Fecken-Kirfel gets ready for next generation

Jochen Klein (administrative director) and Dr Paul Grzeschik (director of technology and sales) joined the board of directors at Fecken-Kirfel on 1 October 2025. The move is in preparation for the scheduled retirement of the company’s long-serving managing director Volker Schiffer in 2026, representing the first step into a new era for this long-standing manufacturer of cutting and splitting machines. The new managing directors will be based in Aachen. During the transition period, Schiffer will continue to lead the company with the future management tandem while gradually stepping back into a consulting role.

More information www.fecken-kirfel.de

Start-up programme launches in South Yorkshire

A new start-up programme to turn ideas into investable ventures has been launched by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), supporting growth of high-value jobs and contributing to the development of a thriving, innovation-led economy in South Yorkshire.Co-funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and the University of Sheffield in its first year, the ‘FerretWorks: Startup’ programme supports early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools, resources and expert guidance needed to develop product and build scalable, sustainable businesses.

More information www.amrc.co.uk

Virtual Showroom has Metrology Systems in Action

UK CMM manufacturer LK Metrology has launched a virtual showroom. This web-based immersive experience allows customers and prospects to explore through 360° the range of CMMs and portable measuring arms available. Accessible from a PC, tablet or smartphone, visitors have the freedom to discover LK products from anywhere in the world at any time.

Users are able to experience through detailed animations the CMMs in action as they measure a range of parts. People can download interactive 3D digital twins to their devices and even place CMM models in their own space via augmented reality. The virtual showroom also provides deep insight into LK’s technology, tracing the evolution of its products and offering a close look at the company’s engineering heritage.
More information http://bit.ly/4nNFiSw

DN Solutions accelerates ‘Vision 2032’

DN Solutions, the world’s third-largest and Korea’s leading machine tool company, announced at the EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover last month the key achievements and future direction of its global ‘Vision 2032’ growth strategy. Key milestones in the past two years include surpassing 300,000 machine deployed globally since its foundation in 1976.

The company has also expanded beyond the automotive and semiconductor sectors into aerospace, space and defence. In addition, DN Solutions has launched the DLX series for PBF additive manufacturing, began construction of a new plant and R&D centre in India, opened a new Tech Centre in Chicago, and acquired German machine tool manufacturer Heller to create a combined entity with revenues of approximately €2bn.

More information www.dn-solutions.com

Rolls-Royce leader appointed to NMIS board

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has appointed Neil Mantle, group director of manufacturing engineering and materials at Rolls-Royce, to its board. An experienced manufacturing executive, Mantle has played a vital role in developing Rolls-Royce successes across the aerospace, defence, nuclear and power systems sectors. He brings extensive global expertise in engineering, strategy and execution, combined with a strong commitment to innovation, skills development and building supply chains. NMIS is operated by the University of Strathclyde and is part of the UK’s HVM Catapult.

More information www.nmis.scot