Manufacturing

Milwaukee-based Joy Global Inc. today reported fiscal first quarter net earnings of $48.8 million, or 48 cents per share, down from $142.1 million, or $1.34 per share, in the first quarter of 2013.

Milwaukee-based Tramont Corp. announced today that it has filed a petition to reorganize under Chapter 128 of state statutes, which is similar to Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy law. The petition was filed this week in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Milwaukee-based Brady Corp., a world leader in identification solutions, announced it has reached an agreement to sell its Die-Cut business to Boyd Corp. of Modesto, Calif.

Tramont Corp. informed state and local officials today that it plans to go out of business effective May 5.

Cudahy-based Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc. announced it had acquired Rich Logistics, a provider of truckload and expedited services based in Little Rock, Ark.

New Berlin-based Velvac Inc., a manufacturer of components to the truck, bus, recreational and specialty vehicle industries, announced it has acquired the assets of the ViewMaster mirror product line from the former Mirror Lite Company of Rockwood, Mich.

Milwaukee-based Brady Corp., a world leader in identification solutions, announced it has reached an agreement to sell its Die-Cut business to Boyd Corp. of Modesto, Calif.

Milwaukee-based shoe manufacturer Weyco Group Inc. reported fourth quarter net earnings of $7.2 million, or 62 cents per share, down from $8.3 million, or 71 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Milwaukee-based Renaissance Power Systems has acquired Roebuck, S.C.-based Griffin Gear Inc.

Discussion heated up at the standout afternoon panel about the skills gap at the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership's “Manufacturing Matters!” event on Thursday afternoon.