February 11, 2008 — /ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL/ — The Journal of the IEST, technical publication of the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology, reaches a milestone this year as it observes 50 years of continuous publication. The achievement will be recognized with events and opportunities throughout the year.

Since 1958, the Journal of the IEST has been the premier provider of technical information for professionals in the environmental sciences. The journal features peer-reviewed articles of the highest technical quality in the areas of design, test, evaluation, product reliability, and contamination control.

Celebration activities

IEST members and nonmembers alike can take advantage of the events and opportunities throughout 2008.

A special 50th anniversary web page offers free access to select papers from the Journal of the IEST archives, dating back to 1985. This page is updated frequently with new features. Retrospective coverage in the April and October issues of the journal will explore a half-century of progress in the industry and look at the evolution of the journal. Select papers from the early years of the journal will be republished.
A commemorative brochure, to be distributed at ESTECH, the IEST Fall Conference, and posted on the website, will offer the opportunity for individuals and companies to communicate a personal message in tribute to the Journal of the IEST anniversary.
During the presidential welcome reception at ESTECH 2008 on Monday, May 5, staff and guests will celebrate the tremendous technical contributions of the journal (reception included in ESTECH registration fees).

In addition, the following features are available exclusively to members and updated monthly: Via the Members-only section of the IEST website, members have access to papers from the early years of the journal that are not currently in the online archive. Members can exercise their detective skills and try to identify “mystery covers” from historical journal issues. Anyone can communicate a personal message in tribute to the Journal of the IEST anniversary by placing an ad in the commemorative brochure. Contact [email protected] for information.

History of the Journal of the IEST

The Journal of the IEST‘s predecessor, the Journal of Environmental Engineering, was first published in October 1958 by the Society of Environmental Engineers (SEE) in Los Angeles, CA. Another association at that time was the Institute of Environmental Engineers (IEE), which had been the science section of the Environmental Equipment Institute until separating in 1956. In April 1959, the SEE and the IEE merged to become the Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES).

The Journal of Environmental Engineering was selected to be the official publication of the IES. In October 1959, the journal was renamed the Journal of Environmental Sciences. The publication also was titled the Journal of the IES and the Journal of the Institute of Environmental Sciences before becoming the Journal of the IEST in 1998. The goal of the publication has remained the same throughout its history: to be the premier provider of technical information for professionals in the environmental sciences.

Visit: www.iest.org

February 12, 2008 — /PRNewswire/ — ANDOVER, MA — MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ:MKSI), a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, today announced the appointment of Peter R. Hanley to the board of directors effective March 1, 2008 to fill a vacancy. Dr. Hanley retired as Novellus Systems’ president and a member of the office of the CEO in December 2003 and is currently an independent consultant.

John Bertucci, chairman of the board, says, “Peter brings in-depth global industry knowledge and the customer perspective to our Board. We are pleased to welcome him and look forward to his contributions as MKS embarks on the next stage of growth.”

Dr. Hanley began his career with Novellus in 1992 as executive vice president of sales and marketing. After retiring as president in 2003, he continued as a part-time employee of Novellus through 2007. Dr. Hanley’s independent consulting practice is focused on sales strategies and executive training. Prior to Novellus, he held positions as vice president and general manager with both Applied Materials and Varian Associates. He holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University and a Ph.D. in applied physics from Cornell University.

In a separate action, the board approved the relocation of MKS’ corporate headquarters to 2 Tech Drive, Andover, MA. from 90 Industrial Way, Wilmington, MA. MKS is focused on growth opportunities in the solar market and next generation semiconductor process tools, and the move will provide additional engineering laboratory space for the product group based in Wilmington. The move will be completed on February 19, 2008.

About MKS

MKS Instruments, Inc. is a global provider of instruments, subsystems, and process control solutions that measure, control, power, monitor, and analyze critical parameters of advanced manufacturing processes to improve process performance and productivity. Its products are derived from competencies in pressure measurement and control, materials delivery, gas composition analysis, electrostatic charge management, control and information technology, power and reactive gas generation, and vacuum technology. The Company’s primary served markets are manufacturers of capital equipment for semiconductor devices, and for other thin film applications including flat panel displays, solar cells, data storage media, and other advanced coatings. It also leverages its technology in other markets with advanced manufacturing applications, including medical equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and energy generation and environmental monitoring.

Visit: www.mksinst.com

February 12, 2008 — /Buchanan, MI/ — The Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group from Bosch Rexroth is pleased to welcome Inter-Strap Packaging Systems to its VarioFlow^TM PRO system designer and builder network.

The VarioFlow PRO network is an exclusive resource for turnkey VarioFlow modular conveyor systems and solutions for end-users in the packaging, medical, general assembly, and material handling industries. The network is made up of qualified integrators that participate at either the premier, certified, or associate tier of the program based upon eligibility and certification requirements. Members of the network are equipped to efficiently provide end-users with high quality VarioFlow system solutions.

Inter-Strap Packaging Systems, headquartered in Puerto Rico, has successfully completed factory certification training and participates at the certified member level of the network. Inter-Strap is a packaging machinery and components leader, providing total packaging solutions to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America.

“As a member of the VarioFlow PRO network, we have added flexibility, engineering knowledge, and expertise to our already successful packaging machine division,” states Antonio Fernandez Salas, engineering manager at Inter-Strap Packaging Systems. “The partnership enables us to offer short lead times for integrated conveyors and controls projects, resulting in greater overall success and service to our customers. This opportunity helps us achieve our goal of becoming a leader in conveyor integration.”

“Inter-Strap is a valuable new addition to the VarioFlow PRO system design and builder network,” remarks Amy Defayette, VarioFlow product manager. “They are dedicated to growing their integration and value-add services, and consequently, their customer base. Inter-Strap is familiar with the key needs of the packaging industry, they are well-versed in VarioFlow technology, and are now fully equipped to provide VarioFlow solutions to the growing market in Puerto Rico.”

About Bosch Rexroth AG

Bosch Rexroth AG, part of the Bosch Group, achieved sales of approximately $6.2 billion in 2006 with over 29,800 employees. Under the brand name of Rexroth, the company offers all drive and control technologies, from mechanics, hydraulics, and pneumatics to electronics and associated service. Over 500,000 customers worldwide utilize Rexroth’s unique technological know-how to implement their innovative and future-oriented systems and machine concepts. The global player, represented in over 80 countries, is an extensive supplier of components and systems for industrial and factory automation and mobile applications.

Visit www.boschrexroth-us.com

February 12, 2008 — /Atlanta, GA/ — Dyson, the English vacuum cleaner company, announces that their Airblade hand drying system has been awarded certification by NSF International. The system is marketed in the United States by Cannon Hygiene, Inc.

This is the first and only such award the NSF has ever given to a hand dryer manufacturer. Formerly known as the National Sanitary Foundation, NSF is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI.

The organization has become a world leader in standards development, product certification, education, environmental protection, risk management, and sets guidelines to help protect people’s health and the environment.

According to Doug Calvert, president of Cannon Hygiene, one reason why the Airblade earned the certification was the system’s HEPA filter. “Commercial hand dryers can promote the distribution of potentially harmful bacteria and pathogens,” he says. “The HEPA filter captures nearly 100 percent of these containments, preventing them from becoming airborne and harming health.”

Additional Awards and Honors

The Airblade was introduced in late 2006. It does not include a heating element, but generates a curtain of air traveling more than 400 miles per hour. The result is that hands dry in less than 12 seconds.

In addition to the NSF award, the Airblade has been honored with endorsements from the Royal Institute of Public Health, London, an internationally recognized organization that promotes public health, and the British Skin Foundation, a well-respected charity committed to raising funds for skin disease research, also based in London.

“Dyson put more than three years of research and development into developing the Airblade,” adds Calvert. “The goal was to not only build a faster hand dryer, but a healthier one as well [and] fortunately, it appears we succeeded.”

About Cannon Hygiene, Inc.

Cannon Hygiene is one of the world’s top restroom hygiene services businesses. Based in Morecambe, Lancashire, England, it is responsible for maintaining health and hygiene standards for some of Britain’s royal households, including Buckingham Palace.

Today the company’s products are found in more than 30 countries around the world. It is now bringing its expertise to America’s shores.

Cannon Hygiene’s wide range of products and services is tailored to the needs of companies and organizations large and small. Its products and services ensure that restroom hygiene is maintained at a constant and controlled level, specific to the needs of each facility. The company is especially interested in serving the needs of women, including the disposal of feminine hygiene products.

Visit: www.dysonairblade.com
www.cannonhygiene.us

February 4, 2008 — /FDA/ — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is requesting nearly $2.4 billion to protect and promote public health as part of the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2009 budget. It would be a 5.7 percent increase over the budget that FDA received for the current fiscal year.

The FY 2009 request, which covers the period of October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, includes $1.77 billion in budget authority and $628 million in industry user fees.

The budget proposal includes strategic increases to strengthen food protection, modernize drug safety, speed approval of generic drugs, and improve the safety and review of medical devices. The request also includes funds to cover cost of living increases for FDA employees that perform the agency’s scientific and highly specialized public health mission. These investments build on the increases that FDA received for FY 2008 and will help ensure the safety of the food supply and accelerate the availability of new, safe, and innovative medical products.

“The FDA is committed to protecting and promoting the health of the American people,” says Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of FDA. “This budget enables us to continue development of the staff and programs necessary to safeguard the food we eat and improve the safety and development of drugs, vaccines, devices, and other medical products.”

FDA primarily delivers its public health mission through its highly trained professional workforce. During FY 2009, FDA will experience a full-time equivalent staff increase of 526. The FY 2009 budget supports additional staff for priority areas such as food defense and food safety, and drug, blood, and human tissue safety programs. FDA will also work to assure the safety of domestic and imported food and medical products by conducting more domestic and foreign inspections and more inspections of high- risk foods.

The following are FDA’s key proposed budget increases:

Protecting America’s food supply ($42.2 million)

FDA’s Protecting America’s Food Supply initiative integrates food safety and food defense and uses a comprehensive, preventative, and risk-based approach to safeguard the food supply and the American homeland. The investment allows FDA to implement components of the Administration’s Food Protection Plan, Import Safety Action Plan, and December 2007 agreements with China.

The foundation of the plan is to increase its focus on prevention, to identify potential food threats to the food supply, and counteract them before they harm consumers. The FY 2009 increase will allow the agency to focus on the most important food defense and food safety issues throughout the entire life cycle of foods, from production through consumption. In FY 2009, FDA will devote more workforce and resources to food production and handling sites, whether they are located in the United States or abroad.

Medical product safety and development ($17.4 million, $79.0 million user fees)

This initiative provides targeted resources to improve the safety of human and animal drugs, blood, human tissues, and medical devices. The resources in this initiative will strengthen FDA’s ability to effectively monitor the safety of medical products, including imported products. The agency will also help medical product manufacturers develop new products to treat life-threatening diseases and conditions.

In 2007, Congress enacted the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA). The FY 2009 budget implements new drug and medical device safety programs in FDAAA that are funded by user fees. As a result, FDA will strengthen its ability to regulate medical products and assure the safety and effectiveness of these products for the American public.

Management Efficiencies

The FY 2009 budget also captures the productivity savings (-$8.9 million) generated by recent FDA investments and reinvests the savings in priority food safety and medical product programs.

Visit: www.fda.gov

February 1, 2008 — /PRNewswire/ — WILMINGTON, DE — DuPont (NYSE:DD) today announced that it has completed its purchase of Chemtura Corporation’s fluorine chemicals business. The move is part of DuPont’s strategy to expand its fluorochemicals business offerings; enhance its presence in specialty businesses such as the fire extinguishants, pharmaceutical propellants, and fluoro-intermediate markets; and leverage the assets and technologies included in the acquisition for the development of more sustainable fluorochemical materials, such as low global warming potential mobile air-conditioning fluids, foam expansion agents, and refrigeration technologies.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisition includes all of Chemtura’s fluorine business, along with the fluorine chemicals production unit that is part of Chemtura’s manufacturing site in El Dorado, AR, which will be fully integrated into DuPont’s operations. All fluorine chemicals intellectual property rights will be transferred to DuPont. Approximately 25 Chemtura employees will become part of DuPont Fluoroproducts.

“We are pleased to bring together these complementary businesses and technologies for our customers,” says Cindy Green, vice president and general manager,DuPont Fluoroproducts. “With this acquisition, we will be able to provide our global customers with an expanded portfolio of products and continue to develop and introduce new, more sustainable solutions that combine strong product performance, reduced environmental footprint, and economic viability to the fluorochemical markets we serve.”

About DuPont

DuPont is a leader in the development of more sustainable fluorochemical products for applications serving consumer and industrial markets in refrigeration and air conditioning, foams, aerosol propellants, and cleaning solvents. DuPont is committed to developing more sustainable products that reduce its environmental footprint and that of its customers. DuPont markets its products globally under the brands DuPont^TM Suva^R refrigerants, Dymel^R propellants, Formacel^R foam expansion agents, FE^R fire extinguishants, Zyron^R electronic gases, and Vertrel^R specialty fluids.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

Visit: www.dupont.com

January 31, 2008 — /ETTENHEIM, Germany/ — As of January 1, 2008, GF Piping Systems has taken over the 50 percent share of Simona AG in their common joint venture Georg Fischer SIMONA Fluorpolymer Products GmbH in Ettenheim, Germany. This will allow GF Piping Systems to strengthen its position in the microelectronics piping systems business. Parties have agreed not to disclose the details of the transaction.

This joint venture, established in 2002 by Simona and Georg Fischer, runs one of the most sophisticated cleanroom production sites in the world specializing in high-purity piping systems for use in semiconductor and photovoltaic manufacturing plants.

Independently from the joint venture, GF Piping Systems and Simona AG will continue to supply each other with specific piping systems components.

Visit www.us.piping.georgefischer.com
www.www.simona.de/en

January 31, 2008 — /PRNewswire/ — SHANGHAI, CHINA — WuXi PharmaTech (NYSE:WX) today announced the completion of its acquisition of AppTec Laboratory Services, Inc., a U.S.-based service provider for the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. AppTec offers testing, contract research and development, and cGMP biologics manufacturing services from a highly differentiated, fully integrated platform.

The combined company brings together complementary service offerings and expertise to create a broad platform covering both chemistry and biologics, which allows WuXi PharmaTech to provide value-added services to our customers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.

“We are pleased to have completed this significant acquisition which immediately adds biologics capabilities and expertise to WuXi PharmaTech’s existing capabilities, gains a significant U.S. operational footprint for WuXi PharmaTech, and expands our U.S. customer base, with further opportunities to increase our market position,” says Dr. Ge Li, chairman and CEO of WuXi PharmaTech. “This acquisition further solidifies our leadership position as the premier and preferred drug R&D service partner for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.”

“The management teams and dedicated employees of both companies are very enthusiastic about the prospects of the combined company,” comments Mr. Edward Hu, COO of WuXi PharmaTech. “This is an acquisition of capabilities that we believe will drive our future growth by positioning WuXi as a high quality global drug R&D service collaborator with both small and large molecules expertise.”

About WuXi PharmaTech

Founded in 2000, Shanghai-based WuXi PharmaTech is the leading China-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology R&D outsourcing company. As a research-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi PharmaTech provides pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a broad and integrated portfolio of laboratory and research manufacturing services throughout the drug discovery and development process. WuXi PharmaTech’s services are designed to assist its global partners in shortening the cycle and lowering the cost of drug discovery and development by providing cost-effective and efficient outsourcing solutions that save its customers both time and money. Its operations are grouped into two segments: laboratory services (consisting of discovery chemistry, service biology, analytical pharmaceutical development, and process development services), and research manufacturing, focusing on manufacturing of advanced intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients for R&D use. In 2007, its 80 customers included nine of the world’s top ten pharmaceutical companies by revenue.

Visit www.wuxipharmatech.com