ACI GENERATES ELECTRIC POWER FROM WASTE MECHANICAL ENERGY
Advanced Cerametrics Inc. (ACI) recently announced the development of a device, based on the company’s piezoelectric ceramic fiber composites (PFCs), that is capable of producing sufficient levels of electrical power to run typical handheld and other low-power electronic devices. The process is accomplished by capturing mechanical energy, available almost everywhere, and converting it into electricity. ACI’s new PFC design uses a combination of improved ceramic materials and processes, as well as ceramic fiber composite design, along with new very low-power electronics. The company has accomplished the generation and storage of over 120 milliwatts of continuous power for over 200 seconds, from three seconds of a small vibration.
The company’s website is located at www.advancedcerametrics.com.

JOHNSON MATTHEY TO SELL CERAMICS DIVISION
Johnson Matthey has agreed to sell its Ceramics Division to a company established by Pamplona Capital Partners I, LP, a private equity investment fund, for approximately 226 million euro (~US$297 million) in cash. The transaction is conditional upon regulatory approval in Germany, Spain and Portugal, and is expected to be completed on February 28, 2007. The consideration, which is on a cash and debt free basis, is subject to adjustment by reference to the net assets of the division at completion. The Ceramics Division, headquartered in Spain, has core manufacturing facilities in Spain, Italy, UK, Brazil, the U.S., Malaysia, India and China, and employs approximately 670 people. “The sale of the Ceramics Division represents a further step in our strategy of focusing the group on its core activities in catalysis, precious metals and fine chemicals,” said Neil Carson, chief executive.
The company’s website is located at www.matthey.com.

LAFARGE ANNOUNCES PLAN TO SELL ROOFING ACTIVITY
Lafarge’s board of directors has considered that the offer of PAI Partners for the Roofing activity is the best solution for the Group and its shareholders, as well as for the industrial future and the development of the Roofing activity and its employees. The information and consultation process with the relevant employee representative bodies has begun, and the project will be submitted to the relevant authorities. Within the framework of the project, Lafarge has chosen to hold a 35% stake in the new entity, with a corresponding number of seats on the board, demonstrating its commitment to remain involved and to contribute to the development of this activity.
The company’s website is located at www.lafarge.com.

OCTILLION TO DEVELOP SOLAR-TO-ELECTRICITY GLASS WINDOWS
Octillion Corp. recently announced that its research and development initiatives are under way for the development of a new patent-pending technology using nanosilicon photovoltaic solar cells that have the potential to convert normal home and office glass windows into those capable of converting solar energy into electricity. These nanosilicon photovoltaic solar cells are created through an electrochemical and ultrasound process that produces identically sized (1-4 nanometers in diameter), highly luminescent nanoparticles of silicon that provide varying wavelengths of photoluminescence with high quantum down conversion efficiency of short wavelengths (50-60%).
For more information, visit www.octillioncorp.com.

RESCO AND THERMAL CERAMICS ANNOUNCE LICENSE AGREEMENT
Resco Products, Inc. and Thermal Ceramics Inc. recently announced the signing of a licensing agreement that will allow Resco to manufacture and sell Thermal’s 80-D brick in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. “Resco is honored to have been chosen by Thermal to continue the legacy of 80-D brick for the many customers who prefer this product over alternate brick,” said William K. Brown, president and chief executive officer of Resco. “Resco expects the technology transfer to be completed promptly, with 80-D availability from Resco by late 2006 or early 2007.”
For more information, visit www.rescoproducts.com or www.thermalceramics.com.

VISION ENGINEERING MAKES PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vision Engineering recently announced the appointments of Jeffrey Bronson as Western regional manager, Michael Curtis as district manager for Mountain States, Bob Riemer as district manager for Pacific Northwest, and Raymond Mark as district manager for the Upper Midwest. “The Western Region is wide open for development, and we at Vision Engineering believe that the opportunities for growth there are boundless,” said Rick Coyle, general manager. “Our commitment is always to provide superior ergonomically designed products to companies where there is a need to improve quality and productivity.”
The company’s website is located at www.visioneng.com.

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