The total value of Japanese machine tool orders in May was 138.55 billion yen (US$1.13 billion). This was up 2.9 percent from April, and represented a 15 percent increase in growth from the same period last year. Total orders for the previous four consecutive months surpassed US$1.06 billion, with the highest record marked in May.

Hexagon Metrology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore institution, Republic Polytechnic (RP), to collaborate on knowledge sharing and joint projects for manufacturing applications and processes.

Okuma America Corporation has announced that CGTech, a developer of CNC software for simulations, verification, optimisation and analysis technology, has joined Partners in THINC. The association provides technologies integrated with Okuma’s CNC machines and controls in order to deliver advanced manufacturing system solutions.

Thai exports have continued to contract in May for the fifth consecutive month, by 5.01 percent year-on-year to US$18.4 billion, according to Somkiat Triratpan, director of the Commerce Ministry’s Bureau of Trade and Strategy.

Boeing has announced that its current president and chief operating officer Dennis Muilenburg will take on the role of CEO with effect from 1 July 2015. He succeeds Jim McNerney, who has served the company in his position for the past 10 years.

OMAX Corporation has recently announced their new sales manager for Asia, William Wei. In his new position, Mr Wei will be supporting the company’s distribution partners, and serve customers throughout China and Taiwan who require abrasive waterjet equipment.

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions have announced its continued commitment to Singapore with an expanded manufacturing presence to include the SurePOS 700 series of POS systems, which will be produced on Toshiba TEC Singapore Private Limited (TSE) premises.

PTC Group Holdings Corporation have announced several leadership changes to their Board. Effective from June 12, 2015, Christopher W Parker is chairman, Curtis G Solsvig III is chief executive officer (CEO) and director, and Cary Hart is president and director. Previous chairman, president and CEO Peter Whiting has resigned from his position effective from the same date to pursue new opportunities.

Sumitomo Electric’s group company, Sumitomo Electric (Thailand) Limited has expanded to and established a branch in Yangon, Myanmar, to conduct marketing activities such as marketing research for infrastructure projects in the country.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has announced its plans to build a new training centre on its current premises in Inazawa, Japan, to strengthen human resources development. The centre is scheduled to start operating in April 2016.