Manufacturing

Handheld devices aren't new to the factory floor. Hardened bar code readers have been an industry staple for more than a decade. Today, dedicated single-function devices are being replaced by open source mobile operating system devices. iOS and Android have created a fertile field for industrial applications and, with a hardened cover, an iPad can be a better fit for the factory than a one-purpose handheld device.

Menomonee Falls-based ZBB Energy Corp., a developer of energy management systems solutions serving the utility, commercial and industrial building markets, has announced the signing of an agreement to provide electricity to a condominium complex in Honolulu.

Reed Hall will be reappointed by Gov. Scott Walker as secretary and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

The Marcus Corp. announced it has added Katherine Gehl, president and chief executive officer of Germantown-based Gehl Foods Inc., to its board of directors.

Startup craft brewer Raised Grain Brewing Company LLC plans to open a brewery and tasting room in a 2,480-square-foot space at 2244 W. Bluemound Road in Waukesha, according to plans submitted to the city.

Muskego-based Inpro Corp. has acquired Buffalo, N.Y.-based Fireline 520 LLC, one of the nation's premier designers and manufacturers of fire barriers for expansion joints.

Racine-based S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. recently closed on its purchase of the former Diversey Inc. corporate headquarters in Sturtevant for nearly $27.6 million, according to state records.

Lomira-based Kondex Corp. was recently honored with a Pillar of the Industry Award from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers for supporting its I Make America campaign.

Wednesday is the early bird registration deadline for the 2015 Manufacturing Matters! conference taking place Thursday, Feb. 26. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Milwaukee beginning at 7 a.m.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. recently announced the appointments of Joe Walicki as vice president and president of the company's Power Solutions business and Jeff Williams as vice president of enterprise operations and engineering. They were also both elected corporate officers by the company's board of directors.