THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

AI initiative boosts 250 Scottish manufacturers

A £2.2mproject led by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has so far supported 90 organisations and upskilled 250 people in the exploration of how data science and artificial intelligence (AI) can boost productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Scotland’s manufacturing sector.

The Data-Driven Design and Manufacturing Colab (D3M Colab), delivered by NMIS, is helping to close the gap between manufacturing and digital technologies by giving engineers the confidence and practical skills to apply data-driven methods within their own businesses. Through hands-on projects and tailored training, participating companies are learning how data can solve real-world industrial challenges, from improving production processes and quality control to enhancing equipment reliability.

More information www.nmis.scot

Mitutoyo delegation visits strategic partner

Mitutoyo Japan’s headquarters and its main distribution partners visited Sariki (part of Grupo Unceta) in Spain recently to celebrate their long-standing strategic alliance in Europe. Around 65 visitors from Japan, including the senior management of Mitutoyo Corporation, visited Sariki in Elgoibar, Guipúzcoa, as part of a high-level event that demonstrated the strategic importance of Grupo Unceta for Mitutoyo.

Mitutoyo says Sariki’s state-of-the-art solution centre is unique in terms of its two-fold strategic role. The facility operates as a dimensional metrology outsourcing centre for companies in many different sectors. And at the same time it is a showroom, where customers can validate Mitutoyo’s solutions on their own parts before committing to investing in equipment.

More information www.mitutoyo.eu

Mazak open house draws over 500 visitors

Over 500 manufacturing professionals visited Yamazaki Mazak’s open house in Worcester last month as the machine tool builder recorded strong interest in its latest UK-made models, such as the Integrex j-200 NEO multi-tasking turn-mill machine and the next-generation CV5 five-axis machining centre. The three-day event included over 19 live-cutting demonstrations. Visitors were also invited to take part in dedicated ‘Technology Tours’.

Alan Mucklow, UK managing director, said: “My key takeaway is that there’s strong appetite for investment and that manufacturers are ready to turn to technology as they seek higher productivity. This sentiment has been backed up by a high level of post-event interest, especially in our UK-made machines. This feedback vindicates our strategic decision to enhance further the capability and range of models manufactured here in Worcester.”

More information www.mazak.com

Doncasters investing $52m in German plant

Doncasters, an international manufacturer of high-precision alloy components made for the most demanding conditions, will invest $52m in its Bochum, Germany site, representing one of the most significant capital programmes in the company’s history. Doncasters says the three-year initiative will establish Bochum as one of the world’s most advanced facilities with the capability of producing the most complex large industrial gas turbine castings in production today, while also supporting capacity growth and long-term development. Work has already commenced inside the factory to prepare for new state-of-the-art equipment.

More information www.doncasters.com

EMO show to remain in Hanover

EMO, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology, is set to remain in Hanover following rumours about a potential move elsewhere in Germany. Says EMO general commissioner Carl Martin Welcker: “We were convinced by the commitment of the Lower Saxon policymakers to develop the structural and technical infrastructure of the exhibition centre on an ongoing basis over the coming years.”

In consultation with European association Cecimo, owner of the EMO brand, and with Italian sister association Ucimu, organizer of the EMO in Milan, the VDW has agreed the locations of the EMO cycle until 2031. The trade fair will take place in Milan in 2027, Hanover in 2029 and Milan again in 2031. “After that, we’ll return to the tried and tested cycle,” confirms Welcker. 

More information https://emo-hannover.de/en