With the stroke of 11 samurai swords, the board of directors of ESKAY Corp. cut the ribbon in front of ESKAY's new 75,000-sq.-ft. headquarters October 1. The grand opening, attended by representatives from Utah state government and its congressional delegation, along with more than 400 ESKAY associates, their families, customers, and vendors, was held on the 11th anniversary of the company's founding. Inside the new building, tours focused on the demonstration and training center. Featuring a variety of advanced material handling technologies, the demo and training center shows how quickly, quietly, and effectively ESKAY systems move material through the factory, distribution center or cleanroom.

In September, modular plastic belt manufacturer Intralox plans to open its first Brazilian assembly facility in Indaiatuba, Sao Paulo. By providing local access to Intralox belt products, Intralox Brasil Ltda. will eliminate import delays and greatly reduce delivery lead times for Brazilian customers.

Harvest States, the grains and foods division of CHS Cooperative, officially starts construction of a new soybean crushing facility in Fairmont, Minn., with approval by the CHS Board of Directors of an April 2002 groundbreaking. The new facility will be ready for the 2003 harvest. "Our vision to add value for our member-owners has always included investing in business opportunities that connect producers further along the grain-based food chain," said John D. Johnson, president and chief executive officer, CHS Cooperatives. The facility plans call for a soybean crushing facility with an estimated 110,000-bushel daily production.