EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Ground-breaking flagship NMIS facility opens

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde, has opened its new flagship facility in Renfrewshire. Acting as a magnet for advanced manufacturing in Scotland and across the globe, the distinctive heather-coloured, 11,500 sq m operationally carbon-neutral campus next to Glasgow Airport will support manufacturing, engineering and associated technology businesses of all sizes. Innovative R&D will help them to become more productive, tap into emerging markets, embrace new technologies and achieve net-zero targets.
For further information www.nmis.scot

Familiar face retires

Martin Leaper, the Midlands’ areasales manager for MACH Machine Tools and Machine Tools Sales Online (MTSO) – both part of the Vigilance Group – retired at the end of last month. Leaper is a well-known, popular and seasoned sales professional with over 38 years of experience.During his 47-year career he held a number of senior sales, product and managing director positions at machine tool companies such as Bridgeport, Mikron, Matsuura and XYZ.He joined the Vigilance Group in November 2020, where he was instrumental in helping drive sales growth for both MACH Machine Tools and MTSO.
For further information www.machmt.co.uk

Staubli AGV secures Red Dot design award

Staubli’s new PF3 platform AGV (automated guided vehicle) captured this year’s coveted ‘Best Smart Product’ award in the international Red Dot design competition.The ultra-compact design of the PF3 boasts an impressive footprint to payload factor, with its ability to lift and carry loads of up to 3 T, while achieving sub-centimetre positioning. Furthermore, the low-profile Stäubli PF3 AGV provides a number of advantages in use, including its ability to operate within very narrow spaces on the factory floor, and manoeuvring in tight spaces and around obstacles.
For further information www.staubli.com

Heller partners Porsche Penske Motorsport

Horizontal machining centre manufacturer Helleristhe latest technology partner of Porsche Penske Motorsport. The co-operation was visible for the first time at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. Heller CEO Dr Thorsten Schmidt says: “We and Porsche share the same values: precision in detail and sustainability in development and production. As part of the co-operation, we’ll work closely with Porsche Motorsport and the entire technology network.”

Beyond Le Mans, further appearances in the WEC racing series will follow, including in Italy (Monza) and Japan (Fuji). Porsche Penske Motorsportis also participating in the IMSA racing series, which includes appearances on famous tracks such as Daytona and Indianapolis. The Heller logo is clearly visible on the Porsche 963.
For further information www.heller.biz

18th edition of Aluminium China

Aluminium China, one of the world’s largest aluminium trade shows that serves as an industry barometer, is set for its 18th edition as it opens at the ShanghaiNew International Expo Centre this week (5-7 July). RX Greater China, the show’s organiser, is gearing up for the largest Aluminium China ever staged to offer the ultimate one-stop platform where visitors will learn the latest in the aluminium industry presented by the global companies at the forefront of innovation. The organiser expects visitor numbers to exceed 25,000.

Committed to promoting the sustainable development of the global aluminium industry, the exhibition will bring together new products, technologies, processes and applications across the entire aluminium value chain. Aluminium China aims to pave the way for new business opportunities and collaborations that will reshape the future of this vital sector.
For further information www.aluminiumchina.com/en-gb.html