EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Rubix to host smart manufacturing event

Cutting tool, work-holding and associated shop-floor products specialist Rubix Cutting & Machining is holding an open house and Smart Manufacturing Event at its Product Proving Centre in Sandiacre, Nottingham on 18-19 March (09:00-16:00 both days). The Rubix division in Sandiacre was created to combine the company’s cutting tool portfolio with technical consultancy provided by expert, time-served engineers.

For performing live demonstrations of the production solutions that Rubix provides, the facility in Sandiacre operates three Hurco machine tools: a pair of vertical machining centres (a five-axis VMX42Ui and a three-axis VMX30Ti) and a TMX8MYSi multi-axis, driven-tool lathe with Y-axis turret and sub-spindle. Metal-cutting demonstrations conducted at the event will include high-speed slotting, roughing and finishing in titanium and aluminium.More information www.bit.ly/4u2K2HB

Hurco show of strength

In the opinion of David Waghorn, managing director of machine tool supplier Hurco Europe, the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics show in Farnborough last month delivered on every front. Visitor numbers stood at 10,722, more than 5% up on last time, enquiry levels were high and the atmosphere throughout the hall reflected a manufacturing industry that is both resilient and ready to invest. Hurco welcomed a significant number of new contacts exploring its product range for the first time. Over the three-day event, 140 visitors from 88 companies engaged in detailed discussions on the company’s stand.

More information www.hurco.com

Enginuity appoints Ritchey as new deputy chair

Ian Ritchey has been appointed as the new deputy chair of UK engineering and manufacturing skills charity, Enginuity Group. The appointment strengthens the board at a time when the sector is navigating a period of rapid change. Ritchey brings a wealth of experience from across technical industries, including aerospace, defence, marine, nuclear and energy, and a proven track record of leading complex engineering organisations and programmes. His insight will be invaluable as Enginuity continues to champion an employer-led skills system that equips businesses with the talent they need now and into the future. 

More information www.enginuity.org

FANUC again named in top 100 innovators

Industrial automation specialist FANUC Corporation has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators 2026 by Clarivate Plc, for the fifth consecutive year. Clarivate recognises and ranks the world’s top 100 most innovative corporations and institutions based on proprietary patent data. With AI technology rapidly rising to prominence, this year’s listed companies represent 16% of all high-intensity AI-related inventions. As evidenced by its recent partnership with AI leader NVIDIA, FANUC is focusing on AI technology to drive innovation within manufacturing.

More information www.bit.ly/4qWveYr

Sheffield Forgemasters celebrates 250 years

Sheffield Forgemasters is celebrating its 250-year anniversary. The Ministry of Defence-owned business has traced its heritage back to 1776, the year of American independence, when George Naylor helped his cutlery manufacturing partnership to move into steelmaking through the construction of a crucible steel furnace in the city.

CEO Gary Nutter says: “We’re dedicating 2026 to recognising the vast contribution that the company and its forerunners made to establishing Sheffield as the world’s most important steelmaking centre. We’ll celebrate this milestone with our people and the wider community, marking the new legacy we’re creating through our £1.3bn investment programme that will set the business up for generations to come.”

More information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com