In a study published by McKinsey&Company, the economics researchers identify three themes that are redefining the role of HR in oil and gas, with implications for HR strategy and operating model.

MAN Diesel & Turbo announced that it has commissioned eight type 18 V48/60 engines in the new Planta MAN 140 power plant in Los Brasiles, Nicaragua and handed them over to the operator, Alba Generación. The company is also responsible for engineering and delivery of the engines and equipment, steel structure, piping and electrics.

Brahms Oil Refineries has awarded a contract to SNC-Lavalin to undertake a front-end engineering design (Feed) conversion to EPC contract for a 10,000 barrel per day crude oil refinery in Kamsar, Guinea.

Solvay and Akzo Nobel announce a partnership for the usage of renewable raw materials (or biobased chemicals) within AkzoNobel formulations of paints and coatings. The first of a kind for AkzoNobel, this cooperation strengthens the commitment both companies have to sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources outlined in their respective strategies.

Akzo Nobel's Specialty Chemicals business is planning to double the production capacity at its organic peroxides facility in Ningbo, China, within the next two years. A project to boost the capacity by 40 % is underway, which is expected to be completed by mid-August.

In the fast-paced pharmaceutical market, automation is an important trend more so because the pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated as public health safety is of primary importance. The article takes a look at how automation technologies in the pharma sector help enhance the productivity of companies thereby increasing the safety quotient among the users.

The Kneader Reactor from List offers a pathway to process intensification in both living- and free-radical polymerization. Process intensification is an approach to process and plant design that can minimize costs, increase flexibility and deliver higher yields.

The joint venture formed by Technip (50 %) and DOF (50 %) was awarded by Petróleo Brasileiro (Petrobras) eight contracts. These contracts cover the construction of four new pipelay support vessels (PLSVs) and operation in Brazilian waters to install flexible pipes.

Sustainability is the name of the game in the coveted food markets – but what options do food processors have when it comes to packaging? Can producers and retailers strengthen their brand position by choosing biobased materials? A new study sheds a light on what might be the next big thing in food packaging…

Seals specialist Freudenberg uses Lanxess' bio-based Keltan Eco EPDM rubber to produce rubber seals in North America. Keltan Eco EPDM ( ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) rubber contains up to 70 percent of ethylene obtained from sugarcane, and has an impressive set of properties that is in no way inferior to that of “conventional” EPDM.