EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Crowds Head For Southern Manufacturing

On 4-6 February 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, Southern Manufacturing & Electronics will once again show why it has become a major pan-European showcase for the latestadvances in machinery, production equipment, electronics production, tooling and components, as well as subcontract services. Over 9000 visitors are expected to attend.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is a dynamic hub where industry leaders, innovators and experts converge to share ideas, discover new technologies, and forge long-lasting partnerships. Visitors will gain valuable insights through technical seminars, the potential to connect with over 500 leading suppliers, and hands-on demonstration of solutions that can transform operations at manufacturing businesses.

More information www.southern-manufacturing-electronics.com

Double acquisition for Helix Tool Company

Helix Tool Company, which was recently backed by NVM, has completed a double
acquisition as it seeks to consolidate the industrial cutting tool distribution market. In
undisclosed transactions, the Leeds-based business has acquired Floyd Automatic Tooling
and Nsert. These purchases are complementary and have been completed in line with
Helix’s organic and M&A led strategy. Following these transactions, Helix remains acquisitive
with adequate funding available to enable further consolidation across the market focussing
on technical-led tooling distributors in the UK.
More information www.helixtools.co.uk

New chair for Automate UK

Manufacturing trade association Automate UK has appointed Peter Williamson as its new chairman, succeeding James Causebrook, who stepped down having reached the end of his two-year term. Formerly the PPMA group of associations, encompassing BARA and UKIVA, Automate UK was rolled out in 2024 following an extensive rebrand. Williamson joined the association’s board in 2017, holding positions as education director, finance director and CEO/vice chair prior to becoming executive chair. Causebrook, who has been involved with Automate UK in multiple capacities since 2018, will serve as finance director in 2025.More information www.automate-uk.com

Back to full strength

Machine tool supplier Mills CNC has appointed Chris Neale as its new business manager for Wiltshire and the Home Counties. This business manager position became vacant following the recent internal promotion of incumbent Richard Wilson to the role of sales director in November 2024. To ensure continuity, Wilson will be on hand to provide Neale with mentoring advice and support during what is expected to be a short familiarisation and transition period. Apprentice-trained and time-served engineer, Neale joined Mills CNC in 2017 and, over the past eight years, has worked in various roles.

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

Knighthood for IET president Warren East

Business chief and president of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Warren East, received a knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours list for services to the UK economy and net-zero ambitions. An inspiring engineer and leader with a career that spans 40 years, East has made significant contributions to the engineering and technology industry. His award of Knight Batchelor is in recognition of his work as a business leader, formerly holding CEO positions at chip manufacturer ARM and Rolls-Royce Plc, and championing future direction for a net-zero world.

More information www.theiet.org