Starrag UK appoints new sales manager

Starrag UK has appointed Ian Morton as its new sales manager, with responsibility for the company’s full machine tool portfolio across the UK and Ireland in all sectors outside aerospace. He succeeds Paul Zajac, who has retired after 50 years in the industry.Reporting into the Starrag UK leadership team and working alongside aerospace lead Simon Dutton, Morton’s remit covers the Starraggroup’s full premium brand lineup, spanning the compact Bumotec brand through SIP, Starrag and Heckert to the larger Dörries and Droop+Rein ranges.

More information www.starrag.com

Q1 Subcontract Market Up 8% on Q4 2025

The UK contract manufacturing market was fundamentally solid in the first quarter of 2026, showing healthy growth compared with the previous quarter, according to the latest Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI) figures. The CMI stood at 75 for the quarter, up 8% on Q4 2025. It showed solid month-on-month growth from January onwards, but by the end March supplier quoting activitystarted seeing the effects of global events. On a process basis, machining represented 45% of the market, unchanged from the previous quarter, whilefabrication rose from 42% to 47% at the expense of other processes like moulding.

More information www.qimtek.co.uk

Raising precision and efficiency in medical part production

A new workpiece clamping system that secures four components at a time for machining, intended primarily for the economical manufacture of medical components such as bone nails and other small-diameter orthopaedic implants, has been introduced by the German company Simon Nann GmbH. It is available to manufacturers in the UK and Ireland through sole sales agent Gewefa UK.

Equipped with four draw-back collets that are opened and closed by a single clamping/unclamping screw, the adaptable 349E offers a robust holding force and high accuracy for retaining sensitive components during demanding machining processes. The clamping fixture has been engineered to withstand exacting conditions and is suited to complex applications where the highest standards of repeatability and quality are imperative. 

By integrating the Erowa pallet system, the fixture is optimised for automated environments, allowing rapid workpiece changeovers via a zero-point clamping system to boost production efficiency. The standard interface is suitable for use in metal and plastic machining centres as well as in measuring stations, ensuring concentricity is maintained between the production and metrology departments. 

Likewise, the in-situ components can visit other stations, either manually or automatically, for additional operations like welding, assembly and laser marking before release from their collets. Straightforward integration into existing manufacturing systems helps to reduce set-up times.

In an industry where choosing the correct work-holding arrangement is a strategic decision affecting long-term cost-efficiency and stability, Nann’s expertise provides the robustness and precision required for reliable production. The 349E fixture addresses manufacturing difficulties, including material biocompatibility issues and complex component geometries, by offering a stable, user-friendly platform that minimises downtime and increases production output. 

More information www.gewefa.co.uk

AI toolkit to help manufacturers cut complexity

A new guide from Made Smarter is helping manufacturers cut through AI noise and focus on what actually works on the factory floor. ‘AI Adoption in Manufacturing: A Practical Toolkit from Made Smarter’ has been developed to support SME leaders navigating this significant technological shift. While awareness of AI is high, many manufacturers remain unsure where to start, how to manage risk and how to translate potential into measurable business value. The guide sets out a task-first approach, helping identify where AI can reduce low-value work, improve decision-making and strengthen day-to-day operations.

More information www.bit.ly/3Rj1BEj

New MD named for FANUC UK and Ireland

Factory automation specialist FANUC has named Andy Armstrong as the new managing director of FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland, effective immediately. With a long history in the automation sector and over 40 years of experience in engineering and sales, Armstrong has spent the past two years as vice MD for FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland. The appointment will see him continue positive steps taken by previous MD Tom Bouchier to support FANUC UK’s continued growth and alignment with the company’s broader European goals. Tom will now focus on his role as FANUC’s cluster co-ordinator for northern Europe.

More information www.fanuc.eu