Omron Corp.(www.omron.com) has selected EtherCAT as its next Motion Bus system. Omron will take an active role in the EtherCAT Technology Group within the Japanese and Asian markets, and pursue the adoption of EtherCAT as a National Japanese Standard.

Chemsultants Int’l(www.chemsultants.com) has added the Introduction to PSA Technology and Testing Workshop to its 2009 Technical Training Workshop. The program, which takes place June 2-5, joins two existing workshops: PSA Tape Testing and Liquid Adhesives & Sealants.

Industrial Dynamics/filtec(www.filtec.com) has opened new offices to expand its presence in several continents. The locations include Ontario, Canada; Bogata, Colombia; and Manila, Philippines.

Rockwell Solutions(www.rockwellsolutions.com) has gained Compostable certification for its Biopeel PLA (polylactic acid) lidding and flow wrap films. Biopeel PLA is available for sealing to and peeling from all container types, and is PIRA-approved for food contact, chilling, freezing, microwaving and ovening.

Pack Expo Las Vegas 2007, organized and produced by PMMI, (www.pmmi.org), was included in Trade Show Executive magazine’s “Trade Show Executives Gold 100 Awards.” This recognized the show’s size and the emerging technology and world-class events it featured.

Two ofNordson Corp.’s (www.nordson.com) manufacturing facilities have been named among North America’s Best Plants for 2008 by Industry Week magazine. The company’s Swainsboro, Ga. facility was named one of the 10 best plants in 2008, and the Dawsonville, Ga., facility was a finalist as one of the 20 best plants in 2008.

The Reusable Packaging Association(www.choosereusables.org), formerly the Reusable Pallet and Container Coalition, has appointedJerry Welcomeas its president. He comes with more than 16 years of senior-level association management experience, as well as a combined 13 years of legislative and regulatory experience.