EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Airbus Invests in UK Capabilities and People

Airbus is accelerating its global industrial strategy, converting its former A380 wing production facility into an A321 line in Broughton, UK. Set for completion by the end of the year, this latest investment ensures the Airbus ‘Home of Wings’ is well prepared to meet future aircraft production targets.  

Once complete, the facility will host six wing production jigs, an equipping line and paint shop, specifically designed to feed the backlog of around 7500 A320 family aircraft, of which around 75% are A321s. Across the Broughton site, Airbus has also created around 480 new, high-value jobs in 2026, including 250 positions in the refurbished factory. These roles join the 6000-strong workforce in Broughton. 

More information www.airbus.com 

Tungaloy and NTK Cutting Tools Set to Merge

Tungaloy Corporation and NTK Cutting Tools are set to merge, effective 1 January 2027, marking a new chapter for both organisations. The integrated organisation will operate under the Tungaloy corporate name, while retaining the NTK brand. NTK Cutting Tools will operate as a dedicated division within Tungaloy, building on the technology, heritage and expertise that have established its strong reputation in the cutting tool industry. Alongside the integration, plans have been finalised for a new headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for NTK Cutting Tools in the Nagoya area of Japan.  

More information www.tungaloy.com 

Hurco Demo Deals Day meets all targets

Now a regular feature in the Hurco calendar, the company’s recent Demo Deals Day in High Wycombe facility gave customers an opportunity to secure special discounts on used equipment and ex-demonstration machine tools originally prepared for the MACH 2026 exhibition. The day was regarded by the supplier and its visitors as a resounding success. 
 
Within a week of the event finishing, orders had been confirmed for the showroom’s Hurco VC500i five-axis VMC automated with Kawasaki PC25 robot loading system, the Hurco VMX30HSi three-axis VMC, and the Roeders RXP400 high-precision, high-speed VMC. All of the ex-demonstration Hurco turning centres had also been sold by that time. Hurco is now looking forward to its Christmas open house and supplier village on 1 and 2 December.  

More information www.hurco.com/uk 

New Site

United Machining has launched a new website designed to provide improved access to its precision machining technologies, products and services. The updated digital platform, with improved navigation, page layouts and graphics supports United Machining Solutions’ brand strategy by giving each technology area its own dedicated online presence. The redesigned website provides a streamlined user experience, allowing visitors to quickly access information on United Machining’s specialisms and solutions: EDM, milling, laser texturing, laser micro-machining, spindle technology, automation and tooling. 

More information www.machining.com 

Clark Prize

Olivia Rodrigues of Donhead Preparatory School, Wimbledon, and Famida Noor Mahomed of London Design & Engineering UTC, Royal Docks, have received the 2026 David Clark Prize from the ERA Foundation for their work connecting students with engineering. Michael Howey of UTC Warrington received a highly commended distinction. Each winner received a £3000 personal award and £12,000 for their school over three years to support engineering and STEM initiatives. Established in 2016, the prize is organised by the ERA Foundation and named for its former executive secretary, Dr David Clark, who passed away in 2025. 

More information www.erafoundation.org