EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

A Stronger Role in Global Production Metrology

Bruker Alicona, a global specialist in high-resolution optical 3D metrology, has undertaken the legal merger of Alicona Imaging GmbH and Bruker Austria GmbH.The unified entity, headquartered in Raaba/Graz, Austria, reinforces the company’s position within Bruker’s global network. The merger is purely legal; the Bruker Alicona brand remains unchanged, continuing its reputation for “Made in Austria” precision. General manager Urban Muraus heralds the move as a signal of confidence in production metrology.Founded as a Graz university spin-off, Bruker Alicona says it has grown to become a trusted industry partner.

More information www.alicona.com

Celebrating the Best of UK Industry Skills

Nominations are now open for the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026, spanning the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Each year, theseawards recognise individuals and organisations championing skills excellence and driving industry innovation.Nominations will remain open until midnight on 25 January 2026, with the winners announced at a ceremony on 1 July 2026 in London.The awards honour achievements across a range of categories, highlighting apprentices, educators, training providers and employers making outstanding contributions to the advancement of skills.

More information www.enginuity.org/skills-awards-2026 

Major award for CEAMS

The Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) has won the ‘Sustainability – Circularity’ accolade at the 2025 Composites UK Industry Awards, recognising a milestone in composite recycling and a step towards fully circular composite materials and more resilient, lower-carbon UK supply chains. The project showed that recycled continuous carbon fibre (rCCF) can be re-used to make structural components, with comparable processability and strength. Trials included weaving, braiding, filament winding and tailored fibre placement – using up to 100% recycled content. 

More information www.ceams.org.uk

Ardian buys stake in JPB

JPB Système, a French industrial player specialising in the design of self-locking fastening solutions for aircraft engines, has welcomed global private investment firm Ardian as a minority shareholder. Founded in 1995, JPB Système has established itself as a strategic partner to major global engine manufacturers (including Pratt & Whitney, Safran, GE and Rolls-Royce) thanks to its portfolio of patented products, industrial prowess and capacity for innovation. The group, headquartered in Seine et Marne, generates over 90% of its revenue internationally and employs nearly 200 people.

More information www.jpb-systeme.com

Cheaper electricity to save firms £420m a year

Around 500 of the UK’s most energy-intensive businesses, including those in the steel sector, are set to save up to £420m per year on their electricity bills from next April as the Government takes action to slash industrial energy costs. The support, which is being delivered at no extra cost to taxpayers, fulfils a crucial promise in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy launched in June. It comes on top of the Government’s British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (also announced in the Industrial Strategy) that will slash energy costs by 25% for over 7000 businesses from 2027 in sectors like aerospace and automotive.

More information www.gov.uk