TPT July 2011

I ndustry N ews

AFTER launching a new high performance machine tool range for value added processes, the year 2011 has started successfully for Reika. The company reports that sales of cutting machines in the range of RingSaw ® and ‘Compact Models’ have increased substantially. Annual turnover is expected to reach €18mn, and group turnover will approach €100mn. The increase in machine tool sales is based on the reduced tool cost in comparison to standard carbide saws, and therefore low operation cost. The machines can be equipped with standard carbide inserts, which are easy to replace. Automotive suppliers can integrate automatic measuring stations for specific applications in the machines. The latest models can cut round tubes, profiles and solid materials. The tools are available in a range for low or high tensile steel, and stainless steel can also Crew of adventurers arrive safefy after crossing the Atlantic on tube raft Reika reports a successful year be processed effectively. As stand-alone solutions, the machines can be integrated in tube finishing lines as cut-off machines for end- or partial length cutting. The new RingSaw models are also available as flying cut-off for ERW tube welding mills. Reika GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax: +49 2331 96 90 36 Email: info@reika.de Website: www.reika.de

AN-TIKI, a raft made of polyethylene pipes and a pig shelter, and her intrepid crew of four ‘mature’ adventurers including an 85-year-old grandfather from London, have defied sceptics by successfully crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Writer and adventurer Anthony Smith and his three-man crew – aged from 56 to 61 years old – arrived at St Martin in the Caribbean, having safely sailed 3,000 miles across the second largest ocean in the world. During their 66 days at sea the crew battled bad weather, a broken rudder and lumbers of freight boats sailing too close for comfort. They also baked fresh bread every day, studied plankton with their on-board microscope and celebrated Mr Smith’s 85 th birthday with a chocolate cake and a tin of pineapple chunks. The crew have also raised thousands of pounds for the international charity WaterAid, which works with some of the world’s poorest communities to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Mr Smith, a former BBC Tomorrow’s World presenter and science correspondent, who developed the An-Tiki project, said, “We are looking forward to eating fresh food and enjoying some of life’s little luxuries again. But the excitement is tinged with some sadness as the arrival means saying goodbye to our trusty partner, the good raft An-Tiki, who has so steadfastly looked after us on this journey. We’ll also miss the incredible sights and sounds of life at sea, sunrises and sunsets, incredible wildlife, the camaraderie and that special space and solitude that ocean goers come to love.” John Russell, 61, from Gloucestershire,

England, wrote on the An-Tiki blog: “I have to admit that I did have some concerns before setting out, but am really glad that I came on the adventure, and it has been absolutely mind-blowing and wonderful. I cannot use enough superlatives, and would not hesitate to do the same again.” When they departed from the Canaries in January, the team hoped to make it to the Bahamas, but bad weather mid-Ocean slowed progress and time constraints meant they had to choose a new location to complete their adventure. The team hopes to raise £50,000 for WaterAid. Rebecca Poyntz, events fundraising manager, said: “We’re so grateful

to the crew of the An-Tiki for their support, and for helping spread the message of clean water and sanitation across the globe. They have already raised enough for WaterAid to transform the lives of hundreds of people by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. Anthony and crew are keeping the spirit of adventure alive and they are a great inspiration to fundraisers too – old or young.” WaterAid – UK Fax: +44 20 7793 4545 Website: www.wateraid.org An-Tiki – UK Website: www.an-tiki.com

The boat was made from water tubing and raised £50,000 for charity

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J uly 2011

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