BLM Group Opens New UK Headquarters in Towcester

BLM Group is strengthening UK presence with the opening of new headquarters in Towcester, Northamptonshire. The new facility includes a dedicated showroom designed to give visitors a comprehensive overview of the company’s portfolio: from laser tube systems and tube bending machines to laser solutions for sheet metal processing. The new HQ also house dedicated training facilities. To celebrate the move, BLM Group UK will host a special event at the facility on 6 to 8 October. Customers, partners and industry professionals will have the opportunity to explore the premises and discover the group’s technologies. 

More information www.blmgroup.com/ukopenhouse 

Shaping The Future of Smart Manufacturing

Stäubli Robotics is inviting engineers to its first North East Europe Robotics & Automation Summit. This industry event dedicated to innovation, automation and digitalisation will bring together professionals and decision-makers from industry, engineering, research and automation. On  19-20 November, the Stäubli Welcome Center in Bayreuth, Germany will become a central hub for innovation and knowledge transfer.  

Attendees can look forward to a diverse programme featuring expert presentations, work sessions, panel discussions and live demonstrations with practical application examples. 

Participants will gain valuable insights into modern automation solutions and innovative manufacturing technologies that help companies sustainably increase productivity, flexibility and competitiveness.  

More information www.tinyurl.com/2r8x97ve 

Global Search for Hidden Manufacturing Talent

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing have opened the 2026 ‘Future Skills Challenge’, a global online competition that asks gamers and sim racers to test the data-led instincts that advanced manufacturing now runs on. Competitors must race against the clock through 10 questions that test their speed, analysis, strategy and problem-solving under pressure. No engineering qualifications or experience is required. 

Prizes for the winning contestants include a Fanatec sim rig, a trip to the Red Bull Technology Campus and a tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing factory, as well as a range of merchandise and prizes. Entries are  open worldwide until 21 October 2026. The competition will culminate in The Future Skills Forum at MK-7, an invitation-only summit at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes, UK, on 17 November 2026.  

More information www.tinyurl.com/342cpmhk 

ITC Set to Launch New Catalogue and Website  

ITC, a UK supplier of cutting tools, will introduce a new product catalogue and website on 28 September. Both have been updated to give customers easier access to ITC’s product range and the technical information needed to select the right tooling for their applications. The launch follows ITC becoming part of Harvey Performance Company through its acquisition of ATA and reflects the company’s continued investment in the ITC brand and its UK customer base. The new ITC website adds new features and functionality to improve how customers search for tooling and access product and technical information.  

More information www.itc-ltd.co.uk 

FANUC ‘Automation for All’ Technology Showcase

Back for 2026, this November will see automation expert FANUC open the doors to its UK headquarters to demonstrate how automation is now accessible for every manufacturing business, large or small. Taking place on 3-4 November in Ansty Park, Coventry, the free-to-attend FANUC open house will highlight simple, scalable robotic solutions to help manufacturers of all sizes tackle key industry challenges 

Combining expert guidance with practical solutions, this year’s open house will deliver expert-led seminars, panel debates, industry discussions and case studies. In addition, an exhibition running throughout the event will showcase the latest robotic technology from FANUC and more than 30 partners and suppliers. Following the event, FANUC’s Coventry HQ will also host the annual BARA Conference, taking place on 5 November. 

More information www.tinyurl.com/2s449zn6