Sheet metal processing machinery specialist LVD has earned the Gold label as one of Belgium’s ‘Best Managed Companies’, retaining this recognition for a fifth consecutive year. Sponsored by Deloitte Private, Econopolis and KU Leuven, the award recognises outstanding privately-owned Belgian companies, and the achievements and leadership of their management teams. Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of independent judges who focus on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: long-term strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance.

For further information www.lvdgroup.com

MakerBot and Ultimaker, two specialists in desktop 3D printing, have come to a business combination agreement that will accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing by providing a comprehensive desktop 3D printing ecosystem of hardware, software and materials. The new entity will be backed by existing investors, NPM Capital and Stratasys, and will benefit from a planned cash investment of $62.4m to fuel innovation and expansion into new markets. Nadav Goshen, current MakerBot CEO, and Jürgen von Hollen, current Ultimaker CEO, will act as co-CEOs of the new company moving forward.

For further information
www.makerbot.com
www.ultimaker.com

Metrology specialist Faro has made a new webinar available on-demand. Entitled ‘Using 3D Measurement Technology to Improve Sheet Metal Stamping Workflows’, the free webinar is suitable for any company that is punching, blanking, bending, coining, embossing, flanging, cutting or shearing sheet metal. Viewers will learn about the industry’s current sheet metal stamping QA and MRO dilemma; how 3D laser scanners transform every step of QA and inspection; how other manufacturers have implemented this technology and the results achieved; and how to get started with 3D measurement solutions in stamping workflows.

Watch the webinar at
www.bit.ly/3PoiIzd

To ensure its contribution to reducing climate change and negative environmental impact, Seco Tools launched its Green Investment Fund (GIF) in 2012. Since then, the GIF has supported investment in a diversity of sustainable projects that have reduced the environmental impact of the company’s operations. In 2022, SEK10m has been dedicated to funding long-term company goals, specifically reducing Seco’s climate impact by more than 50% and reaching 90% circularity by 2030. Projects include solar energy installations around the globe, heat recovery and reusability, and waste circularity initiatives.

For further information www.secotools.com

Voith has completed the acquisition of the remaining shares in Voith Hydro from its former partner Siemens Energy. The completion of this transaction makes the Voith Group the sole owner of the Voith Hydro Group Division, previously operated as a joint venture. The two parties have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction. Says Dr Toralf Haag, CEO of the Voith Group: “We are extremely pleased to have completed the acquisition as planned. With this move, we are continuing to pursue our strategy of strengthening the company’s core business in the field of sustainable technologies.”

For further information www.voith.com