EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Hexagon Launches Digital Factory-as-a-Service

Hexagon says it is transforming manufacturing agility following the launch of its digital
factory-as-a-service on 1 April 2025. The new service enables manufacturers to digitise their
factories in a matter of hours using millimetre-accurate 3D laser scanning, rather than the
weeks required by traditional methods.
Rapid access to detailed digital replicas allows plants to test different production scenarios,
integrate new technology and optimise space more efficiently. Already in use by major
automotive and aerospace companies for mapping and modelling brownfield facilities in
preparation for production increases or introducing new lines, the service has been shown
to deliver four times faster planning, a 70% reduction in site visits and a 23% cost saving.
More information www.hexagon.com/mi

Apprentices wanted

Sheffield Forgemasters is looking to recruit 21 apprentices for 2025 as it builds an employment base for one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities. The recruitment is the first of two tranches in 2025, with more places due to be announced in the coming weeks as the company drives forward a £900m investment to build a new 13,000 tonne forging line and a 30,000 m² state-of-the-art machining facility. Successful applicants will join the Ministry of Defence owned company to participate in an award-winning apprenticeship scheme that builds skills for the future.

More information www.bit.ly/4iMPNTE

Time to get smart

Manufacturing leaders across southern England are being urged to sign up to Made Smarter, the UK Government programme that helps SMEs embrace digital technologies for growth. Registration is now open to access fully funded expert advice, leadership training, student interns and technology grants to help drive growth, productivity and sustainability. The adoption programme has already launched successfully in other English regions and now, following the Government’s £16m investment into the expansion of the programme, manufacturers in the south will also be able to thrive in the digital age.

More information www.bit.ly/43ttkX9

Eriks to divest UK and Ireland business

Eriks Group has entered an agreement with Rubix Group to sell Eriks UK & Ireland, thus combining two multi-specialist industrial distributors that offer a broad range of products and services. Pamela Bingham, CEO of Eriks UK & Ireland, says “the new partnership delivers exciting opportunities for both organisations”, while Vince McGurk, CEO of Rubix UK & Ireland, says “the strong fit, shared values and commitment to meeting the needs of our customers make this a positive move for manufacturers across the UK and Ireland”. The divestment is expected to complete later this year following the usual regulatory approvals.

More information www.eriks.co.uk

Seco transforms used carbide recycling

Seco says it is transforming carbide tool recycling with a new self-service recycling portlet, making the process simple, transparent and efficient. The digitalised buy-back programme enables customers to return used carbide tools and contribute to a circular economy while benefiting from a rewarding recycling experience. This new web-based service, accessible through customers’ My Pages accounts, offers a streamlined approach where users can request quotes for their used carbide tools, order free recycling containers, book shipments, track orders, monitor CO₂ savings and receive a sustainability certificate.

More information www.secotools.com