THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Display of technological strength and leadership

More than 39,000 professionals from nearly 65 countries attended the BIEHM international machine tool exhibition in Bilbao earlier this month. The 33rd edition continued to drive the industry forward with a demonstration of technological strength and international leadership, as stated at the closing press conference.

“BIEMH 2026 has become the first major international showcase of the year for advanced manufacturing, anticipating the key trends that will shape innovation in the sector,” said Xabier Basañez, General Director of BEC. “It has also done so at a time when the industry needs an extra boost.” A total of 1543 exhibitors from 34 countries gathered at BIEMH. The next edition will take place on 6-10 March 2028.

More information http://www.biemh.bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com/en

Strengthening manufacturing and sovereign capability 

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), in partnership with Mission Community, has launched ‘Mission Manufacturing’, a career guide and recruitment pathway for ex-Armed Forces personnel and the wider Service community. Employers can benefit from the talent of these individuals in the face of a widely acknowledged skills shortage. Introduced recently to the Armed Forces Community at the National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit, the guidance will be showcased further on the opening day of the MACH 2026 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 20 April.More information www.mta.org.uk/mission-manufacturing

SYS achieves Stratasys ‘Number 1 Parter’ status

A 20% increase in 3D printing hardware sales has helped a UK-based technology specialist claim ‘Number 1 Partner’ status for Stratasys across the EMEA region. SYS Systems, which is part of the Derby-based Carfulan Group, has seen revenues for its additive manufacturing solutions hit over £4m for the first time. This achievement, in combination with ‘outstanding customer service and technical expertise’, led to the prestigious honour from Stratasys, one of the world’s leading industrial 3D printer brands. SYS Systems’ £2.5m Advanced Innovation Centre showcases more than 25 different Stratasys technologies.

More information www.sys-uk.com

Rolls-Royce extension building reaches landmark

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has completed a significant phase in the construction of its extension at Goodwood, West Sussex, with the new building now formally declared weathertight. To mark the occasion, chief executive Chris Brownridge and the board of directors hand-signed the final one of 1745 wooden louvres fitted to the side of the 40,000 m² building.

The new facility will provide increased capacity for bespoke and coach-build operations. Initial fit-out with technologies is already underway within the building. Some areas and equipment will be operational this year, with the overall project remaining on schedule for completion in 2029. At £300m+, the extension represents the largest single investment in the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since it opened in 2003.

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Archer selects Bristol for UK Engineering Hub

Archer has selected Bristol as the home of its UK Engineering Hub, which will support some of the company’s most advanced engineering initiatives across its commercial and defence programmes. With a long history of aerospace innovation and a deep well of talent, Bristol offers the ideal location for Archer’s new facility.

Since Archer’s announcement in December regarding plans for its UK hub, the company has received hundreds of applications and begun hiring engineers to help it deliver the next era of advanced aerospace and defence. This workforce will help drive Archer’s local collaboration with Anduril UK and GKN, initially focused on the joint work of the companies in support of uncrewed vehicle programmes in the UK.

More information www.archer.com