EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Dugard strengthens team in Scotland

Machine tool supplier Dugard has strengthened its team with the recruitment of David Morning as area sales manager for Scotland and the northeast of England. Dugard says it has experienced significant growth north of the border in recent years, and this appointment will further enhance the presence of its diverse portfolio of machine tool brands. “I have operated, serviced and specified Dugard machines in previous roles,” says Morning. “I’m excited about the opportunity ahead. Dugard has a full range of machine tool brands complemented by extensive automation solutions.”

More information www.dugard.com

New UK representative for Amada saws

Effective from 8 May 2025, Amada sawing machines, blades, spares and service will be available exclusively in the UK from Amada UK Ltd. The previous UK representative for these products, Accurate Cutting Services, has ceased its distribution commitments. The mutually agreed new arrangement is due to the projected growth of core Amada products, alongside a shift in strategy at Accurate Cutting Services, which wishes to focus on subcontract sawing.

Amada UK and Accurate Cutting are currently working to ensure a smooth transition. During this period, customers can continue placing orders through Accurate Cutting, but Amada UK will undertake fulfilment. In the short term, nothing will change. Customers can expect the same prices, shipping, delivery, customer support and warranties.

More information www.amada.eu/uk-en

Subcontract market rebounds in Q1

The latest Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI) shows that the subcontract market bounced back in the first quarter of 2025 – up almost 50% on Q1 2024. January was particularly strong, some 200% higher than what had been a quiet December, while the market at the end of March was higher than the average for the final quarter of last year.

The CMI for Q1 2025 was 64 compared with 42.5 for the previous quarter and 82 in Q1 2024. Within the overall figure, machining accounted for 42% of the market, while fabrication was 44%.  The largest single sector remains industrial machinery, which has led the pack for more than three and half years. Lead times dropped when the market was busy but increased when there was less activity.

More information www.qimtek.co.uk

FSP wins King’s Award for Enterprise

Fabweld Steel Products (FSP), a Midlands-based market leader in steel fabrication, has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its outstanding commitment to sustainable development. In recent years, FSP has focused primarily on reducing emissions through substantial investment in solar energy and the installation of equipment to generate nitrogen on site. As the majority of its carbon emissions arise from steel usage, the company has made strategic purchasing choices, selecting suppliers with credible plans to work towards net-zero steel production.

More information www.fsp.co.uk

Open house at Axe & Status

Axe & Status Machinery Ltd is hosting an open house at its headquarters and showroom in Holdom Avenue, Bletchley this week (Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May). Running from 10:30 to 16:30 both days, the event will showcase the many benefits of high-performance machinery such as ACCURL 2D and 3D tube laser cutting systems for tubes, pipes and profiles. Also present will be the compact ACCURL SMART Cube fibre laser cutting system for sheet components. 

Other machines in action at the Axe & Status open house will include ACCURL CNC press brakes and ACCURL CNC guillotine shears. Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be available on both days of the event. Visitors planning to attend can register by calling 01908 647707 or sending an email to sarah.ward@axestatus.com (please express preferred day).

More information www.axestatus.com