EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

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

Eco-composites power supercar down under

BAMD Composites, a specialist in advanced and sustainable composite manufacturing, has been selected by Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia to supply a full suite of eco-composite body panels for the all-new Toyota GR Supra Supercar, set to debut in the 2026 Australian Supercars Championship. Designed, tooled and manufactured entirely at BAMD’s high-tech Oxfordshire facility, the project showcases the company’s end-to-end capability – from early design optimisation and tooling through to final manufacture and global delivery – all completed within just 12 weeks from concept to race-ready eco-composite body panels.

More information www.bamd.co.uk

CMZ UK Tech Centre Site to Span 4 Acres

Spain-headquartered lathe builder CMZ has taken a decisive step in its growth strategy with the recent acquisition of a site spanning over 4 acres (16,000 m²) on which it will build its new UK technology centre. Located in Coventry, the company’s future UK headquarters will open its doors within 1-2 years, marking a milestone in its international expansion.

The tech centre will feature sales offices, a showroom with CMZ lathes and an applications engineering area dedicated to providing direct support to UK customers. CMZ’s existing UK sales and aftersales team will expand and relocate to the Coventry facility, which will be located adjacent to the A45 and within the West Midlands Investment Zone. The development marks a turning point in the 15-year history of CMZ’s UK subsidiary.More information www.cmz.com

Metalworking fluid receives global approvals

Quaker Houghton’s HOCUT 4260 soluble coolant for metal-cutting applications has received additional global approvals from two aerospace and defence industry giants: BAE

Systems and Airbus. The company says the approvals validate the fluid’s performance capabilities in critical aerospace manufacturing applications and strengthen Quaker Houghton’s position in the aerospace market.

BAE Systems has approved HOCUT 4260 – a heavy-duty, boron- and formaldehyde-free metalworking fluid – for use in the grinding and machining of all aluminium alloys, steels and titanium deployed in BAE and F35 (Lockheed Martin) manufactured aircraft. Airbus has granted approval for machining plastics and composites, including unreinforced PA6, PA66, PEEK, PTFE, and non-continuous glass and carbon fibre reinforced materials.

More information www.quakerhoughton.com