THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Sheffield Forgemasters meets PM

A delegation from Sheffield Forgemasters joined the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and
Secretary of State for Defence John Healy MP, at 10 Downing Street earlier this month.
Two apprentices, Renee Marsh and Harley Edmonds, were accompanied by people
development specialist Harriett Eccles and CEO Gary Nutter at the event, which set out to
raise the importance of skilled jobs in defence manufacture.
In addition to meeting the Ministers, the Sheffield Forgemasters team spoke to an audience
of college students about the well-paid opportunities that defence manufacturing jobs can
offer. The company’s ongoing apprenticeships programme, coupled with its large-scale
recapitalisation programme, is providing career opportunities for decades to come. 
More information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Verisurf agrees to Sandvik acquisition

US-based Verisurf, a specialist in model-based inspection and measurement software, has
signed an agreement to be acquired by Sandvik, a global high-tech engineering group
headquartered in Sweden. Verisurf will operate as a separate business unit within Sandvik
Manufacturing and Machining Solutions, complementing and enhancing Sandvik’s position
in industrial metrology. The acquisition is expected to close in Q2 2025. Verisurf’s founder
and president, Ernie Husted, will continue to lead the company, ensuring a smooth
transition while maintaining its core mission and vision.
More information www.verisurf.com

Gleason celebrates 160 years

This year marks an important milestone as Gleason Corporation celebrates its 160 th
anniversary. Founded in 1865 by William Gleason, the company has transformed from a
small workshop to a global specialist in gear technology, offering solutions that encompass
design software, manufacturing and metrology equipment, tooling, aftermarket services,
and an extensive training programme.
Over the years, Gleason has expanded its reach and capabilities through the strategic
acquisitions of Hurth Maschinen und Werkzeuge in Munich, the Hermann Pfauter Group in
Ludwigsburg, Germany, and adding metrology systems, automation solutions and plastic
gears to its product range. In 2017, Gleason acquired Swiss KISSsoft AG, integrating gear
design and simulation software into its portfolio.
More information www.gleason.com

Dates released for Advanced Engineering

Advanced Engineering UK is set to return to the Birmingham NEC on 29-30 October 2025,
showcasing the latest innovations from the manufacturing and engineering sectors. With
seven months remaining, the exhibition halls are filling up as companies across the supply
chain secure their spots. Currently, 70% of the space is already booked, so interested
exhibitors should act promptly to reserve their place.
For exhibitors, the event offers an opportunity to showcase the latest solutions in
composites, automation, additive manufacturing, testing, green technologies and more.
With access to almost 10,000 industry leaders from tier-one suppliers and OEMs, businesses
can position themselves at the forefront of industry transformation, helping manufacturers
overcome critical challenges such as supply chain resilience and the journey to net zero.
More information www.advancedengineeringuk.com

BGB welcomes third generation to team

Family-owned engineering firm BGB has welcomed Alex Holt, son of CEO David Holt, to its
team, marking the third generation of the Holt family to step into the business. Founded in
1976 by David’s father, David Holt Snr and his two partners, Grantham-headquartered BGB
quickly became a stand-out provider in fully engineered solutions for smart rotary
applications. Alex Holt, a business and finance graduate from De Montfort University in
Leicester, will spend the next 18-24 months rotating through key areas of the business as a
management trainee.
More information www.bgbinnovation.com