1.   Alliant makes weapons ranging from torpedoes to cluster bombs, but like other U.S. defense contractors, it faces declining orders.

2.   Essilor, which makes products ranging from optical measuring instruments to contact lenses, believes the acquisition of Omega can help it to beef-up its U.S. operations.

3.   Kirk has always been good with his hands, and so over the years he has made objects ranging from furniture to shelves to toys.

4.   Monsanto makes products ranging from the artificial sweetener Nutrasweet to Roundup herbicide, and is active in agricultural biotechnology.

5.   The results could mean GE, which makes products ranging from lights and appliances to jet engines and locomotives, is headed for a year of record profits.