Manufacturing

Menomonee Falls-based Actuant Corp. today announced fiscal first quarter net earnings of $36.3 million, or 49 cents per share, down slightly from $37.2 million, or 50 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc., a global diversified company in the building and automotive industries, announced today it expects to post higher sales and earnings in fiscal 2013, despite a challenging economic environment.

Mayville Engineering Company Inc. announced it has acquired Center Manufacturing Inc. a Byron Center, Mich.-based manufacturer of metal products for the commercial vehicle, powersports, agriculture, construction, automotive and military industries, through a private stock purchase.

Glendale Johnson Controls Inc. today announced that its annual New York institutional investor day will be Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Capitale in New York City.

Mayville Engineering Company Inc. today announced it has acquired Center Manufacturing Inc. a Byron Center, Mich.-based manufacturer of metal products for the commercial vehicle, powersports, agriculture, construction, automotive and military industries, through a private stock purchase.

Mequon-based Charter Manufacturing Company announced it has acquired Dura-Bar and Dura-Bar Metal Services as part of its stock purchase of Illinois-based Wells Manufacturing Company.

Anyone who is involved in manufacturing at any level in Wisconsin must have heard of these topics of discussion recently: skills gap; workforce development; skilled trades; or lastly, “Man, I can't find any good craftsman.”

Badger Magnetics Inc. is expanding its Milwaukee plant at 7939 W. Tower Ave.

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced it has acquired Companhia Caetano Branco of Brazil for a total consideration of approximately $57 million in cash.

Milwaukee-based Joy Global Inc. reported fourth quarter income from continuing operations of $212 million, or $1.99 per share, up from $195 million, or $1.83 per share, in the same period a year ago.