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

AkzoNobel offers top-sustainability powder coatings

AkzoNobel has introduced Eco+, a new designation that brings together its most sustainable powder coating solutions from the Interpon and Resicoat portfolios under a single, clearly defined framework. The Eco+ portfolio is designed to help customers more easily identify coating technologies that deliver measurable sustainability benefits while maintaining high performance.

Eco+ products are powder coatings that provide verified improvements in key sustainability areas while also supporting operational efficiency. The solutions are designed to reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and lower carbon emissions, while extending product lifespan and improving process productivity. By consolidating these technologies under one designation, AkzoNobel aims to provide greater transparency and confidence when selecting sustainable coating solutions.

To qualify for Eco+ status, each product must demonstrate measurable sustainability performance against clearly defined, data-backed criteria. Every product included in the portfolio delivers at least one of six recognised sustainability benefits. These include reduced energy consumption through lower curing temperatures and faster curing cycles, increased productivity through single-layer systems and fewer processing steps, and reduced waste during manufacturing and application.

Additional benefits include lower material consumption through improved coverage and right-first-time performance, extended product lifespan through highly durable coatings, and reduced carbon footprint through smarter raw material selection, including bio-attributed resins.

According to AkzoNobel, powder coatings are already among the most sustainable coating technologies available. With Eco+, the company aims to make it easier for customers to understand where sustainability can deliver tangible value, whether through improved efficiency, reduced energy use or longer service life.

The Eco+ portfolio spans multiple industries, including architecture, automotive, domestic appliances and general industrial manufacturing, providing solutions such as low-temperature curing coatings, enhanced corrosion protection and highly durable finishes.

More information www.bit.ly/3OYj8kf

Parts-washing specialist shares thoughts on year ahead

With MACH 2026 approaching, the UK manufacturing sector is entering the year with renewed optimism. According to John Pattison, managing director of MecWash Systems, the industry is seeing encouraging momentum across several key sectors, alongside increasing focus on efficiency and reliability in production processes.

Pattison notes that 2025 proved to be a positive year for MecWash, with strong demand for the company’s industrial component cleaning systems. While the automotive sector has faced challenges in recent years, defence and aerospace remain particularly strong markets, supported by high global demand and the specialist expertise of UK manufacturers. The medical sector also continues to represent a significant area of activity for MecWash.

Strict regulatory requirements across many sectors mean that manufacturers must meet extremely high standards of cleanliness and process control, areas where the company’s component cleaning systems are well established. In addition, MecWash has seen growing interest from companies involved in additive manufacturing.

A key aspect of MecWash’s approach is designing tailored cleaning solutions for each customer application. By analysing the specific contamination challenges involved, the company develops a bespoke combination of process, chemistry and equipment to ensure optimal results.

Looking ahead, Pattison expects manufacturers to place even greater emphasis on efficiency as energy costs remain high. Reducing downtime and maintaining productivity will be critical priorities, which is driving demand for reliable equipment with remote diagnostics and robust service support.

MecWash continues to invest in innovation, system development and customer service, while demand for fully refurbished machines has also increased in recent years. With a positive outlook for manufacturing, the company is looking forward to showcasing its latest developments at MACH 2026 (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April).

More information www.mecwash.com