TPT March 2008

C ontents

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E ditorial I ndex

The currency of change A lthough it’s not such a long time ago, there have been a lot of changes over the six years I’ve worked on Tube & Pipe Technology . The completion of this biggest ever issue of the magazine – dedicated to Tube 2008 – now means I have edited 33 issues of Tube & Pipe Technology . It may be interesting to review my first issue with fondness, but the main lesson that nostalgia teaches us is the perspective of change and how much we have learnt over time. Since my maiden issue in November 2002, the face of communication has mutated and, largely due to its international nature, the tube and pipe industry has felt this dynamic impact more than most. There has been a year-on-year increase in the global flow of news, press releases and enquiries received via email by the TPT newsdesk. Globalization and the internet have combined to bring our industry, and the world in general, much closer together. The growing strength of the euro currency has also been a noteworthy development. Launched in 1999, I remember when the euro icon (€) was relatively new and even printers had trouble printing it. Now signs are that the euro is set to become the world’s strongest currency, with the dollar and pound losing major ground. The US Federal Reserve’s high risk strategy of slashing interest rates has left US inflation and the weakening dollar on a precipice. Perhaps it is a good omen that the euro’s current period of strength coincides with the strongest European tube and pipe exhibition: Tube 2008. This event has provided a much needed continuity for the tube and pipe industry over the years. And each time I have compiled a Tube Düsseldorf feature, it has always been a challenging and hectic experience.

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I ndustry N ews

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T echnology U pdate

202 F rom T he A mericas

248 A dvertisers I ndex

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This issue has been no different; and judging by the volume of adverts and editorial in this bumper issue, it is good to know that the industry still regards Tube & Pipe Technology as a steadfast resource. Thank you for your continued support and interest – I’ll see you in Düsseldorf! Rich Sears Editor • Email: richard@intras.co.uk

The international magazine for the tube & pipe industries

Editor • Rich Sears Features editor (USA) • Dorothy Fabian Editorial assistant • Christian Bradley Production manager • Lisa Benjamin Design • Julie Tomlin

Published by: Intras Publications , 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, CV32 4HY, UK Tel : +44 1926 334137 • Fax : +44 1926 314755 Email : tpt@intras.co.uk Website : www.read-tpt.com USA Office (Editorial only): Intras Limited, 272 First Ave, Apt 12G, New York, NY 10009, USA Indian Office: Jintras Ltd, Subarna (Ground Floor) P21/N, Block A New Alipore, Kolkata 700 053, India Tel: +91 33 2407 0701 • Fax : +91 33 2407 0700 Email : jeroov@vsnl.com All rights reserved – © Intras Ltd ISSN 0953-2366 This publication and its full contents of layout, text, images, and graphics is copyright protected. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s written permission. The publisher, owners, agents, printers, editors and contributors cannot be held responsible for and hereby exclude all liability whatsoever for errors, omissions or the accuracy and claims printed or inferred in the editorial or advertisements published in this, previous or subsequent editions or for any damages, costs or losses caused thereby. Tube & Pipe Technology reserves the right to edit, reword and subedit all editorial submissions in accordance with editorial policy. Tube & Pipe Technology expressed graphically or by text is a registered name and style trademark of Intras Ltd, UK. All matters relating to this disclaimer are governed by the laws of England. Tel/Fax : +1 212 614 9266 Email : dfabian@rcn.com

Sales & marketing

• Catherine Sayers English speaking sales • Giuliana Benedetto Italian sales • Hendrike Griffin German speaking sales • Linda Li Chinese sales • Jeroo Vandrevala Indian sales

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Advertising co-ordinators

• Liz Hughes

• Andrea McIntosh

Subscriptions

• Liz Hughes

Accounts manager

• Richard Babbedge

Publisher

• Caroline Sullens

Founder

• John C Hogg

US Copies only: Tube & Pipe Technology (ISSN No: 0953-2386) is published bi-monthly by INTRAS Ltd and distributed in the US by DSW, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville, PA. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Tube & Pipe Technology , PO Box 437, Emigsville PA 17318-0437. Tube & Pipe Technology magazine is available on subscription, or via membership of the International Tube Association – See www.itatube.org for more membership benefits

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