German material flow systems company, FIPA GmbH, announced it has entered the U.S. market. The company will offer its solutions for vacuum technology, extraction, gripping and pneumatic manual and automated air nippers from offices based in Atlanta.

Kenworth Truck Co., Kirkland, Wash., announced it will start production of vehicles running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2009. Production is slated to begin with the Kenworth T800 LNG model at its Renton, Wash., manufacturing facility.

MEI, West Chester, Pa., developed recognition software for the new $5 bill entering circulation on March 13. All MEI unattended payment systems now include software for the updated currency.

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc., Houston, was awarded ISO 14001 certification for demonstrating its commitment to enacting environmentally friendly practices.

Supply chain management company Peninsular Warehouse Co., Jacksonville, Fla., has changed its name to PenserSC. The newly renamed company will be led by Shawn Barnett, chief executive officer; and Russell O’Dell Jr., fourth generation family leader and chief operating officer.

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc., Columbus, Ind., was inducted as a charter member to Indiana’s Environmental Stewardship Program. The plant also has implemented recycling initiatives to make it a zero-landfill facility and is a member of the Indiana Partners for Pollution Prevention organization.

Graham Packaging, York, Pa., announced two of its beverage containers received 2007 WorldStar Awards from the World Packaging Organization, Stockholm, Sweden. The winners were Graham Packaging’s design of 64-ounce rectangular PET apple juice bottle for Tree Top Inc. and a redesigned PET version of S. Martinelli & Co.’s trademark 10-ounce apple-shaped juice bottle.

The stockholders of Graphic Packaging International Inc., Marietta, Ga., approved its proposed combination with Altivity Packaging LLC, Chicago. Altivity produces folding cartons, coated-recycled boxboard and bag packaging. Additionally, Graphic Packaging has received approval from the New York Stock Exchange to list shares of Graphic Packaging Holding Co. under the symbol GPK.

Alcoa Inc., Pittsburgh, established a goal to raise the industry’s used beverage can recycling rate in North America from the current rate of 52 percent to 75 percent by 2015. The goal aligns with its $22 million investment to expand the recycling capacity at its Tennessee operations.

Crown Cork & Seal, Philadelphia, was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its environmental stewardship in reducing naphthalene and promoting resource conservation principles. The company committed to reducing naphalene by 1,809 pounds a year in its metal coating process by substituting a less toxic thinner at its packaging facility in Weirton, W. Va.