Engineering a new future for Hydrofoil design

As an island nation, kite surfing is a sport that is enjoyed by many people up and down the UK every year, but current kit designs can limit the amount of time and enjoyment kite surfers can get out on the water.
James Crook is looking to rectify this problem with a new design for a hydrofoil that makes use of the latest thinking in mechanical engineering and new, and sustainable, materials that deliver a higher level of performance.
“The new design will enable kitesurfers to go out in a wider range of conditions,” he says. “Hydrofoils are essentially underwater wings to improve efficiency, but existing designs are too big for using in shallow waters and they are also harder to learn as they are single directional - my hydrofoil will be multi-directional to help overcome that, as well as more portable and designed for shallower waters.”
James is a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers with 14 years experience of working in design, structural, fluid and dynamic analysis. He is keen that this project not only engages the local community through his partnerships with higher education institutions but also that it promotes engineering as a career choice for young people.

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Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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