EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

ASG TGM expansion doubles footprint

ASG TGM (Techni-Grind Machining) has undertaken a major expansion of its operations in Preston, doubling its footprint by acquiring an additional 1022 m² adjacent to its existing facility. This strategic move, led by the ASG Group and supported on site by managing director Sarah Stephens, positions the company for future growth as it capitalises on new contracts and investment in advanced manufacturing technology. The additional space has already seen new machinery investment, including the arrival of a £500,000 Mazak travelling column five-axis machining centre.

More information www.asg-group.co/tgm

Armeg Ltd becomes employee-owned

A South Yorkshire manufacturer and supplier of drill bits, power tool accessories and tools has become an employee-owned business. Sheffield-based Armeg Ltd, established in 1973,

has been sold to the newly formed Armeg Employee Ownership Trust. The move is set to enable the company’s 55 employees to share directly in the company’s success and future growth strategy. It is important to point out that, despite the change, it is business as usual for the firm. Chartered accountancy firm, Shorts, advised on corporate finance and tax matters relating to the transition.

More information www.shorts.uk.com

Strong demand for EMO 2025

The early-booking phase for next year’s EMO exhibition in Hanover ended in October, by which time more than 1100 exhibitors from 27 countries had registered. That is just over 10% more than at the same time in the run-up to EMO 2023. Companies from Germany already signed-up include Grob, Spinner, Index, DMG Mori, Horn and Hermle.

“Our attractive early-bird offer has clearly motivated companies to sign up, despite the challenging economic conditions,” says Dr Markus Heering, executive director of EMO organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association). A provisional list of exhibitors for EMO 2025 is available for viewing at the link below.More information www.bit.ly/3NSMWLi

UK needs more digital skills funding

Nearly 85% of SME manufacturers are crying out for more government funding to help them bridge the digitals skills divide, says a new report by Oxford Innovation Advice. The report reveals that 80% of companies are looking to digitally upskill their staff but cite the biggest barriers as cost and a lack of in-house knowledge.

Some 68% of the 239 participants are planning to invest in digital technologies, meaning there is a massive opportunity for the new Labour administration to deliver more specialist support. Oxford Innovation Advice has developed a five-point policy action plan that it plans to submit to Government.

Download the report at www.bit.ly/4huBLWF

Grob UK open house opens this week

Registration is now open to attend the Grob Machine Tools (UK) open house event on 13-14 November 2024 at its facility in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. This event will be an opportunity to see live demonstrations of the company’s latest machining and pallet handling automation solutions running alongside its industry 4.0 systems. The aim is to highlight Grob’s expertise in sectors that include aerospace, automotive and medical. Also in attendance will be 21 technical partners exhibiting technologies such as tooling, work holding, metrology, CADCAM and coolant.

More information www.bit.ly/4hvvWIA