The Belimo Group, global leader in the field of actuator solutions for controlling heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, can look back on a solid performance in the 2009 financial year. Group sales fell just short of the previous year's due to a contraction in some markets and weaker foreign currencies.

In Swiss francs, sales came to CHF 385.9 million, a decline of 4.4 percent. Operating income (EBIT) was CHF 61.9 million with an unchanged operating margin of 16.0 percent. Net income was up 6.8 percent to CHF 49.3 million thanks to an improved financial result. Earnings per share were CHF 81.35 (previous year CHF 75.88). Return on equity (ROE) was 30.6 percent (previous year 32.3 percent), and the return on invested capital (ROIC) amounted to 28.0 percent (previous year 28.2 percent).

Cash flow from operating activities rose significantly by 8.8 percent to CHF 66.0 million. Free cash flow was CHF 51.9 million in the reporting period, a year-on-year increase of 11.7 percent.

The Board of Directors will propose a dividend of CHF 40.00 per share to the Annual General Meeting on March 29, 2010... (+)

In the latest of a series of contracts for projects in the area, Rotork Fluid Systems is supplying pneumatic and electro-hydraulic valve actuators with a value in excess of one million Euros for the onshore liquefied natural gas pipework network in Angola (AnLNG).

The pipeline network consists of gas gathering and transportation systems designed to deliver gas from several offshore oilfield developments to an onshore LNG processing plant at Soyo. Three pipelines are under construction, each consisting of an offshore, near-shore and onshore segment... (+)

Swagelok Company has released a larger size of its popular FKB series medium-pressure ball valve. Designed for improved cycle life in the field, the trunnion-style ball valves provide a leak-tight seal for applications up to 15 000 psig (1034 bar) and feature Swagelok’s patent-pending direct load design, which delivers a more consistent seal across a full range of pressures. Innovative stem and end connection seals prevent shell leakage and provide robust cycle life even in severe conditions.

The two-way 8FKB ball valve complements the original 6FKB ball valve introduced in May 2009. The 8FKB ball valve, with a 0.375 in. (9.52 mm) orifice, offers 1/2 in. gaugeable Swagelok® medium-pressure tube fitting end connections or 1/2 in. female NPT. The 6FKB ball valve is available with 0.209 in. (5.31 mm) orifice and 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2 in. Swagelok medium-pressure tube fitting end connections, or female NPT end connections...(+)