BetaLED rolls out new LED lights; Oshkosh Defense lands more military contracts; Harley lost $218.7 million in quarter; Harley lost $218.7 million in quarter; Johnson Controls bounces back with record quarter
BetaLED rolls out new LED lights
BetaLED, a division of Sturtevant-based Ruud Lighting, Inc., recently introduced the 304 Series luminaires, the company’s first lights to achieve over 100 lumens per watt (LPW). The 304 Series luminaires with 100+ LPW have the potential to make a significant impact on our environment by saving as much as 70 percent in energy use.
The 304 series achieves superior efficiency, longevity, lumen maintenance and light control while reducing energy use – benefits that are especially welcomed in applications where lights are on 24/7. By utilizing a two-level dimming option, the luminaires will save even more energy, providing end users with further reductions in operating costs while also helping the environment.
“We are continuously improving our BetaLED luminaire systems,” said Christopher Ruud, president of Ruud Lighting. “By optimizing all the components in the system we’re able to provide a breakthrough that reaches new heights in energy-savings and light levels while demonstrating measurable proven performance.”
Oshkosh Defense lands more military contracts
Oshkosh Corp.’s Defense division has four awards valued more than $89 million to supply parts for the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT).
Under two of the orders, Oshkosh will supply M-ATV spare parts, including engines, transmissions, transfer cases and alternators by October. Under two other delivery orders, Oshkosh will supply 2,400 axle assemblies for the HEMTT A2 and A4 models and more than 430 engines for the HET by December.
Oshkosh is providing the M-ATV’s spare parts to be used as in-the-field replacements after the original vehicle parts have been consumed. These parts will ship without delay to maintain optimal readiness rates for existing vehicles in theater. To date, Oshkosh has received awards valued at more than $3.6 billion to deliver 6,619 M-ATVs, as well as spare kits and aftermarket in-theater support.
Harley lost $218.7 million in quarter
Harley-Davidson Inc. reported a fourth quarter net loss of $218.7 million, or 94 cents per share, as its net revenues plummeted to $764.5 million from $1.3 billion in the same period a year ago.
For the full fiscal year, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer reported a net loss of $55.1 million in 2009, compared with a profit of $654.7 million in 2008.
Affecting fourth-quarter results were a previously announced 53.1 percent reduction in Harley-Davidson motorcycle shipments from the year-ago period and $167.1 million in costs for restructuring and ending the Buell line of motorcycles.
"Our full-year 2009 results were affected by the difficult economy, as well as the planned actions we took that resulted in restructuring charges of $224 million. We believe these actions are critical to restoring greater profitability and long-term growth to Harley-Davidson," said Keith Wandell, Harley-Davidson president and chief executive officer. "We are confident we have made the right decisions for our future, and we are executing our strategy with focused intensity."
Analysts polled by FactSet Research were expecting, on average, a quarterly loss of 27 cents a share with sales of $753 million from Harley.
For 2010, Harley expects to ship 201,000 to 212,000 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide, a reduction of 5 to 10 percent from 2009.
"We believe 2010 will continue to be a challenging year," Wandell noted.
Johnson Controls bounces back with record quarter
Johnson Controls Inc., Wisconsin’s largest publicly held company, reported record fiscal first quarter earnings of $366 million, or 52 cents per share, up from a net loss of $608 million, or $1.02 per share, in the same period a year ago.
The diversified Glendale-based manufacturer’s quarterly net sales grew to $8.4 billion, up from $7.3 billion a year earlier.
“We achieved record results in the first quarter despite what is still a very challenging economic environment in all of our markets. We benefited from higher sales supported by the cost improvement initiatives we took over the past year," said Stephen Roell, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson Controls.
The company’s Automotive Experience sector’s sales in the quarter increased 31 percent to $4.1 billion. Its Power Solutions sales increased 15 percent to $1.3 billion, and its Building Efficiency sales fell 2 percent to $3.0 billion.
Johnson Controls said it launched production of lithium-ion battery systems for the BMW 7-Series hybrid vehicle in the quarter and was awarded a production contract to supply lithium-ion hybrid batteries for Ford’s 2010 all-electric Transit van.
"Our markets are still well below their historic levels and the global economic environment remains challenging. We believe there will be meaningful improvements in our markets by the end of the fiscal year and we are well positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunities that will arise," Roell said. "We will continue to invest in our growth strategies and to further align with the global megatrends for improved energy efficiency and sustainability."
