THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Mitutoyo digital micrometer wins iF Design Award

Mitutoyo’s QuantuMike MD-E, a high-speed, high-accuracy digital micrometer, has won an iF Design Award 2026 in the ‘Product Design’ category. The iF Design Awards is a respected international design competition evaluated by an independent panel of experts. Receiving this award highlights Mitutoyo’s ongoing commitment to innovation, design excellence and the continuous development of products that meet evolving customer needs.

With a spindle feed of 2 mm per revolution, Mitutoyo says QuantuMike MD-E is four times faster than conventional micrometers, while accuracy is ±1 μm. According to Mitutoyo, the accolade recognises not only the technological achievements of the QuantuMike MD-E, but also the company’s dedication to advancing precision measurement solutions for modern industry.

More information www.mitutoyo.eu

Electricity bills to be cut for 10,000 manufacturers

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed electricity bill cuts for over 10,000 manufacturers as the next phase of the Government’s plan to boost Britain’s competitiveness takes shape. It is hoped the move will help manufacturers compete, win and create good jobs. Automotive, aerospace, steel plants and metal fabricators are among the sectors where eligible businesses are to benefit from a one-off additional payment in 2027.

The payment will cover the support firms would have received if BICS had been in place from April 2026. Eligibility has also been expanded by 40%, from 7000 to over 10,000 manufacturers. This targets support at energy-intensive firms on the number one issue they face:  high electricity costs. From April 2027, eligible firms will see electricity bills cut by up to 25%.

More information www.gov.uk

Chiron Group appoints new CEO

The board of directors at machine tool manufacturer Chiron Group has appointed Roman Gaida as its new CEO, effective 1 July 2026. The move sends a clear signal regarding the company’s international expansion, a stronger focus on customer needs and a consistent commitment to profitable growth.

“With Roman, the Chiron Group is gaining a CEO who combines strategic clarity, international leadership experience and deep technical expertise,” explains chairman Dr Armin Schmiedeberg. “His career path – from his roots in CNC machining through senior leadership roles to the global management of international organisations – makes him a valuable and forward-looking addition to our leadership team.”More information www.chiron-group.com

Stratasys selected for war AM programme

Stratasys’ parts-on-demand business, Stratasys Direct, has been selected to take part in the US Department of War’s (DoW) Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA) IV Pilot Parts Programme, a multimillion- dollar initiative to accelerate qualification and deployment of 3D-printed parts across military platforms and systems.

“In 2025 Stratasys saw double-digit annual revenue growth from aerospace and defence, demonstrating that AM is a becoming a key capability for defence sustainment and supply chain resilience,” says Foster Ferguson, vice president – industrial business unit, Stratasys. “Stratasys Direct already ships over 100,000 parts annually to the defence industry, and programmes like JAMA will accelerate qualification of parts so organisations can deploy them faster across operational platforms.” 

More information www.stratasys.com/en/stratasysdirect

Finecast welcomes UK industry stakeholders

Finecast, a West Sussex-based precision casting and machining specialist, opened its doors to a diverse delegation last month to address one of the most pressing challenges facing UK manufacturing today: the future of the domestic casting industry. Delegates comprised members of the Worshipful Company of Founders, a historic livery company dedicated to supporting and promoting the modern metals and casting industries. Also attending the event were industry leaders, academics, engineers and apprentices. 

The day began with an informal roundtable discussion, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Finecast’s advanced foundry and machine shop. Finecast has recently invested £2m in its machine shop capabilities and is in the process of achieving NADCAP accreditation.

The company also employs advanced inspection technologies such as GOM optical 3D metrology systems for precise geometric measurement.

More information www.finecast.co.uk