EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Axe & Status partners with ACCURL

UK machine tool supplier Axe & Status Machinery Ltd and ACCURLare now forging a powerful partnership that holds immense promise for the laser market. Following a visit to ACCURL’s facilities in China, Steve Thomas, the owner of Axe & Status Machinery and his team deemed the capabilities and quality of ACCURL products as impressive.

After days of extensive discussions, the two companies reached a mutual agreement to authorise Axe & Status Machinery as the exclusive distributor of the ACCURL brand in the UK. This partnership signifies a significant milestone for both organisations as they set their sights on capturing the rapidly growing laser market together.New stock will arriveat the Axe & Status showroom in Milton Keynes in early September. The first high-power lasers will also be installed in the UK in September and available for demonstration.
For further information www.axestatus.com

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