul Scott of the advocacy
group Plug In America said, "By the end of the year there will be thousands of these cars in Americans' hands, and
once people have them, it's game over. ... The Leaf's low price means the adoption rate of this technology is going
to be dramatically faster than we had ever hoped." Some feel "the electric car's time has arrived" following
missteps of the 1990s. Now "charging stations are being built, consumer interest has grown, the technology has
advanced, and Nissan is putting marketing oomph behind the Leaf's rollout."
The
Wall Street Journal (4/19, Ramsey, subscription required) added about 115,000 people have shown an
interest in learning more about the Leaf. Those who show serious interest in owning a Leaf can sign up at Nissan's
US Website by the end of Monday and receive a link to place a reservation beginning Tuesday. A reservation will cost
a $99 refundable deposit, and reservations for the rest of the public will begin May 15. The initial cost of the
Leaf will start at $32,780, but owners will immediately be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit on electric
vehicles.
Just Announced! June 2nd NADCA Energy Efficiency Workshop
Save the date for this one day seminar featuring Alex Monroe’s
Cap and Trade Key note Presentation. The seminar will be held at Nemak in Sylacauga, AL. More information to come.
For the most current information visit:
www.diecasting.org/meetings/energy
