TPT May 2009

6 / 124

Contents
48
Editor • Rich Sears
Features editor (USA) • Dorothy Fabian
Editorial assistant • Christian Bradley
Production manager • Lisa Benjamin
Design • Julie Tomlin
Sales & marketing • Catherine Sayers
English speaking sales
• Giuliana Benedetto
Italian sales
• Hendrike Morriss
German speaking sales
• Linda Li
Chinese sales
• Jeroo Vandrevala
Indian sales
Advertising • Liz Hughes
co-ordinators Andrea McIntosh
Subscriptions • Liz Hughes
Accounts manager • Richard Babbedge
Publisher • Caroline Sullens
Founder • John C Hogg
Published by: Intras Publications,
46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, CV32 4HY, UK
Tel: +44 1926 334137 • Fax: +44 1926 314755
Email:
Website:
USA Office (Editorial only): Intras Limited,
272 First Ave, Apt 12G, New York, NY 10009, USA
Tel/Fax: +1 212 614 9266
Email:
Indian Office: Jintras Ltd,
Subarna (Ground Floor) P21/N, Block A
New Alipore, Kolkata 700 053, India
Tel: +91 33 2407 0701 • Fax: +91 33 2407 0700
Email:
All rights reserved – © Intras Ltd ISSN 0953-2366
This publication and its full contents of layout, text, images,
and graphics is copyright protected. No part of this publication
may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any other
storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s written
permission. The publisher, owners, agents, printers, editors and
contributors cannot be held responsible for and hereby exclude
all liability whatsoever for errors, omissions or the accuracy
and claims printed or inferred in the editorial or advertisements
published in this, previous or subsequent editions or for any
damages, costs or losses caused thereby. Tube & Pipe
Technology reserves the right to edit, reword and subedit all
editorial submissions in accordance with editorial policy. Tube &
Pipe Technology expressed graphically or by text is a registered
name and style trademark of Intras Ltd, UK. All matters relating
to this disclaimer are governed by the laws of England.
US Copies only: Tube & Pipe Technology (ISSN No: 0953-2366) is published bi-monthly by
INTRAS Ltd and distributed in the US by DSW, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437.
Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville, PA. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Tube & Pipe
Technology, PO Box 437, Emigsville PA 17318-0437.
2 Editorial Index
6 Industry News
26 Technology
Update
72 From T he
Americas
The international magazine for the tube & pipe industries
Tube & Pipe Technology magazine is available on subscription, or via membership of the
International Tube Association – See for more membership benefits
120 Advertisers Index
Moving with the times
Although the automotive industry has experienced a dramatic decline in recent years
compared to its heyday, the car still remains central to everyday transport and human
existence. The obsession with the automobile has been with us for a long time, and its
dominance is unlikely to weaken.
Even in the current global economic crisis, people need to get around and whether that
means spare parts for repairs or the latest model sports car, automotive tube will always
be in demand. While some of the world’s biggest car manufacturers are in dire straits,
with General Motors and Chrysler currently fighting plant closures and bankruptcy,
suppliers of spare parts have reported a surge in demand.
Other enterprising companies have found opportunity in the current market, such as India’s Tata
Motors in the launch of its new Nano model. The Nano is Tata’s attempt to make an affordable
option (circa US$1,900) for millions of poorer Indian drivers, and is expected to be available in
Europe by 2011. Other manufacturers are placing emphasis on hybrid and electric vehicles.
The automotive industry is a fair reflection of the general economic problems at present.
As always, time moves on and the whole world has to adapt to new circumstances. And it
will be those in the best condition and quickest off the mark that prosper. In the mix of well-
publicized banking problems and bankruptcies, there are crafty business deals taking place
and companies using the recession as a smokescreen for major change.
It is now also time for me to move onto something new as this
will be my last leader as editor of Tube & Pipe Technology.
Working on the magazine and serving the tube and pipe
industry has been a valuable and enriching experience over
the years. It has given me a truly international outlook and
enabled me to transcend the boundaries of working for a
domestic UK company.
Rich Sears
Editor • Email:
10
When you have finished with this
magazine please recycle it