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As Wearables Move Mainstream, Changes Loom For Enterprise BYOD
Apple finally unveiled its highly anticipated smart-watch this month, and it's already making waves within the tech community. Now Salesforce has announced, along with a number of other more consumer-focused app developers, that it will support the Apple Watch.
Salesforce already partners with a variety of other wearable device manufacturers, including Philips Healthcare and Google, and the company understands that wearable tech is the way of the future.
"With the excitement around the forthcoming Apple Watch, it's becoming clear that the cloud, social, mobile and data science revolutions are converging on the wrist," wrote Raj Mistry, senior vice president of solutions engineering at Salesforce in a blog post. "Wearable devices present a tremendous opportunity for businesses to connect with customers, partners, employees and even products in a whole new way."
Mistry went on to say that IT decision-makers shouldn't underestimate the potential of wearables to have a strong impact on the enterprise. Most consider wearable technology to be within the realm of consumers, but they are quickly gaining a foothold in the business world as well. Companies in the healthcare, manufacturing and AEC sectors have realized numerous benefits through the use of wearables, and it's only a matter of time before other industries catch on.
Wearables Offer A Variety Of Benefits For Enterprise Communication
Salesforce uses the Apple Watch to deliver tailored notifications to salespeople, service agents and other employees so they are able to respond more quickly. This same principle can easily be applied to a variety of communication features, making wearables the next logical step in enterprise communication. Cloud-based communication solutions are becoming increasingly popular among businesses, and as more companies incorporate their employees' wearable devices into their bring-your-own device programs, combining the two technologies will open up variety of new advantages.
According to information from Rackspace, 18 percent of people in the U.S. already utilize wearable technology despite it experiencing growth only recently. The study also revealed that 47 percent of wearable device users felt more intelligent after adopting the technology and 61 percent felt more informed. Perhaps the most telling statistics for the future of wearables in the enterprise was the fact that 37 percent of users reported the technology helping with their career development and 61 percent experiencing an improvement in personal efficiency.
As wearable devices become more pervasive and their benefits realized by an increasing number of users, enterprises need to start preparing themselves to include the technology into their infrastructure.


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The trend towards increasingly connected homes could provide investigators with a wealth of valuable digital intelligence according to cyber experts from Roke, Carol Jenkins reports.
When is a hairbrush not a hairbrush? When it’s a state of the art Wi-Fi connected device that collects data about your brushing habits and potentially wider intelligence about your daily behaviour patterns.
Cyber experts at leading research and consultancy Roke are providing a valuable insight in the investigative opportunities that now exist in our homes as a result of our increasingly connected world.
Prof Mark West, Lead Cyber Security Expert at Roke, explains that the average house now includes a wealth of connected devices all containing potentially valuable data about our individual patterns of life.
“There is now so much potential data that is sloshing around in our homes.” He said.
This could be in devices, phones or tablets that have been connected to devices or data from cloud services,” he continued.
“In the past, investigators would visit a crime scene and look for computers and phones to analyse for intelligence. Now there are so many digital artefacts that could contain potential data that at first glance would not necessarily be obvious to you.”
The Wi-Fi hairbrush is just one example of a connected device that could contain valuable data that investigators might miss due to a lack of awareness.
When I recently visited Roke’s UK headquarters, Prof West provided a very visual illustration of this point by producing a number of routine items that you would find in any home.
The items included a padlock, a motion sensor, a light, a blood pressure monitor, a toy doll, a hairbrush and some running shoes.
At first glance, there is nothing remarkable about these items and they would probably not come to the attention of an investigator during a scene search.
However, Prof. West explained that all of the items are actually internet connected, even the running shoes which contain a chip that can be Bluetooth connected to a phone.
“These are all small and discreet items that don’t look any different from the non-internet connected versions,” he explained.
“However, they could contain a breadth of intelligence that might be ignored.”
He points to a recent case in the press involving a US man who was convicted of murdering his wife after police disproved his story that she was killed by a burglar, based on evidence from her fitness device.
Despite the fact that individual items might be significant, Prof West urged a word of caution. He pointed out that some of these items might not be useful sources of evidence in isolation but they could form part of wider digital picture could help investigators build up a pattern of life around victims and suspects.
“It’s about looking at these items and assessing whether or not they are digitally relevant,” he said.
“One of the key considerations is to look at where the data is stored. Is it on the device? Or is it on an app? If it’s on the Cloud, do I need to approach a service provider to extract the information from the device?”
He also recognised that extracting data from some devices might be more difficult than others and so urged officers to have a clear strategy around the type of digital data that is required for each investigation.
On the other side of the coin, connected homes could prove vulnerable to hackers; a valuable point that Roke experts attempted to highlight during last year’s Cyber Security Challenge. This is a series of competitions run by industry and the Government to find future cyber security talent.
The contestants formed specialised cyber-units to defend a simulated Smart Home that was set up in a house in the grounds of Roke’s UK headquarters.
Working as a team, they were tasked to identify and secure the vulnerabilities in new, intelligent household gadgets like smart locks, security cameras – and even coffee machines. In a race against the adversary, they discovered how vulnerabilities in the system had been exploited to gain access.
In a separate exercise, a team of Roke cyber experts hacked an internet-connected home to understand the reality of security risks associated with the Internet of Things for ITV’s Tonight programme.
The success of this experiment required getting into the mind-set of common hacker motivations, so experts focused on identifying ways in which hackers could try to gain access, and once on the network look for useful information.
Looking to the future, Prof. West predicts that the number of connected devices will continue to increase and that this will undoubtedly change the face of the way investigators approach the digital strategy.
“Investigators are going to be faced with some tough choices around prioritising their approach to the search and collection of digital data due to the fact that the number of connected devices in our homes is only going to increase,” he said.
“We hope that we can help provide them with the knowledge and the understanding of the environment that will enable them to make these decisions in an informed way.”
For more information on Roke and its work go to www.roke.co.uk

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Johannesburg, South Africa (Monday 13 November 2023) – Africa Fashion International (AFI), the continent's premier fashion entity, achieved resounding success with the seamless execution of the 16th edition of Joburg Fashion Week from 8-11 November 2023, held at the forum | the campus in Bryanston, Johannesburg.
The event served as a convergence of style, culture, technology, and commerce, providing a captivating showcase of the finest in African fashion, beauty, music, and technology, while delivering an exceptional retail experience.
Hosted in Johannesburg, the vibrant cultural hub of the African continent, the city has long been a magnet for creative minds globally. Joburg Fashion Week has evolved into a potent catalyst, solidifying the city's pivotal role in the global creative industry.
In today's dynamic world, where fashion, art, music, and film are increasingly recognised as the vanguard of cultural exports from Africa, Joburg Fashion Week stands as a beacon in the African fashion arena. Designers from across the continent actively vie for a coveted spot on its prestigious runways.
The roster of showcased designers featured industry heavyweights such as Gavin Rajah, David Tlale, SCALO by Sello Medupe, and the return of Bongiwe Walaza after a 12-year hiatus from the fashion scene. Emerging talents, including Malondie, Masango, Bathini Designs, Indoni Fashion House, and Tumi Captivating, passionately made a case for their inclusion on the Joburg Fashion Week schedule.
Pan-African representation was prominent with designers like Niger’s Alia Bare; Botswana’s Kaylaamiel Creations and Nguo; and the DRC’s Urban Zulu, whose designer, Papy Kaluw, conveyed a powerful message about the country’s challenges.
Joburg Fashion Week also marked the revival of the AFI Prive brand, in collaboration with HUAWEI WATCH GT 4.
Under AFI's development pillar, the event featured shows by the AFI Fastrack 2023 finalists, a student fashion show by Tshwane University of Technology, and the AFI Masterclass.
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Founder and Executive Chairperson of Africa Fashion International, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Africa Fashion International has strategically positioned itself as a leader in Africa. We've been deliberate about showcasing Pan-African fashion designers and creatives," she said.
"Through our development programs like AFI Fastrack, we have significantly contributed to the growth of African designers. We've taken African fashion to the world, made an impact on the global fashion industry, and formed strategic partnerships that have propelled our mission to make African brands globally renowned."
Joburg Fashion Week has emerged as a focal point for fashion and retail, affording attendees the unique opportunity to acquire the latest garments fresh from the runway.
The convergence of music and fashion was a major part of Joburg Fashion Week. Attendees enjoyed the showstopping performances by renowned musicians, Lloyiso, Young Stunna, Zakes Bantwini and Mafikizolo during the four-day fashion extravaganza.
As Africa's leading fashion entity, AFI has firmly established itself as the driving force behind Africa's fashion industry. With Joburg Fashion Week, AFI is seamlessly connecting creativity with commerce, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the fashion value chain.
AFI's unwavering commitment to nurturing African talent and elevating the continent's fashion industry has set Joburg Fashion Week on a trajectory for even greater success and global recognition.


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In today’s fast-paced digital age, staying informed about current events is crucial. With an abundance of information available online, leveraging the right online news wire services can be the key to staying abreast of the latest developments. This blog post explores some of the essential online press release distribution sites and news wire services that can help you keep up with the ever-changing world around us.
The Evolution of Online News Wire Services
Online press release distribution sites have come a long way in revolutionizing the dissemination of news. Gone are the days when traditional media dominated the scene; today, the digital landscape is teeming with diverse sources. The rise of online news distribution services has democratized access to information, empowering individuals to be more proactive in staying informed.
Why Choose Online Press Release Distribution Services?
The significance of choosing the best online press release distribution service cannot be overstated. These services offer a streamlined and efficient way for businesses, individuals, and organizations to share their news with a global audience. One standout advantage is the ability to reach a vast online readership instantaneously, transcending geographical boundaries.
Navigating the Landscape of Online Press Release Services
In the expansive realm of online press release services it’s essential to choose a platform that aligns with your specific needs. Each service may have unique features, pricing structures, and target audiences. Researching and understanding the nuances of different platforms is critical to maximizing the impact of your news release.
The Power of Online News Wire Services
While online press release services play a crucial role, the broader category of online news wire services encompasses a spectrum of offerings. These services not only distribute press releases but also aggregate news content from various sources, providing users with a comprehensive view of current events. They act as a centralized hub for staying updated on breaking news, industry trends, and global happenings.
Diverse Options in Online News Wire Services
When it comes to online news wire services the choices can be overwhelming. Some platforms focus on niche industries, while others cater to a broad audience. Depending on your interests and preferences, you can select a service that curates news content tailored to your needs. This customization ensures that you receive information that is relevant and valuable to you.
Maximizing Visibility with Online Press Release Distribution
One of the primary goals of utilizing an online press release distribution service is to maximize visibility. Crafting a compelling press release is only the first step; the real impact lies in ensuring that your news reaches the right audience. The best online press release distribution services employ strategies to optimize search engine visibility, social media sharing, and industry-specific targeting.
Synergy of Online Press Release and News Distribution
The synergy between online press release distribution and news distribution services creates a powerful mechanism for amplifying your message. By strategically combining these services, you can ensure that your news not only reaches a wide audience but also gets picked up by reputable news outlets. This dual approach enhances your credibility and establishes your news as a reliable source of information.
Strategic Use of Keywords in Online News Distribution
In the digital realm, visibility is often synonymous with the strategic use of keywords. When leveraging an online news distribution service, incorporating relevant keywords in your press release is paramount. These keywords act as the bridge connecting your news with the interests and queries of your target audience, making your content more discoverable in online searches.
Choosing the Right Online Press Release Service
Selecting the best online press release distribution service for your needs requires a careful evaluation of features and benefits. Some services offer multimedia integration, allowing you to include images and videos in your press releases. Others provide analytics tools to track the reach and impact of your news. Assessing these features ensures that you choose a service that aligns with your communication goals.
The Global Reach of Online News Wire Services
One of the standout features of online news wire services is their ability to provide a global reach. Whether you’re a local business with aspirations for international expansion or an individual seeking a global audience for your story, these services break down geographical barriers. This global reach is instrumental in fostering connections and collaborations on a worldwide scale.
Ensuring Credibility and Authenticity in Online News
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ensuring the credibility and authenticity of news sources becomes increasingly important. Reputable online news wire services prioritize accuracy and reliability, vetting the content they distribute to maintain high editorial standards. By choosing a trustworthy service, you enhance the credibility of your news and contribute to the overall integrity of online information.
Navigating the Dynamic World of Online News
In conclusion, the dynamic landscape of online news requires strategic navigation to stay well-informed. Leveraging online press release distribution sites, online news distribution services, and online news wire services can be instrumental in this endeavor. By understanding the nuances of each and strategically utilizing them, you not only keep pace with current events but also contribute to the digital discourse in a meaningful way. Embrace the power of online news wire services to stay connected, informed, and engaged in the ever-evolving world around us.
Get in Touch
Website – www.prwires.com
Mobile – +91 9212306116
Whatsapp – https://call.whatsapp.com/voice/TpyiT7anImIcb2z1jgzstc
Skype – shalabh.mishra
Telegram – shalabhmishra
Email – email@example.com


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Hrithik Roshan voted the ultimate style icon of India
Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has been voted the ultimate style icon of India in a recent online survey conducted by Yahoo.
Hrithik is closely followed by cricketer MS Dhoni and superstar Shah Rukh Khan. While Hrithik got 18 per cent votes, Dhoni bagged 16 and SRK 15 per cent votes in the survey.
Aamir Khan was declared the celebrity for whom technology and style go hand-in-hand. Yesteryears actress Rekha was named for her traditional Indian fashion sense while Vidya Balan was voted for having the most unique fashion sense.


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More than half of all Australian households have completed the switch to digital television, according to Senator Stephen Conroy, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
The alpha test version of Boxee's online multimedia software for Windows PCs will be released to the public on June 23, Boxee founder Avner Ronen said Thursday.
Freeview, the television industry body publicising the move to free-to-air digital television, has released information on products it has certified the compatibility of at a launch at Dick Smith in the Sydney CBD on Monday.
Senator Stephen Conroy, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, has launched a new campaign with the aim of getting Australia ready for digital television.
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As many as 5,400 new jobs are expected to be created through the Port of Prince Rupert in the next decade, states the 2016 economic impact study released this week.
In the study, commissioned by the Prince Rupert Port Authority, the job prediction was based on a forecasted capacity of 55 million tonnes of cargo in the next 10 years.
Approximately half of the 3,100 jobs created through the port in the last 10 years have been in Prince Rupert. Ken Veldman, the director of public affairs for the Port of Prince Rupert, said the port’s last several economic studies showed similar numbers, and it’s likely that trend will continue.
“The types of jobs are largely going to be in the same sort of areas as we’re seeing now,” Veldman said. “You’ve got to really think of it from a full supply chain perspective.”
Anticipated jobs would include those working directly at the terminals to marine operations to government positions.
“Everything from customs officers to grain inspection to Transport Canada regulators, the Coast Guard,” Veldman said.
Average wage increases
From 2009 to 2016, the average wage in the supply chain increased from $61,000 to $83,000.
“Not only are we seeing a significant increase in numbers of employees over the last decade, but the actual average wage each one of those employees is making based on how productive this supply chain has become, that’s also starting to jump up, even beyond what CPI and inflation would be,” Veldman said. “We’re seeing more people making more money across the region.”
Creating economic stability
As the port looks forward to continued growth, it plans to diversify the business between terminals and lines of cargo, which Veldman said is critical to creating sustainability.
“It’s not just one commodity market that we’re looking at that may rise and sink as they go through time — as every market does — but the more we can get that diversification, the more stability we’re going to have over time as well. That’s a big, big goal for us as the port authority,” Veldman said.
In 2016, low volumes at the Ridley Island Terminal were offset by the AltaGas propane terminal project, which is the first of its kind on Canada’s West Coast.
“It’s based on a market that’s separated from any other cargo we’re dealing with,” Veldman said of the AltaGas propane terminal. “And, quite frankly, you’re looking at a different kind of skill set as well in terms of the employees that would be working out there … and throughout the supply chain.”
But for the port to continue on its projected path, Veldman said employees at all levels will need to maintain their competitive work output. He also credits the workers with the success the port has seen so far.
“What this impact study is to us is the men and women who work in this supply chain in Northern B.C. and the gateway industry, if you will, have made their mark globally,” Veldman said. “They’ve proven how competitive they can be and we have great confidence that they can continue to be competitive. It’s a real validation at how good we’ve become at moving trade through this gateway.”


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By Derrick Perkins
Old Town’s plethora of small specialty shops is well known, but the bevy of potential competitors didn’t deter Gale Curcio and Coddy Eyre from opening Bucket List Boutique just off of King Street in the fall.
“No [I wasn’t worried about the competition], because I think we have something really special,” Curcio said after opening the shop in September. “That’s what people have been telling us: We have a blend of old and new, and nobody else really has that. Either it’s all antiques or all shabby chic, and we really have a blend.”
And finding a speciality is pretty much the trick, said Jay Palermino of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. Focusing on a niche market helps boutique owners stand out from the crowd. It’s a proven path to success for many of Old Town’s specialty shops, he said.
“I think that we have seen a lot of very, very unique concepts come in where — in the beginning — people come in and say, ‘I don’t know how it can survive’ and then like Olio it takes off,” Palermino said, holding up King Street’s olive oil-themed shop as a success story. “[Bishop Boutique] is a good example of that … and even fibre space. Walk into any of those [shops], and all you see are shoes or all you see is yarn.”
Curcio and Eyre’s shop, overflowing with goods on several cramped levels, is a mix of knick-knacks, toys and home decor accessories. And they also are Alexandria’s sole retailers of several product lines, including Casart’s removable wallpaper.
The pair regularly changes up their product lines, hoping to entice new customers by reinventing the store every few weeks. They plan to begin selling an exclusive line of chalk and clay paint this month and offer how-to classes for customers in February.
The duo is betting the tactic will make their store a destination for shoppers.
“It’s very time consuming, but it’s actually very worth it [to change] up the inventory and making the shop look like new every single month,” Eyre said. “That’s our goal: make it brand new. … The motto is look up, look down and look twice around. There is so much for people to see.”
If they’re on the same wavelength as their potential patrons, the effort should prove fruitful. Finding a niche has translated into success for Old Town’s boutique owners, but they also need to know their market inside and out, said Bill Reagan, executive director of the Alexandria Small Business Development Center.
“As a boutique they really want to be distinctive — that’s the nature of a boutique, it’s a unique type of store,” he said. “Focus on that target market and thoroughly understand who that target market is, what they want, how they want to reach them, what that brand is that they want to be known for. And once they have that brand defined then that drives the look and the feel of their establishment.”
Betting on boutiques
City officials have rolled out the red carpet for Old Town’s small business owners, especially those trying to get off the ground.
When Curcio and Eyre were looking for a location to open their shop — after renting space at the Mount Vernon Antique Center for years — they turned to the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership’s staff for help.
Not long after, they selected the former home of Mint Condition, which had expanded to a new location in Old Town, on South Royal Street and opened up shop.
Though it may seem like the neighborhood is inundated with boutiques, it wasn’t always the case, said AEDP’s Christina Mindrup. As recently as 2009, when Mindrup started with the partnership, the area was known for quick turnover and a high vacancy rate.
With the success of boutiques in recent years, national retailers have taken another look at Old Town. Large chains, like H&M and Anthropologie, and mom-and-pop shops play off one another to bring new customers to the neighborhood, Mindrup said,
“It is our opinion that having a select amount of national retailers helps boutiques do better,” she said. “That boutique store has something the national retailer does not have. The perception is that national retailers draw people to the neighborhood and help smaller boutiques. The perception is you need to offer something different than larger retailers. That’s the trick to boutiques.”
And to keep the ratio healthy, city officials provide plenty of support. The Alexandria Small Business Development Center offers help for navigating Old Town’s planning and zoning restrictions, securing loans, and other funding. It also teams boutique owners up with lawyers and market analysts.
“The city is really very interested in making sure its businesses are successful,” Reagan said. “All of our city departments are very sensitive to what they can do to really give the business an edge, to give them help.”
While local boutiques may compete with one another for shoppers’ dollars, they end up supporting each other by turning Old Town into a one-stop shopping experience.
“They feed off of one another,” Mindrup said. “They feed off of the woman who is single or married looking to go to the Shoe Hive and might be having lunch at Fontaine.”
That symbiotic relationship is not lost on the neighborhood’s small business owners, many of who have banded together as part of the Old Town Boutique District. The group hosts joint events, like November’s Black Friday effort, which saw dozens of small stores open up extra early and offer once-a-year deals.
For potential boutique owners, Alexandria’s bevy of specialty shops acts as more of an allure than a deterrent, said Palermino.
“I would imagine a boutique coming into Alexandria does this as strategic positioning for their business growth. They’re coming into an environment that they believe is healthy, wealthy and wise,” he said. “Boutiques together become a destination. The more we have, the more folks will come into to Alexandria to shop, and I think there’s nothing wrong with that.”


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Without Loyalty, You Won’t Accomplish Anything
That quote from controversial rapper and singer YoungBoy Never Broke Again sums it up for today’s marketers wanting to know everything they need about customer engagement and loyalty. Yet, according to private discount network company Access Development, American companies spend more than $180 billion annually in advertising compared to $2 billion on loyalty programs. Yet, the cost to attract new customers is much more expensive than the investment to retain and cultivate existing ones. Early consumer results coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic place an exclamation point on the importance of customer engagement and loyalty for future business sustainability.
A little more than 90% of consumers told marketing consulting company Yotpo they considered themselves the same or even more brand loyal than in 2018. Nearly 62% reported being loyal to one to five brands with 26% expressing loyalty to six to ten and nearly 6% between eleven to twenty brands. 59% said they were more than willing to recommend their brands to family and friends with an equal number reporting they would also join the loyalty program. Another 36% said they even spend more on their favorite brands. When asked to expand on their definition of loyal, 37% said they considered themselves loyal after five or more purchases. A third identified three purchases as their loyalty benchmark.
As consumers return to the new normal, many had earlier said they wish to continue receiving messages acknowledging the stress and challenges they had to deal with during the pandemic. That was the key finding of several surveys among all generations.
2019 survey results from Access Development also revealed some other things about loyalty and engagement that were important to consumers. Tops among them were offers and surprise gifts. 61% favored this. The second highest-rated response was a bit surprising. 50% of consumers favored a more convenient shopping process. Solving a problem or question ranked 45% among respondents. Other findings included companies recommending products based on customer need (27%), keeping customers updated on the latest products and news (23%), and welcoming customers on each visit (20%). A separate survey by digital marketing solutions firm Hello World reported that 9% of consumers felt engaging them on social media would boost their engagement and loyalty.
Why Rewards Are So Important to Loyalty
Incentives have high value. Wirecard, a financial commerce platform firm, dug a bit deeper on incentives and conducted a survey of consumers. 45% said brand incentives motivated them to make one to three additional purchases in the past year after receiving incentives. Another 22% made four to six purchases while 9% said they made seven to ten additional buys. Another interesting discovery by Wirecard was that 45% of respondents identified digital prepaid cards as their preference for receiving rewards. Regardless of the reward format, speed appears to be of essence. 39% expected to receive rewards within a day or less while 24% identified three days or less as being satisfactory.
The final findings by Wirecard also confirmed the power of rewards. 75% of customers said they were likely to make another purchase right after receiving an incentive. More than 50% said they would share their positive experience with others while another 35% said they would leave a positive review on the brand’s site. 15% went so far as to say they would post their reviews on social media.


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Every 1-year-old deserves a birthday party – but most of them don’t celebrate with beer on tap.
Village Brauhaus’ chronological age may keep it under the legal drinking age, but no matter; on Saturday, the German-style beer hall is bucking that trend, celebrating its first year in business with a party that could rival Oktoberfest. From live music to lots of food, Jagermeister shots and even the tapping of a new Vienna lager, the Old Town restaurant is ready to lift a glass indeed.
“People are already expressing a lot of interest,” said Bill Gross who with his wife, Chelsea, owns Village Brauhaus. “We’ve gotten over 200 phone calls and messages regarding times and things like that.”
The festivities start when the restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, and as the day rolls on, the music picks up and the fun really begins. The Johnny Koenig Band will play first at 3 p.m., followed by Love Music Again at 9 p.m. And the food and drink will be served up plentifully all day.
Village Brauhaus’ bread and butter – so to speak – is its array of sausages and schnitzels, and both will be in great supply throughout the celebration. Jagermeister will be on hand with giveaways and swag – think shirts, hats and shots – to help patrons wash everything down.
At about 4 p.m., one of the day’s crowning moments begins: The debut of a new beer straight from the Motherland.
“We are looking to premiere a brand-new beer – the beer is called Ottakringer – based in Vienna (Austria), and it will be the first time a Vienna lager is going to be released in the United States that’s actually from Vienna,” Gross said.
Ottakringer’s approval just passed the Virginia ABC this week, and the beer is en route for Saturday’s event.
“We put out invitations to the Austrian Embassy in D.C.,” Gross added.
The past year has brought its share of challenges alongside the triumphs, Gross said, from its successful launch just before last year’s Irish Parade through the Metro shutdown and out the other side.
“We’ve had tough moments; last summer with the Metro shutdown, being a new business and opening, we basically got two months of regular business before the Metro shutdown and we did notice a decline over the summer,” Gross said.
But the Metro reopened, the patrons came back, and before long, Oktoberfest was in sight. Then came the holidays, and then the new year …and just like that, Village Brauhaus has hit the year mark.
And it’s not stopping with this weekend’s anniversary party. Up next, from Feb. 23-25, is Fasching, the German-Austrian Mardi Gras celebration, complete with German-style Hurricanes and traditional German Berliner doughnuts made in-house. Then comes another visit from the Irish parade – the beer hall will be taking on an Irish flair for that – and then Starkbierfest, a celebration of Germany’s best dark beers that begins on March 13 and extends through April.
But before that comes Saturday, when patrons can say a hearty “Prost!” and lift a glass to Village Brauhaus’ first year.
IF YOU GO
Village Brauhaus’ anniversary celebration
Where: 710 King St., Alexandria
When: Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.
Pro Tip: Get there early. While the restaurant is taking limited reservations, “it’s going to be more of a first-come, first-served basis,” co-owner Bill Gross said.
Hope Nelson is the author of “Classic Restaurants of Alexandria” and owns the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at email@example.com.


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Packaging and processing solutions provider, tna, has expanded its operation in Asia with a new office in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of its global expansion strategy.
The Almond Board of California has released the California Almond objective forecast for the 2014-2015 crop year.
FB Chain has developed a range of corrosion resistant chains for the food and beverage industries.
Exact Mixing, a provider of continuous mixing solutions, has launched a new website that aims to provide a resource for continuous mixing information, solutions and applications.
The July/ August 2014 issue of Confectionery Production is available to read online for logged-in subscribers.
Product focus: extruded confectionery Equipment: forming and extrusion Ingredients: flavours and colours Packaging: pick and place and robotics Show report: Interpack


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After announcing the launch of the Chevrolet Onix for the Mexican market, which is scheduled for the first quarter of 2020, and after releasing some interesting details about the car’s feature content, General Motors has started production of the all-new subcompact sedan. As a matter of fact, our sources tell us that production of the Chevrolet Onix has begun earlier in December at the GM San Luis Potosí plant.
This was confirmed by the company’s top leaders in Mexico during a recent press conference. In fact, President and CEO of GM Mexico, Francisco Garza, stated that they visited the plant to monitor the start of the Onix’s assembly. As such, the North American country becomes the third producer of the second-generation Onix, after China and Brazil.
Production of the new Chevrolet Onix in Mexico will mainly supply the local market, although we know that starting next year, GM will export the car to some Latin American markets and the Middle East. Unlike the three other models currently built at the San Luis Potosí plant (Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain), there are currently no plans to export the Onix to the United States or Canada, where GM has drastically reduced its sedan lineup.
However, we must keep in mind that in 2016, GM Authority discovered that General Motors requested to register the terms “Chevrolet Onix” and “Onix” as trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This could indicate that the automaker considered introducing Onix into the U.S. market, potentially as a replacement for the Chevrolet Sonic once it reaches the end of its production cycle.
While the name of the car’s platform – Global Emerging Market (GEM) – suggests otherwise, the second-generation Onix could really meet the basic safety requirements to be sold in the American market if GM deems it appropriate. In fact, the new Onix surpassed the Sonic/Aveo in crash tests supervised by Global NCAP in China and Latin America, achieving a five-star result compared to the four stars obtained by the outgoing subcompact.
In any case, the new Chevrolet Onix is a key element for GM to maintain its position as the largest producer and exporter of vehicles in Mexico, after a fall in local production as a result of the 40-day UAW strike in the United States. Said strike severely affected the parts supply in the GM Silao and Ramos Arizpe plants.


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Japan may approach WTO to resolve steel tariff dispute with India
June 9, 2016
Japan may ask the World Trade Organization (WTO) to resolve a dispute related to India’s “safeguard” tariffs on the import of hot-rolled steel. To stop cheap purchases from overseas and flooding the domestic market, which discourages the players due to the supply surplus, India has extended its safeguard imports taxes on some of the steel products including the hot rolled products.
Japan is the second largest producer of steel in the world after China with the annual production of 110 million tones, whereas India ranks fourth with the annual output of 86.5 million tones. Also, Japan is the second largest exporter of steel with the annual exports of 41.3 million tones and India is the one of the major export destination of Japan for steel exports.
Assuming this safeguard as a barrier to trade, Japan will repeatedly urge to the Indian competent authority to ensure the consistency of their measure with the WTO agreements, according to reports of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan in a report.


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A new Nikon lens roadmap has just leaked online. Expected will be officially announced on July 21st along with new Nikon Z5 full frame mirrorless camera. The new lens roadmap includes two new Z-mount lenses and two new Z-mount teleconverters.
- NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Lens
- NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens
- NIKKOR Z Teleconverter 1.4x
- NIKKOR Z Teleconverter 2x


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Over the past week, there have been extreme scenes in supermarkets, with many empty shelves and lengthy queues to get in as people prepare to self isolate due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mums have taken to social media begging others not to buy up all the nappies and baby formula and people have found it virtually impossible to find soap and toilet roll. Meanwhile, online sales of hand santiser have been hiked up to around £20 a bottle.
Supermarket bosses have now taken action with many limiting purchasing volumes and introducing quiet hours for the elderly. Scroll down to find out what steps your supermarket is taking to ensure you can get hold of your essentials ...
Budget retailer Aldi has restricted customers to buying only four items of any one product. Signs have been put up around stores to remind shoppers and staff are ensuring this rule is enforced to enable all customers the chance to get their hands on items in high demand.
A spokesman said the amount was 'still significantly more than most customers would buy in a normal shopping trip and we hope this temporary restriction will give as many customers as possible the opportunity to get what they need, every time they visit.'
Check your Aldi shop here
Tesco has introduced tighter purchasing restrictions on items such as anti-bacterial wipes, dried pasta and toilet roll. These are now limited to two per customer under the changes, it is understood.
A number of stores are now operating at reduced hours due to "operational reasons", Tesco said on Twitter after photos showed shelves cleared of food and other essential goods.
Some of its Extra stores and larger Metro stores have reduced their hours to between 6am and 10pm so they can properly restock overnight.
Check your Tesco shop here
Iceland is arranging for stores to keep the first two hours of Wednesday morning free for the elderly and vulnerable only.
It said: “We are encouraging our store managers to dedicate the first two hours of opening on Wednesday morning to the elderly (those of state pension age) and vulnerable people in their community, such as those with disabilities.
“We commend the action taken by our colleagues in the West Belfast store, who have already dedicated an hour of early-morning opening for the elderly. We are focused on being able to feed the nation and to support those most in need.”
Check your Iceland shop here
Customers are being limited to just two items when it comes to certain products at Sainsbury's to ensure there is enough to meet demand.
A spokesperson said: "So that all our customers can find everything they need, we're limiting purchases of soap, hand wash, tissues, cleaning products, rice, pasta, UHT milk and pain relief to two of each item."
Check your Sainsbury's shop here
Asda is restricting some hand sanitisers to two bottles per person.
You'll also find that some 24 hour stores are reducing their opening hours, down to 7am to 10pm or 11pm, according to LancsLive, in a bid to give staff time to clean and restock empty shelves.
Check your Asda shop here
Morrisons has placed a maximum order amount on "essential products" - and is creating 3,500 new jobs to expand its home delivery service to cope with soaring demand.
This will mean there will be more slots available to customers, there will be a call centre for people without access to online shopping and a new range of simple-to-order food parcels from March 23.
Check your Morrisons shop here
Waitrose introduced restrictions on online purchases when the stockpiling began but the limits were only imposed on certain anti-bacterial soaps and wipes.
On Tuesday afternoon, its website was down, with a message saying it was due to a "high volume of visitors".
Check your Waitrose shop here
The supermarket chain Lidl is reportedly introducing prioritised queuing and assistance from 9am to 11am for older customers.
The move started in Ireland is said to be happening in England too.
Check your Lidl shop here
Online supermarket Ocado has said it is unable to take on new customers due to a surge in demand. On Tuesday, all visitors were put in a virtual queue for 'about two hours.' Check your Ocado shop here
A statement on its website read: "Sorry for the wait. Demand is very high at the moment so you may have to wait a little longer than usual to access the website.
"We have no new delivery slots for the next few days so please only wait if you are trying to edit an imminent order."


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Mum-of-22 Sue Radford has taken to her Instagram page to ask fans if they want to hear about the family's numerous holidays.
The Radfords, who are Britain's biggest family hit headlines after they took 11 holidays last year – including a Florida Disney trip, a break to New York and a holiday to France.
And despite happily posting about the trips online in the past, Sue, 48, asked fans whether they still wanted her to continue, presumably as some won't be able to afford holidays amid the cost of living crisis.
READ MORE: Mum-of-22 says she's 'itching' for another holiday – despite having 11 last year
Taking to her Instagram story feature, the mum wrote: "So we said we wouldn't be showing our bigger holidays, but we had so many of you saying 'Please don't stop showing them' as you love them.
"So I'm going to pop a box here to ask if you'd like to see them or would you rather we didn't share – we totally understand if you'd rather not see them, so would like your thoughts on this before we go."
Sue then shared the poll results, which showed that 97% of the family's followers had said that they did want them to post about their holidays.
She added: "Wow, so I think from this and all your lovely messages you definitely want to see the holidays posts, well 97% do.
"So for the 3% that said no they would not rather see them I will let you know when we will be posting our holiday content an you can mute my stories and posts and if you want to unfollow I totally understand as I don't want to upset those that do not want to see our holidays as that's not my intention."
Sue's comments come after she and husband Noel, 52, were recently seen holidaying in the Maldives as they celebrated their anniversary.
After posting about the trip, Sue was met with some backlash online by some who couldn't believe they were away again.
"Another blooming holiday," moaned one.
While another added: "One minute you couldn't afford electric but now you can afford go on expensive holidays."
However, others seemed happy for her, as one gushed: "Looked like a wonderful break away."
"Have an amazing trip, and a Happy Anniversary," added another.
The Radfords, who famously don't take any money from the government, often share behind-the-scenes moments from their holidays on their Chanel 5 show 22 Kids & Counting.
It's claimed the family's net worth is around £975,000 – with the money coming from their TV show, social media and YouTube accounts and Noel's pie shop.
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Source: Read Full Article


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With the 29th March deadline looming, Brexit is a very real challenge facing every UK industry. The automotive aftermarket, however, is facing a particularly volatile start to 2019 if a deal is not soon agreed in Parliament.
This uncertainty is piling the pressure on businesses up and down the UK. Nonetheless, Brexit poses its fair share of opportunities as well as the uncertainties we have seen of late.
How Brexit will impact the British automotive aftermarket is not an exact science and relies heavily on the deal struck between the UK and Brussels. But come 29th March, here’s how we envisage our divorce from the EU panning out and what it means for the automotive aftermarket.
As an EU member state, Britain currently continues to enjoy tariff-free trade with over 70 countries as part of 40 free trade agreements. To put this into perspective, in excess of £35m worth of automotive parts and components are delivered to British automotive and aftermarket businesses from the EU every day, free from tariffs or quota limits.
Of course, leaving the EU potentially means ceasing to be a party to these trade agreements.
This poses both an opportunity and an equal threat for British aftermarket businesses when it comes to the flow of goods across borders.
Relinquishing our need to abide by the rules of the EU’s trade agreements means the UK will be in a powerful position to negotiate new trade deals with alternative markets under alternative (perhaps more favourable?) terms.
As such, not only could this give automotive businesses access to new markets but could also lend itself to a huge cost-saving exercise. UK businesses will be free to do more business with lower-cost suppliers in countries such as China and India.
However, the relative success of the vehicle manufacturing industry relies heavily on a Just in Time (JIT) production method. Parts are needed at precise times, in precise quantities and Brexit could hinder the movement of parts by way of border controls, tariffs, and quotes and the formalities that come with being a non-EU member state. Not only does this apply to UK car manufacturers importing parts but also to parts manufacturers exporting goods abroad.
The precision demanded by suppliers and manufacturers can be maintained throughout any uncertainty with the use of software tools like warehouse management systems and sales analytics. These solutions are designed for the better management and monitoring of sales trends, typical demand and stock levels.
Armed with this data, suppliers and manufacturers can better prepare their inventory requirements, and plan delivery routes that are optimised to maintain the Just in Time demands of the industry.
It is worth noting that leaving the single market will likely lead to increased barriers to trade, at least for the first few years, as new trading agreements are established but this won’t be forever as kinks are ironed out.
As any kind of Brexit deal continues to be in limbo, the prospect of a no-deal agreement is becoming a serious concern for many business owners. In the event of a ‘no deal’ agreement, the UK Government would seek to ‘replicate the effects of existing EU agreements with other countries as far as possible’ as of the day of exit where feasible.
Immigration played a substantial part in both the leave and remain camps ahead of the referendum back in 2016. From the strains being put on public services to the influx of hugely talented Europeans into key UK positions, both camps had their own fierce arguments.
Between July and September 2018, 2.25m EU nationals were working in the UK and a further 1.24m from non-EU countries.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) estimates that around 10% of people employed in the automotive manufacturing sector are from other EU states. This a gap which would be incredibly difficult to fill in the short term and could have a serious bottom-line impact on smaller businesses which may find it difficult to cope without an extra pair of hands on deck.
What’s more the rise of the millennial has made attracting even homegrown talent a challenge for automotive aftermarket businesses. Demanding more flexible working hours, clear career progression and technology that encourages collaboration, millennials are predicted to make up a third of the global workforce as soon as 2020.
It is estimated that a staggering 80% of millennials value the opportunity to learn new skills and our departure from the EU is a huge opportunity for British businesses to become world-class in terms of training and encouraging the next generation to fill open roles throughout the automotive supply chain and plug the unavoidable gap in workers.
Not only will this digital generation expect personal development plans, the latest tech and software but also a culture that fits with their expectation of variety and quick progression.
So it is imperative that businesses braced for this next generation of workers and prepared to make some potentially substantial changes to the culture of the automotive aftermarket.


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BA hit by talk of £1bn cash call
SHARES in British Airways were on the slide as the spectre of a £1bn rights issue weighed on the recent recovery in the stock.
BA declined to comment on reports that a shake-up of the troubled carrier will conclude with one of the largest cash calls in the history of the London stock market.
It is understood, however, that the fundamental review of operations will result in an 18-month business plan for the airline early in the New Year that will indicate its future financing needs.
That is likely to include a huge cash injection from investors rather than sale of strategic stakes in Qantas and Iberia.
BA's shares, which were as low as 139p last month, were today down 8 1/4p at 220p.
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Redesigned Avensis heads Toyota lineup in Frankfurt
8 September 2011
Toyota is headed to the Frankfurt Motor Show next week with a stack of new and revised models, and chief among them is the company's next-generation Avensis.
Built in the UK, the vehicle will feature a new front fascia that falls more in line with the rest of the Toyota clan. Likewise, the automaker says that the sedan's interior has also received a quick once-over and that we can expect to hear word on new drivetrain options as well. At the moment, Toyota is being tight-lipped about what exactly that will mean for price, fuel economy and power.
In addition to the Avensis, visitors to the Frankfurt Motor Show can get their first glimpse at the 2012 Hilux as well as a three-door Yaris variant. Toyota will also be bringing along the entire Prius family, including the Prius Plug-In and Prius+.


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On-demand music service Spotify has passed 50m paid subscribers, up from 40m reported in September 2016. Spotify has been extending its lead in the on-demand music subscription business – Apple reported 20m paid subscribers at the end of 2016. Other leading music services include those from Amazon – which has been growing its base of bundled Prime Music customers, Google – with Google Play Music and YouTube Red, Deezer, and Tidal.
Strong lead, but competition still poses a risk
Spotify’s lead in the on-demand music business is well established, but its competitors can still pose a significant risk. Spotify’s competition includes services from Apple, Google and Amazon – all of which are companies with wider consumer platforms across multiple businesses which can be used to subsidise losses in their music services. Despite reporting strong revenue and subscriber growth, Spotify is yet to make a profit and the company is reportedly still engaged in its latest round of major label rights negotiations, deals which make up the vast majority of its costs. Spotify’s subscriber base may have grown over the past 12 months, but IHS Markit understands that its ARPU has decreased as it cut the price of family plans to match its competitors and continued to offer discounts to grow its user base.
Spotify remains focused on user acquisition ahead of possible IPO
Spotify’s number of subscriber additions has remained steady over the past 12 months; it added 10m subscribers in the six months from March to September 2016 and a further 10m to March 2017. Spotify’s year on year growth rate in paid subscriptions to March 2017 was 67%, IHS Market estimates that this is the same as for the 12 months to December but down slightly from the 75% range for earlier in 2016.
Spotify’s strong subscriber growth rate is impressive as it scales. While the growth rate has slowed somewhat, it compares favourably with other large subscription media platforms. When video subscription service Netflix passed 50m paid customers in 2014 its annual growth rate was 33% compared with Spotify’s 67%. Increased international expansion has helped Netflix maintain a healthy growth rate of over 25% each quarter to 2016, although the rate is slowing.
Spotify is already active in 60 countries so future growth won’t come from simply expanding into new territories and unlike Netflix in video its ability to differentiate through original or exclusive content is limited. So while Spotify should continue to grow its paid subscriber base, the growth rate may well slow over the next few years as it faces increased competition and its core markets start to mature.
Spotify’s current focus on user acquisition comes ahead of plans for a possible IPO. The terms of its $1bn debt funding round agreed in Q1 2016 reportedly required it to IPO within 12 months or see the debt transferred it into equity at a discounted rate.
Competition leads to investments and acquisitions
Spotify remains committed to its free ad-funded tier, which it sees as a vital user acquisition tool to bring customers onto its service. Rivals like Apple and Google only offer premium subscriptions, a factor which has enabled Apple to try to attract users through exclusive or early access to certain new releases and content. Spotify’s recent product focus has instead been on building a wider portfolio of services through features like podcasts, original content and video. Spotify is also investing to widen its reach across business as well as consumer services; it participated in enterprise music start-up Soundtrack Your Brand’s recent $22m funding round. Soundtrack Your Brand offers licensed music content to enterprise customers including restaurants and retailers and runs Spotify Business – its platform for delivering licensed music to commercial and public spaces. Spotify has also invested to secure its core subscriber base. It acquired subscriber analytics firm Preact in November 2016 to improve its churn reduction and user acquisition activities.


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Not content with three names, Everything Everywhere, the mobile business behind Orange and T-Mobile, has decided to throw a fourth one into the mix.
The company is working on plans for a new brand for its forthcoming 4G mobile service, which is due to launch next month allowing much faster internet downloads over mobile phones.
The move will surprise analysts and even Everything Everywhere's shareholders, who had been putting pressure on the company to move in the opposite direction and whittle its multiple indentities down to one.
The business, which was formed from the 2010 merger of Orange and T-Mobile, had been widely expected to ditch the T-Mobile moniker and adopt Orange as the name for the whole operation.
However, the company instead decided to complicate matters by retaining both brands and christening the company Everything Everywhere.
Chief executive Olaf Swantee admitted that Everything Everywhere was a “silly” name, even as the company adopted the brand for dozens of its new mobile phone shops.
The chief executive of France Telecom, which owns 50pc of Everything Everywhere, also lambasted the company’s name, claiming it was too hard to remember and should be scrapped.
Moving to a “unique, single brand [was] the only way really maximise the synergies from our joint venture," Stephane Richard, chairman and chief executive of France Telecom, said in February.
Mr Swantee had steadfastly refused to jettison any of the brands, insisting that the company would keep all three names and position the two mobile brands at different ends of the market.
Everything Everywhere insisted today that the new 4G brand would sit alongside the Orange and T-Mobile names, and that these would not be scrapped as some television reports claimed.
“We will reveal more information on our exciting plans in due course,” the company said.
However, the spokesman would not confirm that the Orange and T-Mobile names would still be in use in a year’s time.
Everything Everywhere was today given the go-ahead to launch its 4G service before the end of the year. The decision by Ofcom gives the company a major headstart on rival players such as Vodafone and O2, which will not launch 4G until next year.


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At the Source
Step Inside Safelite’s Enfield, N.C., Manufacturing
and Distribution Facility
by Penny Stacey
As you drive into rural Enfield, N.C., you probably wouldn’t believe
that a plant located in the town produces 26,000 to 32,000 windshields
a week and sends them throughout the United States. In fact, you might
not believe the town is even home to enough people to man such a factory.
But nestled in this small, rural town, just a few miles off Interstate
95 is a 315,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and distribution center,
where Safelite manufactures windshields for distribution throughout the
nation—both to its own shops and other customers.
Half of the massive facility handles the manufacture of the glass (laminated
parts only) and the other half handles distribution—and outside you’ll
see lines of trucks coming and going, delivering glass from other manufacturers
for further distribution, and carrying the glass the company makes on
the first step toward its final destination.
Safelite originally chose Enfield as its primary manufacturing spot on
Route 301, which goes right through the center of town, due to its prime
location—halfway between New York and Florida. Though 301 was once a main
thoroughfare for trucks traveling the East Coast, it has been replaced
by Interstate 95—which still is only a few miles from the plant.
But the facility wasn’t always so large. It started at around 80,000 square
“From about 1970 to 1995, there was very little investment in the business,”
says Rich Glover, assistant vice president of manufacturing and distribution
for the company. “In 1996, the model shifted.”
At that time, the company added CNC glass cutters to the manufacturing
plant and started its expansion; after adding on to the facility twice,
it ended up where it is today, at 315,000 square feet.
Even with this growth, though, Safelite has outgrown its current facility,
and just recently opened a second distribution center in Ontario. Calif.,
to service warehouses west of the Mississippi River (see related information
The Latest in Distribution
Safelite Opens New Facility in Ontario, Calif.
Though Safelite’s facility in Enfield, N.C., is 315,000 square feet, the
company also recently opened a brand-new distribution center in Ontario,
Calif., to serve locations West of the Mississippi River. Enfield will
continue to service Eastern locations.
The new hub is the largest distribution center in the world not only for
Safelite, but also for its parent company, Belron.
The facility can hold 130,000 glass units, and ultimately will see one
million units per year go through the distribution chain, according to
Rich Glover, assistant vice president of manufacturing and distribution.
Glover predicts the facility will handle 2.5 times that amount of glass
Though the facility will house some parts made at the company’s manufacturing
facility in Enfield, it also will handle parts made by other manufacturers,
including Asian imports, according to Tom Feeney, chief executive officer
of the Columbus, Ohio-based Belron US.
“What we’ll end up with is a two-pronged supply chain strategy, with product
coming in from Asia, coming in here, as opposed to Enfield now, and the
plant filling the East Coast distribution center,” said Feeney.
The company is placing a renewed focus on green with the opening of the
facility and even has a new slogan, “The glass is always greener on the
Among the green elements of the facility are skylights throughout the
warehouse, which, on a sunny day, provide bright lighting throughout the
area. Likewise, the lights in the facility work on motion sensors; if
there’s no one working near or under them, they remain off.
Belron chief executive officer Gary Lubner also said the company is exploring
the option of putting solar cells on the roof of its newest facility as
another way in which it can save energy.
“It’s not just good for the environment,” he said, “but it’s good for
our bottom line as well.”
The company began making preparations to open a West Coast distribution
center last July.
Feeney said that the company currently serves 300,000 customers in the
state of California—and looks to triple that number with the new distribution
facility. He also spoke of the company’s four-year plan to change the
culture of the company.
“We’re making investments in our supply chain so we can better service
our customers,” he said. Feeney said the company plans to invest a total
of $60 million this year to reach its goals.
“We had growth and volume and we struggled,” says Glover.
The plant makes between 5,500 and 6,000 windshields a day.
Making OEE Parts
Though Safelite does not make original-equipment glass, it makes what
it calls “original-equipment-equivalent” (OEE) glass.
“Aftermarket is a misnomer,” says Glover. “From a functionality perspective,
there’s no difference [in an OE and an OEE part].”
In order to produce these parts, engineers at the plant start with an
original-equipment part, create a mold and then reverse-engineer it.
“Once we do a virtual 3D model, we can bend our part,” says Glover.
The coordination of orders (which come from distribution centers throughout
the country) is automated. Everything comes into the system via mainframe,
and all instructions for parts also are included on the company’s
Though the system is somewhat automated, there are people working throughout
the plant, monitoring the various processes through which the glass goes—and
moving it from one station to another.
“There’s an active push to be further automated,” Glover says.
However, the complexity of the glass will continue to require skilled
operators to man its production.
“Setting up the furnace can be very complex, and now [glass is] becoming
more encapsulated, more solar control, more complex,” he says.
Currently the facility has a high yield—between 92 and 93.5 percent. (Yield
is the percentage of glass that makes it fully through the system undamaged.
For example, if there 10 pieces of glass put into the system and eight
pieces make it through the process, then the yield is 80 percent.)
The company’s lead time to fill orders is one day or less, and all of
the glass manufactured is based on daily sales and orders.
“I don’t know what I’m going to make tomorrow,” says Glover.
Safelite, of course, starts with raw float glass, which is shipped from
Pittsburgh Glass Works in Meadville, Pa. This is inspected prior to heading
to scoring and painting. Then it goes through a bending process, based
on the mold for the particular part; then it is washed and, after drying,
laminate is added.
Polyvinyl butyral interlayers are supplied by both DuPont in Fayetteville,
N.C., and Sekisui in Winchester, Ky.
Once the windshield is laminated, which is done by hand in a temperature-controlled
clean room, it is placed in a tacking oven, and then heads to an autoclave,
to complete the vinyl/glass adhesion process. Then, moulding or antennas
are applied if needed. Finally, it is loaded onto pallets for transfer
into the distribution area.
Throughout the manufacturing process, the glass (and the pieces that make
up the final windshield) are inspected for quality. Part of this relates
to the fact that the company has embraced lean principles and, specifically,
Six Sigma—a business strategy in which manufacturers strive to remove
the causes of defects and problems and streamlines processes.
Safelite has two Six Sigma masters on-site at Enfield and five blackbelts
throughout the company. The company does 600 audits per month as part
of this process. An audit might be simple, such as a supervisor walking
out into the plant and observing to make sure he/she sees no unsafe acts.
But they also occur among employees as well.
“It’s about training everyone in the facility about how to be supervisors,”
adds Glover. “It’s about taking time and just watching.”
Safety, of course, also is a factor.
“It’s not just, ‘We make glass and try to be safe,’” Glover says. “It’s,
‘We want to take care of our associates and then we make the glass.’”
The company also is certified with ISO-9001 through DNV. Though the certification
has helped the company improved its processes, it’s also increased its
need for documentation Part of this led to the company’s move to using
the Intranet among employees as a way of communication new information.
“We should be able to go to a particular page on the Intranet and see
everything we need to know to make a certain windshield,” Glover says.
When something changes, Glover says it’s easy to update—as the change
can be made in the Intranet and so everyone has the updated information
“It was a way to corral the whole process,” says Glover.
Throughout the manufacturing process, the glass and parts that make up
the final windshield are checked for quality. The float glass is inspected
initially prior to scoring. The company also does its own testing onsite
for both impact and penetration resistance.
In the lab, an operator drops a 5-lb. ball onto piece of glass equipped
with laminate to simulate a person inside the car hitting the glass. In
order to pass, the ball cannot drop through the construction when it is
dropped from 12 feet or less. In addition, the company drops an 8-ounce
ball on what would be the outside of the windshield, to simulate flying
debris. These tests are conducted periodically by an independent laboratory.
The glass also is tested for distortion and for edge quality at several
points. To check for distortion, the company places random pieces of glass
in a dark room in front of a lighted screen filled with “zebra lines.”
If the lines bend in any way, the operator knows distortion is present
and can research the issue. And when a problem is found, with any of the
tests, the company has reaction plans in place.
“It depends on what [the problem is] and where it occurs,” says Glover.
“We investigate the root cause.”
But, with all these checks, the manufacturing crew feels confident in
the end product.
“We know we send out a quality product,” says Tony Roach, operations manager.
And, when a technician in the field finds a problem after the glass has
left the facility, the company has a quality alert form that is completed
and sent to the plant, and the manufacturing staff aims to get back to
that technician within 24 hours to discuss the issue.
“We want to talk to them on the telephone,” Glover says.
Just as green has become more important to consumers, it also has grown
in importance to manufacturers. And Safelite has taken steps in both its
manufacturing and distribution operations to become more green.
First, the company watches its scrap glass—the float glass that doesn’t
make the cut, or is leftover after scoring. Though not having scrap glass
is not necessarily an option, the company still monitors the amount created.
“It’s about the trend—are we heading down or are we heading up the efficiency
curve?” says Glover.
The Enfield facility recycles 20 million pounds of glass, cardboard and
vinyl a year. Packaging also is changing.
“We’re trying to reduce the use of Styrofoam,” says Glover. “We have a
packaging engineer on site working on that.”
The packaging engineer joined the Enfield staff early this year. For distribution,
the company has begun utilizing recyclable wooden crates—which come back
to the facility for re-use. In addition, the company currently is installing
T5 lights that work on motion sensors in the distribution and manufacturing
portions of the facility.
Though few industries, if any, have remained unaffected by the economic
downturn the country has seen in recent years, Glover notes that the company
has at least seen minimal effects.
“We’re still running very strong,” he says. “We have felt the impact,
but less than others.”
And the company continues to look to the future to improve its processes,
as part of its commitment to Six Sigma and its ISO-9001 certification.
“It’s really about continuous improvement,” says Glover. n
Penny Stacey is the editor of AGRR magazine/glassBYTEs.com™.
© Copyright 2009 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.


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News by Andrew Kameka on Thursday February 20, 2014.
|Sponsored links, if any, appear in green.|
Why would you want to do this? I'm not exactly sure, but that's part of the fun. Google has created a reference design phone with this capability precisely to distribute it to developers and see how they are able to utilize the technology. The phone has a 4-megapixel camera, 2x computer vision processor, integrated depth sensing, and a motion tracking camera. The phone can track full 3D in real-time, so Google wants to see how people can create their own little Minecraft world or do something special like build navigation tools for people with visual impairments.
Project Tango is run by the Advanced Technology and Projects group (ATAP) at Google. ATAP is also the former Motorola department handling Project Ara, which Google chose to retain in its sale of Motorola to Lenovo. ATAP will release development kits to select people in the coming months, so interested developers can apply to be included.
Andrew is based in Miami, Florida.


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By Keith Laing
Your morning transportation speed-read:
American automobile brands are more popular in Republican-leaning states than those that favor Democrats, according to a study.
A pair of women were arrested at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs in diapers they were wearing.
American Airlines and U.S. Airways are reportedly closing in on a long-anticipated merger.
Spirit Airlines is invoking a controversy involving Major League Baseball player Alex Rodriguez allegedly using performance-enhancing drugs in a new ad.


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A 10-seater restaurant at Arya Residences in BGC, Taguig lands on the prestigious list of expert-approved dining and drinking destinations worldwide.
Chef Josh Boutwood’s fine dining restaurant Helm is now part of the over 2,000 restaurants and bars to be part of 50 Best Discovery List.
“I am ecstatic to share @helmmnl inclusion in @50bestdiscovery. These are challenging times but we shall continue to press on. It’s nice to have some good news for a change,” Boutwood said.
Launched in 2019, the 50 Best Discovery List curates its selection based on responses from a global voting academy that names the best restaurants and bars as part of the lists for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.
The library provides a recommended list for its over 2 million followers to explore in their travels across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
At the helm of Helm, Filipino-British chef Boutwood has worked with some of the best restaurants in Europe. He joined The Bistro Group in 2012 as executive corporate chef.
Boutwood is optimistic the latest recognition will give a boost to the restaurant industry “when our economy opens up and our guests can once again indulge in gastronomic experiences”.
“It will be a significant boost to Helm,” he said.
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In the aftermath of the recession, small business owners are doing all they can to shift our economy back into gear. But many of them are still idling, if not completely stalled. To thrive and reach their full potential, small businesses need a more level economic playing field with large businesses—one that makes them better able to create jobs. Small business owners know robust economic policies aimed at leveling the playing field would strengthen their bottom lines and enhance their capacity to foster widespread economic growth.
Health insurance exchanges are the most important component of healthcare reform for small businesses. These marketplaces will allow small businesses and individuals to band together to purchase insurance, which will lower their healthcare costs and allow more of them and their employees to get quality healthcare coverage.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and create the vast majority of new jobs, yet as these poll findings make clear, small business owners believe large corporations and wealthy Americans pay less than their fair share of taxes. Poll respondents support specific reforms to address the problem.
Rhetoric blaming government regulations for a lack of small business growth and our stagnant economy has reached a fever pitch. Legislators have introduced bills aimed at curbing regulations, believing this would stimulate our sluggish economy. While lawmakers are right to view small business as the key to economic recovery, small businesses don’t see regulations as their No. 1 concern. Instead, the vast majority of small business owners believe weak demand is the primary problem for their business right now, not regulations.
Small business owners are suffering from weak sales and decreased customer demand, and on top of that, a lack of access to credit. It is difficult for small business owners to access the credit that will help them grow, hire and jumpstart the economy. Our new opinion polling shows an overwhelming 90% of small business owners nationwide agree the availability of credit for small businesses is a problem, and 61% agree it’s harder to get a loan now than it was four years ago.
On Jan. 21, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in its Citizens United decision that corporations are free to spend unlimited sums of money in elections. According to opinion polling released by the American Sustainable Business Council, Main Street Alliance and Small Business Majority, two-thirds of small business owners see this decision as bad for small business. The poll also shows small business owners overwhelmingly believe corporations have been given too much freedom to spend money that directly influences political campaigns.
America’s small business owners are doing all they can to outlast the condition of today’s economy. These hardworking employers know they need the right kind of help if they are to thrive. That’s why they believe immediate action is necessary to form bold clean energy policies that will prompt innovation, and in effect, stimulate small business and the economy.
In this tough economy, small business owners struggle just to keep their doors open, let alone turn a profit and create jobs. Nevertheless, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in small businesses, and they know that to thrive we must create new opportunities and change with the times, which explains why they favor raising fuel efficiency standards by huge margins—a step some people have wrongly described as a job killer.
In March 2011, Small Business Majority and Pacific Community Ventures (PCV) released the results of a survey, commissioned by PCV, of 804 California small business owners with fewer than 20 employees on key provisions of the Affordable Care Act. It found that small business owners who currently don’t offer health insurance, along with those who do, are more likely to provide or continue to provide coverage because of the healthcare tax credits and state insurance exchange.
Small Business Majority released a national survey of 619 small business owners in January 2011 to gauge how entrepreneurs view two critical components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: healthcare tax credits and insurance exchanges.


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Facial recognition (FR) technology is under scrutiny by the EU. The EU is considering a temporary ban on the use of FR in public spaces until safeguards are in place to mitigate the risks. Brussels’ initiative comes amid revelations about the use of the technology for monitoring crowds in public areas. These included London’s King’s Cross and, more recently, outside Cardiff City’s stadium.
If the measure is approved, companies selling FR technologies will not be able to sell their products for use in public areas. However, stores and businesses will still be allowed to buy FR products for private use. Also, a ban wouldn’t come into effect overnight, given the broad agreement required among member states. In trying to impose limits on the indiscriminate use of FR, Brussels is leading the way with an ethics-based approach governing AI usage and once more, as with GDPR, it is setting the standard for regulation worldwide.
Inaccuracy is an issue with facial recognition
While surveillance technology can help monitor critical threats, it can also be highly intrusive when combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. The main limitations of the technology include its inaccuracy, potential privacy violations, and the lack of technical standards.
FR training data is often incomplete or unrepresentative of the general population. Therefore, FR based on that information contains inherent biases. A study from MIT Media Lab showed that the accuracy of FR technology differs across gender and races. The darker the skin, the more errors arise, up to 35% for images of darker-skinned women. There are significant risks that FR used in law enforcement and border, airport, and retail security will be unreliable. Where misidentification can lead to arrest or incarceration, the level of accuracy must be as high as possible.
Lack of consent is a stumbling block
The use of live FR technology involves the processing of personal data, specifically biometrics, to accurately identify an individual. As such, data protection law, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), applies whenever FR is used. Under GDPR, personal data can only be processed if an individual gives their explicit consent. However, it is unlikely that individuals, including those not on a watchlist, will ever be asked to provide consent where FR is used for law enforcement purposes.
Facial recognition needs common rules to ensure its applications are secure and the privacy of consumers is protected. In 2019 a debate on FR standards was held at the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Chinese companies lobbied for their standards to be adopted for FR, video monitoring, and city and vehicle surveillance.
Overall, FR represents a step-change from older technologies like closed-circuit television (CCTV) to such an extent that it makes the regulatory void particularly alarming. Significantly, Brussels’ draft proposal on the FR ban points to the right under GDPR for EU citizens “not to be subject of a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling.” A GDPR-based approach to FR, led by the EU, will serve as the basis of the first-ever attempt to govern AI usage.


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To celebrate the start of Avo Season in South Africa, the South African Avocado Growers Association share their insights into the continued appeal of avocados, as well as the growth expected in the industry to meet demand:
Plant-based, dairy-free ice-creams; meat-free days and months like Veganuary; heightened convenience that doesn’t compromise on goodness; and diets loaded with good fats and nutrient dense foods that promote overall health and healthy ageing, are among the top 2019 consumer food trends. Unsurprisingly, these reflect the trends predicted for the retail and hospitality sectors this year too. Few foods measure up to all these criteria as avocados do.
Fruit Logistica’s 2019 trend forecast says consumers want more healthy, convenient fresh foods, while Hospitality News’ 2019 restaurant predictions say the buzzwords ‘clean eating’ and ‘environmental sustainability’ are fast influencing global menus, which favour fresh, plant-based meals. Boasting high amounts of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, avocados make nutritious, convenient meals and serve as an excellent base for plant-based dishes.
These are also among the reasons that demand for avocados has steadily increased. To sustain this demand, both locally and internationally, the South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) says the country currently boasts 17 500 hectares of commercial avocado orchards. This area is expected to be expanded at a rate of 1 000 to 1 500 hectares per annum. In addition, many South African growers have begun planting in new areas so the fruit can be harvested earlier, at the beginning of the season or later, at the end of the season, to supply the local market year round and reduce reliance on imports from November to January.
Ensuring a constant supply of avocados is essential as they have become an integral part of the South African diet and an ‘emotional purchase’ for shoppers, who actively seek out good quality avocados.
These findings emerged in SAAGA’s 2019 qualitative and quantitative research survey, conducted in January and February to gauge consumers’ perceptions of avocados at key retail outlets.
The results showed the majority of respondents were not loyal to their regular retailers when buying avocados, favouring quality over loyalty, and although some would decrease avocado purchases out of season, they were prepared to pay more for the fruit when they did buy them.
Poor avocado quality was also enough to dissuade consumers from shopping at specific retailers altogether, with a huge percentage of respondents stating that stores with consistently poor quality avos, avos that went bad too quickly after purchase, and stores where bad avos weren’t removed from display, would lose their support. SAAGA will be working with retailers to assist them with improving the quality of avos in-store, and to better educate fresh produce buyers, merchandisers and consumers.
“Avocados are a potential drawcard for retailers to attract consumers into their stores,” says Derek Donkin, Subtrop CEO. “Most respondents claimed to shop specifically for avocados every week or second week, and subsequently bought other products while in the store. It follows that activities drawing consumers into stores to buy avos would have a positive knock-on effect on overall sales. While it’s difficult to tell if this would be the case for restaurants too, anecdotal evidence and dining forecasts suggest eateries will be increasingly supported in 2019 based on the availability of plant-based, whole food dishes, including those with avocados.”
It’s safe to say that no matter what the trend, avos are a must on any self-respecting store shelf or restaurant menu.
For more information, visit www.avocado.co.za


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Top 10 Markets with High Industrial Development
E-Commerce is taking over which means businesses are saying goodbye to brick-and-mortar and hello to industrial warehouse space. All across the country, companies are looking to invest in corporate real estate space that will accommodate large inventories for online stores.
Check out CBRE’s list of the Top 10 Regions of Growth for Industrial Space in 2018:
Inland Empire, California
California Central Valley
For more information, check out the full article published here:


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Singapore's Jurong Port Goes Solar
Singapore’s Jurong Port is set to become home to the largest port-based solar system in the world with the installation of solar panels on over 95,000 square meters of warehouse roof space.
The area equates to about 13 football fields, and the system is expected to generate 10 megawatts of electricity at peak capacity.
The $22.5m development, a partnership with Sunseap and SolarPV Exchange, will provide power to the port with excess being fed back to the grid.
“This project is testimony to our ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability,” said Jurong Port CEO Ooi Boon Hoe. “The project will help promote Singapore as a hub for green energy generation.”
Jurong Port is a leading international multi-purpose port operator handling general, bulk and containerized cargo. Jurong Port began operations in 1965 as a general and bulk cargo port, serving the development needs of Singapore’s Jurong industrial estate.
Its main terminal has 32 berths and receives over 17,000 vessels a year. Within the terminal, there are 174,000 square meters of warehouse facilities.
The solar system is expected to be finished this year.


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Giant gantry cranes and off loading freighter in Haifa container port, Israel.
Ucg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
LONDON — Danish shipping giant Maersk on Thursday flagged “high uncertainty” in its 2024 earnings outlook as Red Sea disruptions continued to weigh on the industry.
The company also said that it would be suspending share buybacks on the back of the uncertainty.
Maersk said it expected underlying EBITDA (or earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) of between $1 billion and $6 billion this year, compared to the $9.6 billion recorded in 2023.
“The impact of this situation is causing new uncertainty for how this is going to play out from an earnings perspective throughout the year,” CEO Vincent Clerc told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe.”
“We have very little visibility as to whether this is a situation that will resolve in a matter of weeks or months, or whether this is something that is going to be with us for the full year,” he added.
In a statement, the company added that its board had decided to “immediately suspend the share buy-back programme, with a re-initiation to be reviewed once market conditions in Ocean [division] have settled.”
Global supply chains have faced serious disruption since late 2023 after major shipping companies began diverting journeys away from the Red Sea following a string of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The Iran-aligned group has targetted commercial vessels with drones and missiles in what they say is an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza-Israel war.
This is a developing news story and will be updated shortly.


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POKEMON GO epidemics is officially in full swing with people all over the world roaming aimlessly with their phones in hands trying to catch virtual monsters. The augmented reality app has been released only days ago, but already it’s number one topic on social media. Even though it’s a good thing a mobile phone app is getting people OUT of their homes for a change and interacting with each other, it’s not exactly the most productive way of spending your afternoon. One Indiana animal shelter has found an ingenious way of using the Pokemon Go craze for their dogs’ benefit.
Muncie animal shelter posted this ad on Facebook yesterday looking for Pokemon Go players willing to go on a quest with a canine companion. Having a phone in one hand and a leash in another sounded like a reasonable idea, but nothing could prepare them for the response they received. Several news stations has picked up the story as well as most of social media and it is now going VIRAL with thousands of people volunteering.
Whether the dogs like catching Pokemons or not is unclear, but one thing is for sure, they love getting their daily exercise.


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A recent Staffing Industry Analysts survey tried to gauge staffing firms’ awareness of online staffing and their response to it. Some 80 percent of the 534 respondents were either unaware or not interested in such services.
The remaining 20 percent that reported they were contemplating action, they were either:
- Considering building such a service over the next two years (6 percent);
- Or... More


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Apple finally confirmed that it will hold an event on September 12 and it’s widely expected that the event will see the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineups debut. And you’ll be able to follow along from home.
As has become the norm now Apple will stream the Wonderlust event live on its website, but it’ll also make it available at the same time on its YouTube channel so you can watch on the big screen if you prefer. And now Apple is getting its ducks in a row ahead of the big event.
Less than a week out, Apple has now made its September 12 stream ready to view and all you have to do now is bookmark that page, and wait.
Apple’s event is available via its YouTube channel right now, complete with a premiere date of September 12 at 10:00am PT. You can set a reminder via YouTube and you’ll receive a notification to make sure that you won’t miss the big event.
Apple hasn’t said what the event will be about of course, but it would be the surprise of the year if it isn’t our first look at what will soon be the best iPhones yet. The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are all expected to be announced before going up for preorder on Friday, September 15. We then expect the new iPhones to become available to buy on September 22.
These new iPhones won’t be alone of course. We’re also expecting Apple to unveil the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 as well, while it’s likely new iPhone cases and refreshed Apple Watch bands will also be shown off.
With September 12 edging ever closer, we won’t have to wait too long now. And then attention turns to what comes next — an event that could see new Macs announced in October, for example.


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WASHINGTON — General Motors Co will repay $28 million in state tax incentives to Ohio after the largest U.S. automaker came under heavy criticism for closing its Lordstown Assembly plant in March 2019.
GM’s agreement with the Ohio Tax Credit Authority also requires the Detroit automaker to pay $12 million for “community support programs” in the Mahoning Valley.
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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost had demanded that GM repay $60 million in state tax credits after it closed its Lordstown Assembly plant in March 2019 and failed to retain 3,700 jobs in exchange for the credits.
GM said in a statement the authority had recognized “GM’s substantial manufacturing presence across the state of Ohio.”
GM and LG Chem through the Ultium Cells LLC joint venture, are building a $2.3 billion battery cell manufacturing plant in Lordstown. The state said it awarded a 1.95%, 15-year Job Creation Tax Credit to the joint venture, which is expected to create 1,000 full-time positions, generating $45 million in new annual payroll.
GM also said it planned to announce new investments in Toledo and Defiance later on Monday.
GM announced its planned closure of the plant in Northeast Ohio in November 2018, drawing condemnation from U.S. President Donald Trump and many U.S. lawmakers.
GM sold the plant last year to start-up Lordstown Motors, which plans to hire 400 workers to build EV pickup trucks starting in 2021.
In August, GM agreed to invest $75 million in Lordstown Motors, which agreed to go public through a merger with DiamondPeak Holdings in a deal that valued Lordstown at $1.6 billion.
On Monday, Trump inspected a prototype Lordstown Motors pickup outside the White House. “It’s an incredible piece of science, technology. It’s going to happen now with more and more trucks,” Trump said.
The White House would not answer a question about the Ohio tax repayment issue.
Republican Senator Rob Portman said at the White House event the Lordstown Motors plant and the battery joint venture together would replace the 1,500 jobs lost in March 2019 when GM’s Lordstown plant closed ending the single remaining shift.
As recently as 2016, the GM plant employed 4,500 workers in three shifts. (Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Franklin Paul and David Gregorio)