SUBCONTRACTING NEWS

Nasmyth Group acquired by Sigma Advanced

Nasmyth Group – a provider of precision engineering services to the aerospace, defence and related industries – has been acquired by Sigma Advanced Systems, a global manufacturer and service provider of advanced defence systems and security solutions. The acquisition marks an important milestone in Nasmyth’s evolution, providing a foundation for continued innovation, expanded capacity and the delivery of engineering solutions to customers worldwide. Sigma’s proven track record in design and manufacturing will bring strategic insight and financial strength to support Nasmyth’s next growth phase.

More information www.nasmyth.com

ASG Group director appointed to NMC

ASG Group reports that Mandy Ridyard, director of ASG Produmax, has been appointed to the National Manufacturing Commission (NMC) as part of its newly launched inquiry into how the Government’s Industrial Strategy can best support UK SME manufacturers. The NMC, the research arm of the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group, plays a vital role in shaping policy recommendations that strengthen UK manufacturing.

She says: “SMEs are the lifeblood of UK manufacturing and play a crucial role in creating innovation, resilience and jobs across our regions. I’m honoured to join the NMC at such a pivotal time, ensuring the voice of SME manufacturers is heard loud and clear as the Industrial Strategy takes shape.”

More information www.asg-group.co

Ex-Dyson MD joins AMufacture as new chairman

A UK additive manufacturing (AM) company has appointed the former managing director of Dyson as its new chairman. David Hollander (photo, centre) is taking on the role at Portsmouth-based AMufacture to support its rapid growth and international expansion.

AMufacture, founded in 2018 by Craig Pyser and Will Howden, says it has grown into a leading contract manufacturer in the AM industry, specialising in marine, automotive and defence contracts. It recently benefited from significant follow-on investment made by private equity firm Maven Capital and Scottish-based co-investor Turner, which has been helping ambitious companies to grow for more than 100 years.

Hollander, who has more than 40 years’ experience in leading and transforming businesses, says: “I’m delighted to join AMufacture at such an exciting time in the company’s development. We now have seven times the capacity we had two years ago with the opportunity ahead to develop either in other areas of the UK or, more importantly, overseas. What I’m bringing – from my time at Dyson and other companies – is experience of having been there and done it before. I greatly admire Will and Craig’s ambition and the progress the company has made to date. I’m also impressed by the focus and support that comes from the investment they have received.”

He continues: “The potential for growth is huge. AM has historically been used for R&D but is now at such an advanced level that it’s very cost effective for relatively short manufacturing runs and for situations of rapid change where a client does not want to commit to a long run. It allows customers to prepare for multiple scenarios in the most cost-effective way.”

More information https://amufacture.com/

Maxiforja starts production on large forging press

Founded in 1963, Maxiforja located in Canoas, Brazil, serves numerous manufacturers of heavy trucks and agriculture equipment.In order to expand production capacities for large knuckles up to 40 kg, the company has installed a record-breaking 6500 tonne forging press from Andritz Schuler, which has now gone into operation.

“This is the world’s largest forging press featuring a kinetic energy recovering system [KERS],” reveals Nicolas Drevon, director global forging at Andritz Schuler. “Thanks to KERS, the power demand will decrease by up to 40% compared with conventional forging presses in this size.” 

This energy reducing technology helps Maxiforja to reach its sustainability goals. At the same time, the company benefits from high quality and productivity thanks to the state-of-the-art technology offered by the new line.

The GLK 6500 type press was developed by Andritz Schuler’s Italian subsidiary Andritz Farina and built at the site of Prensas Schuler in Brazil. Apart from KERS, the line also features a Scotch Yoke working directly in the slide, which allows for a compact design and improved component accuracy. Maxiforja already operates forging presses ranging from 800 to 4000 tonnes capacity, but for the first time decided to invest in Andritz Schuler technology.

Andritz Metals is – via Andritz Schuler – a global supplier of technologies, plants and digital solutions in metal forming. The product portfolio also includes automation and software solutions, process know-how and service. In the metals processing segment, the business area offers innovative, sustainable solutions for the production and processing of flat products, for welding systems and furnaces with its own burner solutions, as well as services for the metals processing industry.

More information www.schulergroup.com

Eco-composites power supercar down under

BAMD Composites, a specialist in advanced and sustainable composite manufacturing, has been selected by Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia to supply a full suite of eco-composite body panels for the all-new Toyota GR Supra Supercar, set to debut in the 2026 Australian Supercars Championship. Designed, tooled and manufactured entirely at BAMD’s high-tech Oxfordshire facility, the project showcases the company’s end-to-end capability – from early design optimisation and tooling through to final manufacture and global delivery – all completed within just 12 weeks from concept to race-ready eco-composite body panels.

More information www.bamd.co.uk