As manufacturers work to fill the skills gap and hire more employees, some are modernizing a tried-and-true approach: taking on apprentices. In Fort Smith, Arkansas, ABB—an industrial electric motor and robotics manufacturer—is leading the way with its innovative program for local high school students.

While college or military is the right pathway for some high school students, technical career paths may be more aligned to the interests and aptitudes of others. Studies done in our local communitites indicate many students have the aptitude for careers in manufacturing, but most don't have the interest.

The Manufacturing Institute recognized Tracy Long, ABB’s global head of communications for the NEMA Motor Division, as a STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Honoree and Victoria Tester, ABB supply chain manager for NEMA Motors, as an Emerging Leader in Washington, D.C. last month. The STEP Ahead Award honors women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C-suite.

As manufacturers work to fill the skills gap and hire more employees, some are modernizing a tried-and-true approach: taking on apprentices. In Fort Smith, Arkansas, ABB—an industrial electric motor and robotics manufacturer—is leading the way with its innovative program for local high school students.

While college or military is the right pathway for some high school students, technical career paths may be more aligned to the interests and aptitudes of others. Studies done in our local communitites indicate many students have the aptitude for careers in manufacturing, but most don't have the interest.

The Manufacturing Institute recognized Tracy Long, ABB’s global head of communications for the NEMA Motor Division, as a STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Honoree and Victoria Tester, ABB supply chain manager for NEMA Motors, as an Emerging Leader in Washington, D.C. last month. The STEP Ahead Award honors women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C-suite.

Pumps are literally the heart of a food plant, moving vital fluids around. And as with human hearts, electronic monitoring of their condition can ensure continued health. Digital technology has enhanced the performance and the maintenance of many kinds of industrial equipment, and pumps are no exception. The right kind of monitoring and control of pumps, and of the motors and drives that power them, can go a long way toward improving their performance and making sure they keep running.

Most readers of Plant Engineering magazine are familiar with electric motors made to National Electrical Manufacturers Asso­ciation (NEMA) standards as commonly used in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, some parts of South America and Saudi Arabia. But nearly 70% of the indus­trial motors sold worldwide are made to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Motor standards for these motors are MG 1 for NEMA and the 60034 series and 60071 for IEC that define mechanical, electrical, and performance specifications.

The motor industry in North America has worked on a standardized basis since the early part of the 20th century. In 1926, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) was established to provide a forum for the standardization of electrical equipment, enabling consumers to select from a range of safe, effective and compatible electrical products. To this day, NEMA updates and publishes standards, application guides and technical papers for electrical products and works in advocacy for the industry.

ABB’s Baldor-Reliance Severe Duty XT motor is a true severe duty motor that bridges the gap between the Baldor-Reliance General Purpose and XEX premium severe duty motor lines.

Quick disconnect, or QD bushings, are a concentric shaft attachment method allowing easy installation and removal of v-belt sheaves, sprockets, and couplings.

ABB has extended the scope of applications for ABB Smart Sensors with a new generation design for motors in hazardous areas. Chemical and oil and gas customers can now benefit from cost-efficient condition monitoring in a wide variety of applications.

Participants chosen for Leadership Greenville share diverse experiences through community projects to provide quality leadership within the area.

The Tennessee Green Star Partnership is a voluntary environmental leadership program designed to recognize industries in the state that are committed to sustainable practices.

The Bearing Specialists Association, known as BSA, recognizes ABB’s Dodge® Food Safe bearings for excellence. The Food Safe bearings are the new recipients of the 2020 BSA Bearing Manufacturer Excellence of Innovation in Product Design Award.