Next Phase For LSIC

The NCC, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the University of Bristol, has confirmed that the Large Structures Innovation Centre (LSIC) will be located on the Isle of Wight. The LSIC will be an open-access national facility to support the development, demonstration and industrialisation of large, high-performance structures across multiple sectors, with an initial focus on wind energy. It will equip industry with end-to-end innovation capabilities, supporting progress from concept through to end-of-life. NCC has announced Vestas as the LSIC’s launch partner.

More information www.nccuk.com

New director for MAPAL

Mark Lich is now director of global key account management at cutting tool manufacturer MAPAL, taking over leadership of a newly established department of the same name. He reports directly to the chief sales officer Claudio Gabos. Lich joined the company at the end of 2013 and has experience in various sales positions at MAPAL. Since January 2023, he has headed the company’s sales management office, which is responsible for steering and supporting global growth and efficiency goals within strategic sales management. Lich will continue to fulfil this role alongside his other responsibilities.

More information www.mapal.com

Stratasys launches post-processing partnerships

3D printer manufacturer Stratasys has launched its Post Processing Partnership Programme, an initiative that simplifies how customers access validated post-processing solutions as part of complete, end-to-end additive manufacturing workflows. Stratasys has also named its first participant in the programme, PostProcess Technologies. Under the commercial agreement, Stratasys will offer validated post-processing solutions from PostProcess Technologies through its global sales channels, enabling customers to purchase post-processing equipment under a single Stratasys PO alongside their Stratasys systems.

More information www.bit.ly/4tuU18z

Manufacturing sector lags in AI adoption

Although interest in AI across UK businesses is at an all-time high in many commercial sectors, adoption remains slow-moving for traditional industries, including manufacturing. Research shows the most cited obstacle is identifying practical use cases (39%), followed by cost concerns (21%) and a lack of internal AI skills and expertise (16%). The Coders Guild – a provider of digital skills training, apprenticeships and software development bootcamps – has therefore worked with Skills England and the Department for Education to author the UK’s first Level 4 AI and Automation Apprenticeship Standard.

More information www.bit.ly/46l3nJJ

German Machine Tool Output Expected to Grow

After two years of decline, the German machine tool industry expects production to grow by 1% to €13.7bn in 2026. “The fundamental basis for this increase is the expected recovery of domestic demand,” says Franz-Xaver Bernhard, chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association).

In 2025, investments were stifled by high costs, insufficient planning security and the absence of economic reform to revitalise Germany as a manufacturing location. In the current year, positive effects are expected from the so-called “special assets” of the German federal government, which have been set up for investments in infrastructure, defence, climate protection, digitalisation and mobility.

More information www.vdw.de