THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

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

Kyocera SGS to relocate European HQ

Kyocera SGS Precision Tools Europe (KSPTE) is relocating its European Headquarters from Wokingham, Berkshire, to the Kyocera Unimerco facility in Fradley, Staffordshire. The move will strengthen Kyocera’s European manufacturing and R&D capabilities, enhance operational efficiency, and reinforce the company’s commitment to providing value and service to customers across the region.

The relocation will create Kyocera’s largest carbide tool manufacturing site in Europe, establishing Fradley as the new European base for KSPTE. Customer benefits include centralised logistics, expanded R&D facilities, increased production capacity and lifecycle tooling support. Both KSPTE and Kyocera Unimerco will continue to operate independently while sharing infrastructure, technical collaboration and operational efficiencies.

More information https://kyocera-sgstool.co.uk

Twisted Acquires Carbon-Fibre Specialist

Twisted has acquired KS Composites, a Melton Mowbray-based engineering and composites specialist. The acquisition brings world-class carbon-fibre capability into the Twisted group, strengthening its engineering solutions, accelerating innovation, and securing supply for the next generation of Twisted vehicles and marine products.

It has been a significant five years for the Yorkshire company, best known for its classic Land Rover Defender ‘restomods’. Twisted has entered the premium marine sector, established a Special Projects division, expanded internationally, and this year launched the new T-Bug – a modern recreation of the classic Baja Bug. The addition of KS Composites is the latest step in a strong phase of growth. 

More information www.twisted.co

Catalyst for high-growth industrial ecosystem

AMRC Cymru and Wrexham Leadership Alliance have forged a new partnership to drive innovation and investment across north Wales, signing a strategic MoU to bolster the region’s manufacturing economy. By combining world-class research and development capabilities with local business leadership, the partnership aims to accelerate innovation and skills development, and secure long-term growth for regional businesses.

Crucially, the collaboration aligns with the ambitions of the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone — a £160mgovernment-backed initiative designed to act as a lightning rod for advanced manufacturing — which is expected to attract a forecast of £1bn of private investment and 6000 new jobs to the region over the next decade. AMRC Cymru, based in Broughton, is part of the University of Sheffield AMRC innovation cluster.

More information www.amrc.co.uk