Monthly Archives: January 2013

Future not bright for solar panel supply chain

The number of companies involved in manufacturing solar panels will fall by 70 per cent this year due to falling prices and high operating costs, analyst IHS predicts.

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Travel managers get more strategic

There will be a greater focus by travel managers on improving procurement to keep business trips affordable in the weak economy.

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Doctor prescribes tonic for better stakeholder relations

NHS buyers should discuss procurement strategy with clinicians in a welcoming environment and keep bureaucracy to a minimum, according to Dr Steve Ryan, medical director at Barts Health NHS Trust.

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Wal-Mart unveils $50bn ‘Buy US’ strategy

Wal-Mart said the plan to source more from the US, committing around $5bn a year to the scheme, is an effort to create US jobs and spur economic growth. The moves come as the US economy continues to grow slowly, however the proposed commitment from Wa…

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Ford expects suppliers to boost capacity

Ford, the second largest US auto-manufacturer, lost market share in the US due to a combination of factors including its own reduced production capacity as well as at its suppliers who cut capacity back during the financial downturn.

Commenting to re…

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Food sector urged to rethink equipment MRO deals

Tony Weber, contributing editor, Food Service, Equipment and Supplies noted that many food companies are repairing rather than replace their food service equipment, and as a result maintenance agreements are becoming more important in the sector.

In …

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International Paper wraps up Brazilian packaging deal

IP, a US-headquartered company that employs approximately 70,000 people located in more than 24 countries, reported that it will hold a 75% stake in the new entity. Orsa’s assets include three containerboard mills and four box plants, which make…

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Buyers ‘critical’ to future of NHS, says chief executive

Sir David Nicholson told purchasers at a conference there needs to be a “torrent of enthusiasm” for procurement to drive efficiency in the health service.

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Cost overruns could mean fewer infrastructure projects

The government must keep costs under control on future infrastructure programmes or it will have to reduce the number of projects it embarks on, according to the National Audit Office.

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Platinum miner digs deep for R3.8 billion savings

Anglo American Platinum wants annual savings of R3.8 billion (£270 million) by 2015, and is cutting spend on capital projects and reducing overheads, including jobs.

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