Johnson Controls, a major US-based supplier of automotive seating systems, interior components and electronics, has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the C. Rob. Hammerstein Group (CRH).

CRH is a global supplier of metal seat structures and mechanisms and is recognized for its high level of quality. CRH's headquarters and main development facilities are based in Solingen, Germany.

France’s Technip has won a major contract from Algeria’s national oil company Sonatrach to refurbish and revamp its Algiers refinery.

The lump sum turnkey contract, which is worth around 67.9 billion Algerian dinars (approximately €690 million) will last 38 months and cover the execution of the complete scope of works, including the design, supply of equipment and bulk material, construction and start-up.

With flotation on the Hong Kong stock exchange planned for next year, LontohCoal is gearing up to become a major coal producer. CEO Tshepo Kgadima explains to Gay Sutton what it will take to develop the potential of the Lubimbi mine in Zimbabwe.

ABB continues to make news this week, with the announcement of an offer to purchase US electric-motor manufacturer Baldor Electric Co in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4.2 billion, including $1.1 billion of net debt.

The transaction closes a gap in ABB’s automation portfolio in North America by adding Baldor’s strong NEMA motors product line. Baldor also adds a growing and profitable mechanical power transmission business to ABB’s portfolio.

Royal Dutch Shell and Russia's Gazprom have signed a co-operation agreement that will see them exploring for more oil together in western Siberia and the far east of Russia.

As part of the deal, Shell has agreed to let Gazprom share some of its overseas projects in return for Shell being allowed to develop the third and fourth stages of the Sakhalin project in Sakhalin Island, Russia. Sakhalin 3 alone contains 1.4 trillion cubic metres of gas.

Electric vehicles are still in the slow lane according to a new study by Kelley’s Blue Book, which found that only seven percent of people shopping for a new car would consider purchasing one.

For the majority of respondentsto the Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence study, the primary concerns about electric vehicles included the drivable range on a single charge (87 percent) and availability of charging stations (84 percent).

Todd Bolanz, president of LCD manufacturer LXD LLC, tells Jane Bordenave how the company grew from producing screens for digital watches to being one of the biggest players in high reliability displays for use in industry.

By financing the construction of the DeLong Mountain Transportation System in the icy Northwest, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority made the development of the world’s second-largest zinc mine possible. Karsten Rodvik and Jim Hemsath talk to Gay Sutton about how the project has boosted the region’s economic development.

Under the guidance of a new executive chairman with extensive mining experience, Tamerlane Ventures is raising the $120 million it will need to return the Pine Point mine to full production. Keith Regan learns how leveraging novel technologies and other operational improvements have altered the economics of the project.

While mankind continues to search the corners of the earth for adventure or resources, there will always be a need for safe, cost effective transportation. Dave Mathieson, president and chief pilot of Summit Air, tells Rob Harris about the innovative approach that has underpinned the company’s growth.