Record-low TRIFR for Seco

Cutting tool manufacturer Seco hit a significant milestone in its H&S performance for 2024. The company recorded a total recordable incident rate (TRIFR) of 1.3, surpassing the target of 1.5 and achieving the lowest TRIFR in its history. It marks a substantial improvement from the 2019 baseline of 4.7 and reaffirms the long-term commitment of Seco to achieving zero harm. By 2030, the company aims to reduce TRIFR by 80% to 0.9 or less. Claudius Mpofu, sustainability & EHS coordinator, says: “Via continuous improvement, proactive initiatives and a strong safety culture, we’re making tangible progress toward our safety goals.”

More information www.secotools.com

Consolidation at IndySoft

IndySoft, a global specialist in calibration and asset management software, has acquired its UK distributor, IndySoft Europe Ltd, effective 1 April 2025. The acquisition marks a major milestone in the two-decade relationship between the companies and reflects IndySoft’s ongoing commitment to international expansion and deeper support for its global customer base. Existing customers will experience a seamless transition and continue to work with the same dedicated team, now operating as an integrated part of the IndySoft global organisation.

More information www.indysoft.com

Hexagon buys Geomagic from 3D Systems

Hexagon has completed the acquisition of the Geomagic software business from 3D Systems, gaining technology that is designed to improve productivity for people that are acquiring, manipulating or reverse engineering 3D measurement data for use throughout product lifecycle and CAD workflows. Integrated into Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, the Geomagic software solutions will be supported and sold to the discrete manufacturing market – complementing portfolios in Hexagon’s other markets. A key aspect of the Geomagic suite is that it works with any 3D scanner or portable CMM.

More information www.bit.ly/4cpTCfg

Goodfellow Announces Two More Acquisitions

A UK supplier of advanced materials and metals has completed two landmark acquisitions in a matter of weeks, helping the company deliver a more “comprehensive material offer” for its growing customer base. Goodfellow has purchased UK-based Bureau of Analysed Samples (BAS) and Suisse Technology Partners (STP) in Switzerland in two deals that will give it access to state-of-the-art laboratories and testing facilities, as well as a certified reference materials capability. They follow the acquisition last year of Potomac Photonics in the US, supporting the firm’s target of achieving over £50m in revenue within two years.

More information www.goodfellow.com

Andritz cut-to-length line set for Olympic Steel

International technology group Andritz has received an order from Olympic Steel to supply a cut-to-length line for its facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The new line will enhance the company’s production capabilities and efficiency. Commissioning is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Founded in 1954, Olympic Steel is a US metals service centre focused on the direct sale and value-added processing of: carbon and coated sheet, plate, and coil steel products; stainless steel sheet, plate, bar and coil; aluminium sheet, plate and coil; pipe, tube, bar, valves and fittings; tin plate and metal-intensive end-use products, including water treatment systems; commercial, residential and industrial venting and air filtration systems; Wright brand self-dumping hoppers; metal canopy components; and EZ-Dumper dump inserts.

The cut-to-length line has a coil capacity of 3.5 x 1525 mm wide x 27 tonnes and operates at 91 m per minute. It can handle yield strengths up to 5515 bar and process cold-rolled, pickled and oiled, stainless, and coated materials.

Key features of the new line include a heavy-duty precision leveller designed for increased separating loads, a split leveller drive system ensuring greater levelling performance, and a high-performance roll-feed system offering high accuracy and repeatability. The production shear has a capability of 60 cuts per minute, with sheet inspection following the shear.

Additional features include a reject stacking mode, an air float stacker and weigh scale, as well as a line safety fencing with gate interlocks per ANSI requirements. The electrical panels are UL-certified for safety and reliability.

This advanced equipment will ensure high performance, accuracy and repeatability in Olympic Steel’s operations. Andritz says the order underscores its proficiency and success in the metals processing industry.

More information www.andritz.com