ATA acquires cutting tool firm ITC

ATA, an Irish precision engineering multinational, has acquired UK-based cutting tool manufacturer and distributor Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), as well as Dutch manufacturer Van Hoorn Carbide. Along with ATA’s existing operations in Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, the UK and the US, the transactions bring the group’s pro-forma 2022 revenue to circa €100m and its global headcount to circa 500.

The transactions significantly enhance ATA’s reach and expertise in the carbide round tool market, the largest segment of the more than $20bn global cutting tool arena. Ralph
Van Hoorn, managing director of Van Hoorn Carbide, and Peter Graves, managing director of ITC, will continue in their current roles and join the ATA senior management team.
For further information www.atagroup.com

Flexibility for tool production and regrinding

Whether for tool production or regrinding – as a cost-effective ‘basic’ machine or as a fully automated model – the new Walter Helitronic Mini Plus tool grinder can satisfy any need for the effective and efficient production of tools from 1 to 16 mm diameter, machining even complex geometries in a single clamping. Re-grinding capacity is up to 125 mm diameter.

Available from Walter Ewag UK, the basic machine version is configurable with a wide range of efficiency options and various loading systems, extending to a fully-equipped ‘high-end’ tool grinder capable of all current and future applications in the small and medium tool diameter range.

The basis for the flexibility of the Helitronic Mini Plus is Walter’s proprietary gantry design, where the economical production of geometries in a single set-up is guaranteed by a HSK belt spindle with two spindle ends for up to six grinding wheels (as standard). In addition, the C.O.R.E. (Customer-Oriented REvolution) hardware and software architecture embraces the digital age by offering intuitive operation that facilitates machine set-up, operation, networking and maintenance.

Options available for the machine include an automatic grinding wheel changer for up to six wheel holders (maximum diameter 152.4 mm), including coolant supply, to ensure a safe wheel set change and maximum flexibility. In addition, for machines so equipped, a ‘torque increase’ option raises torque and removal rates by up to 60% for extra productivity.

For automated use, users can choose a top loader or robot loader, with three equipment packages.
For further information www.walter-machines.com

Haier Europe opens dishwasher factory

Haier Europe, part of Haier Smart Home, is expanding its manufacturing footprint with a new dishwasher factory at the company’s industrial site in Eskişehir, Turkey. With an investment of more than €40m, the facility will have capacity of 1 million units per year. The new plant features improved production capacity thanks to high automation levels with operating robots and 100% automatic measuring systems.

“Haier Europe keeps over-performing the market in terms of products and brands leadership, and is the fastest growing company in Europe,” says Yannick Fierling, CEO at Haier Europe. “The expansion of our industrial park in Turkey marks another step in the company’s growth strategy, and the investments are fully in line with our philosophy of zero distance to consumers.”
For further information www.haier-europe.com

iGas opens two plants in Abu Dhabi

iGas USA, one the world’s largest refrigerant gas suppliers, has announced the opening of two state-of-the-art production facilities in Abu Dhabi: a 2 million sq ft newly constructed refrigerant production facility located on 40 acres of land; and an 80,000 sq ft cylinder production facility with fully automated production lines set to manufacture DOT disposable refrigerant cylinders. The refrigerant production facility aims to manufacture 40,000 MTs of R32 annually, while the cylinder production capacity in the new DOT disposable refrigerant cylinder facility will reach 4 million cylinders per year.
For further information www.igasusa.com

Beko unveils new investment

Beko Egypt for home appliances, a subsidiary of Arçelik, has laid the foundation stone for its first factory in Egypt at the 10th of Ramadan Industrial Zone, with a land allocation of 114,000 sq m. The investment by Beko, which has its headquarters in Turkey, marks a significant milestone and will create more than 2000 jobs. In addition, the factory will develop local supplier ecosystems to deliver sustainable value for all industries while supporting the government’s long-term strategy to drive industrial localisation and establish Egypt as a significant production and export hub to overseas markets.

Scheduled to begin operations by Q4 2023, the ‘zero waste’ plant is projected to manufacture an annual capacity of 1.5 million household appliances, more than 60% planned for export to Europe, the Middle East and Africa as ‘Made in Egypt’, with around $250m in annual export potential. The first phase of the investment will focus on producing eco-friendly cookers and refrigerators.
For further information www.beko.com