EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Metalex attracts over 98,000 visitors

The organiser of Metalex 2023, which took place at BITEC in Bangkok at the end of November, reports that the show attracted 98,686 visitors across the four-day event. It was the year’s largest gathering of the metalworking community in the ASEAN region, with crowds attracted to an exhibition comprising over 2500 brands and playing host to seven international pavilions. The event also hosted 119 speakers from various associations who imparted their expertise at 41 seminars.

Exhibitors, seminar participants and visitors all played an important part in solidifying the ASEAN region’s metalworking community, which is ready to innovate a new future for business. The organiser of Metalex now looks forward to welcoming everyone again at Metalex 2024, which take place at the same venue on 20-23 November.

For further information www.metalex.co.th

Mazak enjoys ‘packed’ open house




Yamazaki Mazak’s investment in its UK manufacturing facilities was one of the main draws behind a strong attendance at its recent annual open house.The event, themed ‘building for your future’, linked the increase in capacity at the company’s European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester with its ability to now offer significantly shorter lead times on key machines.In total the open house received over 700 visitors over the four days.

Jason Butler, sales director for Yamazaki Mazak UK, says the strong attendance proved Mazak’s strategy in the UK: “I’m very pleased, we had a packed European Technology Centre over each day with plenty of potential new customers visiting us for the first time. That says to me our message of continued investment in Worcester, which has led to increased production capacity and very short lead times on key machines, is really resonating with UK manufacturers.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

SPEE3D joins MTC




Metal additive manufacturing technology company, SPEE3D, has enrolled as the latest member of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). SPEE3D develops metal 3D printers and integrated systems utilising its patented cold-spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology. The company says its solutions offer significantly faster production than traditional metal manufacturing for a range of materials. SPEE3D CEO Byron Kennedy says: “We’re excited to bring our CSAM technology to industry across the UK, and MTC has the reach and expertise to help us do that efficiently and effectively.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Renishaw opens apprenticeship places




Across its Gloucestershire and south Wales sites, Renishaw has opened applications for 64 apprenticeship roles. The company offers an award-winning apprenticeship programme, where apprentices gain nationally recognised qualifications, some to degree level, alongside on-the-job experience.Roles are available across different disciplines, including: IT, general manufacturing and engineering, software engineering, embedded electronics, and plant maintenance.

Apprentices will benefit from a competitive salary and benefits package and the opportunity to gain insight from industry-leading specialists, while working on real-life projects and products. Applications to become a Renishaw apprentice are open until 12 February, the end of National Apprenticeship Week.
For further information www.bit.ly/3Nt9Clk

Walter and Heller sign partnership agreement




Walter AG and Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH have commenced a technology and development partnership that focuses on integrated customer solutions for the machining industry. The companies aim to test, optimise and market their products through the joint development of sustainable machining processes. Walter has held a strong partnership with Heller for many years, both as a customer and supplier. Several Heller machines are in use at Walter’s technology centres and production facilities.

Heller CEO Dr Thorsten Schmidt says: “Walter is an excellent technology partner with extensive tooling expertise and a wealth of experience in machining. Furthermore, Walter provides the tooling technology that can give our customers a direct productivity advantage in metal cutting. Together with the strengths that Heller brings to the table, we’re able to forge a strong partnership in the areas of development and technology.”
For further information www.heller.biz