THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Hands-on 3D Printing Showcase

Made Smarter is putting 3D printing in the spotlight at an event designed to help manufacturers understand how 3D printing can deliver real-world impact for their business. Made Smarter – Discovering Additive Manufacturing, taking place on 28 January 2026, will bring together SME manufacturers, technology experts and academic specialists at the University of Lancashire’s Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) in Preston.

The agenda of the half-day event blends real business case studies, expert insight and hands-on demonstrations, giving manufacturers the opportunity to see additive manufacturing in action, ask questions and explore whether the technology could play a role in their own digital journey. It forms part of Made Smarter’s Digital Champions Network, a peer-to-peer forum for manufacturers at all stages of digital adoption.

More information www.bit.ly/49sTDzj

Ceratizit Green Award

Cutting tool manufacturer Ceratizit has been awarded the Platinum Medal by EcoVadis,
placing it among the top 1% of more than 150,000 companies worldwide that have made
sustainability a priority. Says Andreas Lackner, member of the Ceratizit Group executive
board, says. “The Platinum rating from EcoVadis is the result of intensive collaboration
across all departments. Every idea, every detail and every improvement contributed to this
success. It shows what we as a company can achieve together with our employees once
sustainability becomes an integral part of daily work.”
More information www.ceratizit.com

Bridgnorth Aluminium Returns to 24/7 Operations

The UK’s last remaining producer of flat rolled aluminium coils is set to buck challenging
economic conditions by returning to 24/7 operations in key process areas. It will be the first
time in three years that Bridgnorth Aluminium has reached these production levels and
should create new employment opportunities in the town and nearby areas.

“Aluminium is taking on a far greater significance and profile as we move towards net zero,
with the material ideally suited to recycling, lightweighting, and use in batteries and
renewable power generation,” explains commercial director Adrian Musgrave. “Thanks to
recent investments, our strong technical teams and ongoing staff training, we’re in a really
good position to take advantage, with strong export growth expected.”
More information www.bridgnorthaluminium.co.uk

AMufacture open day to feature HP technology

Additive manufacturing specialist AMufacture is teaming up with global technology leader
HP to showcase the latest advances in 3D printing. The company is throwing open the doors
of its Portsmouth base for an open house and demonstration day in collaboration with HP
Additive Manufacturing Solutions. Co-founder Craig Pyser says the event on 20 January is a
chance to highlight huge steps forward in additive manufacturing.

The event – which runs from 10:00 to 15:00 and includes lunch – will feature live HP Multi
Jet Fusion demonstrations; technical workshops; real case studies; breakout discussions on
security, scanning, materials, manufacturing, postprocessing and quality control; and
networking opportunities with industry professionals.
More information https://bit.ly/4sG88HG

WIKA Opens New Subsidiary in Morocco

Industrial measurement instrument specialist WIKA has expanded its footprint in north Africa with a new subsidiary in Casablanca, Morocco. The move is part of WIKA’s strategy to operate with agility worldwide through local facilities. By being closer to customers and partners on site, the company aims to process orders even more efficiently and deliver even higher level of service.

“The opening of the subsidiary in Morocco marks an important milestone in our regional growth strategy,” says Marcel Frei, senior vice president forsouth Europe. “Our local presence enables us to offer customers even more flexible, personalised support and to strengthen collaboration with regional partners. All of this increases our visibility in north Africa and helps us unlock new market potential.”

More information www.wika.com