Industrial Info - Navigating the Currents of Change

Toyota's Fall from Grace

Industrial Info Resources — 3 Mar 2010 06:01:00 GMT

In recent weeks Toyota Motors Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) (NYSE: TM) has been reeling from the fallout of its faulty braking systems and the resulting deaths. Not since the ever famous exploding gas tanks of the Ford Pinto in the 1970's has the nation seen an outcry such as this related to an automaker and its vehicles. Even as Toyota attempts to rebuild its image and its executives testify before congress, questions remain about what exactly happened, who is at fault and how the vehicle purchasing public as well as current Toyota owners can be assured that the automaker is doing all it can to fix the current problems and make sure nothing of like this happens again. Join David Pickering, Vice President of Production Research and Industrial Manufacturing Group Manager, on Navigating the Currents of Change as he discusses Toyota and its recent problems.

What to Expect from the Chemical Industry in 2010

Industrial Info Resources — 18 Feb 2010 06:01:00 GMT

Operating rates in chemical plants across the United States and Canada have begun to slowly increase in recent months although in small numbers compared to what is needed for a swift recovery. Spending identified for the chemical industry in 2010 is forecast to increase substantially over the previous year and much of that success is dependent on increases in demand from consumers and also export markets including China. Join Trey Hamblet, Vice President of Research for Chemical Processing along with the hose of Navigating the Currents of Change to hear more about the expectations for 2010 and where spending might increase first.

Sinking, Soaring, and Shifting: Outlook for 2010 North American Oil & Gas Project Spending

Industrial Info Resources — 16 Feb 2010 06:01:00 GMT

If you're in the Oil & Gas Industry, Jesus Davis has some bad news for you. Then again, depending on where you operate in the segment, he also has some good news. Jesus Davis, Industrial Info's manager of research for the oil & gas industry markets, talks about project spending for the North American Oil & Gas industry on this edition of Navigating the Currents of Change.

Market Conditions Reduce Projected Spending on Refinery Turnarounds in 2010

Industrial Info Resources — 10 Feb 2010 06:01:00 GMT

U.S. refiners will spend an estimated $1.2 billion on turnaround maintenance projects in 2010, a sum that is significantly less than spending projections made only three months ago, according to Chris Paschall, Industrial Info's vice president of research for oil & gas industry markets. Join Mr. Paschall along with the host of Navigating the Currents of Change to hear more about what to expect from the refining market and project spending for 2010.

Green Energy Project Construction Driving Shortages of Skilled Craft Labor in North America

Industrial Info Resources — 8 Feb 2010 06:01:00 GMT

Regulators can set deadlines. Companies can issue bids. But if local labor markets have a shortage of skilled craft labor, projects won't get done on time or on budget. That's a reality gradually becoming apparent across North America. In the electric power industry, tens of thousands of megawatts (MW) of renewable energy projects have been announced in recent years. Right now, Industrial Info is tracking 688 renewable energy projects that are scheduled to begin construction in 2010 across North America, totaling slightly less than 60,000 (MW) of generating capacity. These projects carry a total investment value (TIV) of $125 billion. Not all of these projects will kick off as scheduled, and a portion will be delayed or cancelled outright. But a shortage of skilled craft labor in some North American metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) threatens some projects' start dates, completion dates, and costs, warned Anthony Salemme, vice president of the Craft Labor Group at Industrial Info. Join Mr. Salemme in a discussion of labor trends in this week's Navigating the Currents of Change webcast.

Positive Outlook for the Oil & Gas Pipeline Industry for 2010

Industrial Info Resources — 3 Feb 2010 06:01:00 GMT

Coming out of an economic slump in 2009, the pipeline industry seems to have bounced back with capital projects and expenditures on the rise, and an unprecedented wave of capital spending on grassroot projects, loops, laterals and expansions. Join Ilna Penny of the Industrial Info research team to learn more about pipeline project activity planned for 2010.

South American Mining Industry Growth Featured in New Webcast and Wall Map Published by Industrial Info

Industrial Info Resources — 27 Jan 2010 06:01:00 GMT

With its vast natural resources, government stimulus, and increasing global demand, South America will be one of the hottest markets for mine project spending in 2010. The world's largest mining companies, Rio Tinto, Xstrata, Vale, Codelco, Barrick Gold, and Newmont Mining all have major projects scheduled to kick-off over the next several years in South America, mainly in Brazil, Chile, Peru and Argentina. Industrial Info is tracking $63 billion worth of Metals & Minerals Industry projects scheduled to begin construction this year in South America. Join Industrial Info's Joe Govreau, VP Metals & Minerals and Natalia Tolossa, Manager South America Mining Research for a discussion and analysis of South America's mining trends in 2010.

Sugar to Play a Major Role in Future of South America's Electrical Generating Market

Industrial Info Resources — 20 Jan 2010 06:01:00 GMT

Brazil, South America's largest country and leading energy consumer, faces a two-fold challenge of making up for electricity demand shortfall and sustainability. Industrial Info's VP Food and Beverage Research Group, Randy Godet, will discuss how the region plans to address those issues and the resulting opportunities for companies that serve the industrial engineering and construction markets.

Industrial Info Uncovers New Business Opportunities for Companies by Expanding and Improving Market Intelligence Around the World

Industrial Info Resources — 6 Jan 2010 06:01:00 GMT

A Special Navigating the Currents of Change featuring Ed Lewis, Chairman & CEO of Industrial Info Resources. "We hear a lot of talk today about how bad the market is, but there is still a tremendous amount of project spending being done around the world, if you know where to look," Ed Lewis, chairman and chief executive of Industrial Info said in an interview at the company’s Sugar Land, Texas, headquarters. "The dynamism of the market means our market intelligence has to be more dynamic, more robust, and more personal, all of which helps clients focus their firepower and uncover new business opportunities." Listen to the IIR "Navigating the Currents of Change" podcast with IIR’s Ed Lewis as he discusses the business changes and improvements implemented in 2009 that have already benefited clients as they focus on 2010 and beyond for new opportunities in the industrial market.

Clock Ticking on Canadian Mills to Invest in Green Energy Projects

Industrial Info Resources — 17 Dec 2009 08:01:00 GMT

The Canadian government will inject $1 billion into Pulp and Paper Mills to develop green energy and environmental compliance projects at 24 mills across the country. Now that the amount of dollars each company will eligible for, mill owners are scrambling to define and finalize qualifying projects. Companies have until March 2012 to complete projects. Randy Godet, VP Research Pulp & Paper Group at Industrial Info will discuss the types of projects being developed and what IIR is doing to help their clients track those investments.

The U.S. Automotive Sector Reinvents Itself

Industrial Info Resources — 4 Nov 2009 06:01:00 GMT

In the past few months both General Motors Corporation and The Chrysler Group LLC have emerged from bankruptcy proceedings, the controversial cash-for-clunkers program was initiated and completed and numerous changes have occurred within the U.S. automotive sector. As the automakers try to come to grasp with the apparent new reality that is the American automotive landscape, what can we expect to see from them in the coming year? Where is the sector heading and how will it look as it winds its way through 2010? We will answer these questions and more as David Pickering, Vice President of Production Research and Industrial Manufacturing Group Manager, joins us on Navigating the Currents of Change to discuss the American automotive sector and where it is heading in 2010.

Growth in Asia to Support International Recovery from Recessionary Period

Industrial Info Resources — 28 Oct 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Heavy industry is struggling to make a comeback in some areas, but in other regions, opportunities are being taken to continue investment and increase production. While regions such as Asia, with emerging powerhouses China and India, continue to invest and grow, other areas such as Europe are hoping the economy will turn around sooner rather than later. Join Chris Easley, Manager of International Research for Industrial Info Resources for an overview of global investment and which way the tide is turning.

Alternative Fuels Industry Looks to Second Generation Biofuels

Industrial Info Resources — 22 Oct 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Not a single ethanol or biodiesel plant has received funding to start construction in 2009 due to a stingy credit market and lenders keeping funds closed up in the vault. And considering in the U.S. that there is over 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol and 590 million gallons of biodiesel sitting idle, quite frankly who would want to build in a time of tight margins and market uncertainty. Join Jay Brunson, Vice President for Industrial Info's Alternative Fuels Group for an in-depth discussion on the controversial biofuels industry.

Navigating a Global Reset within the Pipelines & Transmission Industry

Industrial Info Resources — 7 Oct 2009 06:01:00 GMT

As we continue to feel the effects of the most recent recession, the Pipeline & Transmission Industry has been going thru an adjustment or global reset of sorts. Economics mixed with regulatory and funding issues continue to force many companies to place projects on hold, delay spending or cancel projects entirely. Against such a backdrop, one might expect a pessimistic outlook, but there are still promising signs and reasons to anticipate a better outlook within the next year or so. Join Industry Specialist Ilna Penny of Industrial Info along with the guest of Industry Today to hear about future spending trends in this segment of the energy market.

The Health of the Petroleum Refining Industry as we move into 2010

Industrial Info Resources — 30 Sep 2009 06:01:00 GMT

The refining industry, like other heavy industrial industries, is currently coping with a slump in products demand, but the outlook is optimistic as we move into 2010. The industry is poised for an uptick in spending next year, as several large multi billion projects are scheduled to resume construction activities and renewed optimism for future capex projects over the next 2-3 years. Will maintenance spending improve in 2010? Join Chris Paschall, Industrial Info's Vice President of Petroleum Refining along with the host of Navigating the Currents of Change for a look the horizon of the North American Petroleum Industry.

Are there any Measurable Improvements in the North American Chemical Industry yet?

Industrial Info Resources — 23 Sep 2009 06:01:00 GMT

After witnessing billions in delayed chemical projects identified over the course of the last twelve months there is some optimism about what the coming year could have in store. Research by Industrial Info is identifying fewer and fewer projects pushed beyond 2010 with an increasing amount of confidence in the projects planned for next year. Staffing levels in most plants are expected to noticeably increase by the summer of next year providing yet another signal that improvements are on the way. Join Trey Hamblet Vice President of Chemical Research for Industrial Info along with the host of Navigating the Currents of Change to hear more about what's in store for the North American Chemical Industry.

Capturing a Greater Market Share with Multi-Media Strategies

Industrial Info Resources — 16 Sep 2009 06:01:00 GMT

In today's economy, many companies realize that one dollar invested in multimedia marketing in a downturn economy actually achieves the results of three dollars invested in an upturn economy. So now is a perfect time to grab market share. IIR's Integrated Multimedia Strategy combines a variety of unique channels to position your company in front of the right "Industry Today Show" audience. Watch this video and join Steve Table -- IIR Multimedia Manager to learn how your company can profit from using the IIR Multimedia Strategy.

North American Metals & Minerals Industry Pulse 3Q09

Industrial Info Resources — 9 Sep 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Like most segments of the industrial marketplace, the Metals & Minerals Industry was hard hit by the economic downturn. A global upswing in demand for raw materials evaporated in mid 2008 after an exciting 5-year ride which saw many commodity prices increase to historic highs. When you think about it the Metals & Minerals industry is really the industry that produces raw materials, like mined products coal and iron ore, and primary metals and minerals processed materials like cement and steel. When demand for raw materials began to dry up, the need to build more capacity dried and up and companies began to defer and postpone major projects. Recently, there are more signs that the industry is turning around. Join Joe Govreau, Industrial Info's VP Metals & Minerals for a discussion of these trends and others.

Forest Products Industry Stable: Expenditures Slow to Return

Industrial Info Resources — 2 Sep 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Manufacturers of pulp, paper and wood products in North America have struggled through another year of declining demand for products. Despite the recent challenges, many are optimistic that the industry is healthy and is better positioned for the long term. The forest products industry has made strides in stabilizing what once seemed like an industry plagued by overspending and subpar performance. Emphasis on shoring up balance sheets and investor confidence by paying down debt has taken precedence over capital expenditures. Projections for future expenditures will be based on low dollar, strategic investments that offer shorter returns on dollars invested. Join Industrial Info's Vice President of Pulp, Paper & Wood, Randy Godet on this edition of Navigating the Currents of Change to hear more on the outlook for this industry.

Prescription for Profit: A Mid-Year Reality Check of the North American Pharmaceutical-Biotech Industry

Industrial Info Resources — 26 Aug 2009 06:01:00 GMT

With current economic reports going from bad to worse, the North American Pharma-Biotech Industry has revealed a rare ray of economic light. The industry as a whole completed construction of 137 capital and maintenance projects carrying a total investment value (TIV) of $6.2 billion in the first six months of 2009. Join Annette Kreuger, Industrial Info's Vice President for the Pharmaceutical-Biotech Industry as part of this week's "Navigating the Currents of Change" webcast, for an in-depth discussion on the industry that touches everyone's life. Topics of discussion include what types of plants and research centers are being built and why; how the current credit markets impact the construction of new facilities; and how the new administration's stimulus programs will benefit the industry.

U.S. Power Generation Industry Outlook Webcast

Industrial Info Resources — 19 Aug 2009 06:01:00 GMT

The Power Generation Industry has sustained a slowdown in project development and loss of capital due to the economic whammy that impacted the industry starting last year. However, with 43,000 megawatts of capacity under construction representing $72 billion in total investment value the industry is as strong as ever. Issues impacting the capital spending trends in the Power Industry are the focus of this week's Navigating the Currents of Change webcast featuring an interview with Britt Burt, VP Power Industry for Industrial Info.

Will Crude Oil and Natural Gas Companies See a Stronger 2010?

Industrial Info Resources — 15 Jul 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Current economic conditions are affecting all industries across the board and the oil & gas production sector is not an exception. Lower demand for petroleum products and depressed natural gas prices are making it increasingly difficult to make a case for substantial capital investments. Looking beyond the current economic crisis there is little doubt that there will be an increase in future demand and the oil & gas sector will need to be ready. How will the industry cope with today's issues and still prepare for the energy needs of the future?

Current State of the Automotive Sector

Industrial Info Resources — 8 Jul 2009 06:01:00 GMT

In the past two months, two thirds of the Detroit-Three, Chrysler LLC (Auburn Hills, MI) and General Motors Corporation (Detroit, MI) (NYSE: GM), have both filed for bankruptcy after accepting billions in tax payer financed aid. With the automotive sector continuing to experience poor sales, what is being done to bring these two automotive giants back from the edge of oblivion? And how fares the balance of the automakers as they weather the recession? Join David Pickering, Vice President of Production Research and Industrial Manufacturing Group Manager, as we discuss the current state of the automotive sector and where it is heading in the future on Navigating the Currents of Change.

Global Coverage takes the Spotlight as Industrial Info Expands

Industrial Info Resources — 24 Jun 2009 06:01:00 GMT

With the global recession still looming and U.S. and European plants closing, where can investors find the opportunities they need to continue to stay competitive? The Middle East continues to invest in its Refining and Chemical sectors as Dow and Saudi Aramco continue to proceed with their $25 billion joint venture Ras Tanura complex. India's major players such as Essar Global, GAIL, and Indian Oil have committed billions of dollars to chemical complexes across the country. China is still moving forward to complete its 11th five-year plan, which ends in 2010, with over 1,600 projects across all industries are scheduled to kick-off in 2010 and beyond representing over $725 billion of spending. Renewable energy is the flavor of the year as countries across the world invest in hydro, solar, biomass and the ever-increasing wind power sector. Join Chris Easley, International Research Manager of Industrial Info, to find out which global areas and sectors are still developing and growing.

Has the North American Chemical Industry seen the bottom?

Industrial Info Resources — 17 Jun 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Ask ten different people this question and you will likely get ten different answers. Industrial Info provides its view of the answer to this question by revealing the results of plant and project surveys for hundreds of projects and thousands of chemical processing industry (CPI) plants across North America. Spending for the CPI will continue to be stressed through 2009 although the outlooks for significant improvements in 2010 appear good. As we quickly approach the midway point of the current spending year, get an update on the number of capital and maintenance projects that have been delayed or deferred until next year or beyond. Join Industrial Info's Vice President of Chemical Processing for this edition of Navigating the Currents of Change and an overview of current project spending levels expected for the remainder of the year.

Expected Growth in the Power Industry Remains Positive

Industrial Info Resources — 10 Jun 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Despite a brief period of downturn, project spending in the power industry remains healthy. Construction starts for renewable energy projects as well as new natural gas fired generation are expected to remain steady through 2009. Presently Industrial Info Resources has identified over 8,000MW of new wind capacity representing almost $16 Billion and 16,000MW of new natural gas fired capacity or $12 billion that is still scheduled for construction kick off before the end of 2009. Join the host of Industry Today along with Industrial Info's Vice President of Research for the Power Generation Industry as they discuss this activity as well as other leading trends in the power industry.

Natural Gas Pipeline Industry - Growth Activity and Future Developments

Industrial Info Resources — 3 Jun 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Despite a national economic slowdown and a 30 percent drop in the overall grassroot construction of Natural Gas Pipelines in the United States since early 2008, the pipeline industry is finally showing signs of life. A large number of new and expansion projects are currently being developed for construction in the coming year. Currently Industrial Info is tracking almost 1,575 miles of pipeline and a record 12.0 Bcf/d of N/G capacity with a construction cost estimated of $4.5 billion. Join Ilna Penny, Senior Pipeline Researcher of Industrial Info to hear more about future spending opportunities and where they are planned.

Global Metals & Minerals Industry Project Development Volatility

Industrial Info Resources — 27 May 2009 06:01:00 GMT

A multiyear demand growth cycle for the Metals & Minerals Industry , which saw project spending for mining and steel projects accumulate, peaked in 2008. Project costs accelerated too, and then demand evaporated during the second half of 2008, culminating in extraordinary pullback in project development. With the recent economic downturn, demand for items such as steel, metals and other manufacturing goods has declined worldwide. Steel mills are currently operating at 50% capacity. Projects were stopped cold in mid-construction or have been extended over longer periods of time to spread out the costs. Many other projects have been delayed with a few cancellations. However, there are certain markets where projects continue to move forward. Lithium, polysilicon, coal and gold projects are moving forward in this economy, and global project development for these commodities is on the rise. Join Joe Govreau VP Research Metals & Minerals for a discussion on the changing Metals & Minerals Industry project development situation.

Project Prognosis for the North American Pharmaceutical -- Biotech Industry

Industrial Info Resources — 21 May 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Despite feeling the sting of the current economic climate, the North American Pharmaceutical-Biotech industry is definitely showing signs of life in capital project investment. A number of large $100 million plus institutional projects are moving forward as funding is being released for design and construction. In this edition of Navigating the Currents of Change, join Annette Kreuger, Vice President of Industrial Info Resources' Pharmaceutical-Biotech Group to discover that while the majors rearrange operations following all of the recent merger activity, CMOs and smaller companies are surprisingly active with a number of capital upgrades and expansions.

Coal Gasification Plants Slowly Moving Ahead but Funding Proves to be the Industry's Next Hurdle

Industrial Info Resources — 29 Apr 2009 06:01:00 GMT

There are thirty some coal gasification projects in the works across the United States and not one project has moved into the construction phase. The capital to build these plants hits over $59 billion, yes with a "b" and in the current credit crisis, finding the funding to move these projects forward has been challenging for the industry. Join Jay Brunson, Industrial Info's Vice President of Alternative Fuels for an in-depth discussion on the controversial coal gasification industry.

Growth in Global and International Markets

Industrial Info Resources — 1 Apr 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Join Industrial Info's Vice President of Global Markets, Simon Phillips, for a discussion on international markets outside of North America. Industrial Info has been reporting project activity for international markets since 1995 focusing on key infrastructure and energy markets including the Electric Power industry, Petroleum Refining, Chemical Processing and Metals & Minerals. Today Industrial Info has a network of people around the world located in areas such as South America, China, India, South Africa, Australia, and Europe to help in developing even more in depth research, similar to the coverage currently offered for North America. Join Mr. Phillips for this edition of Navigating the Currents of Change to learn more about Industrial Info's global growth plans and attendance at Power-Gen Europe 2009 in Cologne, Germany.

Eye of the Trader: The Future of the Power Generation Market

Industrial Info Resources — 31 Mar 2009 06:01:00 GMT

The power industry isn't immune to the global economic troubles facing the industrial world although all the news isn't bad. There are currently 50,000MW of new power generation capacity under construction in the United States with even more needed in future years to growing demand. In this edition of Eye of the Trader join Industrial Info's Paul Copello, Senior Vice President of Sales along with special guest Shane Mullins, Vice President of Power Research and Product Development, as they discuss current carbon capture legislation, expiring coal and nuclear capacity in future years plus many other topics important to the power industry. Learn about expectations for new transmission capacity and the rapidly growing development of large scale power generation from solar technology.

What's the Health of the North American Chemical Processing Industry?

Industrial Info Resources — 25 Mar 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Capital spending for the North American chemical processing industry (CPI) has slowed but not stopped entirely. The CPI is feeling the effects of a globally slow economy although certain traditional and even niche segments remain in good health with ongoing and future spending still actively being planned and executed. In this edition of Navigating the Currents of Change join Trey Hamblet, Vice President of Industrial Info's Chemical Processing Group to hear more about which segments are performing the strongest and the latest on future spending trends.

U.S. Rail Industry Stimulated, Projects Coming to the Forefront

Industrial Info Resources — 18 Mar 2009 06:01:00 GMT

For the last several years light and commuter rail projects have almost been in a holding pattern. Rail spending was not a high priority with the Bush administration and while they did continue funding to the transportation bill several years ago, they certainly did not pursue additional funding for these massive projects. The Obama administration, however, appears, at first glance, to be a major proponent of the sector. Over $8 billion was included in the stimulus bill for rail spending, some of which rail agencies are already making good use of. Join us as we discuss the future of the rail sector with Industrial Info's VP of Research for Industrial Manufacturing, David Pickering.