EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

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

Increasingthe engineering aspirations of girls

EngineeringUK has released a new report which brings together the available evidence on interventions that aim to increase the engineering and technology career aspirations of girls.Despite some improvements, women still only make up 16.5% of the engineering workforce, compared with 47.7% of the overall workforce. Providing high-quality impactful STEM outreach activities for girls, therefore, is a vital part of addressing this issue.A summary of existing evidence, the report aims to inform programme design and delivery for STEM engagement practitioners and funders, and highlight any evidence gaps.
For further information www.engineeringuk.com/rer-girls