EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Over 900 Exhibitors Confirmed for BIEMH

With seven months to go, more than 900 exhibiting companies have already confirmed their participation in the 33rd edition of the BIEMH international machine tool exhibition, where they will showcase advanced technology and present cutting-edge innovations in manufacturing. From 2 to 6 March 2026, Bilbao Exhibition Centre will host this major industry event.

As a benchmark event in advanced manufacturing, BIEMH 2026 will feature a specific area devoted to automation, robotics and digitalisation, key sectors for driving industrial efficiency, flexibility and competitiveness. Following their prominent role in the last edition, these technologies will once again occupy a prominent place in this year’s show, within a specific area that will bring together the latest applied solutions.

More information www.bit.ly/45a67cW

FANUC Secures Top 1% Sustainability Ranking

FANUC Corporation has received a ‘Platinum’ rating for sustainability by EcoVadis, placing it in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies assessed globally. Achieving a score of 82/100, the recognition reflects FANUC’s commitment to responsible business conduct and sustainable innovation. EcoVadis, a global sustainability ratings platform, conducts its assessments using internationally recognised standards, including the United Nations Global Compact, ILO conventions and ISO 26000. It evaluates organisations across four key performance areas: environment; labour and human rights; ethics; and sustainable procurement.

More information www.fanuc.eu

£100,000 robotics investment at Wallwork

In a £100,000 investment, Wallwork Group has introduced a UR collaborative robot (cobot)  to its vacuum brazing line in Cambridge. The move will make high-volume brazed components a commercially viable option for many manufacturers. With its 12.5 kg payload and  1300 mm reach, the cobot has the ability to learn as it goes along via a continuous improvement process.

“Cost-effective, high-volume vacuum-brazed components have been out of reach until now, largely due to the amount of assembly and labour time required,” explains group director Simeon Collins. “This investment brings the advantages of vacuum brazing to components that were previously uneconomic to process. It also means we can develop the quality of customer products.”

More information www.bit.ly/46RE7vU

Boost For UK Steel

British steelmakers stand to make millions extra a year as the EU gets rid of its steel tariffs following the UK Government’s EU deal signed in May. It means UK steelmakers will be able to export more steel used for large building projects to the EU tariff-free, supporting the UK’s wider economic growth ambitions. The move follows the decision to take control of British Steel following years of mismanagement – a decision that the Government says saved thousands of jobs and secured Britain’s place as a steelmaker. The UK steel sector supports around 40,000 jobs across 1145 firms, with a further 61,000 jobs in related sectors.

More information www.gov.uk

March Buys Cobra

MARCH has acquired Cobra Engineering (UK) Ltd, a specialist in the design, fabrication and installation of stainless and carbon steel, including complex pipework and structural fabrications. The acquisition supports MARCH’s strategy to expand its UK footprint and enhance its critical asset care offer. Based in Wisbech, Cobra employs over 60 people and completes more than 1200 projects a year, primarily for food plant and utility customers. The business offers both in-house assembly and on-site services, including planned maintenance and shutdown support, with a focus on repeatable, project-based work.

More information www.march-engineering.com