To support ambitious plans for growth within overseas markets, CGTech has appointed a direct sales engineer in Sweden. Svante Eriksson joined the company on 10 October, tasked with growing the Vericut user base and supporting existing customers in the Swedish market. Based in Trollhättan, Eriksson used Vericut CNC simulation, verification and optimisation software for more than 15 years in his previous role. Gavin Powell, CGTech Ltd’s managing director, says: “This is the first time CGTech Ltd has employed a sales engineer within Sweden, which is testament to the company’s positive growth plans.”
For further information www.cgtech.co.uk

Mazak has strengthened its commitment to Portuguese customers with the launch of a dedicated website for its sales and service operation. In 2020, the company created a dedicated sales and service channel for the Portuguese market, to work alongside its long-time distributor, Normil. The new website intends to raise awareness of the machine tool manufacturer’s capabilities in the country and offer an easy-access resource for further information. The website has focus areas for Integrex multi-tasking machines, five-axis machining, turning, VMCs, horizontal machines, laser cutting, automation and CNC systems.
For further information www.mazakeu.pt

ABB has launched its first rebranded autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) following its acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics in 2021. Since adding AMRs to its portfolio, ABB says it has become the only company with a comprehensive and integrated offering of robots, AMRs and machine automation solutions. ASTI’s solutions now carry the name ‘Flexley’, indicating the flexibility of operations that the AMRs offer. The first models, Flexley Tug and Flexley Mover, cover applications that include towing, trolley transportation up to 2000 kg, and lifting and transporting racks, containers and pallets up to 1500 kg.
For further information www.amr.robotics.abb.com

Tschudin AG, a global specialist in high‐precision centreless cylindrical grinding machines, and the United Grinding Group, a manufacturer of precision machines for grinding, eroding, lasering, measuring and combination machining, are entering into a strategic partnership involving cross‐ownership. The aim is to provide customers with even more comprehensive support by offering complementary grinding solutions and using shared sales networks.

Thanks to this new strategic partnership, the customers of both companies will benefit from a complementary product portfolio. The companies will continue to operate independently in financial terms, but benefit from additional synergies in sales.

“The United Grinding Group is strongly positioned globally,” states Urs Tschudin, shareholder of Tschudin AG. “With the foundation of our Tschudin sales company in China in 2019, we further expanded our international presence. We want to continue on this path.”

Iwan von Rotz, CEO of Tschudin AG, adds: “We can do that even better thanks to this strategic co-operation with United Grinding. By using shared sales channels, we can better reach our customers and further grow our market share. The partnership thus brings advantages to both parties.”

Stephan Nell, CEO of the United Grinding Group, says: “We’re delighted to be working with Tschudin as a strong partner that ideally complements our range with its centreless grinding machines. As part of this strategic partnership, we can provide a complete range of cylindrical grinding machines to our customers. We look forward to a close, long‐term working relationship.”
For further information https://tschudin.swiss

Over the past few years, Fastems reports that the number of CNC applications utilising automated guided vehicle (AGV) or autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technologies has multiplied – and demand is continuing to rise. “Today, the majority of our focus industries are using AGVs or AMRs in some way,” says Mika Laitinen, solution sales director at Fastems. “Whether in aerospace, defence, machine building, medical or subcontracting, there are automated vehicles in many production shops.”

He adds: “When it comes to CNC automation and AGVs or AMRs, they can be of great help in reducing manual transfers and forklift operations, reducing buffer sizes, increasing the automation level, and making production flows more predictable and reproducible.” In addition, Fastems’ Manufacturing Management Software brings higher intelligence for AGV use by overseeing all production orders and resources, and scheduling every piece of this complex puzzle for timely customer deliveries.
For further information www.bit.ly/3rh4SDT