Ideas

Menomonee Falls-based Actuant Corp. has acquired Sugar Land, Texas-based Hayes Industries Ltd. for about $31 million.

Baker Tilly Investment Advisors LP has changed its name to Bronfman E.L. Rothschild L.P.

Online retailers have a distinct advantage in the marketplace when compared to local, Wisconsin-based businesses. They are essentially being subsidized by an outdated, pre-Internet sales tax loophole that allows them to avoid what should be their responsibility to collect and remit Wisconsin's sales tax.

Racine-based Modine Manufacturing Co. reported fiscal fourth quarter net earnings of $119.7 million, or $2.49 per share, up from a loss of $1.6 million, or 4 cents lost per share, in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Hyvinkaa, Finland-based Konecranes has moved its Oak Creek offices and 105 employees to West Allis.

The Milwaukee 7 region was named one of the first 12 "manufacturing communities" in the federal Manufacturing Communities Partnership initiative, which will give the region an opportunity to apply for a share of $1.3 billion in federal economic development funds, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced Wednesday.

Kenosha-based tool manufacturer Snap-on Inc. has acquired substantially all of the assets of Pro-Cut International Inc. for about $42 million in cash.

Waukesha-based Hydro-Thermal Corp. recently received the President’s “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Fontarome Chemical Inc. is now Apiscent Labs.

The Port of Milwaukee reported 2013 net income of $1.4 million, the highest net income since 2007, according to a report released today.