EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Fully UK-Built Islander Begins Ground Testing

The first Islander to be fully built in the UK since Britten-Norman repatriated production to Bembridge on the Isle of Wight has begun its ground test programme ahead of a planned first flight this month. Delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) will follow completion of flight testing and customer preparation.  

Behind this aircraft, the production line is already at work. A second airframe is progressing through the line and components for follow-on aircraft are in manufacture. Moreover, the company is establishing a continuous production cadence at Bembridge, supported by investment in new machinery, tooling and facilities – and a workforce that has grown by more than 40% since production was reshored.  

More information https://britten-norman.com 

Trumpf Order Intake Grows 7% Over Previous FY

Manufacturing technology specialist Trumpf has ended its fiscal year ahead of expectations. After three years of declining order intake and two years of falling revenue, the signs now point to a recovery. Preliminary calculations indicate that, in the fiscal year 2025/26 (ending 30 June 2026), the company generated sales of €4.34bn, above the 2024/25 level of €4.33bn. Trumpf also recorded an order intake of €4.5bn (previous year: €4.2bn ). The company will publish the final figures, including earnings, at its annual press conference on 15 October 2026. 

More information www.trumpf.com 

Manufacturing Champion Named CBM Ambassador for SMEs

The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) has appointed one of the industry’s most passionate advocates as its new ambassador for SMEs. Andrea Wilson, who recently left manufacturing business Hone-All Precision after the sale and successful completion of her five-year earn out, will work with CBM members, industry stakeholders and policymakers to ensure the challenges of manufacturing SMEs are represented at the highest levels. 

“Andrea brings unparalleled passion, credibility and commitment to this important role,” states Geraldine Bolton, CEO of the CBM. “She has consistently demonstrated her dedication to supporting manufacturing SMEs and ensuring their voices are heard. Her tireless advocacy, particularly her campaign for a Minister for Manufacturing, reflects the determination and vision our sector needs.” 

More information www.thecbm.co.uk 

Robotic Sorting Deal

Bystronic has entered into an agreement to acquire Isochronic AG, a Swiss automation technology company specialising in high-speed robotic sorting systems and software for laser cutting applications. Isochronic will continue to operate under its own name. Founded in 2020 and headquartered near Lausanne, Switzerland, Isochronic develops advanced simultaneous pick-and-place robotics for automated material handling and sorting. The company’s technology combines innovative robotic kinematics with a proprietary software platform.  

More information www.bystronic.com 

Automation Consolidation

Siemens is strengthening its automation business to help industrial customers build more flexible, productive and resilient production systems. As part of its ONE Tech Company strategy, Siemens will therefore bring together its four automation business units into a single organisation effective 1 October 2026. Customer Services, Factory Automation, Motion Control and Process Automation will be consolidated into one unified organisation: Automation. Rainer Brehm has been appointed president of Automation. He will report to Cedrik Neike, member of the board of Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries. 

More information www.siemens.com