Month: June 2020

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Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics Awarded High Service Distributor of the Year by KEMET

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Mouser Electronics, Inc. has been honored with the High Service Distributor of the Year award for fiscal year 2020 from KEMET, a subsidiary of Yageo Corporation.

This is the fifth year for Mouser to receive this top award.

Mouser was measured against its competition in a variety of areas, including POA and POS growth, new product introductions, customer count growth, marketing capabilities, and overall process excellence. Mouser previously won the High Service Distributor of the Year award 2012–2014 and in 2016. Last year, KEMET honored Mouser with the Best High Service Distribution award for the Asia Pacific region, as well as the Digital Marketing Partner of the Year for the third consecutive year.

“Mouser is honored to receive this important recognition from valued supplier partner KEMET,” said Tom Busher, Vice President of Supplier Management at Mouser Electronics. “We greatly value our business partnership with KEMET and look forward to continuing to provide the newest, most innovative products from KEMET to design engineers and purchasing professionals around the world.”

“KEMET congratulates Mouser on its exemplary performance this year,” stated Johnny Boan, KEMET Vice President, Global Distribution. “The KEMET High Service Distributor of the Year award is presented to our best-performing channel partner. We are very excited to once again present the Mouser team with this top award and look forward to future prosperity.”

Founded in 1919, KEMET Corporation is a global supplier of electronic components with over 1,300 active patents and worldwide manufacturing plants that are leading the advancement of materials science and cutting-edge electrical solutions.

As an authorized distributor, Mouser Electronics is focused on the rapid introduction of new products and technologies, giving customers an edge and helping speed time to market. Over 800 semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers count on Mouser to help them introduce their products into the global marketplace. Mouser’s customers can expect 100% certified, genuine products that are fully traceable from each manufacturer.

Mouser strives to empower innovation among design engineers and buyers by delivering advanced technologies. Mouser stocks the world’s widest selection of the latest semiconductors and electronic components for the newest design projects. Mouser Electronics’ website is continually updated and offers advanced search methods to help customers quickly locate inventory. Mouser.com also houses data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, and engineering tools.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Precision Castparts

Precision Castparts Lays Off a Quarter of Its Oregon Workforce

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s aerospace manufacturer Precision Castparts has turned its previously announced furloughs in Oregon into layoffs, and added additional layoffs at its Clackamas small structures business operations facility.

The company cites the COVID-19 pandemic for the layoffs. The total number of layoffs in Oregon is 717, which represents roughly 24 percent of its workforce in the state.

“As the impact of the pandemic and other macroeconomic factors have weighed on the nation, many of our customers have or intend to curtail or reduce their production,” communications director David Dugan wrote in an email published in the Oregonian. “Due to the resulting impact on orders, we have significantly reduced our workforce to align our production with our customers’ needs.”

Precision Castparts is a worldwide manufacturer of complex metal components and products, provides high-quality investment castings, forgings, fasteners/fastener systems and aerostructures for critical aerospace and power generation applications.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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BNSF

BNSF Adds Direct Intermodal Service Between the Pacific Northwest and The Ohio Valley Region

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

With the growth of its direct-rail intermodal service connecting California with the Ohio Valley region, BNSF Railway has launched a new service option between the Pacific Northwest and Northwest Ohio. This new container-only service will initially be offered five days a week for both eastbound and westbound freight originating and terminating at our South Seattle Intermodal Facility.

Customers who originate shipments at BNSF’s South Seattle Intermodal Facility can now access some of the fastest growing industrial and consumer markets in and around northwest Ohio including Toledo, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Louisville and Pittsburgh.

The new service offering supports greater supply chain efficiency and is made possible as a result of BNSF’s continued focus on providing access to key markets and enhanced service capabilities for our customers.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment adv

Categories
Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics Named Global Distributor of the Year by Bel Fuse

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Mouser Electronics, Inc. has been named Distributor of the Year for 2019 by Bel Fuse Inc., a leading global manufacturer of products that power, protect and connect electronic circuits.

Bel recognized Mouser with the prestigious partnership award for the global distributor’s overall POS revenue growth, customer growth, NPI engagement, and marketing programs. As a strategic partner, Mouser has been instrumental in growing sales and customer count across all Bel companies, globally.

“On behalf of Bel associates, I congratulate Mouser for their continuous support. We thank them for their partnership and look forward to many more years of continued sales growth,” said Dan Bernstein, CEO of Bel Fuse, Inc.

Glenn Smith, President and CEO of Mouser, said, “We are greatly honored to be recognized by Bel for our performance. Mouser is committed to providing best-in-class service to customers, as well as our suppliers. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Bel.”

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Minority Stock Positions Stock Portfolio

Sweden’s Nobina Increases BYD eBus Fleet

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Nobina, Sweden’s and the Nordic region’s largest bus operator, has again increased the size of its pure-electric, 100% emissions free, BYD eBus fleet with two separate deliveries this week totaling 34 vehicles for operations with Public Transport Authorities in Linköping and Halland.

The latest delivery comprises 18 low-floor 18.6-metre articulated eBuses for the city of Linköping and a total of 16 12-metre eBuses assigned for various services throughout the province of Halland on Sweden’s south-western coast. The 18.6-metre articulated model offers enhanced passenger capacity – approximately 105 (37 seated) – and, thanks to its centre-pivot design, boasts an impressively narrow 24-metre turning circle. For its Halland operation, Nobina has selected BYD’s best-selling 12-metre low-floor model with 26-seats and total carrying capacity of 68.

Nobina’s total intake of eBuses from BYD has now passed 160 units; either in operation or on order, and including an order for 13 12-metre models earlier in April for the town of Piteå in the north-east of Sweden. BYD now has nearly 300 eBuses either delivered or on order with PTA fleets right across Scandinavia with operators sharing BYD’s commitment in delivering 100% emissions free, pure-electric public transport.

Nobina is strengthening the position as the leading operator of electric and sustainable public transport services in the Nordics,” said Jens Råsten, Fleet Manager, Nobina Group. “Where the technical e-mobility concept by BYD has proven to fit perfectly well into the high demands among customers and PTAs in the Nordics regarding flexibility, total transport economy, quality and reliability.”

“Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to supporting Public Transport Operators with our products and services,” said Isbrand Ho, Managing Director, BYD Europe, “our customers are clearly planning ahead and they need to rely on BYD to continue the partnership – even when times are tough.”

Isbrand added, “Nobina is an excellent example of a forward-thinking bus operator – an operator that understands that a sustainable, pure-electric bus fleet can deliver high levels of productivity while appealing to more and more passengers who demand clean, sustainable public transport.”

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million has grown in value almost ten-fold.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Appointments Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Appoints New Head of Claims in Germany

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has named Katrin Thiel as Head of Claims in Germany.

“We are pleased to have Katrin leading our claims operation in Germany. With her extensive experience and expertise, she is an excellent ambassador of our Claims is our Product philosophy and will ensure our customers receive the best possible claims service, delivered with great care and compassion,” said Andreas Krause, Country Manager, Germany, BHSI.

Katrin comes to BHSI with nearly 20 years of industry experience. She was most recently Head of Claims at AXA Corporate Solutions in Germany. She holds a law degree from the University of Cologne.

Katrin is based in BHSI’s office in Cologne.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics Garners Two Top Distribution Awards from Vishay

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Mouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest semiconductors and electronic components, has been named the 2019 Americas Catalog Distributor of the Year by Vishay Intertechnology, a leading global manufacturer of a wide range of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components. Mouser received the award for its new product introduction support, customer acquisition, and increased part count into the design market.

This is the second consecutive year that Mouser has received the prestigious award. In addition, Mouser received the specialized 2019 Americas Catalog Passives Distributor of the Year award.

“We are pleased to present the Mouser team with these two awards for their exceptional performance,” said Dave Valletta, Executive Vice President of Sales at Vishay Intertechnology. “In 2019, Mouser expanded its demand creation efforts with a highly efficient new products stocking process, getting more of our products to more customers. We thank their entire Americas team for this achievement.”

“We are honored to receive these elite awards from our valued partner Vishay,” said Jeff Newell, Senior Vice President of Products at Mouser. “Mouser customers around the world depend on Vishay components for their designs, and we greatly appreciate our ever-growing partnership.”

Vishay previously recognized Mouser’s distribution efforts in 2019, naming the company the 2018 Catalog Distributor of the Year and 2018 Semiconductor Catalog Distributor of the Year. Mouser also received awards for 2017 Semiconductor Catalog Distributor of the Year and 2015 North American Catalog Distributor of the Year award, as well as the e-Commerce Distributor of the Year for Europe award 2013 through 2016 and in 2018.

Vishay manufactures a wide range of discrete semiconductors, including diodes, MOSFETs and infrared optoelectronics, in addition to passive electronic components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Appointments Johns Manville

Johns Manville Appoints New President for Insulation Systems Business

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Johns Manville has announced that Greg Clarke will become President of the company’s Insulation Systems business, effective Sept. 1, 2020.

Clarke will succeed Bob Wamboldt, who will be JM’s next President and CEO.

Mary Rhinehart, the company’s current Chairman, President and CEO, will retain the role of Chairman.

“Greg is a trusted business partner and a critical member of JM’s leadership team,” Rhinehart said. “He brings a broad base of JM knowledge and experience to this new role and we are confident our Insulation Systems business will continue to succeed under his leadership.”

Clarke was named JM’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer when he rejoined the company in 2013. In this role, he led JM’s finance organization, global procurement and logistics operations, and corporate development activities. He previously worked for Johns Manville from 1997 to 2002 and was Vice President and General Manager of the company’s Building Insulation and Commercial & Industrial Insulation divisions.

“Greg and I have worked well together over the last seven years, and I look forward to continuing this relationship as he transitions into his new role,” Wamboldt said.

Before returning to Johns Manville, Clarke was Chief Financial Officer and a Director at AeroGrow International Inc., an early-stage consumer products company, and President and CEO at Ankmar, LLC, a building products company. Earlier in his career, he held finance leadership and strategic planning roles at PepsiCo Inc. and The Coleman Company Inc.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to get back to our Insulation Systems business,” Clarke said. “We have an outstanding team and a strong market presence with the most complete line of insulation solutions for commercial, residential, OEM and industrial applications. I know there is a compelling future ahead for the business and I look forward to helping to achieve that vision.”

Clarke earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Amherst College and an MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. He serves on the AeroGrow Board of Directors and is a member of the Board of Alumni and Friends of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. He and his family live in Denver.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Ready for a Road Trip? Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Launches New Product for You

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Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, a leading provider of travel insurance, is now offering ExactCare Lite, a new comprehensive travel insurance that is tailored for road trip travelers. ExactCare Lite can protect non-refundable lodging reservations and attraction tickets, trip disruption caused by traffic accidents and can protect families with kids-included pricing.

“We anticipate road trips will lead the way in the leisure travel recovery with an emphasis on simplicity, safety and security,” said Dean Sivley, Head of BHTP. “We created ExactCare Lite to provide protection for drive vacations and mishaps most likely to occur on road trips. As BHTP’s first domestic-only coverage plan, travelers can now enjoy their first trip back with ease.”

ExactCare Lite coverage includes:

• Coverage for trip cancellation, including cancel for work reasons, for up to $500 per person
• Coverage for trip interruption, including in the event of a traffic accident, for up to $750 per person
• Up to $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage
• Up to $10,000 in emergency travel medical expense coverage
• Up to $10,000 in accidental death & dismemberment
• 24/7 global travel assistance available via phone or email for travel and medical emergencies
• Kids-included pricing for one child age 17 or less per insured adult

Well-known for its revolutionary travel insurance products and services, BHTP also provides travelers with an easy “pic-and-a-click” claims process and expedited payments for travel disruptions via BHTP Burst. As BHTP’s first plan designed as a domestic-only travel insurance policy, ExactCare Lite is designed for trips that are at least 100 miles from the traveler’s home and this product is available in 40 states.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Appointments Johns Manville

Johns Manville To Have New President & CEO

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Johns Manville has announced that Bob Wamboldt will become President and CEO on Sept. 1, 2020.

Mary Rhinehart, the company’s current Chairman, President and CEO, will retain the role of Chairman.

Wamboldt joined Johns Manville in 2003 and became President of JM’s Insulation Systems business in February 2017. He earlier led the Engineered Products North America and Roofing Systems businesses at JM. Wamboldt is also Chairman of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association and previously served as president of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.

“I have been privileged to lead each of our businesses and learn first-hand the strength of the Johns Manville customer relationships, products, technologies and people,” Wamboldt said. “I look forward to working with the JM team and our customers to make the company even stronger in the global markets we serve. I also want to thank Mary for her leadership and guidance over the years and know I will benefit from her continued support as Chairman.”

Before joining Johns Manville, Wamboldt worked 16 years at PPG Industries Inc., where he held a variety of positions in the company’s Fiber Glass and Coatings divisions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Lehigh University. He and his wife live in Denver.

Rhinehart became Johns Manville’s President and CEO in 2012 and assumed the additional role of Chairman in 2014. Before becoming President and CEO, she was the company’s Chief Financial Officer for eight years. During her more than 40 years with Johns Manville, she also held leadership roles in treasury, supply chain, M&A and human resources, and she managed several of the company’s business units.

“I am immensely proud of JM’s employees and all we have accomplished together,” Rhinehart said. “Johns Manville is an important part of my life, and its continued success is my top priority as we transition to new leadership. I am pleased to hand the company over to such an accomplished JM executive as Bob and am confident he and our 8,000 employees around the world will continue to build on JM’s 162-year track record of success.”

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.