TPT March 2008

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Contents
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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 Griffin
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,
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Tel: +44 1926 334137 • Fax: +44 1926 314755
Email :
Website:
USA Office (Editorial only): Intras Limited,
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Tel/Fax: +1 212 614 9266
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Tel: +91 33 2407 0701 • Fax: +91 33 2407 0700
Email :
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2 E ditorial Index
6 Industry News
36 Technology
U pdate
202 From The
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
248 A dvertisers Index
The currency of change
A lthough it’s not such a long time ago, there have been a lot of changes over the six years
I’ve worked on Tube & Pipe Technology. The completion of this biggest ever issue of the
magazine – dedicated to Tube 2008 – now means I have edited 33 issues of Tube & Pipe
Technology. It may be interesting to review my first issue with fondness, but the main lesson
that nostalgia teaches us is the perspective of change and how much we have learnt over time.
Since my maiden issue in November 2002, the face of communication has mutated and,
largely due to its international nature, the tube and pipe industry has felt this dynamic impact
more than most. There has been a year-on-year increase in the global flow of news, press
releases and enquiries received via email by the TPT newsdesk. Globalization and the
internet have combined to bring our industry, and the world in general, much closer together.
The growing strength of the euro currency has also been a noteworthy development. Launched
in 1999, I remember when the euro icon (€) was relatively new and even printers had trouble
printing it. Now signs are that the euro is set to become the world’s strongest currency, with the
dollar and pound losing major ground. The US Federal Reserve’s high risk strategy of slashing
interest rates has left US inflation and the weakening dollar on a precipice.
Perhaps it is a good omen that the euro’s current period of strength coincides with the
strongest European tube and pipe exhibition: Tube 2008. This event has provided a much
needed continuity for the tube and pipe industry over the years. And each time I have
compiled a Tube Düsseldorf feature, it has always been a
challenging and hectic experience.
This issue has been no different; and judging by the volume
of adverts and editorial in this bumper issue, it is good to
know that the industry still regards Tube & Pipe Technology
as a steadfast resource. Thank you for your continued
support and interest – I’ll see you in Düsseldorf!
Rich Sears
Editor • Email:
6
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