Two new automotive contracts secured by Brandauer

Brandauer has secured two major automotive contracts, reinforcing its strategy to evolve into a long-term engineering partner for global clients. The Birmingham-based manufacturer, which recently completed a management buy-out, is now working with Ford Motor Company and a leading Eastern European tier one supplier on projects focused on electrification.

Both collaborations highlight Brandauer’s shift towards early-stage engagement, offering consultancy and design for manufacturing support before progressing through tooling, production and automation to full-scale volume output. This end-to-end approach aligns with the company’s growth ambitions and its target of reaching £12m in revenue by 2029.

Chief executive Rowan Crozier says the business is transitioning from a traditional stamping specialist into a full-service precision engineering partner capable of supporting customers from concept through to high-volume global supply. He notes that automotive remains a key sector, particularly as electrification drives demand for increasingly advanced and precise components.

A milestone within the Ford project sees Brandauer manufacturing a lamination progression tool exceeding 2500 mm in diameter for the first time. The solution incorporates integrated automation to stamp, bond, stack and skew thin-gauge laminations for electric vehicle applications, demonstrating new approaches to motor production. The company has supported the programme with design validation, prototyping and process expertise, with full tool manufacture now underway.

The second contract follows a similar model, centred on the development of a fully automated production line featuring multiple high-performance tools to maximise efficiency and tolerance control.

Together, these projects underline Brandauer’s expanding capabilities and its commitment to delivering integrated engineering solutions, supported by ongoing investment in skills, technology and quality standards.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk

Bruderer unveiling UK technology first at MACH 2026

A global leader in high-speed precision presses is marking nearly 50 years of exhibiting at MACH by unveiling a UK-first technology at the NEC in Birmingham this week (20-24 April). Bruderer UK is showcasing its new BSTA 280-88-B3 machine, equipped with the latest BSV 170 servo feeder (pictured) and advanced B3 control system, delivering a significant step forward in precision, flexibility and process control.

At the heart of the launch is a fully integrated manufacturing environment, where press, feeder and tooling operate seamlessly under a single control platform. The system allows shut height adjustment in micron increments during operation, advanced tool and press protection, and simultaneous control of up to six axes, enabling high-speed lamination with exceptional accuracy.

Managing director Adrian Haller described MACH as the highlight of the UK manufacturing calendar and the ideal stage to demonstrate this milestone. The company is running a live production line built around the BSTA 280-88-B3, marking the first time this technology has been operated in the UK. The new servo feeder integrates key parameters such as material thickness, pitch and roll pressure directly into the control system, enabling rapid adjustments and faster tool changes at the touch of a button.

Bruderer UK is seeing increasing demand for smart controls, automation and data integration, driven by the need for consistent quality and greater efficiency. At the exhibition, its engineering team is presenting turnkey solutions spanning the entire production lifecycle, alongside advanced tooling, inspection and automation technologies designed to support lights-out manufacturing.

More information www.bruderer.co.uk

SMS Group modernises continuous galvanising line

SMS Group has successfully completed a multi-phase modernisation of continuous galvanising line #1 (CVGL#1) for Hyundai Steel at its Dangjin plant in Korea, with the final acceptance certificate now awarded. The upgrade enhances operational efficiency, improves product quality and ensures long-term reliability, supporting Hyundai Steel’s ability to meet increasing performance demands, particularly in the automotive sector.

Delivered in two co-ordinated phases to maintain production continuity, the project addressed both downstream processing and core mill performance. The first phase focused on upgrading equipment following the skin pass mill, including the installation of a strip washer, strip dryer and optimised bridle roll sets, alongside new motors and drives. An advanced X-Pact line drive control system was implemented to deliver precise tension and elongation control, resulting in improved strip quality and smoother operation at higher processing speeds.

The second phase centred on the comprehensive modernisation of the skin pass mill. This included a full upgrade of the technological control system and integration of the latest X-Pact embedded controller. New hydraulic blocks and advanced servo valves for hydraulic gap control and work roll bending were also introduced, ensuring accurate strip thickness and flatness control, enhanced tension stability and reduced maintenance requirements. Rapid commissioning was achieved with minimal software adaptation, reducing production risk and enabling a swift return to normal operation.

Building on a partnership that began in 2005, when SMS Group converted the original continuous annealing line into a combined annealing and galvanising facility, the latest upgrade reinforces long-term collaboration. With CVGL#1 now operating in a stable and efficient manner, Hyundai Steel is well positioned to meet growing market demands while maintaining high standards of quality and process consistency.

More information www.sms-group.com

Andritz Schuler and Feintool advance fine-blank presses

Whether used in seat belt fasteners, seat adjustment mechanisms or transmission components, stamped parts must meet the highest standards of precision to function reliably. Smooth, burr-free cut edges, along with excellent flatness, are essential to ensure consistent performance and durability in demanding automotive and industrial applications.

With the introduction of the HFA plus+ series, Andritz Schuler is expanding its fine-blanking portfolio with systems designed to deliver exactly this level of quality. The energy-efficient presses, offering press forces ranging from 3200 to 15,500 kN, achieve outputs of up to 85 strokes per minute, combining high productivity with exceptional part accuracy.

While the HFA plus+ series represents the latest evolution of this technology, it is built on decades of proven expertise. Andritz Schuler has already supplied more than 800 hydraulic fine-blanking systems worldwide through its long-standing collaboration with Feintool AG.

Under a newly structured partnership, Feintool continues to contribute process and tooling expertise, while Andritz Schuler takes responsibility for manufacturing the presses and delivering complete turnkey systems. Early in 2025, two HFA plus systems with a press force of 8800 kN were produced at the company’s Göppingen facility for deployment in the US.

The latest generation incorporates several technical enhancements, including a servo-controlled hydraulic pump drive that significantly improves energy efficiency while increasing stroke rates. Servo-driven automation components ensure fast and reliable material handling, while an advanced control system with integrated process monitoring supports seamless integration into Industry 4.0 environments.

Beyond installation, Andritz Schuler provides comprehensive lifecycle support, including maintenance, spare parts, upgrades and modernisation services, ensuring long-term performance for both new and existing fine-blanking systems.

More information www.schulergroup.com

Langzauner enjoys successful JEC World 2026 in Paris

The JEC World 2026 in Paris earlier this year once again confirmed why it is considered the world’s leading trade show for composite materials and composite manufacturing technologies. For Langzauner, an Austria-based press and automation specialist, the event was an excellent opportunity to meet customers, partners, and experts from the international composites industry in person.

A key theme throughout the exhibition was the continued industrialisation of composite production. As demand grows across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy and advanced mobility, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to deliver higher production speeds, improved process stability and consistently high component quality. Automation is playing a central role in meeting these requirements, enabling scalable, repeatable and efficient production environments.

Langzauner’s contribution to this evolution lies in its advanced press technology and automated production systems, designed specifically for high-precision composite manufacturing. By reducing manual intervention and enhancing process control, these solutions support greater productivity, improved traceability and reliable series production – critical factors in quality-driven industries.

A highlight of the company’s presence at the show was a thermoplastic ‘wing movable’ component, provided by FACC AG. Developed in collaboration with Embraer, Toray Advanced Composites and Coriolis Composites, the demonstrator illustrated the growing role of automated fibre placement and induction welding in the efficient production of thermoplastic structures for aerospace applications.

Langzauner extends its thanks to the organisers of JEC World for delivering another successful event that continues to foster innovation, collaboration and progress across the global composites industry.

More information www.langzauner.at/en