Page 11 Page 34 Page 22 - Electrical Business Magazine

INDUSTRY NEWSCooper launches MediaSyncCertified Installer ProgramCooper Wiring Devices launched its newMediaSync Certified Installer Program. This certificationcourse, says the company, aims to providestructured wiring installers with training and technicalsupport that is sure to enhance productivity.This program features a comprehensiveMediaSync training course that covers all aspectsof the installation process, as well as an extensivesummary on all MediaSync products. Theprogram also provides participants with generalproduct training from Cooper Wiring Devices,and helpful tips on generating sales.Becoming a MediaSync Certified Installer providesmany benefits for installers and integrators,says the company. Cooper provides certified installerswith comprehensive, professional product linebrochures and collateral material for consumers, aswell as product upgrade guides to simplify the salesprocess. Other benefits include product discounts,merchandising displays and qualified local salesleads from national marketing programs.Visit www.cooperwiringdevices.com andclick MediaSync to find out how to become aMediaSync Certified Installer.Telecom research leads to solar cellbreakthrough at McMasterHubbell acquires Kurt VersenHubbell Inc. has acquired the Kurt Versen Co. for about $100 millionin cash. Located in Westwood, N.J., Kurt Versen manufacturesspecification-grade lighting fixtures for a range of commercial andinstitutional applications. The company is an integrated manufacturerwith design and production in its 125,000-sf facility.“Kurt Versen is the preferred brand in specification-grade downlightingwith significant brand awareness and a preference builtover the company’s 70-year history,” said Timothy H. Powers,Hubbell Inc. president and CEO, adding, “This is a major additionto our current offering of both Prescolite and Progress brands,which extends our product breadth and depth through all segmentsof the non-residential and residential lighting markets.”The acquisition enhances Hubbell Lighting’s package of 16premium lighting brands, says Hubbell—including Kim Lighting,Architectural Area Lighting, Alera Lighting and SportsliterSolutions—and strengthens Hubbell Lighting’s position in thespec-grade downlighting market segment.Hubbell Lighting, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., now welcomes the KurtVersen Co. brand of specification-grade lighting fixtures to the family.The original cable tie turns 50 !In 1958, Thomas & Betts revolutionized cable managementwith the introduction of Ty-Rap ® , the original cable tie.Semiconductor insights gained by engineeringphysics researchers at McMaster University forthe telecommunications industry have led to aresearch breakthrough in the future developmentof high-efficiency solar cells. It seems telecom’sloss is solar energy’s gain.“This project is expected to introduce a novelway to manufacture solar cells. When combinedwith Arise’s proprietary silicon technology currentlybeing developed, there is the potential tomore than double traditional PV cell efficiencies,”commented Ian MacLellan, president and CEOof Arise Technologies Corp.The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) andArise (a solar energy firm headquartered in Waterloo,Ont.), are investing $4.1 million to advance thecommercialization of McMaster’s research.Rafael Kleiman and John Preston, professorsof engineering physics at McMaster, discovered apatent-pending method of applying single crystallayers of compound semiconductors (such asgallium-arsenide) on single crystal silicon crystal,which they expect will convert sunlight to electricitytwice as efficiently as other materials systemscommonly in use.“We have the Ontario Centres of Excellenceto thank for bringing us together with AriseTechnologies,” said Preston. “Their introductionallowed us to transfer more than 20 years of experiencein semiconductor technology to developinghigher efficiency renewable solar energy.”Since that time, the often imitated,yet unequalled Ty-Rap ® cable tie hasnever stopped evolving. UV-resistantcable ties, high-temperature cableties, detectable cable ties andmore… Since 1958, we’ve broughtyou innovation, never imitation.With half a century of industry firstsbehind us, we’re looking forwardto the next 50 years.Tell us what’s next and you could win!What’s the next Ty-Rap ® innovation?Submit your idea at:www.tnb-canada.com/en/tyrap50From now until June 27, we’ll be holdingweekly prize drawings for prizes like$150.00 Petro-Canada gas cards andSamsung S85 digital cameras.www.tnb-canada.com/en/tyrap50T&B_mag_EB_Mar08.indd 12/21/08 3:43:07 PMwww. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 5