THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

64% fail metalworking fluid checks

A freedom of information request submitted by TotalEnergies Marketing UK Ltd to the UK Government’s independent workplace safety regulator has revealed widespread non-compliance relating to the use of metalworking fluids. A total of 285 unannounced inspections were carried out by the HSE on manufacturing businesses that use metalworking fluids or coolants in their machining processes, over a period of eight months. The inspections identified significant safety breaches relating to these fluids at 181 sites between September 2023 and April 2024, equivalent to around 64% of all inspections.More information www.bit.ly/4fKcpC6

Tadweld Celebrates Record Year

Tadcaster-based engineering and fabrication business Tadweld rounded off 2024 by
celebrating a record year. The company not only saw year-on-year sales climb by 50% in
comparison with 2023, it also created 12 new positions and has plans to create 30 more
over the coming three years.
Further Tadweld achievements in 2024 included winning the ‘Digital Technology in
Engineering’ accolade at the Made in Yorkshire Awards. The business also racked up a new
record of 2400 training hours with six new apprentices, invested in new space and facilities
to the tune of £1m+, and continued embracing innovation through the implementation of
laser welding equipment.
More information www.tadweld.co.uk

One-Hit Machining Takes Spotlight

More than 90 visitors from the UK and overseas (representing 45 manufacturers) attended
last month’s Hurco open house in High Wycombe. Managing director David Waghorn said
that after tough trading conditions in 2024, the company experienced a strong upturn in
business towards the end of the year.
The event proved to be an excellent springboard into 2025, particularly as Hurco Europe’s
order backlog is in excess of £8m, more than double the figure of 12 months ago. The event
focused on one-hit machining using Hurco five-axis machining centres. The company offers
four styles of five-axis machining centre: cantilever, trunnion-type, B-axis spindle and
bridge-type machines with a two-axis spindle head.
More information www.hurco.co.uk

Kasto Ltd relocates to Midlands

The UK and Ireland subsidiary of German sawing machine, storage system and materials
handling equipment manufacturer Kasto Maschinenbau has relocated its headquarters from
Milton Keynes to the Midlands. Kasto Ltd is now sited on Beauchamp Business Park in
Leicester, ensuring even closer to its main customer base.
At the opening ceremony last month, Jonathan Riegel, sixth-generation board member, and
fifth-generation managing partner Armin Stolzer, both made presentations in what is the
firm’s 180 th anniversary year. Emilio Lens, managing director of Kasto Ltd, also spoke, saying:
“The new location allows us to respond to our customers’ needs more quickly and flexibly.
Leicester’s proximity to important manufacturers enables us to create clear added value.”
More information www.kasto.com

Seco offers Life Cycle Assessments

Seco is taking steps toward a sustainable future with its new Life Cycle Assessments (LCA),
helping to meet ambitious internal sustainability goals and supporting customers in making
environmentally conscious decisions. LCA systematically evaluates the environmental
impact of products across their lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
By providing detailed insights into metrics like climate impact (CO2eq) and other key
environmental measures, Seco is enabling both internal improvements and customer
transparency. Throughout 2024, Seco focused on two key pilot areas: turning inserts and
round solid-carbide milling tools. This year, the company will expand LCA coverage to
include more of its portfolio and enhance MyPages with additional sustainability data.
More information www.secotools.com