EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Toyota to build GR Corolla in UK

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) will begin production of the Toyota GR Corolla at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) from 2026. Preparations have been underway since 2024, when the team at TMUK and key suppliers were first informed about the project. Details related to the markets of sale, volumes and investment levels will be confirmed at a later date.

“We’re proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles in securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide,” says Yoshihiro Nakata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. “We really appreciate the historical support and recognition of the UK and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a ‘Best In Town’ company.” 

More information www.toyotauk.com

ZeroAvia Lands in Scotland  

ZeroAvia is set to build a major manufacturing facility for the production of its hydrogen-electric powertrains at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland, close to Glasgow Airport in Renfrewshire. The ZeroAvia Hydrogen Centre of Excellence will support the company in a range of manufacturing operations relating to powertrain production and testing, and will also be the company’s primary location for the production of high-temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell stacks and supporting systems. With nearly 3000 engine and component pre-orders agreed – corresponding to over $10bn in future revenue – ZeroAvia is advancing its production operations to meet demand.  

More information www.zeroavia.com

Custom lasers

Two manufacturers of laser technology, Trotec Laser and eurolaser, are combining their strengths by entering a sales partnership. The aim of this co-operation is to offer customers even more targeted advice and to provide optimally tailored system solutions based on the long-standing market experience of both companies. Trotec Laser and eurolaser have decades of expertise in the field of CO₂ laser processing. While Trotec impresses with a broad portfolio of systems for engraving, marking and cutting in small and medium formats, eurolaser specialises in large-format, precise cutting of non-metallic materials.

More information www.eurolaser.com

ModuleWorks Invests in Toolpath Labs

ModuleWorks, a global specialist in tool-path generation, simulation and automation software, has invested in Toolpath Labs, a company leveraging AI to optimise the machining industry. The investment is part of a round of strategic investment in Toolpath Labs led by cutting tool manufacturer Kennametal – and joined by Leaders Fund. It builds on the technology partnership announced between ModuleWorks and Toolpath Labs in September 2024. The latest funding is intended to accelerate further the development and deployment of AI-driven user-centric solutions for the manufacturing sector.

More information www.moduleworks.com

Craig Pyser becomes chair at AMUK

Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK), a UK trade association representing the additive manufacturing and 3D printing sectors, has appointed Craig Pyser, CEO of AMufacture, as its new chair. The announcement follows the departure of outgoing chair Stewart Lane, who stepped down in April to concentrate on his duties as vice president of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) – AMUK’s parent organisation. Pyser says: “Having been involved in the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry for many years, I relish the opportunity to play a key role in shaping its future. Chairing AMUK enables me to do that.”  

More information https://additivemanufacturinguk.org.uk