Hardinge Inc and JG Weisser GmbH & Co KG have entered into a definitive agreement under which the former will acquire the latter, enhancing Hardinge’s turning and milling platform with an attractive portfolio of products and technologies. Weisser, which has sales of approximately $90m, is a German manufacturer of multifunctional turning machines and turning centres, as well as automation solutions. The transaction will bring together two complementary businesses, accelerate the Hardinge growth strategy and increase core capabilities in highly attractive segments.

For further information
www.weisser-web.com

A much faster turnaround in quotations and an increase in orders for Bedford CNC has reinforced the fact that production control software is a worthwhile investment for subcontract engineering companies of any size, not just larger organisations. Less than two years after initially investing in PSL Datatrack’s Quotations package, the company has now invested in three more modules: Works Orders, Deliveries and Invoicing. Director Andy Soos says that acquiring the software has been as essential as ongoing investment in the company’s machinery portfolio, which includes the latest DMG Mori CMX 800V vertical mill.

For further information
www.psldatatrack.com

Industrial automation specialist Comau is among the winners in General Motors’ 29th annual Supplier of the Year awards. GM recognised 122 of its best suppliers from 16 countries for performance in the 2020 calendar year. The annual awards highlight global suppliers that distinguish themselves by exceeding GM’s requirements, in turn providing GM customers with innovative technologies and among the highest quality in the automotive industry. This is the third year running that Comau has received a Supplier of the Year award, in addition to having received a GM Innovation award at the 2016 event.

For further information www.comau.com

Sandvik Coromant has announced its latest partnership with Siemens Digital Industries Software, to integrate its PrimeTurning technology into Siemens’ NX software. The partnership will allow NX users to define PrimeTurning operations through integration of the PrimeTurning module. With PrimeTurning, some applications see productivity increases in excess of 50%, compared with using conventional techniques. The partnership is not the first time that Sandvik Coromant has collaborated with Siemens, with the former frequently using Siemens’ software and systems in its own manufacturing and product development.

For further information
www.sandvik.coromant.com

FANUC Corporation, one of the world’s most prominent suppliers of automation technology, has produced its 750,000th industrial robot, which the company says is more than any other manufacturer in this segment. At present, FANUC produces around 8000 industrial robots every month at its factories in Japan, although monthly capacity is available up to 11,000 units. The company will deliver its 750,000th robot to a European customer. While the coronavirus pandemic initially led to a decline in robot orders, FANUC has since witnessed a strong rebound in sales, especially from Asia and the US.

For further information
www.fanuc.eu