Amanzi Tea

This month sees the launch of Amanzi Tea with the opening of its first international flagship tea bar and retail space New Cavendish Street. The company, originating from the US combines the heritage of tea-making with modern techniques and a new and interactive retail and tea bar experience.

No, the irony of a US concern bringing a tea bar to GB isn’t lost on us either but with the name  Amanzi meaning water in the Southern African dialect of Zulu (a reference to the heritage of the original founders), it’s suitably multicultural, and, with a marble topped bar and vibrant Victorian floor tiles, is also suitably elegant.

Spanning two levels, the ground floor will house a bar, retail shop and table seating with a snug on the lower-ground comprising comfortable sofas and communal tables and chairs. An outside terrace will accommodate up to eight, in warmer weather.

The retail shop and bar will house 40 teas on a striking tea wall with a diverse selection of traditional and bespoke loose leaf blends. All can be enjoyed either hot or cold, with trained baristas on hand to offer guidance. State-of-the-art precision boilers have been installed in the bar for perfect temperature control and there’s even an advanced filtration to create the purest water possible.

Amanzi’s own 150 propriety blends – from Earl Grey to Chocolate Orange Truffle - will be available on a rotating basis plus caffeine-free varieties; single estate blends (Gyokuru, Silver Needle and Wuyi); infusions such as honey, lemon and ginger for the flu season; frappés, iced tea lemonades and virgin cocktails (Lychee Mar-Tea-Ni) and bubble teas as well. You can also order coffee. And snacks.

Recently the global tool manufacturing and knowledge company decided to take a closer look at the macro trends influencing the future of the manufacturing industry. Through an extensive study the company identified four areas of special interest: Rapid urbanization, sustainability, new advanced materials and new technologies.

Traditionally the manufacturing industry has been conservative in exploring new opportunities. Now, the situation is different. Simply put, the world is moving at a much faster pace than before. In order to develop future solutions and meeting customer demands, industry leaders have to be perceptive and forward thinking, says Kevin Lorch, Marketing Manager Innovation at Sandvik Coromant.

It was decided early on that the result of the study should be shared with the rest of the industry. The reason for sharing came out of a need in the industry of a more general discussion relating to the common challenges of the future.

While many companies perform market and trend research for internal use we decided that the result of the survey could be used to spark a dialogue about the future of manufacturing and the attitudes in the industry toward new challenges, Kevin Lorch explains.

The acquisition, which was completed in December 2012, is in keeping with TVV's steady focus on acquiring companies in the niche manufacturing industry that hold sustainable competitive advantages in stable and growing market segments.

In September 2012, TVV acquired Big 3 Precision Products, Inc., a manufacturer of injection blow molds, tooling and fabrication products for the pharmaceutical and automotive industries.

Bigham customers are commercial farm operators who purchase the company's equipment through an independent dealer network of over 1,400 locations, with strengths in Texas, the Southwest and Mississippi Delta regions. The company's innovative products are used in both flat and raised bed planting environments and serve to reduce tractor fuel consumption, control soil and water erosion and aerate the soil.

"The acquisition of Bigham Brothers is a continuation of TVV Capital's focused approach, ability to independently source deals and cultivate relationships to identify and invest in high-growth opportunities on behalf of our investors," said Andrew W. Byrd, TVV Capital's President. "Given its management team, current market penetration and future product strategy in the sustainable agriculture movement, Bigham is poised for considerable growth and market expansion."

"TVV Capital approached us as a true partner would. From the onset, they brought a unique understanding of our market, management style and future vision," said Sandy Kimball, retiring President of Bigham Brothers. "TVV's acquisition of Bigham will enable us to not just maintain, but also aggressively expand our U.S.-based manufacturing facility to keep pace with market demand and continue our growth trajectory."

“The Airbus announcement certainly indicates a growing awareness in France and Europe of the great opportunities for investment in the Southeast,” says Daniel Bowers, executive director of the French American Chamber.

According to Airbus, more than 3,200 Airbus aircraft have been ordered in North America from customers including Delta Air Lines, FedEx, Frontier Airlines, GECAS, Hawaiian Airlines, ILFC, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, United Parcel Service, US Airways and Virgin America.

Airbus has manufacturing suppliers throughout the United States and spends 42 percent of its aircraft-related procurement in the United States, buying more parts, components, tooling and other material from the United States than any other country.

“Atlanta continues to grow in importance as the gateway to the Southeast," said Angela Drees of Munson Site Selection Group, a consulting group and specializes in site selection for international businesses interested in locating in the region. "The mix of financial capital, and international government presence combined with a strong global population in a city of almost 6 million provides fertile ground for the support and growth of incoming international businesses like Airbus.”