Manufacturing hotspots

The Advanced Engineering show, which takes place at the NEC at the end of this month, has published its league table of top 20 high-value manufacturing hotspots in the UK.

The table places Sheffield at the top of the pile, narrowly beating last year’s winner – Bristol – by just two points. The highest new entry this year is Cambridge, which comes in at number 4. Other new entrants are Northampton, Poole, Telford, Swindon, Banbury and Chesterfield. The biggest improvers in the table since last year are Milton Keynes, which moves from 10th to 3rd, and Nottingham, which moves from 8th to 5th.
For further information www.advancedengineeringuk.com

Poly-Shape to sell majority stake

AddUp, a specialist in the manufacture of 3D metal printing machines and systems, a joint-venture between Fives Group and Michelin, has announced a project to acquire a majority stake in the French company Poly-Shape.

Created in 2007 by Stéphane Abed, Poly-Shape offers design services and the production of parts via the 3D metal printing process. The company has managed to develop an expertise recognised throughout Europe in fields such as tooling, aerospace, medical and energy, and more specifically the motorsport sector, working notably with a large number of Formula One teams.
For further information www.addupsolutions.com

Ground-breaking ceremony for new building

Pressen HAAS GmbH and PTF Maschinenhandelsgesellschaft mbH have constructed a new modern office and warehouse centre in Straßberg/Winterlingen. The recent growth of the two companies, which specialise in used machines for metal forming and sheet metal working, should continue and is supported by the new 2,500 sq m facility.

“In addition to trade in second-hand machines, it is above all the services that make the difference,” says Mario Kosjerina, one of three managing directors. “A large number of our customers are not satisfied with the mere delivery of machines. Modifications, overhauls, commissioning and training for local staff are essential service components. We are well aware that in addition to investing in buildings, an expansion also involves more staffing requirements. Therefore, we are of course looking for service personnel at
our new location.”
Since 2006, when Kosjerina took over press specialist Werner Haas, a lot has happened in the industry. Thomas Geisel, managing director on the board since 2011, adds: “The internet has changed the trade significantly in recent years. Offers have become more transparent, making comparability much easier for the customer. In order to stand out from the competition, the services for selling a used machine are therefore becoming increasingly important.”
Holger Keinath, who is primarily responsible for the concerns of PTF, adds: “By expanding our business activities with the takeover of PTF in 2012, we have moved from pure trading in metal-forming presses to a partner in the metalworking industry. There is nothing that we cannot obtain if we do not have the right machine in stock.”
For the future, both companies plan to expand their activities and enter new markets, focusing on emerging regions such as Vietnam, North Africa and Mexico, although the EU and Asian markets continue to be important. The export share of the two companies is over 50%.
For further information
www.pressen-haas.de www.ptf-maschinen.de

Tungaloy becomes member of WEAF and MAA

As part of its strategic drive to infiltrate the aerospace market and introduce the aviation sector to its cutting tool solutions, Tungaloy UK has joined both the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) and the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF).

Tungaloy will now be actively participating in events and collaborative projects to further raise awareness of the Japanese cutting tool brand. The company has extensive knowledge and experience of the global aviation and defence industries, and by joining both organisations, Tungaloy is looking to transfer its expertise, knowledge base and product lines to members of the groups.
For further information www.tungaloy.com/uk

Full metalworking solution at METALEX Vietnam

The 2018 edition of METALEX Vietnam is set to get underway in Ho Chi Minh City on 11-13 October.

Staged at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC), some 12,565 visitors attended last year’s show. METALEX Vietnam 2018 is where the manufacturing and supporting industries annually converge to discover effective metalworking solutions, product launches, critical business intelligence and collaborative partnerships for business growth in the emerging market of Vietnam. Some 500 brands of manufacturing technologies are expected to be displayed by exhibitors from 25 countries.
METALEX Vietnam will be co-located with NEPCOM Vietnam 2018. NEPCON Vietnam is ready to deliver a platform for electronics technology providers to meet the right buyers and engage in face-to-face business discussions on a large scale. As Vietnam’s only annual exhibition that focuses on SMT technology and electronic components, NEPCON Vietnam 2018 will attract industrialists and subcontractors in the target industry to come together and drive Vietnam’s electronics sector forward.
For further information www.metalexvietnam.com