has set up a team of 150 employees to cut costs by promoting increased in-house production of parts and equipment which it now outsources to other firms. The unit will aim to achieve $2.5 billion in cost savings from reduced material procurement expenses and another $2.5 billion from lower costs for outsourcing production, a spokesman said.

Knoll

said its 34% increase in operating income in the second quarter was due in part to to better absorption of overhead on the higher volume coupled with the company's ability to partially offset steel and fuel costs inflation. How? Through improved pricing and a continued focus on global sourcing initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Hubbell's

chairman, president and CEO Timothy H. Powers said in a recent earnings statement the company is "continuing our company-wide effort and investment in several initiatives; lean manufacturing, low-cost country sourcing, the Hubbell 2006 SAP system implementation, accelerating new product development, restructuring of our Lighting businesses, and acquisitions in our core businesses. This focused strategy is making Hubbell more flexible, more productive and more profitable," says Powers.

Correction:

In the July 14 issue, the name of Bill Northup, director of sourcing at Hubbell Incorporated, was spelled incorrectly in a story on page 108.

opened an office in Shanghai, China to strengthen its presence in the region and serve as one of VWR's locations for the strategic sourcing of laboratory supplies, equipment and instruments within China. "This also underscores our dedication to carrying out our corporate mission of a global presence," said Matthew Malenfant, senior vice-president of supplier management and services.