Third AMUK Annual Action Plan released

Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) has published its third Annual Action Plan, which provides an in-depth analysis of the UK additive manufacturing sector. The plan includes updates on member-led initiatives, identifies key challenges facing the industry and sets out a strategic path for the next 12 months. It also focuses on how AMUK can help turn the UK’s R&D strength into economic growth and sovereign capability while establishing the UK as a world leader in the development, adoption and application of 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology.

More information www.bit.ly/4lleWar

Concerns remain about discrimination of women at work

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of female manufacturing leaders still experience gender-based discrimination in 2026, according to research released to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March. The survey of 101 senior figures across the UK, commissioned by personalised workwear provider MyWorkwear, revealed statistics of women who continue to be concerned about personal security and harassment at UK factories.

In explaining why female manufacturing leaders did not feel safe in the workplace, physical safety was cited as the number one reason, followed by personal security (such as lone working), ill-fitting PPE or workwear, and then bullying or harassment. On a more positive note, 72% of respondents felt they now receive equal pay for the work carried out.

More information www.bit.ly/4s136EX

Display of technological strength and leadership

More than 39,000 professionals from nearly 65 countries attended the BIEHM international machine tool exhibition in Bilbao earlier this month. The 33rd edition continued to drive the industry forward with a demonstration of technological strength and international leadership, as stated at the closing press conference.

“BIEMH 2026 has become the first major international showcase of the year for advanced manufacturing, anticipating the key trends that will shape innovation in the sector,” said Xabier Basañez, General Director of BEC. “It has also done so at a time when the industry needs an extra boost.” A total of 1543 exhibitors from 34 countries gathered at BIEMH. The next edition will take place on 6-10 March 2028.

More information http://www.biemh.bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com/en

Strengthening manufacturing and sovereign capability 

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), in partnership with Mission Community, has launched ‘Mission Manufacturing’, a career guide and recruitment pathway for ex-Armed Forces personnel and the wider Service community. Employers can benefit from the talent of these individuals in the face of a widely acknowledged skills shortage. Introduced recently to the Armed Forces Community at the National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit, the guidance will be showcased further on the opening day of the MACH 2026 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 20 April.More information www.mta.org.uk/mission-manufacturing

DN Solutions Opens Additive Solutions Centre

DN Solutions, the world’s third-largest and South Korea’s leading machine tool manufacturer, is celebrating the official opening of its first Additive Solutions Centre (ASC) in Europe. Located in Gütersloh, Germany, new R&D centre marks a major milestone in the strategic focus of DN Solutions on additive manufacturing technologies.

Going forward, the company’s global additive business will be managed from this site. The close integration of 3D printing and CNC technology increases the efficiency of production processes and shortens the development cycles of new manufacturing processes for customers and partners. Spanning approximately 1000 m², the new facility will host training sessions and live demonstrations. It will also support the integration of turnkey projects.

More information www.dn-solutions.com