Friday, November 1, 2019

Visa Expands Transit Partner Program to Accelerate Delivery of Improved Rider Journeys Around the WorldGSMA: US Gets Set To Clash with Europe at WRC-19

100 partners now enrolled in Visa Ready for Transit to bring fast, easy and secure payments to transit riders

SAN FRANCISCO-Friday 1 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) today announced that 100 partners have enrolled in its global transit partner program, Visa Ready for Transit, giving transit agencies access to an expanded network of technology solutions and expertise to make it easier to get around.

Transit agencies everywhere are recognizing the benefits of enabling contactless payments at turnstiles and on buses. Tapping to ride with a contactless card or digital wallet helps riders save valuable time by avoiding the need to pre-purchase a ticket, manage a standalone transit card, or stand in line to reload their fare card. Visa helped to launch 60 new transit projects in the past year alone, and projects that are live currently are seeing positive adoption with a 40% year-over-year rise in contactless transit transactions.

“Transit riders around the world are embracing the speed, security and convenience of traveling with contactless payments and transit agencies have taken note. With nearly 180 projects currently underway, Visa is committed to delivering this improved experience and better journeys for riders everywhere,” said Nick Mackie, global head of urban mobility, Visa. “We are encouraged by the continued growth of Visa Ready for Transit as a key part of accelerating the delivery of contactless transit solutions by giving transit agencies access to Visa-certified solutions, while helping partners maximize their investments.”

By selecting a technology provider or consultant to support a project through Visa’s transit partner program, transit agencies can simplify the process of identifying the right partner and expertise, streamline testing and implementation, and expedite overall time-to market. Transit agencies can move projects forward with confidence that the Visa Ready-certified solution they choose meets Visa’s high standards for security.

Contactless transit solutions have been shown to streamline fare collection and reduce operational costs while helping to boost ridership through an improved customer experience1. The Visa Ready for Transit program provides transit agencies with access to 100 partners worldwide with market-leading solutions and capabilities to support key aspects of next generation fare systems, including ticketing and fare collection, and back office management. In addition to technology providers, Visa’s partner program includes leading consultancies that can support transit agencies through access to technical documentation and expertise in designing and delivering solutions based on these frameworks.

“The MTA is committed to delivering faster and more convenient trips for our riders. Tapping to ride with contactless cards and digital wallets not only makes it easier to get riders where they want to go, it also offers flexibility and choice to use their preferred payment method,” said Al Putre, OMNY Program Executive, MTA. “We have received exceedingly positive feedback from riders since launching OMNY, the MTA’s new contactless fare payment system, as evidenced by reaching nearly three million taps since launch on May 31. Working with partners with the technical expertise and leading capabilities to deliver this experience has been critical to the project’s continued success.”

Consumers around the world continue to choose tapping to pay as the preferred way to check out, with more than 50% of Visa face-to-face transactions outside the U.S. occurring with a tap. More than 100 million Visa contactless cards have been issued in the U.S., with 300 million expected in 2020.

“As an international travel destination with a population of just under half a million, the city of Edinburgh has to balance the transport needs of both residents and visitors across a compact environment. We have been blown away by the response among customers since launching contactless payments across all 600+ city buses, having recently processed our two millionth tap on the two month anniversary of our launch,” said Stevie Chambers, Commercial Projects Manager, Lothian. “The greatest benefit for our customers is that unlike traditional ticketing, it requires little or no knowledge of our fares and network; they are simply charged the best fare for the journeys they’ve made. As a transport provider, if contactless isn’t yet part of your ticketing strategy, it needs to be.”

Visa Ready for Transit helps participating companies realize opportunities as more cities around the world look to enable new payment methods that meet evolving consumer preferences and expectations. Visa partners can maximize their investments in new solutions and capabilities through certification and testing with Visa’s global rules. Visa Ready-certified solutions work across the globe, whether a rider is on a bus in Sao Paulo, Singapore or Sydney.

New Visa Ready partners join a group of partners already participating in the growing opportunity to improve rider journeys:

“We are passionate about enabling the world’s transportation authorities and operators to improve the daily lives of travelers through innovative payment and information technologies. As more cities around the globe look to simplify how people pay for mobility services, we are proud to work with companies such as Visa to continue meeting the ever-changing needs of modern day travelers with next-generation payment technologies.” - Boris Karsch, Vice President of Strategy, Cubic Transportation Systems.

“Participation in Visa’s transit partner program has enabled Vix to deliver the intuitive and frictionless transit payment experience that passengers demand, while allowing transit agencies to provide fare innovation and charging control for their service. Being part of the Visa program has helped accelerate the adoption of contactless EMV payments across our agencies globally, bringing both operational benefits and cost savings, in addition to providing a wealth of valuable service data as agencies strive to enable service digitization.” - Adrian Kelly, Chief Product Officer, Vix Technology

“Movement of people through mass transit systems will only increase as time becomes more precious and the focus on climate conservation becomes second nature to future generations. The ability for people to access transit services will be driven not only by ticketing innovations but by payment solutions that bring balance to the supply and demand of these services alongside needs and wants of consumers. Worldline and Visa have collaborated on many projects to introduce new forms of digital payments to transit, bringing inherent benefits of increased revenue collection, fraud reduction and most importantly simplification of access for travellers. We expect the continual pace of change in this industry will increase and with it bring product developments that maximise the potential of global payment networks to transit in the same way they have for consumer retail.” - James Bain, Global Director Transport, Worldline

If you are a public transit operator and you’d like to know more about the Visa Ready for Transit partners, please visit here.

If you are a hardware or software company – or if you are a transit consultant – and you’d like to become a Visa Ready for Transit partner, or if you are already enrolled in the program and would like to certify your solution with Visa, learn more here.

About Visa Inc.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of digital commerce on any device for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit About Visa, visa.com/blog and @VisaNews.

1 Transport for London, Commissioner’s Report, February 2016: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/board-160203-item05-commissioners-report-v2.pdf

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191030005371/en/

Contacts

Elizabeth Gunn
Elizabeth.gunn@visa.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/visa-expands-transit-partner-program-to-accelerate-delivery-of-improved-rider-journeys-around-the-world/en

Masimo Announces CE Marking of Radius Capnography™ for the Root® Patient Monitoring and Connectivity Platform

 Radius Capnography with Bluetooth® Connectivity Seamlessly Integrates Tetherless Mainstream Capnography on Root



NEUCHATEL, Switzerland -Friday 1 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI) announced today that Radius Capnography™, a portable real-time capnograph with wireless Bluetooth® connectivity, has received CE marking. Radius Capnography connects with the Root® Patient Monitoring and Connectivity Platform to provide seamless, tetherless mainstream capnography for patients of all ages. Radius Capnography is the second wireless sensor created by Masimo, joining Radius PPG™, or Radius Photoplethysmography, the first tetherless sensor solution to offer Masimo SET® Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion™ pulse oximetry.

Radius Capnography requires no routine calibration and minimal warm-up time, with fully accurate EtCO2 and respiration rate measurements and continuous EtCO2 waveforms displayed within 15 seconds.1

Wirelessly connected to Root, Radius Capnography presents a compelling mainstream capnography solution:

    Cable-free Capnography: The lack of a cable tethering the Radius Capnography sensor and patient to Root improves workflow and reduces the possibility of an interruption in capnography monitoring by minimizing tugging on the breathing circuit.
    Automated Documentation: Root automates electronic charting of patient data, including the data collected by Radius Capnography, in hospital electronic medical record (EMR) systems, working with Masimo Patient SafetyNet™ or Iris Gateway® to simplify and speed workflow, as well as reduce the likelihood of transcription errors.2
    Maximized Data Visibility and Manipulation: Root’s large, multi-touch high-resolution screen provides an easily interpretable secondary display of large, crisp EtCO2 waveforms, improving visibility and assisting clinicians in identifying wave patterns suggestive of airway obstruction or tube dislodgement. Clearly displayed trend data for up to 96 hours helps clinicians review patient progress over time, helping guide ventilation efforts. And the intuitive touch-screen interface allows clinicians to quickly adjust the trend display range and configure alarm settings to meet the needs of each patient.
    Hassle-free Connectivity: Radius Capnography’s cable-free design and quick Bluetooth pairing provide the benefits of reliable capnography and connection to Root without the burden or clutter of additional cables, facilitating easy movement between care areas, as patients move through the hospital, and in busy operating rooms where space is already at a premium.

American Heart Association guidelines recommend continuous quantitative waveform capnography, in addition to clinical assessment, to help clinicians confirm endotracheal tube placement3, assess the depth and effectiveness of chest compressions during CPR4, and recognize the return of spontaneous circulation during CPR.4

Root is a powerful, expandable hub that integrates an array of technologies, devices, and systems to provide multimodal monitoring and connectivity solutions. Root’s plug-and-play expansion capabilities allow clinicians to simultaneously monitor with Radius Capnography and other measurements, such as Radius PPG SET® Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion pulse oximetry and advanced rainbow® Pulse CO-Oximetry measurements, for expanded visibility of patient status.

Joe Kiani, Founder and CEO of Masimo, said, “We’re happy to introduce the second tetherless, cableless sensor for Root, Radius Capnography. With this CE marking, the advanced connectivity of Radius Capnography is now available in both the US and CE-marked countries, bringing the power of Masimo capnography to even more hospitals around the world.”

@MasimoInnovates | #Masimo

About Masimo

Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI) is a global medical technology company that develops and produces a wide array of industry-leading monitoring technologies, including innovative measurements, sensors, patient monitors, and automation and connectivity solutions. Our mission is to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care. Masimo SET® Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion™ pulse oximetry, introduced in 1995, has been shown in over 100 independent and objective studies to outperform other pulse oximetry technologies.5 Masimo SET® has also been shown to help clinicians reduce severe retinopathy of prematurity in neonates,6 improve CCHD screening in newborns,7 and, when used for continuous monitoring with Masimo Patient SafetyNet™ in post-surgical wards, reduce rapid response team activations, ICU transfers, and costs.8-10 Masimo SET® is estimated to be used on more than 100 million patients in leading hospitals and other healthcare settings around the world,11 and is the primary pulse oximetry at 9 of the top 10 hospitals according to the 2019-20 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll.12 Masimo continues to refine SET® and in 2018, announced that SpO2 accuracy on RD SET® sensors during conditions of motion has been significantly improved, providing clinicians with even greater confidence that the SpO2 values they rely on accurately reflect a patient’s physiological status. In 2005, Masimo introduced rainbow® Pulse CO-Oximetry technology, allowing noninvasive and continuous monitoring of blood constituents that previously could only be measured invasively, including total hemoglobin (SpHb®), oxygen content (SpOC™), carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO®), methemoglobin (SpMet®), Pleth Variability Index (PVi®), RPVi™ (rainbow® PVi), and Oxygen Reserve Index (ORi™). In 2013, Masimo introduced the Root® Patient Monitoring and Connectivity Platform, built from the ground up to be as flexible and expandable as possible to facilitate the addition of other Masimo and third-party monitoring technologies; key Masimo additions include Next Generation SedLine® Brain Function Monitoring, O3® Regional Oximetry, and ISA™ Capnography with NomoLine® sampling lines. Masimo’s family of continuous and spot-check monitoring Pulse CO-Oximeters® includes devices designed for use in a variety of clinical and non-clinical scenarios, including tetherless, wearable technology, such as Radius-7® and Radius PPG™, portable devices like Rad-67™, fingertip pulse oximeters like MightySat® Rx, and devices available for use both in the hospital and at home, such as Rad-97®. Masimo hospital automation and connectivity solutions are centered around the Iris® platform, and include Iris Gateway®, Patient SafetyNet, Replica™, Halo ION™, UniView™, and Doctella™. Additional information about Masimo and its products may be found at www.masimo.com. Published clinical studies on Masimo products can be found at www.masimo.com/evidence/featured-studies/feature/.

ORi and RPVi have not received FDA 510(k) clearance and are not available for sale in the United States. The use of the trademark Patient SafetyNet is under license from University HealthSystem Consortium.

References

    EMMA Ooperator’s Manual.
    The Value of Medical Device Interoperability. West Health Institute. 1013.
    Link MS, et al. Circulation. 2015; 132(suppl 2): S444–S464.
    Neumar RW et al. Circulation. 2010;122:S729-S767.
    Published clinical studies on pulse oximetry and the benefits of Masimo SET® can be found on our website at http://www.masimo.com. Comparative studies include independent and objective studies which are comprised of abstracts presented at scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journal articles.
    Castillo A et al. Prevention of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants through Changes in Clinical Practice and SpO2 Technology. Acta Paediatr. 2011 Feb;100(2):188-92.
    de-Wahl Granelli A et al. Impact of pulse oximetry screening on the detection of duct dependent congenital heart disease: a Swedish prospective screening study in 39,821 newborns. BMJ. 2009;Jan 8;338.
    Taenzer AH et al. Impact of pulse oximetry surveillance on rescue events and intensive care unit transfers: a before-and-after concurrence study. Anesthesiology. 2010:112(2):282-287.
    Taenzer A et al. Postoperative Monitoring – The Dartmouth Experience. Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation Newsletter. Spring-Summer 2012.
    McGrath SP et al. Surveillance Monitoring Management for General Care Units: Strategy, Design, and Implementation. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. 2016 Jul;42(7):293-302.
    Estimate: Masimo data on file.
    http://health.usnews.com/health-care/best-hospitals/articles/best-hospitals-honor-roll-and-overview.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in connection with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the potential effectiveness of Masimo Radius Capnography™, Root®, Patient SafetyNet™, and Iris Gateway®. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations about future events affecting us and are subject to risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control and could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in our forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including, but not limited to: risks related to our assumptions regarding the repeatability of clinical results; risks related to our belief that Masimo's unique noninvasive measurement technologies, including Masimo Radius Capnography, Root, Patient SafetyNet, and Iris Gateway, contribute to positive clinical outcomes and patient safety; risks related to our belief that Masimo noninvasive medical breakthroughs provide cost-effective solutions and unique advantages; as well as other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our most recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which may be obtained for free at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today's date. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these statements or the "Risk Factors" contained in our most recent reports filed with the SEC, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under the applicable securities laws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191031005350/en/

Contacts

Masimo
Evan Lamb
949-396-3376
elamb@masimo.com


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Life Cycle Assessment Shows Down and Feather Products are More Sustainable than Alternatives

International Down and Feather Bureau announces recently published Life Cycle Assessment for down compared to polyester fill.

HÖCHST, Austria-Thursday 31 October 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Natural down in jackets, bedspreads and sleeping bags has 18 times less of an impact on climate change than polyester fill, according to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that studied the environmental impact of down versus polyester fill material. The LCA, commissioned by the International Down and Feather Bureau (IDFB), analyzed the impact of both materials in 5 environmental areas: human health, ecosystems, resources, cumulative energy demand and climate change. Results concluded that on a per ton basis, down has 85% - 97% lower impacts than polyester in all the impact categories analyzed.

IDFB commissioned Long Trail Sustainability, an independent third-party firm specializing in LCAs and sustainability reports, to scientifically substantiate the claim that down has a lower environmental footprint compared to its alternative.

“Because down is a natural resource, we knew that it had a positive environmental impact which led us to commission this study in order to verify the sustainability of down vs. synthetic alternatives, such as polyester,” says president of IDFB Stephen Palmer. “The consumer movement towards natural and sustainable products is precisely in line with the value proposition of down products.”

Down is used to fill and insulate everyday products including apparel, outdoor gear and home products such as bedding and pillows. In addition to being a natural byproduct and renewable, down and feather provides superior warmth without the weight, and is ethically sourced and biodegradable.

The study had a full comparative panel that assessed down from the raising of ducks/geese through to the processing of the down including energy, water and detergent. Boundaries for the polyester material included processing the polyester material including polymer polyethylene terephthalate (PET), heat and electricity. The report adheres to ISO 14040 and 14044 guidelines which outline the principles and framework for LCAs.

For more information about the LCA, its findings and IDFB please visit https://idfb.net/, or contact IDFB at idfb@idfb.net.

About the International Down and Feather Bureau:

IDFB is the international trade association of the down/feather industry (processors of raw material and/or producers of finished articles, filled with down/feathers), the down/feather trade and independent testing institutes for down/feather as filling material.



View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191030005743/en/

Contacts
Media:
Katherine Hidchenko
KHidchenko@KellenCompany.com
+1 (212) 297-2151

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/life-cycle-assessment-shows-down-and-feather-products-are-more-sustainable-than-alternatives/en

OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan) Chooses FINEOS Claims to Manage Group Disability and Life Claims

DUBLIN-Thursday 31 October 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FINEOS Corporation Limited (ASX: FCL) the market-leading provider of group and individual core systems for life, accident and health insurance, today announced that OTIP, a not-for-profit organization that provides a full range of group and individual insurance products for educators – has chosen FINEOS Claims and FINEOS Payments to empower faster, easier and more efficient claims and payment processing for its group disability and life lines of business.

“We are looking forward to partnering with FINEOS on this project,” said Patricia Wilkinson-Bizjak, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, OTP “We believe FINEOS provides the right fit for OTIP in terms of the capabilities it offers.”

Used by over 50 insurance organizations in the Life, Accident and Health space, FINEOS Claims is a best in class, customer centric, web-based claims processing software solution. FINEOS Claims supports group, voluntary and individual claims on a single platform and can be deployed by carriers of all sizes.

FINEOS Payments is a powerful benefit calculation and disbursement module that integrates with FINEOS Claims, FINEOS Absence and FINEOS Provider to help ensure accuracy and completeness while significantly reducing administrative costs. When integrated with FINEOS Claims, FINEOS Payments also addresses medical rehabilitation services, inpatient care/invasive surgery, social security advocacy services, and identification of beneficiaries on death benefit claims.

“We are delighted OTIP has chosen to work with FINEOS to enhance their claims process. We look forward to a fast and smooth system implementation to enable OTIP to gain the benefits of FINEOS as early as possible. This partnership continues to strengthen and consolidate our market leadership”, said Michael Kelly, CEO of FINEOS Corporation.

About FINEOS Corporation Ltd

FINEOS is a market leader in core systems for life, accident and health insurance carriers globally with 6 of the 10 ten group life and health carriers in the US as well as 6 of the top 10 life and health carriers in Australia. With employees and offices throughout the world, FINEOS continues to scale rapidly, working with innovative progressive carriers in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

The FINEOS Platform provides customers full end to end core administration for group, voluntary and individual across life, accident and health. The FINEOS Platform includes the FINEOS AdminSuite core product suite as well as add-on products, FINEOS Engage to support digital engagement and FINEOS Insight for analytics and reporting.

For more information, visit www.FINEOS.com.

About OTIP

Across all lines of insurance, OTIP provides coverage to more than 200,000 education employees in the province. Owned by Ontario's four education affiliates (AEFO, ETFO, OECTA and OSSTF/FEESO) and directed by a board of trustees, OTIP was built on the belief that educators would be better served by a not-for-profit insurance advocate that was part of the education community.

For more information, visit www.OTIP.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191030005632/en/

Contacts

Victoria Jamison
Marketing Manager
FINEOS Corporation
+ 353 1 639 9700
victoria.jamison@FINEOS.com


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/otip-ontario-teachers-insurance-plan-chooses-fineos-claims-to-manage-group-disability-and-life-claims/en

Now Powering Over 1 Million Merchants, Shopify Debuts Global Economic Impact Report

Shopify merchants contributed $183 billion in global economic activity from 2016-2018



OTTAWA, Ontario-Thursday 31 October 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Shopify Inc. (NYSE:SHOP) (TSX:SHOP), the leading global commerce company, today released its first global economic impact report showcasing the growth of businesses built on Shopify and how they benefit the world economy. Shopify is powering a global economic movement, that’s now a million merchants strong and growing. This new report reveals data and insights on how the success of independent business owners is critical to economic prosperity, Shopify’s efforts to remove barriers and democratize commerce, and how commerce can be a force for global good.

 “With over one million businesses now built on Shopify, together we’re rewriting the rules for our modern economy,” said Tobi Lütke, CEO of Shopify. “Increasing the collective impact of these businesses is critical. That's why Shopify provides ambitious entrepreneurs with powerful tools to be successful and connect directly with customers. Other platforms have restricted these opportunities, so we’re arming the rebels of the commerce industry. This report highlights what Shopify has always known: the world economy is better with more voices, not fewer.”

Shopify puts commerce technology in the hands of entrepreneurs and enables capitalism for good, allowing buyers to vote with their dollars and support independent business owners who dare to strike out on their own. With Shopify’s offerings, anyone, anywhere can start a business and impact everyone. The global economic impact report details the incredible growth of Shopify, driven by its focus on these key principles: The importance of democratizing technology; individuals can change the world, from anywhere in the world; entrepreneurship elevates communities; and the future is borderless commerce.

Key findings from the report include:

● Businesses built on Shopify supported $183 billion in global economic activity from 2016-2018.

● Businesses using Shopify delivered more than $100 million in economic activity in 40+ countries, and more than $1 billion in 12 countries from 2016-2018.

● In 2018, Shopify’s merchants’ online sales growth was 59%, more than double the growth of the global ecommerce market.

● Last year, businesses on Shopify supported over 1.4 million full time jobs around the world.

● In 2018, Shopify’s revenue surpassed $1 billion, while our partner ecosystem generated nearly $1.7 billion.

● Businesses from emerging countries using Shopify are boosting their local economies, generating $3+ billion in revenue and 93% of their sales internationally were to advanced economies, well above the global average of 65% from 2016-2018.

● The exports of businesses using Shopify are growing 7X the global average: our merchants’ exports grew 76% compared to the global average rate of nearly 10% from 2016-2018.

Download a summary of Shopify’s global economic impact report here.

About Shopify

Shopify is a leading global commerce company, providing trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. Shopify makes commerce better for everyone with a platform and services that are engineered for reliability, while delivering a better shopping experience for consumers everywhere. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Shopify powers over one million businesses in more than 175 countries and is trusted by brands such as Allbirds, Gymshark, PepsiCo, Staples, and many more. For more information, visit www.shopify.com.

This report looks at data from our global merchant base, as well as relevant third-party data collected by Deloitte Canada.

All currency in USD.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191030005121/en/

Contacts
Julie Nicholson
Director of Communications
416-238-6705 x 302
press@shopify.com




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Afton Chemical Completes Multimillion Dollar Expansion of Japan Technology Center in Tsukuba

Enhanced lubricant additives testing capabilities at Afton’s state-of-the-art facility helps customers deliver differentiated solutions for their unique market

TSUKUBA, Japan -Thursday 31 October 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Afton Chemical Corporation, a global leader in the lubricant and fuel additive market, announced the completion of its Japan Technology Center expansion in Tsukuba. Mr. Jon Heese, City Councilor for Tsukuba, jointly opened the Japan Technology Center with Mr. Teddy Gottwald, Chairman and CEO of NewMarket Corporation and Mrs. Regina A. Harm, President of Afton Chemical Corporation, subsidiary of NewMarket.

The investment provides an expansion of the analytical and mechanical laboratories to increase lubricant additive testing capabilities. This includes standardized and bespoke tests for transmission fluids, gear lubricants, passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial and off-road vehicles engine oils as well as industrial hydraulic oils. The expanded facility will provide its customers with enhanced technical services such as sample blending, physical/chemical analysis and performance testing that comply with international and Japan unique test methods like ASTM, JIS, JPI, JASO and JCMAS.

“We are committed to bringing our Passion for Solutions® model to Japan and the Asia-Pacific region to help our customers differentiate their offerings to meet the needs of the local marketplace. The expanded Japan Technology Center with its integrated technical support and performance testing will further enhance our ability to provide quick and effective solutions to our customers in Asia, and will provide customized solutions 'Made For' key Japan OEM projects,” said Mrs. Regina A. Harm, President of Afton Chemical Corporation.

“Afton Japan is a unique market with different needs and challenges. The 'Made For' strategy is built on the intent to understand the dynamics of each individual market and ensure we are developing the correct solutions from a product and services perspective. We constantly keep track of the local and global trends impacting the market and partner our customers to develop innovative additive solutions that exceed industry standards,” said Mr. Sean Spencer, Vice President and Managing Director of Afton Chemical Asia.

The expanded capabilities of the Japan Technology Center, with its integrated technical support, will enhance our capability to help customers:

    perform validation tests that comply with OEM, industry standards and specifications
    develop Afton proprietary tests that focus on the needs of Asia Pacific
    support and deliver their differentiated product performance claims promptly

With the Japanese government’s recent announcement further reducing the average vehicle fuel economy standards by 32% by 2030, Japanese automobile manufacturers will have to sell more electric and hybrid cars. “EV and Hybrid vehicles are equipped with transmission like CVT, one-shift ATF as well as gear and bearing to transfer and assist motor torque to wheels. Ultra-low viscosity oil is one of the solutions to lower fuel economy. Afton is working proactively with key OEMs worldwide to develop the technology and lubricant needs for electric/hybrid vehicles. Afton is ready and will have the most advanced additives to meet these new requirements. Our additives will continue to help the automotive industry reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, and extend the useful life of fluids and equipment,” said Togawa Takayuki, R&D Group Lead.

The Japan Technology Center’s state-of-the-art chemistry and mechanical laboratories operate with lean processes and tests run are in full compliance with ISO 9001/14001 safety, environmental and quality standards. The state-of-the-art facility houses a team of 17 R&D managers, formulators, technologists, technician and administration staff, increasing the workforce by 100% since the last decade.

Afton has an extensive network of research and development and testing facilities in the United States, China, India, Japan and the United Kingdom. At these facilities, testing is conducted to ensure products meet or exceed the latest performance requirements of both OEM and industry specifications. Proprietary tests are developed and field trials are designed to create compelling proof of performance data that helps our customers’ products stand out in their markets.

About Afton Chemical Corporation:

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies. Afton Chemical Corporation uses its formulation, engineering and marketing expertise to help their customers develop and market fuels and lubricants that reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, extend equipment life, improve operator satisfaction and lower the total cost of vehicle and equipment operation. Afton Chemical Corporation develops and sells an extensive line of unique additives for gasoline and distillate fuels, driveline fluids, engine oils and industrial lubricants. Afton Chemical Corporation supports global operations through regional headquarters located in Asia Pacific, EMEAI, Latin America and North America. Afton Chemical Corporation is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. For more information, visit www.aftonchemical.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Some of the information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although NewMarket’s management believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the availability of raw materials and distribution systems; disruptions at production facilities, including single-sourced facilities; hazards common to chemical businesses; the ability to respond effectively to technological changes in our industry; failure to protect our intellectual property rights; sudden or sharp raw material price increases; competition from other manufacturers; the gain or loss of significant customers; current and future governmental regulations; failure to attract and retain a highly-qualified workforce; the occurrence or threat of extraordinary events, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks; risks related to operating outside of the United States; the impact of substantial indebtedness on our operational and financial flexibility; the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; an information technology system failure or security breach; resolution of environmental liabilities or legal proceedings; political, economic, and regulatory factors concerning our products; limitation of our insurance coverage; our inability to realize expected benefits from investment in our infrastructure or from recent or future acquisitions, or our inability to successfully integrate recent or future acquisitions into our business; the underperformance of our pension assets resulting in additional cash contributions to our pension plans; and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports that NewMarket files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available to shareholders upon request.

You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by NewMarket in the foregoing discussion speaks only as of the date on which such forward-looking statement is made. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this discussion after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that the events described in any forward-looking statement made in this discussion, or elsewhere, might not occur.



View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191029005992/en/

Contacts

AP: Chong Kit Lee on +65 6739 6330 or KitLee.Chong@AftonChemical.com

EMEAI: Kate Edrupt on +44 1344 356823 or Kate.Edrupt@AftonChemical.com

NA: Lauren Packard on +1 804 788 6081 or Lauren.Packard@AftonChemical.com

JAPAN:  Kyodo PR on +81-(0)3-3571-5258 or afton-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp


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FLIR Systems Partners with Veoneer for First Thermal Sensor-Equipped Production Self-Driving Car with a Leading Global Automaker

Automaker to Become the Industry’s First of Many to Feature Thermal Sensing to Improve Safety of Autonomous Vehicles



ARLINGTON, Va. -Thursday 31 October 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) today announced that its Boson®-based thermal sensing technology has been selected by Veoneer, a tier-one automotive supplier, for its level-four autonomous vehicle (AV) production contract with a top global automaker, planned for 2021.

The Veoneer system will be the first in the industry to include multiple thermal sensing cameras that provide both narrow and wide field-of-view capabilities to enhance the safety of self-driving vehicles. Thermal sensing cameras excel in driving situations where other sensor technologies are challenged, including low-visibility and high-contrast conditions such as: nighttime, shadows, dusk, or sunrise; while facing direct sun or headlight glare; and in challenging weather conditions including fog and environmental conditions such as smoke. When combined with analytics, thermal sensing cameras can help detect and classify a broad range of common roadway objects and are especially adept at detecting people and other living things, what AVs want to avoid most.

With the ability to see up to four times farther than headlights at night, thermal sensors detect the heat given off by everything. This “invisible” advantage offers additional data to the existing suite of AV sensors to improve reliability and redundancy, thereby facilitating better decision making.

“As the automotive industry undertakes the enormous technical challenge of building safe autonomous vehicles, cutting-edge sensing technologies, including thermal, are needed to save lives and provide greater situational awareness in all conditions,” said Frank Pennisi, President, FLIR Systems’ Industrial Business Unit. “FLIR’s automotive-qualified thermal sensing cores are a key component of Veoneer’s thermal sensing cameras and systems, which have proven effective on hundreds of thousands of passenger vehicles to date. This selection shows the value of thermal sensing for self-driving applications, paving the way for future adoption by other automotive manufacturers.”

FLIR thermal sensing cores are also part of Veoneer’s fourth generation thermal sensing system scheduled to launch next year. With more than a decade of experience in the automotive industry, FLIR has been a key partner of Veoneer to support driver early-warning systems in vehicles from General Motors, Volkswagen, Audi, Peugeot, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. This latest contract represents a new phase for FLIR and its thermal sensing technology for the benefit of autonomous, or self-driving vehicles.

To learn more, visit www.flir.com/safercars.

About FLIR Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1978, FLIR Systems is a world-leading industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. FLIR Systems’ vision is to be “The World’s Sixth Sense,” creating technologies to help professionals make more informed decisions that save lives and livelihoods. For more information, please visit www.flir.com and follow @flir.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191030005258/en/

Contacts
Media:
Tim McDowd
Phone: 503-498-3146
Email: tim.mcdowd@flir.com

Investor Relations:
Lasse Glassen
Addo Investor Relations
Phone: 424-238-6249
Email: lglassen@addoir.com




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