Industrial Process News Issue 749

IPN

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS NEWS

November 2025 – Issue 749

Tel: 0121 550 2086

www.industrialprocessnews.co.uk

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BVC Heavy-Duty Industrial Vacuum Cleaners Page 16

Tough machines for tough jobs

Ajax Solutions

Page 7

Bradshaw EV

Page 8

Toxiqua

Page 13

Editor’s Notes

Welcome to our November issue of Industrial Process News.

This issue delves into the latest innovations, trends, and best

practices shaping the industry, offering valuable insights for

professionals navigating this complex landscape.

On pages 4-5, we

spotlight Newson Gale

as our Static Ground

Control & Bonding

Gina Burton

Editor

gina@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

Solutions Company of the Year. In this feature, we speak

with Managing Director, Mike O’Brien, who reflects on the

past 12 months and shares insight into the company’s inhouse

PCB design and manufacturing capabilities.

Ajax Solutions was founded to provide reliable, practical monitoring and measurement systems

that integrate seamlessly into real-world industrial operations. In recognition of their impact, we’ve

highlighted the company as our Industrial Instrumentation Company of the Month on page 7.

With deep expertise in the design, supply, and integration of level measurement, switching, and

monitoring technologies, Ajax Solutions continues to deliver innovative solutions for demanding

environments. Among their standout offerings is the NIV-X – a digital tank contents gauge

engineered for flexible performance, operating either on mains power or a standard PP3 9V

battery.

Contents

IPN

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS NEWS

Issue 749

Other topics covered: AI, Drives, Controls & Automation, Industrial Process Technologies,

Sustainable Packaging, Oil, Gas & Offshore, Cleaning & Hygiene, Test, Measurement & Laboratory,

Plastics & Rubber.

Don’t forget to send us your latest Industrial news and updates and email us at:

info@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

Hansford Sensors 10

Cover Story

Oliver Valves 12

BVC Vacuum Cleaners

The range of BVC (British Vacuum Cleaners) Industrial

Vacuum Cleaners is manufactured in Fareham, Hampshire by

Quirepace. The current product line is based on time-tested

and proven designs.

16

TOPTICA

15

Contacts

Publication Management

Fallon Waldron, Publication Manager

T 0121 550 2086

fallonwaldron@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

Production

Robert Sharp, Production Manager

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Accounts

Paul Whitaker, Accounts Manager

T 0121 824 4742

accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Editorial

Gina Burton, Editor

gina@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

Industrial Process News is a multi-media digital magazine which

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Please contact 0121 550 2086

Email info@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

www.industrialprocessnews.co.uk

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requirements, please see our Media Pack

Unless stated as news, the entire content of this publication is advertorial

based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 2086.

Find us on LinkedIn and follow

us on Twitter @ipn_uk

IPN is sponsored by Newson Gale – see them on pages 4-5

Static Grounding Control & Bonding Solutions Company of the Year

The Newson Gale

In this issue of Industrial Process News,

we are pleased to feature Newson Gale as

our Static Grounding Control & Bonding

Solutions Company of the Year

For over four

decades,

Newson Gale

has set the standard

in static grounding

control for hazardous

environments –

protecting industries

where a single

spark can trigger an

unexpected incident.

Across sectors handling flammable vapours,

gases, liquids, dust, or fibres, the risk of explosive

atmospheres is ever-present. No matter how

these environments are classified, one principle

stands firm: every potential ignition source must

be prevented or controlled. Among them, static

electricity remains one of the most unpredictable

– and dangerous – threats to operational safety.

From product transfer and mixing to size

reduction, static build-up is a natural byproduct

of countless industrial processes. Left unchecked,

it can discharge from equipment, materials, or

personnel, igniting fires or explosions that can put

the safety of employees & business assets at risk.

Newson Gale’s mission

is clear: to mitigate

these risks through

advanced, standardsdriven

grounding and

bonding solutions. By

engineering systems

that combine precision,

compliance, and

reliability, Newson

Gale helps industries

safeguard people,

protect assets, and supports business continuity

in the world’s most demanding environments.

For many years, Newson Gale has embodied a

rare combination of qualities that reflected its

founder and former business leader, Ernest A.

Kochmann, who sadly passed away earlier this

year. Combining an entrepreneurial self-belief

with a deep commitment to investing in people,

he believed in giving everyone a chance to do

better, was tolerant of failure, and mentored many

– not just in business, but in life. The foundations

he laid when he purchased the business 30 years

ago continue to guide Newson Gale’s values and

fuels its success today.

We caught up with Mike O’Brien, Managing

Director, who explained how the last 12 months

have been, “It’s certainly been a demanding

period, and particularly given the wider ‘VUCA’

level uncertainty affecting the chemical and

process industries. That said, we’ve stayed focused

on supporting our customers and maintaining

the levels of customer service and product

reliability they expect from us. The commitment

of our team has been key – especially given the

ongoing pressures on budgets and reduced

opportunities to progress capital and engineering

projects. Throughout, we’ve made a consistent

effort to remain responsive and practical in how

we support customers addressing electrostatic

ignition risks in hazardous environments.”

safe operation when used as intended and within

certified parameters. We build our products to be

robust and dependable, and many are backed by

a 7 year warranty on electronic components.”

“In the short-term, our priority is to maintain close

engagement with our customers and ensure our

technical support remains practical and aligned

with evolving industry requirements and safety

standards.”

Supporting customers in mitigating the risk of

electrostatic discharge in potentially explosive

atmospheres will always be a main concern for

In acknowledgement of the great, Ernest

A. Kochmann, we then asked Mike why the

company is proud to put such a strong emphasis

on providing customers with fit-for-purpose

solutions, “Our solutions are developed with realworld

operating conditions in mind. While we do

not offer consultancy services or undertake static

hazard risk assessments, we regularly engage with

customers during their review of documentation,

such as HAZOPs, where electrostatic hazards

have been identified. In these cases, we provide

product-specific input to assist with equipment

selection. Our solutions are designed to support

4


Static Grounding Control & Bonding Solutions Company of the Year

standard

While other manufacturers may follow or

choose to incorporate arbitrary static control

performance parameters, Newson Gale continues

to pioneer hardware solutions aligned with

recommended practices in static grounding and

bonding control.

Newson Gale. We asked Mike what the process

looks like for new customers, and are there any

new developments we should be aware of, “When

customers engage with us, we aim to help them

take control of the situation by first understanding

the operational context

– the equipment at

risk of static charge

accumulation, hazardous

area classifications, the

number and type of

grounding points, and

whether interlocks or active

monitoring are required.

From there, we assist them

in identifying solutions

within our product range

that are technically suitable

and practically aligned with

their operational needs.

We work closely with our

customers to support

equipment selection, while

recognising that system

selection and integration decisions are ultimately

made by the customer.”

In recent developments, Mike added, “One of

the more significant developments has been

bringing our PCB design and manufacturing

capabilities in-house. This has improved our

control over product performance parameters,

quality assurance levels and lead times, enabling

us to respond more effectively to applicationspecific

requirements. Wherever appropriate, we

incorporate industry-recommended practices

into our product design, including those outlined

in NFPA 77 ‘Recommended Practice on Static

Electricity’ and IEC/TS 60079-32-1 ‘Explosive

Atmospheres: Electrostatic Hazards – Guidance’.

It’s a positive step, particularly for customers in Ex

and HazLoc operations, where consistency and

reliability are essential.”

Newson Gale serves the entire chemical supply

chain – from manufacturing and specialty

chemicals to oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, and food

& beverage – anywhere static electricity plays a

role in the process. The company is dedicated to

helping customers future-proof their operations

today, with its greatest strength rooted in truly

listening to and understanding their needs.

“Our customers’ knowledge of static electricity

and its risks is usually

limited, so first and

foremost, we leverage

our collective experience

to help them gain some

relevant insights into

the topic. We don’t do

consultancy ourselves, but

we like to help customers

get a better understanding

of the topic. Then we work

with them to find the bestfit

solutions,” added Mike.

As well as customer

centricity, we asked Mike

what are the company’s

long-term goals and plans,

“Looking further ahead,

our focus is on sustainable growth, supported by

ongoing investment in product development,

internal capabilities, and team expertise. We aim

to remain a trusted supplier of static grounding

and bonding solutions.”

“We would also like to take this chance to thank

our customers for their continued trust. We

recognise that they have choices, and we don’t

take their business for granted. We’ll also continue

to focus on delivering the reliability and support

they expect.”

“And, thanks to the team at Newson Gale. It’s their

consistency and attention to detail that underpin

everything we do. It’s something I’m very proud

of, and believe it’s reflected in the way we work

with our customers.”

Since its founding, Newson Gale has earned

the trust of industries worldwide through its

commitment to engineering excellence and

uncompromising safety standards. With a sharp

focus on static control in hazardous environments,

the company combines deep technical expertise,

hands-on customer support, and strict adherence

to international safety protocols.

In an industry where reliability can mean the

difference between safety and a preventable

incident, Newson Gale stands out not only for

the quality of its solutions but for the partnership

and confidence it brings to every customer

relationship. For its enduring innovation, integrity,

and leadership in protecting people and assets

across the globe, we are proud to recognise

Newson Gale as our Static Grounding Control &

Bonding Solutions Company of the Year.

Contact

+44 (0)115 940 7500

groundit@newson-gale.co.uk

www.newson-gale.co.uk

IPN is sponsored by Newson Gale – see them on pages 4-5 5

Plastics & Rubber

Brenntag Specialties

expands Rubber

Excellence Centre

renntag Specialties invested into the

Bexpansion of its Rubber Excellence

Centre in Orbassano next to Turin.

Besides the laboratory for R&D, which

services customers with state-of-the-art

performance analysis and testing, further

value-added services are completing the

broader offer portfolio: Additives can

be repacked customised to customer

requirements. Thereby safe handling of

chemicals and sustainable production

processes are ensured.

The region of Turin (Piedmont) is

known as location of main sites of

high-performance tires. Automotive tire

companies are the main customers for

the Orbassano site, but technical goods

like Industrial Rubber workpieces catch

up and are an important and growing

niche.

The Brenntag Orbassano site special

focus lies on bags-in-bag solutions and

on liquid as well as solid repackaging.

Meltable bags-in bag allow to pack

several components together in

accordance with customers recipes

without need to change the customers

productions process. This reduces

complexity, avoids scarp, and prevents

chemical reactions between materials.

Liquid Repackaging, especially for sticky

liquids and very high viscosity liquids,

is a process difficult to manage, which

needs to preheat the material in special

conditions. The Orbassano site offers

dosing for regular and high viscosity

liquids, avoiding any waste of material.

Brenntag’s production capacity for

liquid repackaging has been increased

by 25% by investments into additional

production lines and new heating rooms.

The Orbassano site meets all quality

standards, including the internationally

accepted IATF 16949 and the ISO 9001

standard.

www.brenntag.com/en-de/

industries/rubber

PLASTICS releases

2025 Q2 Committee on

Equipment Statistics

report

LAMILUX Composites

impresses

LAMILUX Composites, a leading

manufacturer of fibre-reinforced

plastics, reflects on a highly

successful participation at last year’s

IAA Transportation in Hannover.

From September 16 to 22, 2024, the

company used the renowned trade

fair to showcase its latest innovations

and sustainable product solutions

for the commercial vehicle and

bus industries. A special highlight

was achieving third place in the

International Trailer Awards 2025

in the category ‘Components’ for

the innovative surface LAMILUX

Sunsation®.

The International Trailer Award

recognises outstanding innovations

and products that set new standards

in the commercial vehicle industry.

LAMILUX Sunsation® impressed

the jury with its revolutionary UV

resistance, which preserves the gloss

and color of surfaces even after

years of intensive use. Additionally,

its scratch resistance and ease of

cleaning were highlighted as key

advantages.

The jury of the International Trailer

Awards consists of an international

group of experts from the

commercial vehicle industry. This

includes trade journalists, engineers,

and industry experts who specialise

in innovative and practical solutions

in the fields of components, trailers,

and technologies.

In deciding the winner in the

Components category, the jury

placed special emphasis on

technological innovation, practical

application, and a sustainable

contribution to optimising

commercial vehicles. LAMILUX

Sunsation® impressed with its

outstanding combination of

aesthetics and functionality, meeting

the demands of the modern

commercial vehicle and bus industry.

www.lamilux.com

same period in 2024, shipments

increased by 3.5%. It seems the

plastics industry had a better

handle on ongoing trade and tariff

challenges across the value chain

in the second quarter compared

to the first,” said PLASTICS Chief

Economist Perc Pineda, PhD.

The Plastics Industry Association

(PLASTICS) has published the

Committee on Equipment Statistics

(CES) report for the Second

Quarter of 2025, authored by Chief

Economist, Dr Perc Pineda. Despite

ongoing uncertainty in global trade

policy, the report reveals growth in

shipment data compared to both

the previous quarter and the same

period in 2024.

“Shipments stopped falling in the

second quarter. In fact, comparing

the first half of 2025 to the

Still, high tariff rates remain a

concern. “If the overarching goal is

to strengthen US manufacturing

competitiveness – a goal the

plastics industry fully supports

– then, in the short term, the

industry should be able to import

production inputs and equipment

no longer made in the US at lower

tariff rates,” Pineda added.

Click here to read the report:

https://lp.plasticsindustry.

org/hubfs/CES%20Media%20

Reports/CES%20Media%20

Report%20Q2%202025.pdf

6


Industrial Instrumentation Company of the Month

Excellence & innovation

at Ajax Solutions

In this issue of Industrial Process News we

have featured Ajax Solutions as our Industrial

Instrumentation Company of the Month

Ajax Solutions was founded in 2022 by

a group of experienced professionals

in industrial instrumentation and

process control. The company was created

to deliver reliable, practical monitoring and

measurement solutions tailored to real-world

applications that integrate easily into existing

operations.

Based in Bromyard, Herefordshire, the company

supports customers throughout the UK, across

a wide range of industrial sectors, such as the

water, chemical, food and fuel industries. With

over 60 years of expertise at the company, Ajax

guarantees top-quality measurement and control

using state-of-the-art sensors and comprehensive

monitoring solutions.

Operating within the industrial instrumentation

and process monitoring sector, Ajax Solutions

specialises in the design, supply

and integration of systems for level

measurement, switching and

monitoring; across a broad range

of liquids, gases and solids, including fuel,

oil, water, AdBlue and chemicals.

Its array of hardware solutions is

impressive and the company blends top

quality production with the latest digital

innovations. One of its standout products

is the NIV-X, a digital tank contents gauge

designed to operate on mains power or

via a simple PP3 9V battery.

The NIV-X includes high and low-level

alarms, high-level and bund alarm

switches and an external relay output for

switching alarms, pumps or valves. It also

offers Modbus RS-485 communication, allowing

seamless integration with PLC or SCADA systems.

This makes it ideal for applications where local

indication and system-wide connectivity are both

essential and provides a cost-effective solution

for upgrading existing tanks with no access to

electricity.

Another standout Ajax product is the DQ10,

a unique device that continuously measures

the quality of diesel in storage tanks, particularly

those used for generator backup systems. It

automatically sends email alerts when diesel

quality degrades to a point that requires

polishing or replacement – helping prevent

generator failure and power disruption in critical

infrastructure.

In addition to hardware-based systems, the

company also provide remote monitoring

through its cloud-based logistics platform, SITE

INFO, which is designed and operated by Ajax’s

Swedish partners, MCD. This enables customers to

view real-time tank data, alarms and trends across

multiple sites, offering complete visibility and

control from any connected device.

Ajax Solutions is also proud to be the UK partner

for Nivelco Industrial Process, one of Europe’s

leading manufacturers of level transmitters and

switches. Nivelco’s product range includes radar,

ultrasonic, guided radar, and magnetostrictive

transmitters, as well as ATEX-rated level switching

systems. This partnership allows the company

to supply proven, high-quality instrumentation

backed by local integration, service and support.

The company stands out in this exciting sector

for its commitment to customer service, working

closely with its clients to provide solution

packages specific to their needs or existing

infrastructure. Managing Director, Jac Williams,

explains why this commitment is so important,

“Ajax Solutions positions itself as a true solutions

provider, not simply a supplier of standard

equipment. Often, an off-the-shelf product might

meet around 80% of a client’s requirements – our

goal is to fill that remaining 20% through tailored

engineering, product integration, and support

from our development team.”

For example, at a recent project at a

major lubricants blending facility, Ajax upgraded

their storage monitoring system to offer both

local and remote visibility. It connected 15 Nivelco

PiloTREK radar transmitters to their tanks and

interfaced them with a Nivelco MultiCONT local

display. While that setup delivered a reliable

on-site system, the customer also required remote

monitoring.

To achieve this, Ajax connected an MCD Site

Monitor to the MultiCONT via RS-485, and

through a bespoke Modbus integration,

transmitted all tank data securely to the cloud.

This hybrid approach gave the client a complete,

tailored solution; combining off-the-shelf

hardware with custom integration.

This commitment to customer service extends

to Ajax’s close connection to its network

of installation partners across the country.

These partnerships allow for on-site installation,

commissioning and maintenance support

wherever customers are based ensuring

consistent quality and quick response times.

Recently Ajax expanded its product

range, strengthened its technical

development capability and deepened

relationships with key distributors and

OEM partners. These steps have allowed

Ajax to deliver faster turnaround on

custom systems and provide stronger

support for customers than ever before.

Looking to the future, Ajax Solutions

aims to continue growing its national

presence and expand its offering of

complete monitoring solutions. This

includes developing new communication

interfaces, smarter cloud integration and

scalable packages for customers with

multiple or remote sites.

Ajax’s commitment to intelligent, data-driven

sensing technology that delivers dependable

performance and measurable outcomes for

every client is an outcome of its unique blend of

integrated innovation and operational excellence.

At its core, Ajax Solutions’ philosophy is simple

– listen, adapt and deliver. It prides itself on

building long-term relationships by providing

robust, intuitive and reliable monitoring

systems that perform in the real world and have

consistently proven what can happen when

excellence meets precision.

Contact

07564 927555

sales@ajax-sol.com

www.ajax-sol.com


Waste Management

Bradshaw EV announces exclusive partnership

with Glutton

Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, one of the

country’s leading providers of waste

management vehicles, has announced that it

has been named as the sole distributor in the

UK for street cleaning equipment specialist,

Glutton.

Glutton, headquartered in Belgium, has over

25 years of experience developing innovative,

eco-friendly street-cleaning solutions, with

machines operating in more than 8,000 towns

and cities across 85 countries.

The partnership comes at a time where the

company is looking to establish its presence

further in the UK, with Glutton looking to

leverage Bradshaw’s established reputation as a

trusted distributor of specialist electric vehicles

across the country.

Bradshaw, which manufactures electric tow

tractors and industrial equipment, are also

distributors of Taylor Dunn, Goupil, and Club

Car products.

Glutton specialises in creating efficient, ecofriendly

street cleaning solutions designed to

maintain cleanliness in public spaces. Their

product range includes the Glutton Collect

street vacuum cleaner, which is engineered for

efficient litter collection in urban environments,

and the Glutton H₂O Perfect, which utilises a

60-litre pressure washer as an effective cleaning

and disinfectant working alongside the

powerful vacuum.

The Glutton vacuums are expertly designed

for local authorities and industries focused on

cleanliness in public spaces. Their eco-friendly

design enables efficient litter collection in

urban areas, including streets, parks, and

transport hubs, keeping locations safe and

inviting.

With a focus on effectiveness and ease of

use, they can navigate tight spaces and

operate quietly, making them ideal for busy

environments. By swiftly managing litter, they

enhance the visual appeal of public areas and

promote public health by reducing debrisrelated

hazards.

Known for their powerful suction, long battery

life and ability to clean various types of surfaces

and collect a wide range of debris, the Glutton

models are set to complement Bradshaw’s

increasingly popular waste-collection vehicle

range.

With growing demand from councils and

contractors for sustainable, zero-emission

solutions, the partnership is expected to

provide a significant boost to ensuring cleaner

and greener urban environments across the UK.

Speaking on the newly formed partnership,

Ramsy Labassi, Marketing Manager at Bradshaw

Electric Vehicles, said, “Bradshaw’s ethos has

always been to offer cost-effective and efficient

solutions that make everyday tasks simpler and

easier, and the Glutton fits the bill perfectly.

Waste management operations are evolving

as councils and organisations from the private

sector face increasing pressure to deliver

cleaner environments while reducing emissions

and operational costs.

“Glutton complements our waste and street

cleansing range of vehicles. It caters to a direct

need for customers, both existing and new,

who are seeking a practical solution to keep

either towns, cities or industrial sites clean.

“Adding Glutton to our line-up enables us to

deliver a complete end-to-end solution for

waste management and urban maintenance,

and as such, we’re proud to have been

appointed as their exclusive UK distribution

partner.”

01780 782621

enquiries@bradshawev.com

www.bradshawev.com

8


Test, Measurement & Laboratory

High-capacity solutions

for space-conscious labs

Measuring less than a metre

wide and deep, Priorclave has

created a deceptive beast of an

autoclave, capable of processing the

tallest objects in its 200 litre vertical

chamber. The robust EV200-SMART

Top-Loading

autoclave is

the perfect

solution

for anyone

seeking to

maximise lab

space.

Vacuumequipped,

the EV200-

SMART can

outperform

base models

and achieve

the highest

level of steam

penetration

possible, with

pulsed freesteaming to maximise

the efficiency of the pre-cycle

vacuum phase and vacuum-assisted

drying post-cycle.

Fitted with a quick seal single-action

door with both thermal and pressure

locks, preventing accidental opening

at load temperature above 80°C and

pressures above 0.2 bar. Built to last,

the pressure vessel comes with a

10 year warranty and is insuranceapproved.

The

EV200-SMART

also features

Priorclave’s

exclusive

Tactrol®3

user-friendly

control system,

enabling fully

programmable

custom cycles

and single

push-button

starts, even

while gloved.

With models

such as

the EV200-

SMART, it

is no wonder that top-loading

autoclaves remain one of the bestselling

autoclaves worldwide! To

learn more, visit: www.priorclave.

com or call the sales team on +44

(0)20 8316 6620.

Excellence in vibration

monitoring

aintec is the longest standing

Mexhibition for the predictive

maintenance, reliability and asset

management industry, and Chris

Hansford, Managing Director of

Hansford Sensors Ltd, has been

attending the show for almost 40 years.

As a globally recognised leader in

industrial vibration monitoring,

Hansford Sensors designs &

manufactures a broad range of highperformance

equipment. Its offerings

include accelerometers, vibration

sensors, 4-20mA transmitters, cable

assemblies, and industrial enclosures.

At Maintec 2024, Hansford Sensors

highlighted key products like its

Accelerometer Power Supply Modules

and Vibration Sensors, showcasing

its commitment to delivering reliable

solutions for industrial applications.

Vibration monitoring products are

crucial in industry because they

help detect early signs of machinery

malfunction, such as misalignment,

imbalance, or bearing failures. Hansford

Sensors systems are ideal to support

various outputs like AC acceleration and

velocity, ensuring versatility in usage.

Its products are designed for robustness

with IP ratings suitable for harsh

environments, making them ideal for

industries such as manufacturing, power,

and mining.

As well as Vibration Systems and

Switches, Hansford Sensors also offer

a range of accessories for vibration

monitoring that include DIN rail

mounted monitoring and protection

modules, vibration switches and charge

amplifiers.

What’s more, Hansford Sensors also

provide an online calculator designed

to simplify your vibration analysis. From

an input of acceleration, velocity or

displacement the Vibration Calculator

converts the amplitude and frequency

into a range of engineering units to

optimise analytical performance.

For more information on all products,

or to use the calculator, please see

below:

0845 680 1957

sales@hansfordsensors.com

https://hansfordsensors.com

Hansford Sensors is a leading global

manufacturer of industrial vibration

monitoring equipment. We design, develop

and manufacture a range of high-performance

industrial accelerometers, vibration sensors,

4-20mA transmitters, cable assemblies,

industrial enclosures and ancillary equipment.

These products can be used in a wide range of

industries including petrochemical, metal,

paper & recycling.

Visit hansfordsensors.com,

contact 0845 680 1957 or email

sales@hansfordsensors.com

10


Tork convenes

European roundtable

Tork, an Essity brand and global

leader in professional hygiene,

brought together facilities leaders,

designers, architects, policy

makers, advocacy groups, NGOs,

manufacturers, infection prevention

experts, accessibility advocates

and lived‐experience experts for a

European roundtable on inclusive

hygiene in public washrooms, held

in Edinburgh, Scotland on 2 October

2025.

The discussion produced clear,

actionable measures businesses

and venues can implement now to

remove hidden hygiene barriers for

millions of users – and set out the

commercial case for doing so.

The roundtable builds on the recent

Tork insight survey, which found only

one in five washrooms meet hygiene

cleanliness expectations and 52% of

people take negative action after a

poor experience – from cutting visits

short to leaving negative reviews –

directly impacting business revenue

and reputation.

Participants stressed that “people

are not the barrier; the environment

is”, urging businesses to realise the

opportunity to design washrooms for

the inclusion of more people.

“Most people don’t really care about

washrooms, they’re not top of the

list, there are many other priorities.

I think it’s necessary that more

people start to care and that they

really start to include washrooms in

their priority list. Because they add

value for a customer, for a visitor.

And in the end that’s value for the

business,” said Mariëlle Romeijn, ONE

HUNDRED Restrooms.

Learn more about how inclusive

hygiene can improve your

business: www.torkglobal.com/gb/

en/about/inclusive-hygiene

Tennant expands

autonomous cleaning

robot production

ennant Company, a global leader in

Tprofessional cleaning technology,

recently announced the expansion of

its Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)

manufacturing at its Uden factory in the

Netherlands, to meet growing demand

across the EMEA region.

The move includes the start of European

production for Tennant’s latest

innovation, the X4 ROVR – a compact,

AI-powered robotic floor scrubber

designed for high-traffic commercial

environments such as airports,

shopping centres, and hospitals. This

follows the successful roll out of T16AMR

production in Uden since January

2025 and reflects Tennant’s strategy

to localise manufacturing, reduce

environmental impact, and accelerate

delivery times for European customers.

“Automation is scaling across

EMEA,” said Sylvain Rottier, VP &

General Manager, Tennant EMEA. “By

manufacturing both the T16AMR and

X4 ROVR in Europe, we’re enabling our

customers to access next-generation

robotic cleaning solutions faster, with

the added reassurance of EU-based

data handling & local service support.”

Cleaning & Hygiene

Over the past 12 months, Tennant has

seen an increase in AMR deployments

across EMEA, with adoption rising

in sectors such as retail, logistics,

healthcare, and manufacturing. The

company’s global AMR fleet – powered

by BrainOS®, the leading AI software for

robotic cleaning – has now surpassed

10,000 deployed units globally.

The Uden expansion enhances

Tennant’s ability to meet this demand

while advancing sustainability targets.

Local production reduces transatlantic

shipping, lowers emissions, and allows

Tennant to better support regionspecific

needs.

www.tennant.com

www.ipcworldwide.com


Oil, Gas & Offshore

High-speed navigation

in the northwest

Mediterranean remains

unchanged

ceanCare, together with Alnitak,

OBluewave Alliance, ClientEarth,

Ecologistas en Acción, Greenpeace,

GOB Mallorca, Fundación Marilles

and WWF, presented the findings of a

new analysis at a press conference in

Madrid, showing that voluntary vessel

speed reduction measures are failing

to protect endangered whales in the

north-western Mediterranean.

Collisions with ships are the main

cause of human-induced death for

large whales in the north-western

Mediterranean, notably the fin whale

and the sperm whale, both classified as

‘endangered’ by the International Union

for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In order to address this serious

problem and reduce the risk of fatal

collisions, in 2023 the International

Maritime Organisation (IMO) approved

the designation of this area as a

Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA)

and established a voluntary measure to

reduce ship speeds to 10-13 knots. The

best available scientific data indicate

that the probability of a collision having

a lethal effect on a whale is very low

when the ship’s speed does not exceed

10 knots.

The Cetacean Migration Corridor

is located in the northwestern

Mediterranean PSSA. This area of high

ecological value was designated by

Spain in 2018 as a Marine Protected

Area (MPA) and as a Specially Protected

Area of Mediterranean Importance

(SPAMI) by the United Nations Barcelona

Convention in 2019.

Contact

www.oceancare.org

Oliver Valves supports

Fast4Ward ® programme

liver Valves has supplied a

ODouble Block and Bleed (DBB)

Injection Probe Valve to SBM Offshore’s

Fast4Ward® Multi-Purpose Floater (MPF)

hull programme, reinforcing our role

as a trusted partner in some of the

world’s most significant offshore energy

projects.

The Fast4Ward® concept is reshaping

the FPSO market. By

standardising hulls and

topsides modules, SBM

Offshore can accelerate

delivery schedules,

reduce project risk,

and bring deepwater

developments online

faster. For operators

such as TotalEnergies,

this approach offers an

efficient route to market

while maintaining

flexibility for projectspecific

requirements.

Our DBB Injection Probe Valve is

designed for critical chemical dosing

duties, safely introducing inhibitors and

treatment fluids into the process stream.

With integral double isolation and bleed

functionality, it provides operators with

a compact and robust solution that

enhances safety, simplifies maintenance,

and supports long-term flow assurance.

This project marks the first of several

valve packages supplied into the

Fast4Ward® programme by Oliver Valves.

Over the coming weeks, we will be

sharing further updates on the wider

scope of our engineered valve solutions

that contribute to the safe, efficient, and

reliable operation of SBM’s FPSO fleet.

Neil Barnett, Project Sales Manager

at Oliver Valves,

commented,

“Supporting projects

like Fast4Ward® is an

excellent example of

how Oliver’s engineering

expertise and proven

designs are helping

operators meet the

challenges of modern

offshore production.

Our injection probe

valve range continues to

deliver the reliability and

performance our clients

demand, even in the

harshest environments.”

For more information on our DBB

Injection Probe Valve and the full range

of Oliver’s engineered solutions, please

explore our brochures.

Contact

www.valves.co.uk

12


Chemicals

Regulatory toxicology experts

Toxiqua Ltd is a trusted specialist in Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology,

one of the most complex and high profile areas of regulatory science

momentum, Toxiqua is in the process of implementing

ISO 9001:2015 aligned quality processes to reinforce

its commitment to operational excellence. Plans are

also underway to expand the senior toxicology team,

ensuring the company can continue to deliver the

speed, quality, and independence that have become its

hallmark.

newborn’s first breath. A field heavy with

crops ready for harvest. A promising product

A on the lab bench. What connects them all is a

simple truth: the safety of chemicals matters, not just

for today, but for generations to come. When those

substances affect reproduction or development, the

impact can span lifetimes.

This is where Toxiqua Ltd excels. Founded in 2024, the

Worcester-based consultancy has quickly positioned

itself as a trusted specialist in Developmental and

Reproductive Toxicology (DART), one of the most

complex and high-profile areas of regulatory science.

At the heart of Toxiqua’s success is Jason Manton, a

board-certified, EUregistered

toxicologist with

over 20 years’ experience

across contract research

organisations, industry,

and consultancy. His

career has been dedicated

to understanding how

chemicals interact with life

at its most vulnerable stages, before birth and through

reproductive health. That expertise now powers Toxiqua’s

mission: “Providing innovative solutions to complex

problems.”

From global manufacturers and importers to niche

innovators, Toxiqua serves clients in chemicals,

agrochemicals, biocides, pharmaceuticals, and consumer

products. Its service portfolio covers the full spectrum of

developmental and reproductive toxicology, including

study design and monitoring, CRO selection, datagap

analysis, OECD/IUCLID dossier preparation, and

regulatory representation.

Why DART matters. Developmental and reproductive

studies require exceptional scientific precision and an

intimate understanding of regulatory expectations. A

single misinterpretation of data, a flawed study design, or

an incomplete submission can lead to costly delays, lost

market opportunities, or outright rejection by authorities.

Toxiqua mitigates these risks by building strategies that

are both scientifically rigorous and regulator-ready.

To achieve this, the

company blends

traditional study

methods with >120

years combined

experience and

predictive tools such

as QSAR (Quantitative

Structure Activity

Relationship)

modelling, with

cutting edge readacross

techniques. This

approach not only strengthens the scientific case but

also reduces unnecessary testing, saving client’s time and

resources.

“We cut through complexity,” says Manton. “Every project

benefits from senior consultant involvement, so our

clients receive clear, independent advice, fast, and with

absolute scientific integrity.”

The company’s first year has been marked by rapid

growth and strong client feedback. Building on this

Toxiqua’s impact goes beyond compliance. By

safeguarding products that people depend on, from

medicines to agricultural solutions, it plays a direct role

in protecting both human health and the environment.

In doing so, it ensures that the unseen connections

between our chemistry and our future remain safe,

stable, and sustainable.

In an industry where safety, trust, and regulatory

precision define success, Toxiqua turns complex

problems into solutions that protect not just products,

but generations.

07944 934079

info@toxiqua.com

www.toxiqua.com


Sustainable Packaging

CCL Label launches sustainable product portfolio

for dairy market aligned with PPWR goals

New range includes EcoFloat WHITE, EcoFloat,

EcoStream® HDPE, PP lids, IML, stretch sleeves and

monomaterial pouches for high-protein beverages

and other yoghurts and dairy products

CCL Label, a global leader in specialty label

and packaging solutions, is proud to

announce the launch of its new sustainable

product portfolio dedicated to the dairy market,

reinforcing its commitment to innovation,

recyclability, and circular packaging in line with

the ambitious goals of the EU Packaging and

Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

This tailor-made portfolio supports dairy brands

in transitioning to packaging that is designed

for recycling, reduces environmental impact

and the carbon footprint, and helps achieve EPR

compliance in the rapidly evolving regulatory

landscape.

The newly launched solutions have been

engineered to work seamlessly with current

recycling streams, ensuring packaging

components are not just recyclable in theory, but

also in practice.

Highlights of the portfolio include:

■ EcoFloat WHITE – A low-density, floatable

sleeve material that enables efficient

separation during the PET recycling process,

New benchmark in

energy savings

With the help of latestgeneration

KHS stretch

blow moulding technology, the

bottler is taking the amount of

energy saved in its PET bottle

manufacturing operations up

to the next level. Coca-Cola has

replaced not one but two older

machines with the InnoPET Blomax

whose performance even exceeds

expectations. This has been largely

achieved by KHS’ optional and

pioneering Double Gate (DoGa)

heating concept.

The district of Knetzgau in Lower

Franconia is home to a good 6,400

people. Not far from the idyllic

center of this little town on the River

Main stands one of the biggest

Coca-Cola factories in Germany.

Here, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

(CCEP) employs around 500

personnel, producing its popular

classics Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light,

Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Mezzo Mix,

Sprite and various others on a site

measuring 200,000 square meters.

The group has made it its aim to

create a more sustainable future

and has adopted a holistic approach

to this end. Saving energy, water

and materials is beneficial to the

environment and at the same time

cuts costs. The production plant

in Bavaria has now taken a further

step in this direction by investing in

the resource-conserving InnoPET

Blomax from KHS.

The latest generation of KHS’ proven

stretch blow moulding machinery

is not only distinguished by its

high performance but also scores

in direct market comparison with

various measures designed to save

energy.

www.khs.com

now also available in a white version with

lightblocking capabilities to meet branding

needs while enabling brands to switch from a

coloured HDPE or PET bottle to a transparent

one.

■ EcoFloat – The original floatable shrink

sleeve material that detaches cleanly from

PET bottles in the recycling sink-float process,

supporting bottle-to-bottle recycling.

■ EcoStream® HDPE – A pressure-sensitive label

designed for HDPE containers (such as milk

bottles), which detaches cleanly during the

recycling process and meets the design-forrecycling

guidelines.

■ Polypropylene (PP) Lids – Recyclable lids

made from mono-material PP that match the

PP cup and sleeve to form a monomaterial

packaging item offering an alternative to

traditional aluminium lids.

■ Monomaterial Pouches – Innovative flexible

packaging made from recyclable polyethylene

or polypropylene, suitable for liquid dairy

products and yoghurts, helping brands shift

away from complex multi-material laminates.

■ IML Labels (In-Mould Labels) – High-quality

labels made from PP that are moulded directly

into polypropylene containers, creating a

mono-material solution that offers premium

decoration and durability for dairy cups and

tubs.

■ Stretch Sleeves – (made out of LDPE with

up to 75% recycled content) A recyclable

decoration technology that requires no

adhesives or heat, ideal for PET and HDPE

bottles & containers. These sleeves offer

360-degree branding while maintaining

compatibility with existing recycling streams

“As regulations tighten and consumer demand

for sustainable packaging increases, we are proud

to support the dairy industry with packaging

solutions that not only meet functionality

and branding needs but are also aligned with

the future of circular packaging,” said Marika

Knorr, Head of Sustainability at CCL Label. “This

new portfolio is a step forward in helping our

customers reduce their environmental impact

and meet the recyclability criteria outlined in the

PPWR proposal.”

Contact

www.ccllabel.com

Helping Lismore reach

their sustainability goals

The Lismore range of Speyside

malts is one of WM Lundie & Co’s

most cherished offerings. Created

with recipes passed on by the

Lundie family, the traditions and

craftsmanship that were originally

created by them continue today.

With a growing number of consumers

now expecting brands to prioritise

sustainability,

WM Lundie

& Co turned

to Smurfit

Westrock to

take steps

to align with

these values,

ensuring that

their Lismore

brand not only

honours its rich

heritage but

also looks to the future.

WM Lundie & Co had already been

using our metal-based composite

tubes to offer their customers

an enhanced premium drinking

experience. Seeking to become more

sustainable, they decided to move

away from metal bases, swapping to

paper-based tubes which are 100%

recyclable. This shift aligns with their

sustainable ethos and meets the

growing demands of eco-conscious

consumers in the market.

To keep up with demand, WM Lundie

& Co recognised the importance of

switching to recyclable luxury whisky

tube packaging for their Lismore

brand. Our paper-based tubes have

made the

packaging

100% recyclable

within kerbside

recycling

schemes,

simplifying the

disposal process

for customers.

By transitioning

to paper-based

materials, this

has resulted in

significant CO 2 savings, successfully

meeting the brand’s environmental

goals. This shift not only supports

the Lismore brand’s commitment to

sustainability but also allows their

customers to shop more responsibly,

aligning with their preference for ecoconscious

brands.

www.smurfitwestrock.com

14


Space communication

Cutting-edge technology

for the next stage of space

communication: technotrans is

supplying highly precise liquid

cooling systems with an order

volume in the single-digit millioneuro

range to an established

provider of communication

technology. The innovative

cooling systems will be used

across a network of satellite

ground stations. The aim is to

ensure consistently stable data

transmission for future space

missions.

“With this project, we are

operating at the highest

technological level and once

again demonstrating our leading

engineering expertise,” says

Michael Finger, CEO of technotrans

SE. “Our thermal management

plays a key role in ensuring reliable

communication over extreme

distances of several hundred

thousand kilometres.” To guarantee

uninterrupted data transmission

into space, powerful satellite

antennas are being installed at

several locations on Earth. These

high-tech antenna systems

require extremely precise thermal

conditions with a temperature

accuracy of 0.1 Kelvin at all sites.

This is where technotrans’ expertise

comes into play: the technology

company has developed a liquid

cooling system specifically

tailored to these complex

requirements for the highfrequency

antennas. Thanks to

intelligent control technology, the

system ensures exact temperature

conditions at all times, enabling

stable transmission and reception

of communication data.

“Precision liquid cooling is

becoming increasingly important.

With our extensive experience, we

continue to open up new, futureorientated

applications,” says

Michael Finger.

www.technotrans.com

Industrial Process Technologies

TOPTICA introduces

TOPTICLOCK

t this year’s LASER World of

APHOTONICS, TOPTICA has

introduced to the market the first

commercially available optical

quantum clock based on a single lasercooled,

trapped Yb + ion.

The TOPTICLOCK system was now

delivered to a first customer in

September 2025 and set into operation

within a few days. With its relative

stability and accuracy on the order

of 10 -17 , TOPTICLOCK sets a new

benchmark for commercial atomic

clocks and frequency standards with

applications in time scales and time

services, network synchronisation,

and as a ground reference for satellite

navigation. Such performance in

an industrial form factor marks

an important milestone towards

redefinition of the SI-second based on

optical transitions.

Microwave-based caesium atomic

clocks have long been the gold

standard for timekeeping and are

an implementation of the current

definition of the second as the base

unit of time. Optical quantum clocks

with their much higher oscillation

frequency now rewrite the rules,

offering orders of magnitude

improvements in stability and accuracy.

TOPTICLOCK features transport stability

and ease-of-use while demonstrating

superior performance unprecedented

for any commercially available clock.

This is proven by the installation and

operation of TOPTICLOCK at PTB, the

German National Metrology Institute,

for qualification and its subsequent

transfer to a customer site in Vienna/

Austria. The clock system consists of

two 19-inch industrial racks and can

be operated as well as monitored

remotely. It bridges the gap between

advanced metrology and deployable

quantum infrastructure.

www.toptica.com/products/

laser-rack-systems/

optical-quantum-clocks



BVC Heavy-Duty Industrial

Vacuum Cleaners: Tough

machines for tough jobs

he range of BVC

(British Vacuum

TCleaners)

Industrial Vacuum

Cleaners is

manufactured in

Fareham, Hampshire

by Quirepace. The

current product

line is based on

time-tested and

proven designs.

These machines

utilise robust,

durable components

throughout, such as

castings and fabrications, combined with modern

electrical components engineered for the latest

standards of efficiency. With every little plastic

used in manufacture and to ensure quality and

availability, Quirepace brought many of the metal

pressings in-house in 2016, establishing their own

press-shop with 30-tonne and 55-tonne presses.

The Ti series: Heavy duty capability

The most extensive range is the Ti series, which

includes the BVC Ti60 and Ti80 models. This series

is specifically designed for environments where

heavy or challenging materials must be cleaned and

recovered. Typical customers come from sectors

such as manufacturing, heavy engineering, and

construction.

Power and performance

The power range of the Ti series spans from 4kW up

to 15kW. Standard electric units are powerful and

require a 3-phase electrical supply, although petrol

and diesel variations can also be supplied for sites

where 3-phase power is unavailable.

The motive power is a continuously rated

combination unit. This unit pairs a 3-phase electric

motor with a BVC multistage vacuum pump

specifically designed for heavy-duty use.

The power of the BVC Ti range make them suitable

for small fixed-pipework central vacuum cleaning

systems.

Material collection

and flexibility

The BVC Ti60 and

Ti80 models have

integrated collection

tanks with capacities

of 60 litres and 80

litres, respectively.

For handling

larger quantities of

materials, using a

separate intermediate

interceptor skip is

often more efficient

and practical.

A separate interceptor skip provides several

operational advantages:

■ Shared Use – A single vacuum unit can be

efficiently shared among multiple operators.

■ Easier Emptying – The vacuum unit doesn’t need

to be disconnected from the power supply for

emptying.

■ Reduced Weight – Separating the vacuum plant

from the collector significantly reduces the weight

that must be transported to the disposal point.

■ The interceptor skips can be moved on wheels

or carried by a Forklift Truck (FLT). The Ti80 unit is

also equipped with fork lugs for secure transport.

The BVC multistage pump advantage

The superior design of the BVC multistage vacuum

pump contributes significantly to the durability

of the vacuums. This design is more forgiving in

demanding industrial applications compared to the

typical side channel exhausters found on competitor

machines.

Side channel units have extremely tight internal

tolerances, meaning their performance can be

rapidly destroyed if non-air debris enters the unit.

In contrast, BVC multistage vacuum pumps are built

with much wider tolerances between the impellers

and the casings. This crucial gap provides resilience,

often leaving the BVC pumps unaffected by the

accidental ingress of materials or liquids. This results

in very high durability and reliability in the toughest

environments.

Filtration

The filtration system is as critical as the machine’s

power in determining overall efficiency. Effective

filters must be robust enough for continuous

operation with aggressive materials and designed

not to blind easily.

BVC Ti series vacuum cleaners offer a choice of filters:

■ Standard Bag Filters – A reliable option for

general use.

■ BVC Clearflow Filter – A unique option for finer

materials. This filter is engineered to naturally

agitate continually during use, actively helping to

prevent filter blinding.

For enhanced air purity, all standard filters can be

combined with HEPA secondary filters.

Tooling and system integration

Ti series machines accommodate a wide array of hose

sizes: 38mm, 51mm, 76mm, and 102mm. Various

combinations and lengths can be used based on the

application. The larger machines have the capability

to support multiple users simultaneously. This is

achieved using simple Y pieces or by integrating

the vacuum into a comprehensive fixed pipework

system. Heavy-duty tools are available in different

designs, and for some materials, special aerating

tools are necessary to mix the material with air to

ensure easy flow.

ATEX compliance

For organic materials, such as wood or plastic

products, where fine dusts could create an explosive

atmosphere, ATEX rated vacuum cleaners are

mandatory. Both the Ti60 and Ti80 models are

available in ATEX rated versions, including similarly

rated hoses and tools, to meet this critical safety

standard.

Customisation and warranty

Quirepace can manufacture customised units for

highly specific applications, in addition to the wide

range of standard configurations. For example,

machines can be equipped with PLC interfaces. This

allows the equipment to start and stop automatically,

when integrated into production line processes.

BVC Industrial Vacuum Cleaners are built for

durability and have successfully stood the test of

time across diverse industries. Machines used in

the UK come with a 5 year parts warranty against

manufacturing defects. Spare parts are readily

available for all units from a comprehensive

warehouse in Fareham. BVC from Quirepace remains

true to its motto: Tough Machines for Tough Jobs.

023 9260 3700

bvcsales@quirepace.co.uk

www.bvc.co.uk

16


HiDensity becomes a

100% ifm subsidiary

ifm announces the full acquisition

of HiDensity Group, a major

player in ASIC design. HMT

microelectronic AG is the

oldest and one of the largest

independent ASIC design houses

in Europe, specialising in the

design of ‘mixed signal’ ASICs,

modules and microelectronic

systems, notably for sensors

and actuators. HMT and ifm

share a decades-long business

relationship, which led to ifm

group acquiring a 30% stake in

HiDensity Group in 2022. As part

of the acquisition, all employees

and Biel, Switzerland site will be

retained.

Martin Buck, co-CEO of ifm, states

that the acquisition will secure

the innovative strength and

future growth of both companies,

“Together with our future

colleagues, we want to leverage

the market’s opportunities for

further growth of HMT and ifm.”

Martin Buck is keen to make it

clear that the acquisition of HMT

is not driven solely by economic

considerations, “For ifm, acquiring

HMT is about securing future

component availability and

strengthening ifm’s innovation

through HMT’s ASIC design

experience.”

From HMT’s perspective, the

acquisition also makes sense,

as ifm is one of its largest

customers. Günther Hoheisel,

CEO of HMT, says, “HMT will

benefit significantly from the ifm

group’s growth momentum and

support in realising its own growth

ambitions.” HMT will continue to

operate fully independently in

the market, with only minimal

systemic integration into the ifm

group of companies.

www.ifm.com


Digital drive, backed by

Made Smarter, unites

five companies

ripple effect of digital transformation

A is sweeping through a rural industrial

estate where five manufacturers are

modernising operations with support

from Made Smarter.

The government-funded programme,

which helps SMEs adopt technologies

and embrace digital leadership skills, has

found particular success in Whitestake,

west Lancashire.

It began with Surefit Fitted Furniture,

a bespoke cabinetmaker, and quickly

spread through word of mouth and

workshop chats to four other forwardthinking

companies: C&E Aluminium

Systems, MJH Joinery, Reverse

Engineering, and Rustic Tubs.

Each business has developed a bespoke

digital roadmap, resulting in a collective

investment of £181,000 in technology

projects, supported by Made Smarter

grants, and one future leader enrolled on

the Leading Digital Transformation (LDT)

programme.

Together, these companies are

forecasting growth, creating new

jobs, and building a strong local

network by actively encouraging other

manufacturers on the estate to begin or

accelerate their digital journey.

Sarah Woodhams, Made Smarter North

West’s Technology Adoption Specialist,

who has supported all five businesses,

described the transformation as both

organic and inspiring. “What’s happening

on this estate is fantastic,” she said.

“Despite being doors apart, many of

the businesses hadn’t interacted before

Made Smarter brought them together.

From one spark of inspiration, we’ve

seen a ripple effect of innovation

and collaboration. The result is the

emergence of a rural manufacturing

powerhouse. It shows what’s possible

when SME support is delivered where it’s

needed most and peer-led.”

www.madesmarter.uk


Drives & Motors

New variants and optimised functions

for flexible manufacturing

Liebherr-Verzahntechnik

GmbH have revised and

further developed their rotary

loading system (RLS) for automated

and order-specific machine

loading. Offering an additional

load category for transportation

weights up to 2,000 kilograms,

greater storage density

and wider interference

diameters, the automation

specialist is able to meet

current manufacturing

requirements. The new

version was presented

at EMO 2025 in Hanover

(Germany).

The RLS consists of a round

storage shelf, lift module,

setup station and optional

storage tower. It operates as

a transportation and storage

system upstream of the

workpiece machining process

and guides workpieces

into the machining

process automatically. It

can automate up to two

machining centres, can

be flexibly configured and

offers a high storage density

with minimal footprint. This

makes it highly economically

suitable for automated

manufacturing.

Modular design for

customisable configuration

The RLS system architecture is

based on a modular platform. All

of the platform’s basic modules

can be individually configured for

the required load category so the

RLS can be precisely tailored to the

appropriate production environment.

The lift module loads components fully

automatically into the storage shelf,

which is available with two to four

levels. The manufacturer-independent

design also enables the system to

connect to a wide range of machining

centres.

New variant for large workpieces

What is new is an additional size

capable of carrying a transportation

load of up to 2,000 kilograms, adding

an additional weight category to

the 800 and 1,500 kilogram variants

already available. This now enables

larger and heavier workpieces to

be efficiently integrated into the

automated manufacturing process.

The maximum interference diameters

have also been expanded from 900 to

1,400 millimetres so the system can be

optimally adjusted to the workpiece

spectrum.

Optimised setup station

The ergonomic, modular designed

setup station has been completely

revised. It offers options with manual

or electrical rotary units and clamping

hydraulics can be integrated,

presenting the new opportunity to

position workpieces right on the setup

station using a precision bearing. This

was previously only possible on freely

positionable setup stations, but the

function is now available on enclosed

setup stations as well.

Response to changing

customer requirements

The reason for this

enhancement is the growing

demand from customers

whose machines now

machine larger and heavier

workpieces with higher

dimensions. This demand

did not require a new design,

but involved maximising

the advantages to the

customer by optimising

use of space and higher

transportation weights: “This

revision was a logical step

because automation should

not limit the machines, but

broaden their spectrum of

applications,” explains Markus

Zollitsch, Project Leader for

RLS development. The aim is

to reduce production costs

and be able to respond to

market fluctuations quickly

while simultaneously ensuring

maximum ease of operation,

process reliability and quality.

‘Design to Value’

development approach

The ‘Design to Value’ development

approach defines the revision process.

The target was harmonise the main

customer demands with greater cost

efficiency. “We wanted to strike the

optimal balance between performance,

quality and profitability,” says Knut

Jendrok, Head of Sales for Flexible

Manufacturing Systems. The RLS

remains manufacturer independent

and, as before, can be combined with

diverse machining centres.

www.liebherr.com

18


Mitsubishi Electric and

Design & Automation

Solutions (DAS) work

together

itsubishi Electric has helped

Mto deliver a step-change in

productivity for high-volume lead

frame stamping applications, following

another successful partnership with

one its leading machine builder

customers. Working with Oxfordshirebased

machine builder and systems

integrator DAS, the company has

supplied an intelligent control solution

for an automated workcell for Batten &

Allen – experts in the stamping, plating

and assembly of high precision parts

for the electronics, automotive, media

and industrial markets – to aid in the

production of relay base components

for a customer based in Mexico.

The system, a unique cropping

machine for cutting reeled lead frames

up to 40mm wide into a range of

components up to 250mm in length,

consists of a MELSEC iQ-F machine

controller with multi-axis synchronised

motion. One axis controls the stamped

strip feeding, whilst another delivers

a force of 6,000N to the cropping tool.

Designed for accurate and reliable

positioning, the new design has

helped minimise changeover times

and provided a significant boost to

throughput with the ability to cut up

to 700 pieces per hour.

For more information on Mitsubishi

Electric’s range of solutions for

OEMs and machine builders, please

visit: https://gb.mitsubishielectric.

com/fa/solutions/industries/

machine-building

Drives, Controls & Automation

TÜV certification for

Ex p motors

Menzel Elektromotoren has been

certified for the production

of large squirrel-cage motors

in ignition protection type Ex p

pressurization for operation in

zone 1 hazardous areas where an

explosive gas/air mixture is likely to

occur in normal operation. The test

specimen, a compressor motor for

the petroleum industry, underwent

a gas displacement test (test of the

air purge system), leak test and

pressure test. The German technical

inspection service TÜV Nord

comprehensively tested and certified

the construction method.

To win the approval, the

manufacturer had to prove its ability

to control the purging air flow for

all its relevant motor series in such

a way that no gas pockets remain

inside the motor casing. Menzel can

apply this manufacturing procedure

to stock motors in a wide output

range and is thus able to flexibly

and quickly provide competitively

priced Ex p motors featuring the

product categories 2G and 3G.

Pressurized motor construction is

typically suitable for squirrel-cage

motors from 400mm shaft height. It

Menzel can quickly configure squirrelcage

motors in ignition protection type

Ex p pressurization, product categories

2G and 3G and in a wide output range

from stock (pictured: Ex p compressor

motor for an oil refinery)

is available for all voltage ranges and

with air-to-air or air-to-water heat

exchangers (cooling types IC 611, IC

616 or IC 81W).

Menzel’s Ex p motors were named

the Product of the Year in the 2023

AEMT Awards.

Product website: www.menzelmotors.com/pressurized-expmotors-zone1-operation

+49 30 349 922-0

info@menzel-motors.com

www.menzel-motors.com


Artificial Intelligence News

Oxylabs introduces the first AI

copilot for web data collection

xylabs, a premium web intelligence collection

Oplatform, announced the launch of a new AI-driven

solution, OxyCopilot, that is designed to help its users

save time and money spent on complex web data

acquisition tasks. The industry’s first artificial intelligence

(AI) assistant for scraping is a part of Oxylabs’ Web

Scraper API, an all-in-one public web data collection

platform.

Built on a combination of AI and proprietary Oxylabs’

technology, OxyCopilot will enable both web scraping

professionals & those who have little experience in web

data collection to generate instant parsing instructions

Alphawave Semi

drives innovation

in hyperscale AI

accelerators

lphawave Semi, a global leader in high-speed

Aconnectivity and compute silicon for the world’s

technology infrastructure is pleased to announce that

South Korean AI chip firm Rebellions Inc. has selected

Alphawave Semi’s multi-protocol I/O Connectivity

Chiplets for their next-generation product REBEL.

This collaboration will enable Rebellions to deliver

unprecedented bandwidth for its chiplet-based

compute accelerator SoC.

Rebellions’ composable AI accelerator, designed for

Generative AI workloads in AI and hyperscale data

centres, will leverage industry-leading connectivity

from Alphawave Semi and their expertise in

interoperable connectivity IP, custom silicon design,

and chiplets will enable a faster path from specification

to composable silicon, accelerating time to market.

Alphawave Semi’s Advanced I/O chiplet integrates its

PCIe 6.0, CXL 3.1, and Ethernet subsystems with UCIe

2.0 die-to-die connectivity, delivering a versatile multirate,

multi-protocol solution for Network Processing

Unit (NPU) connectivity. This provides Rebellions

with a low-risk, accelerated development timeline,

which enables rapid deployments for hyperscale data

centres, thanks to the silicon-proven functionality and

performance of Alphawave Semi’s flexible solutions.

Alphawave Semi’s UCIe subsystem solution serves as

the foundation for Rebellions’ REBEL-based chiplet

derivatives, enabling high-density, power-efficient

die-to-die communication. Leveraging Alphawave

Semi’s technology, the REBEL series includes REBEL-I/O,

enhancing I/O connectivity with the latest Ethernet

and PCIe standards via UCIe 2.0-enabled chiplets.

Contact

http://awavesemi.com

and requests for the Web Scraper API using nothing

more than a URL and natural language prompts.

“In Summer, together with Censuswide, we carried

out a wide survey of developers and web scraping

practitioners in the UK and US. The data showed that

74% of businesses faced an increasing demand for

public web data over the last year. Unfortunately,

building the necessary infrastructure and maintaining

data parsers remains a heavy challenge for many

companies – a proper parsing process alone can take up

to 40 development hours per week for the tech teams.

With OxyCopilot, we aimed to help our clients collect

Generative AI and PLC coding

t Hannover Messe 2024,

ASiemens unveiled the

first generative AI product

tailored for engineering in

an industrial environment,

called the Siemens Industrial

Copilot. Integrated with

Siemens TIA Portal, Industrial

Copilot is changing how

engineering teams approach

programmable logic controllers

(PLCs). Here, Tom Cash, director

of automation parts supplier Foxmere, explains

how the shift from theory to practical application of

generative AI-powered tools will benefit engineers.

The most common programming language for PLCs

is ladder logic (LL), which mimics the appearance of

electrical relay logic diagrams. Engineers manually

design the logic by arranging symbols, such as

contacts, coils, timers and counters, in a graphical

format that represents the sequence of operations in a

control process.

Now, with the integration of generative AI, the

traditional process of PLC programming is evolving,

offering engineers powerful new tools to streamline

and enhance their work. As Dr

Steven Althaus of Grenzebach

Group implies, generative AI

isn’t just a tool, it’s a “must

have.”

Thanks to the Industrial

Copilot software, engineers

can quickly locate the right

help topics, generate basic

visualisations and expedite PLC

code development. This marks

a significant leap forward in the application of AI in

industrial automation, but what are the benefits?

To clarify, Siemens Industrial Copilot uses advanced AI

algorithms to generate PLC code in Structured Control

Language (SCL).

This is a key development because it eliminates the

need for engineers to manually write and copy-paste

code. Additionally, the software offers step-by-step

guidance on repairs and will even suggest ideas to

improve broader system performance.

Contact

https://foxmere.com/en

Driving growth: AI’s role

With automotive Time to Market becoming a

key area of competitive differentiation, how

are organisations leveraging digitisation, including

AI (Artificial Intelligence), to safeguard supply

chains in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable

political and economic landscape? Bodo Philipp,

CEO, MHP Consulting, explains.

For decades, the efficiency of the

automotive supply chain has been

heralded as the gold standard

to which other industries

must aspire. Detailed and

precise delivery schedules, and

quality, have enabled intricate

and effective just in time

manufacturing models. Yet over

the past few years, as technology

innovation has transformed every

aspect of car design and manufacture,

automotive companies have been

compelled to add a raft of new vendors to

the supply chain, from ECU suppliers to sensor

providers, and software developers to battery

manufacturers.

And while the addition of new vendors is a

the data they need more easily,” says Julius Cerniauskas,

CEO at Oxylabs.

According to Cerniauskas, the newly-released AI

assistant helps to level the playing field. Previously,

the barrier to entry for smaller companies was tough

because they needed to hire a team of web scraping

professionals that are hard to find on the market. By

saving development hours spent on repetitive web

scraping tasks, businesses can devote more attention to

data quality, analysis, and innovation.

https://oxylabs.io

tried and tested process, the new functionled

automotive design and manufacture

model requires a completely new approach.

The traditional, linear and siloed production

processes no longer apply in a function-led

world that demands continuous integration

between software and hardware. If the

new production processes are to be

efficient, automotive companies

must also overhaul supply chain

thinking.

At the same time, of course,

global supply chains have

endured escalating volatility in

recent years. In addition to port

closures on the East Coast of the

US during 2024 and continued

crises in the Middle East, weather

events have caused significant

problems. Notable incidents include the

drought that affected the Panama Canal, the

earthquake in Japan and floods in Slovenia, both

of which had a huge impact on the automotive

industry.

www.mhp.com/en

20


Appointments News

British Compressed Air Society

expands team

he British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has

Tappointed Dr Steve Downham to further expand

its technical team, working alongside Tim Preece as

Technical Officer.

As a chartered mechanical engineer

with a PhD that researched

centrifugal pump systems, Steve

is no stranger to the world of

vacuum technology. For more

than 26 years, Steve has held

engineering positions at Edwards

Vacuum, latterly as technical lead

for new product innovation and

research and development.

This wealth of engineering knowledge

will be a very welcome addition to the

Society’s existing technical capabilities,

particularly in supporting vacuum technology

members and those who are keen to diversify their offer

outside of traditional compressed air applications.

Tim Preece will continue to be instrumental in

developing standards and legislation and lobbying for

the best outcomes for BCAS members. In partnership,

Steve will provide guidance on how members can

apply and deliver against the requirements set.

Steve will play an integral role in the

Society’s Vacuum committee, as well

as working with the training and

development team to develop new

training courses for members and

end users.

Steve said, “It’s a pleasure to join the

BCAS team and to use my engineering

knowledge to help advise members. I’m

planning to meet with lots of members

and end users over the coming months,

using my skills and experience in the vacuum

sector to provide timely and practical advice.”

www.bcas.org.uk

BEP Surface Technologies

accelerates nanodiamond R&D

EP Surface Technologies, a leading electroplating

Band surface finishing specialist, is accelerating its

ground-breaking R&D into nanodiamond technology

with a key appointment. The Radcliffe-based company

has hired a highly skilled chemical engineer, Dinesh

Durgappa, to spearhead advancements in blending

microscopic diamond particles with electroless

nickel plating. Mixing nanodiamonds with

metal coatings can offer game-changing

improvements in components used in many

existing and emerging industries because

they radically enhance thermal conductivity

and improve wear resistance. This strategic

hire underscores BEP’s commitment to

pushing the boundaries of surface treatment

solutions, following the strategic partnership with

Helsinki-based nanodiamond manufacturer Carbodeon,

announced in September.

Commenting on his new role, Durgappa said, “By

fusing modern nanotechnology with traditional plating

methods, we are pushing boundaries that could

revolutionise the industry. Nanodiamonds bring a

cutting-edge advantage to the table, and I’m excited

to explore its applications in heavy machinery, mining

equipment and nuclear waste management.” Durgappa

is working on creating electroless nickel plating with

mid-phosphorus for industrial use. Mid-phosphorus

plating contains 5% to 9% phosphorus and

balances between low- and high-phosphorus

coatings. It is known to be corrosion-resistant,

harder, and produce smooth, shiny surfaces.

This technology marks a significant shift

from traditional electrolytic processes,

as it does not require electricity, offering

greater versatility and efficiency. By integrating

nanodiamonds into the electroless nickel plating

process, Durgappa aims to improve the performance

of plated materials, providing superior resistance to

wear and corrosion – two critical challenges for heavy

machinery and other sectors.

www.bep-st.com

Eriez ®

strengthens

Asia-Pacific

reach

Eriez® announces the appointment of Mary Ann

De Lunas as Country Manager for its Magnetics

division in the Philippines, underscoring the

company’s commitment to expanding its footprint

and enhancing customer support across the Asia-

Pacific (APAC) region.

In this role, Mary Ann will spearhead Eriez’

growth initiatives in the Philippines, focusing

on strengthening our presence in Southeast

Asia, cultivating strong customer relationships,

identifying new business opportunities, delivering

tailored technical solutions and providing sales

support to our valued Representatives

to meet the unique needs of

the local market.

This marks an exciting

chapter for Eriez

Australia as we

continue to grow our

global footprint and

enhance support for

our customers across

Asia Pacific. Bringing

extensive experience

and a deep understanding

of the Southeast Asian

market, Mary Ann is well

prepared to drive growth strategies for Eriez in

the region. Her customer-centric approach and

regional expertise will be instrumental in further

strengthening Eriez’ position in the Philippines,

according to Ezio Viti, Eriez Regional Sales Director

for the APAC Region.

Viti says, “Through ongoing strategic investments

in personnel, Eriez is strengthening its worldwide

presence, delivering expert local support backed by

the resources and innovation of a global leader.”

www.eriez.com

The AEMT team grows with Membership

Engagement Manager appointment

The Association of Electrical & Mechanical

Trades (AEMT) has announced the

appointment of Scott Haslam to the

role of Membership Engagement

Manager as part of its continuing

expansion.

Scott brings a wealth of

experience in building strong

relationships and driving

growth, having spent over 20

years in the climbing industry,

including leading the trade

body for climbing walls in the UK.

Throughout his career, Scott has been

deeply committed to fostering collaboration,

developing meaningful initiatives, and creating

opportunities for industries to thrive.

At the AEMT, Scott will focus

on connecting with the

association's members,

understanding their needs,

and enhancing the value

delivered by the organisation.

Commenting on his

appointment, Scott said, “After

an incredible journey in the

climbing industry, I’ve decided to

embrace an exciting new chapter with

the AEMT. My time in the climbing sector

allowed me to contribute to significant growth,

foster strong partnerships, and develop initiatives

I’m immensely proud of. Now, I’m looking forward

to applying those experiences to my role at the

AEMT, where my focus will be on contributing

to the AEMT’s continued growth by expanding

our membership and enhancing the value we

deliver to all our members. Change always brings

opportunities, and I’m excited to collaborate with

the talented professionals in this sector to shape a

dynamic future together.”

Contact

+44 (0)1904 674899

admin@aemt.co.uk

www.theaemt.com

22


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Instruments & Controls

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Industrial Process News Issue 749

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