EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Press hardening collaboration grows

To meet the automotive industry’s increasing need for larger and more complex press-hardened components, AP&T and ArcelorMittal have decided to deepen their collaboration. AP&T is a specialist in press-hardening equipment, while ArcelorMittal is a manufacturer and supplier of steel for press hardening. Though the companies have collaborated in various contexts for a number of years, they are now further strengthening their collaborative efforts. 

“This agreement makes us better equipped to meet global demands for the efficient production of safer, lighter cars with a low climate impact,” says Dr Christian Koroschetz, head of products and marketing at AP&T. “Our companies have solid material and process expertise, and together we can offer everything from steel to production lines and services.” More information www.aptgroup.com

Skills remain a priority says report

Skills remain a key priority for manufacturers, with a new report revealing that training budgets have not been hit by rising inflation. Some 86% of firms questioned in the annual In-Comm Training Barometer said that their spending intentions have remained unchanged, with more than 75% investing in modern technology to boost productivity – an 8% rise on last year’s findings.

The survey, which features the views of 113 bosses, also reveals that 61% are planning to take on an apprentice over the next 12 months, with 84% taking the decision to develop future engineering skills. However, the vast majority (72%) believe that there is not enough national government support for training, with 44% wanting better funding for apprenticeships and 39% to boost upskilling.

More information www.in-comm.co.uk

Lathe manufacturer builds new plant

Lathe manufacturer CMZ has acquired 22,000 sq m of land in Berriz (Vizcaya) where the company will build its eighth manufacturing plant. CMZ’s next-generation lathe model, currently in development, will be assembled at the plant, which will become the company’s ‘nerve centre’. The new facilities will have an assembly area tailored to the characteristics of the new range of CMZ lathes and the latest technological developments. There will also be offices to make it the company’s new headquarters. CMZ says its strategic goal is clear: to consolidate the production of 800 lathes a year.

More information www.cmz.com

XYZ to host technology exhibition

XYZ Machine Tools will celebrate 40 years of product and service excellence by staging a showcase technology exhibition at its 100,000 sq ft headquarters and manufacturing facility in Burlescombe, Devon. Taking place on 9-10 July 2024 (09:00 to 15:00), this technological and commercial show of strength will demonstrate why the company has become the UK’s largest supplier of CNC machine tools.

“To celebrate 40 years of trading we’ll show our full product range, everything from manual machines, ProtoTRAK mills and ProtoTRAK lathes, through to a broad spread of other CNC machines that include five-axis machining centres and sub-spindle lathes,” explains managing director Nigel Atherton, who founded XYZ Machine Tools in 1984. Highlights will include the new XYZ 65 LTY-S sub-spindle turning centre, technologies and services from 17 invited partner companies, and tours of XYZ’s state-of-the-art factory.More information www.bit.ly/456W4ne

Esab Buys LIPL

Esab Corporation, a focused industrial compounder, has entered into an agreement to acquire Linde Industries PvtLtd (LIPL), a specialist in welding consumables and equipment in Bangladesh. LIPL, which is Esab’s third acquisition this year, generated approximately $20m in sales in 2023 and is marginaccretive. Esab expects the acquisition to close later this year. Shyam Kambeyanda, president and CEO of Esab Corporation, says: “Bangladesh is a fast-growing and attractive market, and the LIPL acquisition further strengthens our ability to serve end markets and customers in the region.”

More information www.esabcorporation.com