THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

New UK representative for Amada saws

Effective from 8 May 2025, Amada sawing machines, blades, spares and service will be available exclusively in the UK from Amada UK Ltd. The previous UK representative for these products, Accurate Cutting Services, has ceased its distribution commitments. The mutually agreed new arrangement is due to the projected growth of core Amada products, alongside a shift in strategy at Accurate Cutting Services, which wishes to focus on subcontract sawing.

Amada UK and Accurate Cutting are currently working to ensure a smooth transition. During this period, customers can continue placing orders through Accurate Cutting, but Amada UK will undertake fulfilment. In the short term, nothing will change. Customers can expect the same prices, shipping, delivery, customer support and warranties.

More information www.amada.eu/uk-en

Subcontract market rebounds in Q1

The latest Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI) shows that the subcontract market bounced back in the first quarter of 2025 – up almost 50% on Q1 2024. January was particularly strong, some 200% higher than what had been a quiet December, while the market at the end of March was higher than the average for the final quarter of last year.

The CMI for Q1 2025 was 64 compared with 42.5 for the previous quarter and 82 in Q1 2024. Within the overall figure, machining accounted for 42% of the market, while fabrication was 44%.  The largest single sector remains industrial machinery, which has led the pack for more than three and half years. Lead times dropped when the market was busy but increased when there was less activity.

More information www.qimtek.co.uk

Pre-Met presses on with QSP purchase

A UK metal pressings and stamping specialist has set its sights on growth after sealing its latest strategic acquisition. Pre-Met, which operates from a 50,000 ft² factory in Redditch, has purchased nearby Quality Springs & Pressings (QSP) in a deal that will boost market share in the automotive, construction, environmental and transport markets – and help the business move toward its targeted revenue milestone of £10m.

All 16 employees are being retained to take the total workforce to 60, with the transfer of production machinery and equipment to the company’s Studley Road site completing over the next three months. The acquisition broadens the group’s capacity to include more wire form and spring manufacturing expertise, additional presses, as well as embedding new robot and manual welding capabilities.

More information www.metalpressingsandstampings.co.uk

Manufacturing for the future

High precision, automation and digital technology – this is what the future of metalworking looks like. During its ‘Technology Days’ event in Chemnitz, Starrag showcased some of the crucial building blocks of this ambition and highlighted machine developments such as the Heckert H100 compact machining centre.

A sneak preview of the new large machine series was displayed alongside perfectly co-ordinated peripherals. The event also offered the 200+ visitors a glimpse of the newly designed production hall, where precision-critical components for a wide range of StarragTornos Group machines are manufactured in a highly automated process with micron-level accuracy.

More information www.starrag.com

Top UK talent takes on Europe’s finest

The UK’s very brightest and best young apprentices and learners are heading to Denmark to test their skills against the crème de la crème of Europe at EuroSkills Herning 2025. It is Europe’s largest skills competition and takes place on 9-13 September. The more than notable 19, making up Team UK, carry the hopes and vision of the UK’s ambition to grow and prosper on its shoulders.

Selected and trained in skills excellence by WorldSkills UK, in partnership with lifelong learning company Pearson, the team will compete in a raft of skills disciplines. Team members have already been through months of competition and selection processes, and now face the final crucial months of their intensive training programme for EuroSkills Herning 2025.  

More information www.worldskillsuk.org