Metrology giant names president of global sales

Metrology specialist Optical Gaging Products (OGP) has appointed Panos Angelopoulos as president ofglobal sales, succeeding R. Stephen Flynn, who is retiring after 31 years with the company. Angelopoulos brings to OGP over three decades of experience in executive leadership roles within industrial and commercial manufacturing. He begins his tenure with OGP at a pivotal time in the company’s 80-year history, as OGP’s tradition of technological advancements continues with the next evolution of its SmartScope 3D multi-sensor dimensional measuring machine featuring the patented IntelliCentric-M optical system.

More information www.ogpnet.com

Stratasys Supercharges Airbus Production

Powered by Stratasys additive manufacturing (AM) technology, Airbus is now producing more than 25,000 flight-ready 3D-printed parts annually, transforming how aircraft are built and maintained across its global fleet. Evolving from its first part, a spare crew seat component, Airbus has embraced AM, taking it to new heights with more than 200,000 certified Stratasys polymer parts now in active service.

Recent data shows that the implementation of Stratasys’ 3D printed parts utilised in the Airbus A350 resulted in a 43% weight reduction, the elimination of the minimum order quantity requirement, and an 85% reduction in lead time. Airbus has parts printed for the A320, A350 and A400M models using Stratasys ULTEM 9085 material on multiple Stratasys industrial-grade FDM printers.

More information www.bit.ly/4iTItq9

Did Budget herald new dawn for investment?

There has been a fair bit of uncertainty around the UK’s financial landscape of late, but amid everything, therecent Budget has actually delivered something many business owners have been waiting a long time for, at least according to Rory Crisp-Jones of Jones & Co Finance. After two years of economic hesitation, SMEs finally have a more predictable fiscal landscape and with it, a genuine incentive to invest.

A steady corporation tax rate, improved capital allowances, and renewed support for growth, innovation and skills gives UK businesses reasons to be cautiously optimistic. According to a  survey by Barclays, while many firms paused investment ahead of the Budget, 42% agree it has given them a clear and stable direction for future plans, while 38% of businessesthat delayed investment until the Budget now plan to increase it.

More information https://jonesandcofinance.com/

Hurco Increases Turnover By 5%

Machine tool supplier Hurco Europe, which has its headquarters in High Wycombe, says the company increased turnover by more than 5% over its current financial year compared with the previous 12 months. Total revenue exceeded £25m. Hurcoreports that machine tool sales to subcontractors serving the aerospace, defence and motorsport sectors held up well in 2025 and continue to do so.

More than a third of machining centre and CNC lathe sales were secured from first-time buyers of theHurco brand, rather than existing users. The company says this proportion remains remarkably consistent from year to year, enabling Hurcoto maintain its strong position and increase market share in the UK and Ireland. The business also reports growing demand for refurbished preowned Hurco machines.More information www.hurco.com

Engineering firms back STEM competition

Not-for-profit organisation EngineeringUK says Thales will join Siemens as a key supporter for top awards at the next Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition. A global specialist in advanced technologies, Thales will support the UK Young Engineer of the Year award for the first time, while Siemens will return to support the UK Young Technologist of the Year award. The Big Bang Competition invites students aged 11 to 18 from state-funded schools, home education or community groups to enter a STEM project. All participants receive feedback from STEM professionals to help them learn and improve their skills.

More information www.bit.ly/48NjrVc