EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Trumpf co-operates with Exploration Co

Trumpf and European space-travel start-up The Exploration Company are co-operating on
the construction of core components for spacecraft used in missions to the earth’s orbit and
the moon. As early as this month, the Exploration Company will use 3D printers from the
laser specialist to print core components of the Huracán and Mistral engines for the Nyx
Earth and Nyx Moon spacecraft.
“Our spacecraft can benefit from Trumpf’s manufacturing and application expertise,” says
Hélène Huby, CEO of The Exploration Company. “Trumpf has decades of experience in the
production of high-precision components.” The start-up plans to send a space capsule to
orbit the earth for several months in an initial mission in 2026. Starting in 2028, further
missions are planned to go to the moon. Initially, the spacecraft will carry freight but in the
long term people will also fly on board.
For further information www.trumpf.com

Mills CNC becomes Heidenhain training partner

Mills CNC’s Training Academy has become an official Heidenhain training partner; the first
and only training organisation in the UK to achieve this accreditation. The process for
becoming a Heidenhain training partner began in earnest for the CNC Training Academy (the
training division of Mills CNC) back in October 2023. In the first instance, it involved two
members of staff – Karen Earley (manager of the CNC Training Academy) and Darren Clarke
(trainer) – undertaking an intensive, week-long training programme at Heidenhain’s
operation in Traunreut, Germany.


This activity was followed by both Earley and Clarke returning to Heidenhain’s facility two
weeks later to take three exams, culminating in both running specific and separate live
training courses for Heidenhain training personnel. Having successfully passed their exams
and the live training practice element, the official Heidenhain training partner standard was
awarded to the CNC Training Academy in March 2024.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk/training

New faces at Dugard

Machine tool supplier Dugard has once again strengthened its team with the appointment of two new area sales managers. Liam Scaramuzza will enhance the company’s sales activities in the north of England, while Renny Thomas has joined to target sales in the southeast. Sales director Colin Thomson says: “Both Liam and Renny have a proven track record in the industry with a technical understanding and the ability to solve problems for customers that will be a genuine asset to Dugard. They have spent several years working with manufacturers in their respective regions.”

For further information www.dugard.com

ITC publishes 2024 catalogue

The latest edition of Industrial Tooling Corporation’s (ITC) annual product catalogue is now available. This 18th edition features many new product updates and developments from the Tamworth-based cutting tool manufacturer. The publication includes everything from drilling, milling, reaming, threading and thread milling solutions, through to specialist milling lines. Extensive sections cover cutting tools for machining aluminium, steel, heat-resistant alloys and exotic materials, as well as glass- and carbon-fibre composite materials. The publication is available online and in print. For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Battery firm invests for further growth

Global battery manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies (ABT) is to recruit and heavily invest in its UK and overseas sites as it embarks on an ambitious growth strategy to meet rising worldwide demand. The Peterlee-based company, which designs and manufactures customised rechargeable battery packs, has enjoyed strong growth in the past 12 months with turnover rising to £18m for 2023. Since embarking on a five-year growth plan, ABT has seen revenues rise by around 30% during the last year. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the company wants to achieve a £100m annual sales within the next four years.

For further information www.alexandertechnologies.com