EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

3D Printing Robot Centre Opens

A 3D printing robot demonstration centre has been opened by Rapid Fusion as the company
aims to build on a 25% increase in revenues. The technology specialist has completed a
£750,000 investment drive that has seen it develop two new additive manufacturing
platforms and build a dedicated facility in Exeter to showcase its solutions.
The 465 m² unit on Skypark will house the firm’s Apollo cell and its latest ZEUS creation,
which combines a 3D printing robot with CNC milling capability – providing customers with a
turnkey solution for larger moulds. In 2024, Rapid Fusion surpassed revenue of £1.7m on its
additive manufacturing platforms, which the firm says was way above expectations.
More information www.rapidfusion.co.uk

Sistec AM acquired by Prima Industrie

Prima Industrie SpA, through its Prima Power brand, has purchased Sistec AM, a specialist in
industrial automation. The move broadens Prima’s automation capabilities and strengthens
its market position in integrated sheet metalworking lines and systems. Prima sees the
acquisition as a crucial pathway in its ‘evolve by integration’ strategy. 
Based in Pordenone, Italy, Sistec AM specialises in designing, developing and manufacturing
robotic and customised automation systems. With an array of robotic lines, cells and
assembly and control systems, Sistec AM focuses on the integration of complex solutions
into existing industrial frameworks to optimise efficiency and productivity across various
industries.
More information www.primapower.com

Norco is key BAE supplier

Norco has been selected as a key composites supplier to BAE Systems. The decision follows years of work and collaboration between Norco and BAE Systems, with the former demonstrating its commitment to quality, value and support.Steve Quick, boats programme lead at BAE Systems Maritime Services, says:“The selection of Norco follows a successful collaboration in the delivery of key defence assets in 2024. Working with Norco reinforces our legacy in the composite construction of specialist fabrications and will allow continued production of critical composite craft for our defence customers.”

More information www.norco.co.uk

Bentley named Top Employer

Bentley Motors has been namedon the UK Top Employer 2025 list, underscoring the company’s commitment to developing an increasingly innovative and inclusive workplace. It is the 14th consecutive year that Bentley has appeared in The Top Employer Institute’s list. This year, Bentley has been listed for exceeding benchmarks in its approach to strategic direction, working environment, learning and development, as well as diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Bentley’s progress reflects the company’s ongoing effort to achieve key goals in its Beyond100+ strategy, announced in November 2024, alongside plans for the brand’s first fully electric car in 2026.More information www.bentleymotors.com

MP takes office space at NMC

The National Metalforming Centre (NMC), which is home to and owned by the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), has made a political appointment by welcoming its latest tenant: Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich.The CBM’s chief executive Geraldine Bolton says: “Sarah has already shown in seven months that she’s a passionate advocate for manufacturing. We’ve built strong lines of communication with her so she can take our message and the views of our members back to Whitehall. Basing herself at the NMC puts Sarah in the heart of the action.”

More information https://thecbm.co.uk