THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

US tariffs could prove tipping point for the UK

The MTA has warned that newly announced US tariffs on UK exports risk becoming the tipping point for British manufacturers already under severe pressure from soaring energy costs, rising employment taxes and chronic skills shortages. The new tariffs, reportedly ranging from 10 to 12.5%, apply to dozens of countries including the UK. The MTA says the situation underlined the urgent need for the UK Government to strengthen the domestic foundations of manufacturing competitiveness, rather than leaving firms exposed to international trade shocks while carrying avoidable costs at home.

More information www.mta.org.uk

Manchester Metrology to host open day

Manchester Metrology is hosting its 2026 open day on 14 July (10:00-15:00), featuring live, hands-on demonstrations that showcase the latest additions to its range of equipment. The company is inviting visitors to its facility in Ashton-under-Lyne to take a tour of the site, meet the team, and learn how Manchester Metrology’s equipment, services and software can support businesses and projects.

Live demonstrations are set to include the latest portable arms, 3D scanners, laser trackers, CMMs and 3D printers. Tour areas will extend from the CMM room to the servicing, calibration and repair room, as well as the 3D printing room. Selected Manchester Metrology partners and suppliers will also be showcasing products. Complementary food and drinks will be available throughout the day.

More information www.manchester-metrology.co.uk

NCMT to host ‘Engineered for Power’ event

Manufacturing technology provider NCMT will host a two-day technical event at its Coventry Technology Centre on 9-10 September 2026. Entitled ‘Engineered for Power’, the event is dedicated to precision grinding and advanced manufacturing for turbine blades, vanes and high-value engine components. The new Makino G5 grinder with Pro6 control will be a central focus, combining grinding and machining in a single platform for complex component production. As the exclusive UK and Ireland partner of Makino and Okuma, the event will also highlight supporting technologies such as EDM and machining solutions.

More information www.ncmt.co.uk/event/efp

MTA supporting Manufacturing Solutions Ireland

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), organiser of the UK’s national event for
engineering and manufacturing MACH, has confirmed its support for Manufacturing
Solutions Ireland 2027 in Limerick on 16-17 June, strengthening collaboration across the
British and Irish manufacturing sectors. Increased interest in the event will be driven by
growing emphasis on factors that include supply chain resilience and reshoring.
Manufacturing Solutions Ireland is organised by the GTMA in partnership with Technological
University of the Shannon and supported by leading industry bodies. The event focuses on
creating real business opportunities, fostering collaboration and showcasing the capabilities
of the manufacturing sector.
More information https://manufacturingsolutions.ie/

‘Grinder of the Year’ winner named

Fabio Schoppet was the delighted winner of the two-day live ‘Grinder of the Year’ competition held last month at the GrindingHub exhibition in Stuttgart. The 28-year-old apprentice from KH Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH won against Max Bergner (2nd place), Laurin Mink (3rd) and Arman Hamidi (4th). All finalists received training vouchers worth between 3000 and 500 euros.

“The competition was a challenge,” says Schoppet, “but it was really fun and a very cool experience. I made a lot of great contacts and had some enjoyable conversations. When I realised that I was the winner, I was pretty overwhelmed. It was an absolute highlight.” After completing his apprenticeship, Schoppet wants to use his 3000 euro voucher to finance a course at an engineering school.

More information www.grindinghub.de/en