THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Lloyds is headline sponsor at MACH

The countdown to the MACH 2026 exhibition continues to gather momentum with the announcement that Lloyds has once again confirmed its role as headline sponsor. It marks over 16 years of lloyds’ continuous support for the event and reaffirms the bank’s long-standing commitment to the UK’s manufacturing sector.


Dave Atkinson, UK head of manufacturing at Lloyds, says: “Manufacturing is a sector that drives growth and innovation across the UK economy, and it’s crucial we help companies take advantage of opportunities like the transition to net zero. Our role goes beyond finance: we’re committed to supporting manufacturers with the investment, advice and skills they need to thrive in a competitive and evolving global marketplace.”

More information www.machexhibition.com

Dugard strengthens team in Scotland

Machine tool supplier Dugard has strengthened its team with the recruitment of David Morning as area sales manager for Scotland and the northeast of England. Dugard says it has experienced significant growth north of the border in recent years, and this appointment will further enhance the presence of its diverse portfolio of machine tool brands. “I have operated, serviced and specified Dugard machines in previous roles,” says Morning. “I’m excited about the opportunity ahead. Dugard has a full range of machine tool brands complemented by extensive automation solutions.”

More information www.dugard.com

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