THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

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

Lord Harrington is new Make UK chair

Lord Richard Harrington will become the new chair of Make UK, succeeding Lord John
Hutton, who has chaired the organisation since 2022. With a distinguished career in both
business and government, Lord Harrington brings a wealth of experience and a deep
commitment to the manufacturing sector. He will officially take on the role early this year.
“I’m delighted to take up this appointment at such an important moment for
manufacturing,” he says. “I’m passionate about the sector and its contribution to the overall
UK economy, and how it will help address the societal challenges we all face.” Make UK
chief executive Stephen Phipson adds: “Richard is a committed and passionate supporter of
manufacturing and its importance to the economy and regions across the UK.”
More information www.makeuk.org

Casting accolade for Magna Cosma

A Telford-based automotive specialist, which has seen domestic and global sales rise significantly, has been named as the ‘Best of British Casting Company’ at the recent UK Cast Metals Industry Awards organised by the Cast Metals Federation (CMF). Magna Cosma Casting UK defied uncertainty in the sector to post one of the best years in its history, impressing judges with the way it has developed a high-pressure die casting digital twin.

The company’s approach has seen it boost the workforce by 40% – critical in supporting the production of large structural body and chassis castings. There were also major accolades for Kent’s Maybrey Precision Castings and the Black Country’s Newby Foundries (joint Component of the Year winners), with Goodwin Steel Castings claiming the Innovation title.

More information www.castmetalsfederation.com