EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

German Machine Tool Output Expected to Grow

After two years of decline, the German machine tool industry expects production to grow by 1% to €13.7bn in 2026. “The fundamental basis for this increase is the expected recovery of domestic demand,” says Franz-Xaver Bernhard, chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association).

In 2025, investments were stifled by high costs, insufficient planning security and the absence of economic reform to revitalise Germany as a manufacturing location. In the current year, positive effects are expected from the so-called “special assets” of the German federal government, which have been set up for investments in infrastructure, defence, climate protection, digitalisation and mobility.

More information www.vdw.de

FourJaw signs 50 new manufacturers

FourJaw, a provider of production monitoring technology, signed almost 50 new customers in 2025 as manufacturers worldwide sought greater visibility into their factory operations. Despite a challenging economic environment, demand for production data remained strong as manufacturers sought insight to increase output, reduce waste and make better decisions. FourJaw’s new customers include SMEs and major multinationals in sectors such as motorsport, aerospace and defence.

The company’s plug-and-play technology gives manufacturers a real-time view of machine performance, utilisation and energy consumption across the shop floor. Customers typically achieve a 30% increase in capacity and a 10% rise in productivity within six months of installing FourJaw.

More information www.fourjaw.com

Scholarship to support women in engineering

Broadcaster, journalist and author Steph McGovern returned to her Teesside roots recently to launch a major scholarship programme aimed at increasing the number of women entering engineering. The new Steph McGovern Women in Engineering Scholarship will provide support for every first‑year, full‑time female engineering student at Teesside University, thanks to £44,000 of funding from Enginuity, the engineering skills charity. At a special event held in the university’s Digital Life building, the inaugural scholars learnt they would receive support from Steph herself during their studies. 

More information www.enginuity.org

DN Solutions Completes Heller Acquisition

DN Solutions, the world’s third largest and Korea’s leading machine tool manufacturer, has completed its acquisition of Heller, a high-end German machine tool OEM. The transaction has been approved by regulators in various jurisdictions, including Germany, the US and the UK. The strategic integration will enable a more comprehensive service network, offering tailored solutions across key manufacturing regions such as Europe and North America.

The acquisition is set to boost DN Solutions’ consolidated sales to approximately $2.4bn. Together, DN Solutions and Heller produce over 13,400 machines annually, enhancing economies of scale and purchasing power. Strategic investments in the Heller site at Nürtingen and other international facilities, will further strengthen offerings and customer support.

More information www.heller.biz, www.dn-solutions.com

Leaders for engineering

An Engineering and Science Leadership Academy designed to tackle key ‘real-world’ skills gaps among students is being launched by the University of Birmingham. Funded by the ERA Foundation, the academy is designed to equip talented undergraduate and postgraduate students with leadership and entrepreneurship skills, as well as real-world experience. The ERA Foundation exists to support UK engineering and manufacturing, innovation and skills development programmes. It has committed £235,000 to support the Engineering and Science Leadership Academy over four years.

More information www.bit.ly/45dsgH2