Short news from the industry.

>> Karl Klopfenstein has joined Emerson Process Management's Valve Automation Div. a regional sales manager. He will focus on marketing the company's Bettis and Shafer high-pressure pipeline products in the U.S. Based in Houston, Klopfenstein has more than 20 years of experience in the valve and valve actuator industry.

>> Emerson Process Management also announced winning a $10 million contract to install instrumentation and control systems for the first of two 600-MW power plants in the Northwest China Shaanxi Province.

>> Mueller Industries reported that the European Commission has alleged infringements in Europe of competition rules by manufacturers of copper tubes, including Mueller Industries and businesses in England and France, which it had acquired in 1997. Mueller stated that it took the lead in bringing these issues to the attention of the EC and has fully cooperated in the resulting investigation. Mueller does not anticipate adverse effects on its business or financial position as a result of the EC's action.

>> MRO sales will drop 7.8% for 2003 in the plumbing, heating & air conditioning SIC category, predicts Industrial Market Information, Inc. of Minneapolis, 763-535-7432.

>> Donald Ruggles has been named interim director of the Industrial Distributors Association following the death of former executive director Gary Buffington. He is chairman of MSCO, Inc. of Sheffield, AL.

>> ITT Industries has launched a new Web site for its fluid businesses pertaining to water, wastewater, building trade, biochemical, pharmaceutical and industrial markets. The site uses a simulated environment design to present visitors with typical municipal or industrial fluid handling applications. Visit www.ittfluidbusiness.com.

>> Metal Suppliers Online has introduced "Metal Match," a system to match buyers and sellers of excess metals inventory. Visit www.metalsuppliersonline.com. <<