Monday, 25 February 2019

BRANDSAFWAY™ ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF CENTURY ELEVATORS

Enhances motorized access capabilities in industrial and commercial construction markets throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond
 
Kennesaw, Georgia, USA, Feb 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KENNESAW, Georgia; February 25, 2019 – In a move to expand its motorized capabilities and offer a full suite of access technologies throughout the Gulf Coast, BrandSafway is pleased to announce the acquisition of Century Elevators, effective February 22, 2019. The leading rack and pinion elevator specialist in North America, Century Elevators provides construction and industrial elevators, material hoists, and transport platforms in the Gulf Coast region and beyond. Century Elevators is also the exclusive distributor of PEGA Hoist Ltd. products throughout North America and Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH (Boecker) equipment in the United States.

“Century Elevators is a very welcome addition to BrandSafway,” said Dave Witsken, president of Energy and Industrial at BrandSafway. “With the outstanding experience and expertise Century Elevators offers in custom elevator and motorized access solutions — in both industrial and commercial settings — we can deliver a higher level of excellence to our customers. We will also be able to strengthen our position in the Gulf Coast and enhance our range and delivery of access technologies.”

A full-service company, Century Elevators provides rental, sales, design, engineering, installation, operation, remote troubleshooting, maintenance and 24-hour emergency services. Founded in 2009 by a team of industry veterans, Century Elevators is headquartered in Webster, Texas, located within the southeastern Houston metro area, and has diversified experience in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, power, commercial construction, infrastructure and transportation.

Moving forward, Century Elevators will operate as Century Elevators by BrandSafway, an independent business under the BrandSafway umbrella. “We look forward to joining the BrandSafway family of companies,” said Jim Jensen, president of Century Elevators. “This is an exciting opportunity for our business, our employees and our customers.”

Paula Manning, a former president of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association and director of business development for Century Elevators, sees this acquisition as advantageous for customers of both BrandSafway and Century Elevators. “Century Elevators brings elevator, hoist and transport platform expertise to BrandSafway customers in key markets,” she explained. “At the same time, with the help of the BrandSafway team, we will be able to provide more services and products to Century Elevators’ existing customers. This is an exciting time for our team, and we are eager to join the industry leader.”

About BrandSafway

With a commitment to safety as its foremost value, BrandSafway provides the broadest range of services, products and solutions, with the greatest depth of expertise, to the industrial, commercial and infrastructure markets. A portfolio company of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, BrandSafway offers access, industrial services, and forming and shoring solutions to more than 32,000 customers through a workforce of approximately 35,000 employees, who support our network of 330 strategic locations across 30 countries. With its global footprint, rigorous operating processes and extensive service offerings — a full range of work access, insulation, coatings, specialty industrial service, and forming and shoring solutions — BrandSafway supports customers’ maintenance and refurbishment needs as well as new construction and expansion plans. Today’s BrandSafway — large enough to leverage economies of scale to increase safety and productivity, while also remaining nimble and responsive — delivers unmatched service with local labor and management.

Attachments

Karla Cuculi
BrandSafway
262-523-6580
KCuculi@BrandSafway.com
 
Source: BrandSafway
 
--BERNAMA

SMBC MALAYSIA ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mr Tetsuya Kainaka, the new President/Chief Executive Officer of SMBC Malaysia


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- SMBC Malaysia has announced the appointment of Mr Tetsuya Kainaka, 51, as President/Chief Executive Officer effective 23 January 2019.
 
Mr. Kainaka comes to the role with more than 25 years of banking experience under his belt. He has spent considerable time in Asia and North and South America in corporate banking and treasury.
 
Most recently, Mr. Kainaka was the General Manager of SMBC’s Global Client Business Department based in the bank’s headquarters in Tokyo, where he managed the non-Japanese multinational clients’ business based in Japan.
 
Prior to this role, Mr. Kainaka spent three years each in North and South America, managing the corporate banking department from New York and then moving to Brazil to oversee business planning and promotion and the treasury business in Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., Sao Paulo Brazil (a 100% subsidiary of SMBC in Brazil).
 
Mr Kainaka first joined Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (formerly Sumitomo Bank Limited) in April 1991, after graduating from Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan, with a bachelor’s degree in law.

About Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (“SMBC”) was established in April 2001 through the merger of two leading banks of The Sakura Bank, Ltd and The Sumitomo Bank, Ltd.

SMBC is one of the largest banks in Japan, and works with other companies within the Group to provide a comprehensive suite of financial services to clients.
 
About Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Malaysia Berhad 

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Malaysia Berhad (SMBCMY) is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in Malaysia operating under a full banking license awarded by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2010 and commenced its business in April 2011. The Bank is principally engaged in full-fledged wholesale and institutional banking and its related financial services. As at 31 March 2018, the total assets of the Bank amounted to RM17.1bil.
 
The immediate and ultimate owners of the Bank are Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. respectively. Both companies are incorporated in Japan.
 
SOURCE: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Malaysia Berhad
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Julie Lim
Planning Department
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Malaysia Berhad
Tel: +603-2176 1410/+6016-370 5300
Fax: +603-2165 1599
Email: julie_lim@my.smbc.co.jp 
 
--BERNAMA

OMERS ANNOUNCES FIRST INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IN INDIA

TORONTO, Feb 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OMERS Infrastructure is proud to announce it has acquired a 22.4% interest in IndInfravit Trust (“IndInfravit”), for a total consideration of INR 8.7 billion (C$160 million).

IndInfravit holds a portfolio of five operational toll road concessions which were initially constructed and operated by L&T Infrastructure Development Projects Limited (“L&T IDPL”), a subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited (“L&T”). The five roads operate in some of the Republic of India’s most economically vibrant states and support the country’s growing economy. IndInfravit is a platform well placed to play a key role in the future through additional investments in the road infrastructure in India.

“IndInfravit is a well-managed, world-class core infrastructure asset. This investment provides an attractive entry point into India, one of the most dynamic markets globally, alongside well-trusted partners,” said Bruce Crane, Managing Director, who leads the efforts for OMERS Infrastructure in Asia and moved to Singapore last year. “We look forward to working constructively with the other unitholders, management and all local stakeholders to grow this platform in the coming years,” he added.

IndInfravit is listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE”) as well as BSE Limited (“BSE”), and the other unitholders include Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”), Allianz Capital Partners (“ACP”), L&T IDPL and other institutional investors.

“The investment in IndInfravit marks not only our first infrastructure investment in India, but also demonstrates our commitment to investing in the Asia Pacific region following our office opening in Singapore in 2018,” said Ralph Berg, Executive Vice President and Global Head of OMERS Infrastructure. “Our investment in IndInfravit aligns with our strategy to diversify our portfolio and generate value for OMERS plan members. At the same time, we will participate in the expansion of the Indian economy by investing into crucial infrastructure. Today’s announcement also represents an opportunity to deepen our relationships with ACP, CPPIB and L&T,” he added.

L&T IDPL sponsored the IndInfravit Trust and is also acting as its Project Manager and its subsidiary is acting as the Investment Manager for IndInfravit. L&T is one of the largest multi-national firms and a leading construction company in India, with strong focus on the infrastructure sector.

Ambit Private Limited acted as financial adviser to OMERS Infrastructure.

About OMERS Infrastructure

OMERS Infrastructure invests globally in infrastructure assets on behalf of OMERS, the defined benefit pension plan for municipal employees in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Investments are aimed at steady returns to help deliver secure and sustainable pensions to OMERS members. OMERS Infrastructure’s diversified portfolio of large-scale infrastructure assets exhibits stability and strong cash flows, in sectors including energy, transportation and government-regulated services.

OMERS has employees in Toronto and other major cities across North America, the U.K., Europe, Asia and Australia. OMERS is one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension funds, with net assets of more than C$95 billion. Visit www.omersinfrastructure.com for more information.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

OMERS:
Neil Hrab
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
nhrab@omers.com
416-369-2418

SOURCE : Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System

Saturday, 23 February 2019

DTECT BRCA+, GENETIC SCREENING FOR BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Public-listed healthcare company, Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (MGRC), and its subsidiary, pathology services company Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Clinipath) today announced the availability of Dtect BRCA+, an affordable genetic screening test that examines key genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.
 
Breast and ovarian cancers are two of the most common cancers affecting adult women. Symptoms for breast cancer may include swelling of all or part of a breast, skin irritation, thickening of the nipple or breast skin and abnormal nipple discharge. Symptoms for ovarian cancer may include abdominal bloating, indigestion, increased urge to urinate, constipation and menstrual irregularities.
 
In 2018, the Ministry of Health Malaysia published the MySCan study on cancer incidence and survival rates. From the study, the incidence was observed at any age above 40 years. The mortality rate is 43.3% for breast cancer and 52.9% for ovarian cancer. Most importantly, the study found that early detection and treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer (at Stage 1) led to a 5-year relative survival rate of 87.5% and 82.8% respectively.
 
Genetic screening can identify genetic predispositions to hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. Positive results from Dtect BRCA+ may identify a need for regular, pathology surveillance to catch either of these diseases early when they are easiest to treat. Positive results may also be useful to encourage positive lifestyle changes to mitigate the risk of hereditary breast cancer or ovarian cancer from occurring.
 
MGRC and Clinipath continue to work together to make comprehensive pathology services, and the latest in genetic testing available to doctors with a view to improving the lives of patients in Malaysia and the region.
 
About Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad 
 
MGRC was a pioneer in genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and genetic screening services. Since 2004, MGRC had developed extensive pipelines in the sequencing and analysis of human, animal, plant and microbial genomes for clients worldwide. Today, MGRC is focused on merging the latest in genetic testing with pathology to enable doctors to provide personalised healthcare for their patients.
 
About Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd 

Clinipath is one of Malaysia’s largest independent pathology service providers with a nationwide network of 18 branches. It offers a complete range of fast, accurate and reliable pathology testing services. It has been ISO 15189 accredited since 2010. Clinipath is a wholly-owned subsidiary of public-listed MGRC. 
 
Source: Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Shawn Keng
Tel: +6014-9685808
Email: enquiries@mgrc.com.my 
 
--BERNAMA

Friday, 22 February 2019

Robot war machine all fired up at IDEX 2019, courtesy Milrem Robotics, EOS



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- European unmanned warfare systems developer, Milrem Robotics and Electro Optic Systems (EOS) have jointly brought lightweight 30mm lethality to the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) market.

Exhibited at IDEX 2019 in Abu Dhabi, the weaponised warfare system features the THeMIS UGV equipped with the R400S – Mk2-HD (dual) RWS mounting 30mm ATK M23 LF cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm GPMG.

The remotely operated vehicle enhances a land force’s firepower; situational awareness due to advanced sensors; increases stand-off distance, and is especially, effective against light armoured vehicles.

According to a statement, the vehicle can also be equipped with autonomous functions used for area or perimeter patrolling for which the system will always be under the control of a human (man-in-the-loop).

“Due to the system’s light weight and size, our joint product can be rapidly deployed with mounted and/or dismounted units, requiring less logistical effort,” said Milrem Robotics chief executive officer, Kuldar Väärsi.

This is the first integration project for the two companies and the largest calibre cannon fitted to the THeMIS platform.

Milrem Robotics and EOS are planning to test-fire the system as soon as possible.

-- BERNAMA

Women entrepreneurs empowered via ASEAN-Japan Linkage Programme



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) – The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) recently organised the 3rd ASEAN-Japan Women Entrepreneurs’ Linkage Program (AJWELP), co-hosted by SME Corporation Malaysia here.

The governments of the ASEAN Member States and Japan are committed to promote development of micro, small and medium enterprises, including women entrepreneurs’ empowerment to enhance more gender equality societies.

To boost the effort, AJC launched AJWELP, a support programme for women entrepreneur start-ups in ASEAN Member States to forge linkages among start-ups, companies and mentors.

AJWELP was first held in Manila, the Philippines in 2016, followed by Jakarta, Indonesia in 2017.

Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail delivered a keynote address, sharing facts of women-owned SMEs in Malaysia and how the Malaysian Government supported them.

Dr Wan Azizah, who is also women, family and community development minister, said the programme would have greater success in empowering women within the ASEAN region as it was already in its third consecutive year of implementation.

The programme highlighted a business presentation where start-ups from the 10 ASEAN Member States presented their businesses and challenges. Representatives of companies and mentors, who are also senior entrepreneurs attended the presentation.

After the event, company representatives decided which start-ups they would support, in line with company businesses.

The co-founder of Kloth Malaysia, Nik Suzila Nik Hassan is the finalist for Malaysia. Kloth Malaysia is a textile recycling company.

Meanwhile, Hernan Corporation Sdn Bhd Group Chief Executive Officer, Anna Teo is the Malaysian mentor in the programme.

AJC is an inter-governmental organisation, established by the ASEAN Member States and Japan in 1981. It has been promoting exports from ASEAN to Japan while revitalising investment, tourism as well as people-to-people exchanges.

-- BERNAMA

Strategy implementation firm, BTS named Top 20 Assessment and Evaluation Company

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- BTS, a leading global strategy implementation firm, was named a Top 20 Assessment and Evaluation Company by Training Industry, marking its 32nd award in 2018.
BTS has decades of experience in the assessment and industrial/organisational psychology space. Its wide range of cutting-edge assessments combine traditional techniques with customised leadership and business simulation exercises.
The company has also developed a new approach to situational judgement tests, evaluating an employee’s behavioural judgement during critical moments throughout the day.
“It is an honour to be named as Training Industry’s Top 20 Assessments and Evaluation Companies,” said BTS Assessments Partner and Head, Dr Sandra Hartog.
“BTS has a wide range of solutions that can be used across the employee lifecycle, from selection to development at all levels. We are excited to continue developing new technologies and advancing these capabilities in the future,” she said.
Selection was made based on company’s diversity of assessment capabilities, quality and innovativeness of evaluation techniques, company size and growth potential, quality and number of clients or users, as well as awards, recognition and competitive differentiation.
Full list of the winners is available at https://trainingindustry.com.
-- BERNAMA