THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Cobra Tool sold to YAD Capital

A long-established manufacturing business described by its acquirer as “a true gem” has been sold to YAD Capital Investments in a deal advised on by KBS Corporate. Cobra Tool & Die, based in Portsmouth, was founded in 1983 and has earned an excellent reputation as a manufacturer of all types of mould tools, as well as a provider of tool repair, modification and CNC machining services.

“This isn’t just another deal, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for a business with 42 years of legacy, craftsmanship and loyal customer relationships,” says Anil Daas, founder and CEO of YAD Capital Investments. “Cobra Tool & Die is a trusted name in the south, known for its precision, quality and a team of highly skilled professionals who keep things running like clockwork.”

More information www.kbscorporate.com

TÜV Rheinland becomes EC ‘Notified Body’

With the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, the European Commission (EC) is setting new standards in the protection of people and technology. TÜV Rheinland, a global provider of testing, inspection and certification services, is now playing a key role in this: the EC has now officially recognized the company as a ‘Notified Body’ for testing and certification according to the new machinery regulation, which enters force on 20 January 2027.

“The main changes to the Machinery Directive relate to the digitalisation and connectivity of machines,” explains Thomas Koester, global head of the Technical Competence Centre for Industrial Machinery at TÜV Rheinland. “The focus is on AI, cybersecurity, human-robot collaboration and the networking of machines via the internet.”

More information http://tuv.li/1lb6

AE Show Expands ‘Enabling Innovation’

Following a record-breaking 2024 event, the annual engineering and manufacturing exhibition Advanced Engineering (Birmingham NEC, 29-30 October 2025) is expanding its ‘Enabling Innovation’ competition for 2025. The competition, open to start-ups and SMEs, provides a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their innovations. On the show’s second day, contestants will present their innovations on the main stage for judging by a panel of industry experts. The winner will receive a free full-sized stand at Advanced Engineering 2026, along with additional marketing opportunities throughout the year.

More information www.advancedengineeringuk.com

SW establishes subsidiary in India

German machine tool builder Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen (SW) has expanded its global footprint with the opening of a new subsidiary in Pune, India. The newly established subsidiary, Schwaebische Werkzeugmaschinen India Pvt Ltd, led by Rakesh Patel (pictured), will handle sales and service for the company’s CNC machining centres and automation solutions.

For the past 18 years, SW has successfully operated in India through local representatives.

The subsidiary is the next logical step for the company, providing its customers in India with service and sales in their home country. Pune was chosen deliberately as the location for the new site: the city is rapidly developing into a hub for industrial parks, hosting a wide range of suppliers and manufacturing companies.

More information www.sw.com

Metal-Forming Sector Readies for LAMIERA

As the reference exhibition for sheet metal forming, cutting and processing machines, LAMIERA will open the doors to its 23rd edition on 6-9 May at fieramilano rho. Promoted by UCIMU-Sistemi Per Produrre – the Italian machine tools, robots and automation systems manufacturers’ association – LAMIERA is the only international event in Italy specifically dedicated to this industry.

Edition after edition, LAMIERA stands out as one of the most important trade fairs on the global scene. Visitors to the 2025 show will discover solutions for sheet metal, tubes, profiles, wires and structural metal processing and cutting, as well as presses, welding equipment, finishing solutions, tooling, accessories, and subcontracting services – all under one roof.

More information www.lamiera.net