Industrial Process News Issue 754

IPN

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS NEWS

May 2026 – Issue 754

Tel: 0121 550 2086

www.industrialprocessnews.co.uk

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When quality

meets precision Pages 4-5

World-Class Bearings, Custom Motors, Spindles, Drives and Encoders

Apex Pumps

Page 21

Mirka UK

Page 27

Vision Engineering

Page 28

Commitment to Excellence

Celebrating 45 years in business

In this issue of Industrial Process News, we are

proud to feature Industrial Electronic Wiring as

it celebrates more than 45 years of unwavering

commitment to excellence in business

I

EW (Industrial Electronic

Wiring Ltd) is a UKbased

electronics

manufacturing specialist

providing end-to-end

solutions including design

support, cable harness

manufacturing, printed

circuit board assembly,

control systems, and

power electronics. Serving

regulated industries such

as aerospace, defence,

medical, and industrial sectors, it delivers highreliability,

fully tested electronic assemblies tailored

to customer specifications and quality standards

across multiple applications.

Since its founding in 1980, IEW has achieved a number

of significant milestones. We spoke with Managing

Director, Duncan Game, to learn what has defined the

business over the years, “The focus right from the start

has been providing a service that gives the customer

what they want. This is a combination of high-quality

standards, reliable delivery and a competitive rate. There

are also times when higher levels of service are needed

to support urgent customer

needs, and we support

those as well as the normal.

Communication, quality

service and a can-do attitude

have served us well.”

He then explained how

the company’s definition

of ‘excellence’ has evolved

over the decades, and the

importance of workforce

development and retention in

maintaining consistent quality.

“The world keeps evolving, change is constant,

therefore understanding customer and market needs

is always important. We have robust processes in place

for continuous improvement via Kaizen and change

management. We also run risk reviews which help us

identify trends and issues early so we can get ahead of

them. For example, we have completed our first five year

digital strategy and are now on our second 5-10 year

strategy, capturing the benefits of integrating AI and

Power Apps into our business

and addressing cyber risks.

“This led us to complete

a full IT system upgrade

last year, creating the

right foundations to take

advantage of new digital

tools. This is a good example

of how we keep excellence

front of mind, ensuring

we are constantly horizon

scanning and evolving.

“Since the MBO in 2020, we have invested significant

time and training into key people within the business.

This included creating our core values through employee

workshops, alongside management and team leader

training, and investment in IOSH, first aid, Six Sigma,

CIPS, and leadership development. This has taken time,

but the culture has helped the business retain and

improve quality. A good example is our move to daily

Gemba walks to highlight potential problems early, and

weekly Kaizen meetings which help eliminate waste and

improve our cost position.”

IEW’s new five year strategy

places strong emphasis

on digital transformation.

This includes quick-win

improvements such as

digital vehicle check sheets,

streamlined engineering

ticket processing, and

improved internal workload

calculations and testing,

alongside more complex

Power App-based solutions

currently in development.

One key project is a new quality application. This is

expected to significantly reduce data processing while

providing higher-quality data for analysis, enabling faster

and more informed decision-making.

Furthermore, daily Gemba walks and weekly Kaizen

meetings provide regular opportunities to identify

improvement ideas, ensuring continuous progress.

Internal audits also form part of IEW’s operations.

However, to maintain effectiveness and accuracy,

the organisation remains committed to continuously

reviewing and refining its processes and services

to ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and IPC

standards.

With Brexit, Covid-19, component shortages, wars, fuel

shortages, and other challenges in recent years, Duncan

explains how the business has adapted.

“The biggest focus has been communication with

employees, customers and suppliers, which has helped

build stronger long-term relationships. A further

challenge has been stock availability to meet customer

demand, which we have addressed by identifying

higher-risk components, increasing stock, and working

with customers on longer-term partnerships as a trusted

supplier.

“Throughout these challenges, sustainability has

remained central to operational excellence. The

organisation has been monitoring its Scope 1 and

Scope 2 emissions for the past five years and has a clear

reduction plan. From a baseline of 32 tonnes of CO 2 e,

the target is to reduce emissions to 5 tonnes of CO 2 e by

January 2028.”

As IEW looks towards its 50th anniversary and beyond,

we asked Duncan about the company’s key priorities and

receiving the Commitment to Excellence Award, “Our

key priorities for growth centre on strategy, technology,

and culture. Strategy shapes ideas and direction, while

technology, particularly digital, plays an increasingly

important role in driving efficiency and innovation. At

the same time, a culture of continuous improvement

ensures the organisation keeps evolving.

“Having nearly doubled in size over the past six years,

IEW is now planning further expansion, including

investment in an additional factory. Alongside this, we

are investing in new ATE test equipment, IPC training,

and ongoing development of our people, all aimed at

enhancing service delivery and enabling growth.

“This award is a fantastic recognition of everyone at

IEW and those who have supported us along the way.

It reflects our commitment to evolving, doing the right

things, and steady, sustainable progress, always asking

how we can improve. The growth we have achieved

is a strong measure of collective effort and dedication

across the organisation. Thank you to everyone who has

contributed to this journey.”

01793 694033

info@iew.co.uk

www.iew.co.uk

2

IPN is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on pages 4-5

Editor’s Notes

Welcome to our May 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.

In this issue of Industrial Process News, we are proud to

feature Industrial Electronic Wiring as it celebrates more

than 45 years of unwavering commitment to excellence

in business. Read our full in-depth interview with IEW’s

Managing Director, Duncan Game,w on page 2.

Gina Burton

Editor

gina@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

CHEMUK 2026 is taking place on 20th & 21st May, 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham. The event is

expected to host more than 600 specialist exhibitors alongside a speaker programme featuring

over 100 industry experts, offering a concentrated opportunity to explore new technologies,

exchange knowledge and build connections. Read our full show preview on page 6.

Contents

IPN

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS NEWS

Issue 754

As an exhibitor at CHEMUK 2026, Agility Minerals will showcase its capabilities within the UK’s

largest B2B chemicals and process engineering event, connecting with buyers, formulators, and

supply chain professionals across the sector. Page 8.

At CHEMUK 2026, Waternation Ltd and Waternation Scientific represent a unified capability: from

high-volume industrial supply to precision engineered water solutions for critical applications.

Page 15. Other show Previews: Smart Manufacturing Week 2026

Other topics covered: Pumps & Valves, Industrial Process Technologies, Electrical & Electronics,

Drives, Controls & Automation, Machining, Test, Measurement & Laboratory, Cleaning & Hygiene.

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

info@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

Miswa Chemicals 12

Cover Story

Oliver Valves 19

PRINCIPLE ENGINEERING

Principle Engineering provides high-quality,

precision components for applications where

performance and reliability matter

4-5

Easy-Laser

25

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

circulates directly to 25,000 targeted businesses per issue, and is

downloadable from multiple digital news stands and via social media.

Please contact 0121 550 2086

Email info@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

www.industrialprocessnews.co.uk

For more information on print or format

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


Precision Engineering Company of the Month

When quality

meets precision

In this issue of Industrial Process News, we have

featured Principle Engineering as our Precision

Engineering Company of the Month

F

ounded in 2008, by David Pillar, Principle

Engineering provides high-quality,

precision components for applications

where performance and reliability matter, often

in challenging environments or beyond what is

currently possible.

David, an engineer with over 30 years’ experience in

the industry, set up the business with a focus on high

quality precision engineering at the core and since then

the company has developed a reputation for world-class

products paired with impeccable service.

With the team distributed across the UK, Principle

Engineering works with customers in the UK and

Ireland; with mechanical and electrical design engineers

primarily involved with machine design, operations

and process engineering. This niche market has allowed

Principle Engineering to focus on what it does best –

high precision quality designed for specific applications.

Spurred by a passion for British engineering, David’s

son Robert is now at the helm of the family business,

bringing his own extensive experience, as well as a

dedication to elevating the UK’s engineering sector by

offering new products and services that develop the

sector and provide an avenue for further innovation

and excellence.

Principle Engineering’s core focus is on high quality

precision solutions. Its portfolio of world class products

includes bearings, spindles, custom motors and

frequency inverters, as well as encoders. The company’s

focus on highly technical, customised engineering

components for use in bespoke machines, is also paired

with Principle Engineering’s expert advice and technical

know-how.

Principle Engineering is a long-established agent and

distributor for GRW, a Worldwide Leading Designer and

Manufacturer for Precision Ball Bearings. For over 80

years, GRW have established their position producing

bearing qualities up to P2 /ABEC9 and offer bearing

sizes from less than 1mm bore x 3mm outside diameter

x 1mm wide extending up to 50mm outside diameter.

Through Principle Engineering, customers also have

access to GRW’s precision sub-assemblies.

The bearings that Principle Engineering supply are highly

customisable, not only just in dimensions and materials,

but in terms of the lubrications used, shielding and

raceway profile. This level of customisation allows clients

to tailor their exact specification and achieve optimal

physical performance and reliability/survivability.

The company’s spindle selection from SycoTec is also

top of the range. Principle Engineering offers spindles

smaller in size compared to competitors, with one

micron accuracy and a high speed of operation which is

uncommon in off-the-shelf alternatives. Beyond drilling

and routing, more exotic use cases include: high-speed

test rigs, textile spinning & multi spindle robotic systems.

Recently, Principle Engineering added The SPEEDER by

SycoTec to their stock. This world-first product can be

fitted to any CNC machine and can increase the standard

12,000rpm to a massive 60,000rpm, which offers a huge

boost to productivity and is critical for detail work which

needs smaller cutters working at a higher speed to

improve surface finish.

The fully autonomous spindle, developed as a userfriendly

plug-and-play solution, requires no external

controls and impresses with tool magazine capability

for automatic tool change and a power output of 300 to

500 watts.

As well as the renowned SPEEDER, Principle Engineering

is also increasing the size of spindles it offers. Historically

the company has stocked spindles that have had a

maximum body diameter of up to 60mm, which places

them in the small machining category. However, SecoTec

is currently developing spindles with both 80 and

120mm bodies, offering a very attractive option for the

main spindle of machining centres.

Alongside its selection of bearings and spindles, Principle

Engineering also supplies world-class inverters and

drives. Its product line in this area offers increased

effectiveness and efficiency for driving motors within

a generator ecosystem, with speeds up to 480,000rpm,

which is rare in such a specialised marketplace.

Its partnership with Sieb & Meyer, a renowned name

in high-speed drive technology, allows Principle

Engineering to provide frequency inverters that are not

just components, but pivotal tools for optimising client

machinery’s efficiency, precision and longevity.

With the ability to operate motors at speeds up to

480,000rpm and advanced control algorithms like pulse

amplitude modulation (PAM), Sieb & Meyer drives offer

unparalleled control over motor torque and speed. The

drives support asynchronous and synchronous motors

without sensors or with various encoder types providing

solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible in

automation and control.

Recently, the Sieb and Meyer range has been upgraded

with the newly released SD4 range. For years, the SD2

drive has been the company’s flagship offering, but the

new SD4 represents a generational change with much

improved algorithms and vastly increased drives within a

compact package. The SD4 also comes with a brand-new

software suite, which has improved diagnostics functions

and allows engineers using the tools to get a much

higher precision.

A key area of growth for the company has been in its

custom motor offering. Working with SycoTec and UK

specialists, it relishes the challenge of designing and

manufacturing made to measure motors optimised

to run at specific speeds and power levels which their

customer’s applications require. Its motors are designed

to be easily integrated into applications, leading to a

simpler design and the elimination of unnecessary parts

such as housings and couplings.

For Principle Engineering providing a robust and varied

product line is just one half of the service. The company

prides itself on being able to offer highly specialised,

bespoke solutions to the most specific client needs.

“We don’t sell a single standard, off the shelf product

in any of our lines.” Robert explains, “Everything

is customised to deliver the highest performance

depending on what the customer needs. We look to offer

them something that’s either smaller, faster, stronger

or longer lasting than they would otherwise get from

commercial products.”

4


Precision Engineering Company of the Month

Take for example, the company’s range of encoders.

Principle Engineering offers a completely customisable

service in this area and is committed to helping

customers whose needs can’t be met with typical

commercial products.

“Off the shelf encoders often can’t cope with high levels

of vibration.” Robert tells us, “So we would look to help

design something custom to give clients something

that’s reliable and long lasting.”

This dedication to client needs is an ethos that runs

throughout Principle Engineering. The company’s motto

is ‘Solutions Where Precision, Reliability and Quality

Really Matters’ and at the heart of this is a commitment

to go above and beyond for the customer, as well as

anticipate the future trajectory of the industry.

Principle Engineering’s forward-thinking approach

has led to its products being used in some interesting

environments. For example, some of its bearings have

been approved for use in the human body for heart

operations and similar procedures.

The company is always striving to stay ahead of the

curve when it comes to materials and recently has been

exploring metals with higher strength and an extended

elasticity range which is useful for applications which

need to launch into space for example.

“With all these new developments, our job is to stay

on top of it all and offer ever improving products,” says

Robert. “We are always on the lookout for innovations

being designed and built in the UK, and helping us to

maintain a competitive edge for customers.”

At the core of this dedication to the cutting edge, is a

deeply held standard for customer care that is inherent

to Principle Engineering. The company provides as much

support as it can for customers, offering free technical

advice for any bespoke design need.

Principle Engineering helps clients achieve greater

efficiencies, deliver results quicker and resolve problems

faster, usually before they even arise. Its free technical

advice, trial units, tailored solutions and the ability to

expedite urgent requirements within 24 hours are just

some of the benefits that this commitment to customer

service brings.

With Robert’s recent appointment as head of Principle

Engineering, the company is entering a second

generation of management. This change signals a refocus

for the company, while maintaining the high quality it’s

been known for. Recently the company has embarked on

a mission to bring in more expertise on ways it can help

integrate its products into customer applications.

For Robert, this pivot represents the company’s

dedication to supporting British Engineering. “I want

to ensure we are doing all we can to support domestic

engineering endeavours and help develop the next

generation of engineers in this country,” he says.

As Principle Engineering looks ahead to the future, this

year promises an increased presence at expos across

the country, with

stands at both MACH

2026 from 20th-24th

April at the NEC, and

an appearance at

Manchester’s Machine

Building North on 13th

May.

The coming year also

sees the introduction

of an expanded

product line,

alongside an increase

in complementary

services for UK

based design and

manufacturing sectors.

Robert says, “We’re

looking to provide

more assistance with

the integration of our

products and

are planning to

introduce more

3D printing and

AI services, so

we can help our

customers develop their projects more quickly.”

Principle Engineering is a company that is dedicated

to quality. Its bespoke service provides customers from

industries typically on the fringe, with a selection of

world-class offerings which have applications beyond

the scope of the regular, commercially available

products. Additionally, the company’s stellar after-sales

service, technical backup and warranty assure customers

peace of mind.

This combination of quality and service means

Principle Engineering can offer the best quality,

every time, by providing both high precision products

and outstanding customer support which enables

customers to achieve their goals quickly, efficiently

and with impeccable results.

For more on Principle Engineering, please see below:

03338 880360

info@principle-eng.co.uk

www.principle-eng.co.uk

IPN is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on pages 4-5 5

CHEMUK Preview

CHEMUK 2026: The UK industry

at a turning point

CHEMUK 2026 is taking place on 20th & 21st May, 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham

N

ow firmly established as the country’s largest

trade event for the sector, CHEMUK has

grown into a central meeting point for the

entire chemical supply chain, bringing together

manufacturers, engineers, formulators, regulators

and logistics specialists in one place. Free to attend

and spanning two days, the event is expected to

host more than 600 specialist exhibitors alongside

a wide-ranging speaker programme featuring

over 100 industry experts, offering a concentrated

opportunity to explore new technologies, exchange

knowledge and build connections.

What continues to set CHEMUK apart is the breadth of

its coverage. Rather than focusing on a single niche,

the exhibition is structured to reflect the full scope of

the modern chemical industry. Its five co-located show

zones collectively provide a comprehensive view of

the value chain, from raw material sourcing through to

manufacturing, testing and distribution. This integrated

approach means visitors can move seamlessly between

upstream suppliers, process technology providers,

laboratory specialists and downstream service

companies, gaining a more complete understanding of

how different parts of the industry intersect.

The Chemicals Supply Zone will once again serve

as a focal point for sourcing and procurement,

connecting buyers with producers and distributors

of commodity, speciality and fine chemicals. For

many attendees, this is a key opportunity to identify

alternative suppliers, explore new materials and

strengthen supply chain resilience in an increasingly

uncertain global environment. Alongside this, the

Chemicals Management Zone addresses the practical

and regulatory challenges that underpin day-to-day

operations, with a strong emphasis on safe handling,

storage, transport and compliance. As regulatory

frameworks continue to evolve across the UK and

Europe, this area is expected to draw significant

attention from those responsible for environmental

health, safety and risk management.

At the heart of the exhibition, the Process and Chemical

Engineering Zone will showcase the technologies that

enable efficient and reliable production. From process

equipment and plant design to automation, control

systems and digital tools, the zone reflects the sector’s

ongoing shift towards smarter and more connected

operations. Advances in data-driven decision-making,

predictive maintenance and energy optimisation

are likely to feature prominently, as companies look

to improve performance while reducing costs and

environmental impact. Complementing this, the

Chemical Laboratory Zone highlights the analytical and

testing capabilities that support research, development

and quality assurance. With increasing pressure to

accelerate innovation and scale-up, developments in

instrumentation, lab automation and data integration

are becoming ever more critical.

Rounding out the exhibition, the Formulated Product

Manufacturer Zone brings a downstream perspective,

focusing on contract manufacturing, blending,

packaging and fulfilment services. Its continued

presence underlines the importance of end-to-end

solutions and the growing demand for flexible,

integrated production models that can respond quickly

to changing market needs.

Across all areas of the show, several key themes are

expected to dominate discussion. Sustainability remains

at the forefront, with exhibitors and speakers addressing

a wide range of topics including decarbonisation

strategies, green chemistry, waste reduction and

circular economy approaches. As the industry faces

mounting pressure to reduce emissions and improve

environmental performance, CHEMUK provides a

platform for sharing practical solutions as well as

longer-term innovation pathways. Closely linked to

this is the challenge of balancing sustainability with

competitiveness, particularly in energy-intensive sectors

where cost pressures remain significant.

Operational resilience is another major focus, reflecting

ongoing concerns around supply chain disruption

and geopolitical uncertainty. The event offers an

opportunity for companies to explore new sourcing

strategies, build relationships with alternative partners

and gain insights into risk management approaches

that can help mitigate future disruptions. At the same

time, digitalisation continues to reshape the process

industries, with technologies such as advanced process

control, industrial data platforms and automation

systems playing an increasingly central role. Visitors

can expect to see a strong emphasis on solutions that

enhance efficiency, improve safety and support more

agile operations.

Running alongside the exhibition, CHEMUK’s conference

programme is set to provide further depth and context.

With more than 100 sessions delivered by industry

leaders, technical specialists and policymakers, the

programme will cover both immediate operational

challenges and broader strategic trends. Topics are

likely to range from process optimisation and safety

management to innovation in materials and the future

direction of UK manufacturing. The inclusion of multiple

conference stages allows attendees to tailor their

experience, focusing on the area’s most relevant

to their roles and interests.

In Hall 5, the show floor is expected to be busy, with live

demonstrations, product launches and opportunities

for hands-on engagement with new technologies

and services. From raw materials and intermediates

to engineering solutions, laboratory systems and

compliance support, the range of exhibits reflects both

the complexity and the dynamism of the sector.

As the UK chemical industry continues to navigate a

period of significant change, driven by sustainability

targets, regulatory developments and rapid

technological advancement, CHEMUK 2026 provides a

timely snapshot of where the sector stands.

www.chemicalukexpo.com/en

6


Section

CHEMUK Preview

Ancorra Environmental

Services Ltd

With our extensive expertise,

in-depth knowledge and

diverse capabilities, Ancorra delivers

cost-effective, efficient solutions

for all your environmental service

needs. From forecourt services

to industrial floods and spillages,

Ancorra Environmental is on hand

to provide a speedy, cost-effect and

environmentally friendly solution.

We offer numerous methods of

maintenance programmes as

well as decommissioning works

to help you be prepared for all

eventualities. Our vast knowledge

and unrivalled expertise mean we

can often develop a combined plan

to suit your various industrial needs

and requirements.

A new service we have to offer

Remote Maintenance provides a

safer, faster internal tank inspection

and cleaning using ATEX approved

camera systems. We provide remote

tank maintenance services across

the UK, allowing us to inspect and

clean tanks without full entry or

unnecessary downtime.

We deliver remote internal tank

inspection and maintenance

solutions, reducing confined space

entry while maintaining compliance

and operational efficiency.

ATEX approved camera systems

All remote maintenance is carried

out using certified ATEX approved

camera technology.

If you would like to know more

come see us on Stand E62,

please call us on 0151 546 3012,

or email our commercial team

for a quote at: commercial@

ancorraenvironmental.co.uk

REMBE at CHEMUK

REMBE is a safety specialist in

pressure relief and explosion

safety. The independent family

enterprise, founded in 1973, employs

a global workforce of around 350. It

provides customers in all industries

with safety systems for their plants

and equipment. All products are

engineered in Germany and meet

the requirements of national and

international regulations. Its most

important proprietary products and

processes include the KUB reverse

acting buckling pin rupture disc and

flameless venting technology. REMBE

customers include market leaders in

numerous sectors.

In many industries, the reliability

of production and production

processes is a top priority. This

applies to the pharmaceutical

industry, the oil and gas industry,

the chemical and petrochemical

sectors, as well as the energy sector.

Operators aim for virtually 100%

reliability of their plants without

unplanned downtime or stoppages.

Operators of process plants have

relied on rupture discs for many

years to reliably relieve unwanted

overpressure and underpressure.

This ensures that the plants are

optimally secured and protected as

effectively as possible in the event of

an emergency.

As the industrial world grows,

demand to meet consumer

requirements and expectation

increases. With chemical

manufacturers focused on

maximising output, reducing

energy costs and ensuring plants

reliably conform to strict safety

and environmental regulations,

there is increased pressure for plant

engineers to source components

that will provide long-term stability

and improve overall operational

competitiveness. Recognising the

challenges faced by the industry has

driven rupture disc manufacturers

to improve their designs. German

rupture disc manufacturer, REMBE,

has taken a unique approach to

further develop its products, leading

to unheard of technological and

operational benefits for customers in

the chemical sector.

As a trusted partner for innovative

process safety solutions, REMBE

will be a key stop at CHEMUK 2026

on Stand E50 for plant operators

looking to enhance safety strategies

and protect their operations.

Contact: Claire Lloyd, Head of

Outside Sales Europe

+49 2961 7405-0

hello@rembe.de

www.rembe.de

Specialist materials

powering modern

industry

Agility Minerals will be

exhibiting at CHEMUK

2026 at Stand M134.

Agility Minerals is a leading

UK-based supplier of specialist

industrial minerals and chemicals,

serving a diverse range of sectors

from adhesives and coatings to

construction, plastics, and life

sciences. With over 20 years of

industry experience, the company

has built a strong reputation for

delivering high-quality, performancedriven

materials supported by deep

technical expertise and responsive

customer service.

Privately owned and customerfocused,

Agility Minerals works

closely with global supply partners

to source materials that are both

technically and commercially

advantageous. Its portfolio includes

products such as barytes, kaolin,

talc, perlite, and specialist additives,

all tailored to meet the evolving

needs of modern manufacturing and

formulation processes.

Agility Minerals supports clients

across multiple industries, helping

optimise product development,

improve performance, and enhance

operational efficiency through

reliable logistics and hands-on

technical guidance.

As an exhibitor at CHEMUK 2026,

Agility Minerals will showcase

its capabilities within the UK’s

largest B2B chemicals and process

engineering event, connecting with

buyers, formulators, and supply chain

professionals across the sector.

Visit the stand to gain an insight

into innovative mineral solutions

designed to support highperformance

applications and

sustainable product development in

an increasingly complex industrial

landscape.

01332 638005

https://agilityminerals.co.uk

8


CHEMUK Preview

Allvalves Online:

More than suppliers,

valve and actuation specialists

Our focus is on delivering application-driven solutions across

industries where performance, reliability and control are critical

ith a strong

foundation

Win valves and

automation, we support

everything from ball and

butterfly valves through

to fully assembled

and tested actuation

packages. This includes

electric and pneumatic

actuators, position

feedback systems,

control accessories and

complete, ready-to-install

units designed around

the specific demands of

each application.

Service and stock

Our service model is built

around responsiveness

and availability. By holding

a comprehensive range

of valves and actuation

components in stock, we’re

able to support next-day

delivery across a large

proportion of our range

and react quickly when

requirements become

urgent. Alongside this, our

in-house capability allows

us to assemble complete

actuation packages,

reducing installation time and simplifying procurement.

We work exclusively with trusted manufacturers,

selecting products based on proven performance,

material integrity and long service life. In environments

where media compatibility, pressure ratings and

operational reliability are non-negotiable, product

selection becomes a technical decision.

Our involvement typically starts well before supply.

We work with customers at the specification stage,

assessing key parameters such as media type, pressure,

temperature, duty cycle and control requirements. This

ensures the correct valve and actuation combination is

selected from the outset reducing risk, avoiding overspecification

and improving long-term reliability in the

field.

As the business has grown, we’ve continued to invest in

stockholding, assembly capability and internal systems.

This allows us to scale without losing the technical

focus or responsiveness that defines how we work.

Increased capacity means we can deliver faster and more

consistently, particularly on time-sensitive or projectcritical

requirements.

Everything we do is underpinned by three core

principles: product availability, technical knowledge and

range flexibility. These directly shape how effectively we

respond to real-world engineering challenges.

Experience and application understanding

With over 35 years of combined experience in valves

and actuation, our team approaches every enquiry from

an application-first perspective. Understanding process

conditions allows us to specify solutions that perform

reliably over time.

Products and capability

Our range includes metal and

PVC valves, alongside electric

and pneumatic actuation

systems and associated

controls. This enables us to

support both standardised

requirements and more

complex, application-specific

builds. The focus is always

on ensuring the solution

integrates correctly within

the wider system and

performs as intended.

We work across a broad range of industries, with

chemical processing and water treatment forming

a core part of our expertise. These sectors demand

careful consideration of corrosion resistance, sealing

performance and operational reliability factors that

continue to shape our technical approach.

From there, we’ve expanded into data centres, HVAC

systems and wider industrial applications, applying

the same level of technical scrutiny to environments

where uptime and system integrity are essential. Our

experience also extends internationally, supporting

projects across Europe, the Middle East and North

America, each with its own specifications, standards and

operating conditions.

Quality built into every stage

Quality is built into everything we do. Our Quality

Management System sits at the core of the business and

underpins how we operate day to day. It’s not something

applied at the end of the process it’s structured into

every stage, from sourcing and stockholding through to

assembly, testing and delivery.

We’ve been ISO 9001:2015 accredited since 2015, but our

focus on quality goes back much further. It’s what allows

us to maintain dependable stock, build strong supplier

relationships and consistently deliver products that

perform as expected in service.

Our systems are designed to support both consistency

and traceability. Electrically

actuated valve packages, for

example, are fully serialised,

providing clear visibility from

assembly through to delivery.

This level of control supports

accountability and gives

customers confidence in what

they’re receiving.

A team built on experience

and practical thinking

At Allvalves, the business is

built around knowledgeable

people who understand what

they’re doing and focus on getting it right. The approach

is straightforward no unnecessary complexity, just clear

advice and practical solutions that work.

As we’ve grown, so has the team. Bringing in new skills,

broader experience and fresh thinking has strengthened

our ability to support a wider range of applications and

respond more efficiently when it matters. What hasn’t

changed is how we approach our work: understanding

the application properly and making sure what we

supply does exactly what it needs to do.

At CHEMUK, we’re here to have the conversations that

go beyond part numbers and datasheets. Whether

it’s a straightforward requirement or a fully integrated

actuation package, our focus is on delivering solutions

that are technically sound, fit for purpose and built to

perform over time. Because in the environments our

customers operate in, getting it right first time isn’t a

preference, it’s a requirement.

Come see us on Stand N34.

+44 (0)1386 552369

sales@allvalves.co.uk

www.allvalves.co.uk

10


Water purification: The underlying current driving efficiency,

quality and sustainability in chemical processing

ater plays an essential role in the chemical

Wprocessing industry, from cooling and boiler feed

applications to complex manufacturing procedures.

Importantly, it must meet precise quality standards to

ensure both efficiency and product integrity. That’s why

Veolia offers a range of advanced water treatment

solutions, enabling chemical manufacturers to

meet these stringent requirements while improving

operational effectiveness and sustainability.

Where precise water quality and control are critical,

Veolia’s purification solutions meet strict parameters for

pH, conductivity, mineral content and microbiological

purity. This improves stability across cooling, boiler

feed and production processes, reducing equipment

CHEMUK Preview

maintenance and preventing operational downtime.

With increasing regulatory pressures and sustainability

goals, reducing water consumption, wastewater

discharge, and energy use is more important than

ever. Our integrated purification technologies can

provide chemical plants with significant water

recovery, reducing the environmental footprint while

maintaining product quality.

Process water typically starts as raw water containing

impurities that interfere with sensitive chemical

processes. If left untreated, these contaminants can

cause scaling, corrosion and disruptions to production,

impacting equipment longevity and product output.

Veolia helps mitigate these challenges, creating

specialised treatment technologies designed to purify

water to the highest standards. These include:

■ CaptuRO* – A high-recovery semi-batch RO system

capable of achieving permeate water recovery of

up to 98% while reducing brine waste by up to 75%

and cutting energy consumption by up to 35%. It is

ideal for industrial, brackish and wastewater reuse

applications that demand a flexible, low-fouling and

operationally resilient water treatment solution.

■ Sirion* – A flexible RO range capable of removing

up to 98% of dissolved inorganics and over 99% of

organics and particles; ideal for large-scale process

water, reuse and utility applications in chemical

plants.

■ TERION* – An integrated RO-CEDI system

delivering demineralised water with over

99.9% removal of dissolved inorganics; ideal

for supporting boiler feed, cooling systems and

high-spec industrial processes where scaling and

corrosion must be tightly controlled.

How much are you relying

on your suppliers for

REACH compliance?

any organisations rely on suppliers,

MOnly Representatives, or upstream

partners to maintain REACH compliance.

In practice, this can work efficiently –

until it doesn’t.

Under UK REACH,

where regulatory

responsibilities

and timelines

differ from the

EU, supplier-led

compliance

strategies do not

always provide

the same level

of certainty.

Decisions made

upstream – such

as withdrawing

support for

a substance,

changing

market focus,

or restructuring

registrations – can

have direct implications downstream.

For some businesses, this creates a

visibility gap. While compliance may

appear to be in place, the underlying

control sits elsewhere, and changes may

not be identified until they begin to

Our intelligent monitoring platform, Hubgrade,

provides real-time data and predictive analytics,

enabling chemical manufacturers to monitor

system performance, optimise processes and ensure

regulatory compliance.

Veolia’s expertise extends beyond the supply of water

treatment systems. From design and engineering

to installation, commissioning and ongoing

maintenance, we offer comprehensive support with

24/7 remote monitoring and expert consultation at

every step.

As the chemical industry evolves alongside increasing

demands for efficiency and sustainability, effective

process water management is becoming a strategic

differentiator. Veolia’s advanced technologies and

industry expertise deliver safer, cleaner and more

efficient water solutions, helping the chemical

processing industry to remain compliant, efficient and

resilient for the future.

For more information, come see us on Stand H20 or

visit: www.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk

*Trademark of Veolia; may be registered in one or

more countries.

impact supply or market access.

As a result, organisations are reassessing

how much reliance they place on third

parties, and whether their current

approach provides sufficient resilience

under a changing

regulatory

framework.

In this context, the

key question is not

whether compliance

exists, but whether

it is within the

organisation’s

control to maintain

it.

At ACRE

Consultancy, we

support businesses

in evaluating

where your REACH

compliance

responsibility sits

and whether your current arrangements

provide the level of control required.

Come see us on Stand D140.

+44 (0)1425 838995

info@acre-consultancy.com

www.acre-consultancy.com


CHEMUK Preview

Miswa Chemicals

Miswa Chemicals

is a UK‐based,

family‐owned

manufacturer of

specialty chemical

products with a

proud heritage

spanning more

than four decades.

Founded in 1979, the

company began as a

small family venture

and has grown into one of the UK’s leading

manufacturers of automotive fluids, technical

aerosols, and insecticide products, supplying

customers both nationally and internationally.

Headquartered in Northampton, Miswa

Chemicals operates modern manufacturing

facilities equipped with advanced filling‐line

technology, enabling the company to deliver

consistent, high‐quality products at scale while

meeting demanding customer timeframes. The

business remains

family‐run across

three generations,

a structure which

allows it to stay agile,

responsive, and

deeply committed to

long‐term customer

relationships.

At its core, Miswa

Chemicals specialises

Stop losing time on

your shutdowns

Cat-Tech Europe

supports UK &

European chemical

and petrochemical

sites with catalyst and

or adsorbent handling

that’s fast, safe and

built to perform when

it matters most.

With over 50 years of

experience, we know

exactly what’s at stake

during a turnaround.

Delays cost money.

Poor loading hits

performance. Safety

risks aren’t an option.

That’s why UK

operators trust Cat

Tech to deliver – first

time, every time.

in the formulation,

blending, filling,

and packaging

of chemical

products across

multiple sectors.

The company’s

strongest heritage

lies in the automotive

market, where it

manufactures a

comprehensive

range of automotive fluids and aftercare products

designed for performance, reliability, and

compliance with industry standards. In addition,

Miswa produces insecticide solutions and

technical aerosol products, serving both branded

and private‐label customers.

Quality, safety, and sustainability are central

to everything Miswa Chemicals does. Its

manufacturing operations adhere to rigorous

industry standards, supported by strategic

investment in research

and development

and continuous

improvement across

all departments.

This ensures every

product meets strict

quality requirements

while remaining

competitive and fit

for modern market

demands.

We also bring proven

innovation to site.

Our patented dense

loading, robotics and

reformer loading

technologies improve

reactor efficiency,

maximise throughput

and deliver consistent,

high-quality results you

can rely on.

No fluff. No excuses.

Just a service that

works.

If you’ve got a

shutdown, turnaround

or catalyst and or

adsorbent project

coming up, make sure

it’s done right.

Miswa Chemicals is also recognised for its

customer‐focused approach. Rather than simply

supplying products, the company works closely

with clients to provide tailored solutions, technical

expertise, and dependable supply chains.

This philosophy has allowed Miswa to build

long‐standing partnerships with key customers

and achieve steady, positive growth over many

years.

Today, Miswa Chemicals stands as an

internationally respected manufacturer,

combining decades of industry experience with

modern manufacturing capability. Guided by its

long‐standing motto, ‘Exceeding Expectations’,

the company continues to evolve while remaining

firmly rooted in its family values, commitment to

excellence, and dedication to delivering trusted

chemical solutions to global markets.

Come see us on Stand J132.

Contact: Nicholas Smith, Marketing Manager

+44 (0)1604 701111

www.miswa.com

Our expert field teams,

backed by dedicated

planning and industryleading

safety systems, handle

everything from single reactors to

full site support. We work efficiently

in high-risk environments, reducing

downtime and keeping your project

on schedule.

Visit Cat Tech Europe

at CHEMUK on Stand

H84 and speak to the

team that delivers under pressure.

Contact

01724 871747

sales@cat-tech.com

www.cat-tech.com

12


Borregaard

Borregaard has one of the world’s most

advanced and sustainable biorefineries.

By using natural, sustainable raw materials,

Borregaard produces advanced and

environmentally friendly biochemicals that can

replace oil-based products.

These environmentally friendly products are

used as binding or dispersing agents, crystal

growth modifiers and emulsion stabilisers in

multiple application areas including construction,

agrochemicals, animal feed, general industrial

applications, binding and dust control.

Furthermore, using our extensive experience in

handling both liquids and powders we can now

offer third party tolling activities to help improve

production costs and simplify logistics.

Our current offerings include:

■ Small to medium batch capacities, with the

facility to do liquid, powder and powder-toliquid

blending.

■ Bulk powder handling, mixing and repacking

into bags, drums, IBCs and tankers.

■ Bulk storage of blended products with the

option to fill into tankers, IBCs, drums and

kegs.

■ An in-house quality control laboratory.

■ Production facility with experienced personnel.

■ Excellent relationships with groupage and

bulk haulage companies, achieving very

competitive rates for both national and

international deliveries.

■ Non-Disclosure Agreements can be prepared

quickly if required.

Visit us at Stand F120.

CHEMUK Preview

Contact: Jonathan Savage, Sales Manager

07809 339713

Jonathan.savage@borregaard,com

www.borregaard.com

01925 285400

F 01925 818048

enquiries.uk@borregaard.com

www.borregaard.com


CHEMUK Preview

Process liquids? Stop losing

valuable product in your pipelines

very changeover could be costing thousands in

Elost product. Adding up to tens, often hundreds of

thousands of £s every year.

That’s because, in many chemical and formulated

product processes, valuable material is still being

flushed to drain during

changeovers. The result?

Unnecessary waste,

longer cleaning times, and

significant amounts of money

down the drain – quite

literally.

Recover lost product from

your pipelines

Instead of wasting product,

HPS industry-leading

product recovery (pigging)

technology provides a

practical way to recover value

that would otherwise be lost

during production.

By removing product from

pipelines before cleaning

begins, more saleable

material is returned to the process. And the savings

can be massive.

How pigging works

HPS pigging systems use a specialist projectile (known

as a ‘pig’) to push product through the pipeline,

Industry-led collaboration

for practical Net Zero

impact

clearing it efficiently prior to cleaning. This simple

but effective approach ensures that minimal product

remains in the line at the end of each transfer.

Maximise recovery and reduce waste

In many applications, pigging enables manufacturers

to recover up to 99.5% of

product from full transfer

pipelines. This not only

improves yield but also reduces

the volume of product sent to

drain, lowering both material

loss and waste handling costs.

We are delivering 55

collaborative industry

projects across the themes

of energy, sustainable

feedstocks and data,

supporting innovation that is

both scientifically robust and

commercially relevant.

Reduce cleaning time and

resource use

With less product left in the

pipeline, cleaning becomes

faster and more efficient.

This also reduces reduce

water, solvent, and chemical

usage, while also lowering

effluent volumes and

associated disposal costs. In

some applications, washout

times have been reduced by

over 80%, improving overall

production uptime.

Improve changeovers and production efficiency

Pigging supports faster, more controlled changeovers

by reducing product carryover between batches. This

helps minimise cross-contamination and enables

more efficient multi-product manufacturing.

For most manufacturers, the impact is substantial.

Occasional the savings are phenomenal – with reports

reaching £ millions per year through reduced product

loss and improved efficiency.

Engineered for real processing environments

HPS pigging systems are widely used across chemical,

coatings, lubricants, personal and homecare liquids

and formulated product manufacturing.

Designed to integrate into both new and existing

plants, systems are engineered to suit specific product

characteristics, pipework layouts, and operational

requirements.

Visit HPS at CHEMUK Stand M14.

Recover up to 99.5% of product. Find out what that

could mean for your process.

+44 (0)115 925 4700

info@hps-pigging.com

www.hps-pigging.com

Recontainers Ltd

The Process Industries Net Zero

Centre for Doctoral Training (PINZ

CDT) works in close partnership with

industry to deliver PhD research

that tackles real-world Net Zero

challenges and generates results

that can be rapidly implemented.

A collaboration between Newcastle

University’s Process Intensification

Group and the University of

York’s Green Chemistry Centre of

Excellence, the PINZ CDT breaks

down traditional barriers between

chemistry and chemical engineering

to train the next generation of

process sector leaders.

Our academics bring

expertise in areas including

process improvement,

carbon capture, continuous

manufacturing, sustainable

feedstocks, catalysis, green solvent

replacement, biomass processing

and plant energy optimisation.

Our three-minute video explains

what a Centre for Doctoral

Training is and introduces the

academic expertise that underpins

the PINZ CDT:

https://pinzcdt.co.uk/industry

Visit us on Stand A4 to explore how

collaborative research can futureproof

your business while delivering

tangible short-term value.

econtainers Ltd is a family-owned

Rand run business in Lancashire.

We specialise in the reconditioning of

both hazardous and non-hazardous

second-hand chemical containers,

namely IBCs and l-rings (drums).

Established in 1991, we have over

30 years of expertise in the cleaning

and repurposing of used chemical

containers. IBCs have been at the

heart of our operations for decades,

enabling us to offer an industry

leading quality of service to customers

– big and small. This has helped us

to become one of the sector’s fastest

growing companies.

Our rapid growth is testament to

our team’s absolute dedication in

serving both our customers with fast,

professional and friendly service at

competitive rates. We also buy and

sell IBC containers, working closely

with our suppliers to encourage

sustainability, while ensuring we

provide a high quality service to sell on

these products to our customers. Our

part in this vast supply chain allows us

to contribute to the growing circular

economy, one day at a time.

Come see us on Stand G120.

01706 211112

https://recontainers.co.uk

14


DACHSER Chem Logistics: Keeping the UK’s

chemical supply chains moving safely

s the chemical

Aindustry continues

to navigate increasing

regulatory complexity,

sustainability pressures

and evolving customer

expectations, logistics has

become a critical enabler

of safe and efficient

operations. Through

DACHSER Chem Logistics,

DACHSER offers a highly

specialised solution

that connects chemical

manufacturers across the UK with global markets:

reliably, compliantly and sustainably.

DACHSER Chem Logistics combines the expertise

of an established logistics provider with a deep

understanding of the specific requirements of the

chemical sector. DACHSER supports customers across

specialty chemicals, coatings, polymers, agrochemicals

and pharmaceuticals with tailored logistics concepts

designed to protect both people and product.

Safety and compliance at the core

Chemical logistics requires far more than transport

capacity. With stringent ADR regulations, increasing

customer audits and exacting documentation

requirements, compliance and safety are paramount.

DACHSER Chem Logistics operates according to

harmonised international standards, supported by

trained dangerous goods safety advisors, validated

processes and continuous quality management.

The UK's pure water specialists

Waternation will

be exhibiting

at CHEMUK 2026 on

20th & 21st May at

Stand H2.

At CHEMUK 2026,

Waternation Ltd

and Waternation

Scientific represent

a unified capability:

from high-volume

industrial supply

to precisionengineered

water solutions for critical

applications. Whether the requirement is bulk

purified water delivered at scale or tightly

specified, accredited products for specialist

use, Waternation is structured to deliver with

consistency, compliance, and reliability.

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Widnes,

Cheshire, Waternation has rapidly positioned

itself as a leading

manufacturer of

purified water

in the UK. The

company combines

over 35 years of

industry experience

with continuous

investment

in production

technology and

quality control,

Across the DACHSER

network, employees

involved in handling

chemical consignments

receive regular, certified

training to ensure

consistent, safe execution

at every touchpoint. This

focus on process reliability

and transparency helps

customers reduce risk

while maintaining

uninterrupted supply

chains.

A strong and growing UK network

In the UK, DACHSER has built a robust logistics

footprint with strategically located sites, modern

warehouse facilities and a dense European road

transport network. This enables frequent departures

to major European

markets,

supporting

UK chemical

manufacturers

that rely on

predictable lead

times and secure

cross-border flows.

The UK

organisation

plays a vital

role within the

enabling it to

deliver consistent,

specification-driven

water solutions

to a broad range

of sectors. These

include chemicals

processing,

pharmaceuticals,

cosmetics, energy,

and advanced

manufacturing.

At the core of

Waternation’s offering is a comprehensive

portfolio of purified water types, including

deionised, demineralised, distilled and reverse

osmosis water. Products are available in a wide

range of formats, from small laboratory packs

to bulk tanker deliveries of up to 28,000 litres,

supporting both R&D environments and largescale

industrial operations.

A key focus for

the company at

CHEMUK will be

its Waternation

Scientific division,

which delivers

high-specification

water solutions

for analytical,

laboratory

and regulated

applications.

CHEMUK Preview

wider DACHSER Chem Logistics network, providing

customers with local expertise backed by seamless

integration into DACHSER’s European and global

operations. Whether moving palletised goods,

full truckloads or part loads, UK customers benefit

from flexibility, scalability and a single point of

co-ordination.

Sustainability built into chemical logistics

Reducing environmental impact is increasingly

important across the chemical supply chain. DACHSER

actively invests in low-emission vehicles, energyefficient

buildings and optimised network planning to

support customers’ sustainability goals. Transparent

emissions reporting and continuous improvement

initiatives allow chemical manufacturers to make

informed, responsible logistics decisions.

Partnering for the future

At CHEMUK 2026 on Stand F76, DACHSER

demonstrates how specialist

logistics expertise, strong UK

integration and a panEuropean

network can help chemical

businesses operate safely,

efficiently and sustainably: today

and in the years ahead.

This includes multi-compendial, reagent-grade

and bespoke formulations designed to meet

stringent compliance requirements and ensure

reproducibility across critical processes.

Waternation’s vertically integrated approach

enables full control over manufacturing, testing

and distribution, ensuring traceability and

reliability across every batch. Its facilities operate

continuous production with rigorous quality

testing, including cleanroom capabilities for

laboratory and medical-grade water.

The company also differentiates itself through

flexible supply models, including customised

formulations, private labelling and its ‘Pay As You

Flow ’ solution for on-site purification without

capital expenditure. Combined with nextday

delivery and large in-stock volumes, this

approach is designed to help customers maintain

operational continuity while meeting increasingly

strict regulatory standards.

01942 914007

sales@waternation.co.uk

https://waternation.co.uk

Contact: Daniel Bateson,

Regional Chemical and

Cosmetic Solutions BDM UK &

Ireland

01604 433100

Daniel.bateson@dachser.com


CHEMUK Preview

We are S.M. Gauge Company – one of the

UK’s largest suppliers of pressure gauges

and instrumentation. We specialise in the supply,

repair, and UKAS accredited certification of all

kinds of gauges and instrumentation.

This year we are proud to celebrate our 50th

anniversary as a third-generation family business

– We’ve been ‘Handling

the pressure for over 50

years’.

Supply | Repair |

Certification

Our customer service

is at the core of

everything we do. Our

expert team have a

combined experience

of over 400 years in

the industry – so it’s

safe to say we know a thing or two about how to

help you with your gauge and instrumentation

requirements.

We have a purpose-built calibration laboratory,

with UKAS accreditation for oxygen and pressure

up-to 5,000bar (70,000psi). We can also offer

torque, electrical and metrology calibration,

as well as on-site calibration for pressure &

temperature to our clients. We can work to

bespoke orders, for panels and sub-assemblies,

utilising with our vast range of stock, parts and

components including:

■ Pressure Gauges

■ Pressure sensors

■ Digital Gauges

■ Temperature sensors

■ Flow meters

■ Panels and assemblies

■ Control and monitoring

This is our second year exhibiting at CHEMUK,

the UK’s leading event

for the chemical,

laboratory, and

process industries.

As specialists in

pressure, temperature,

and general

instrumentation,

we’re looking forward

to connecting with

industry professionals

and demonstrating

how our reliable,

high-performance instrumentation solutions can

enhance safety, efficiency, and accuracy across

chemical operations.

Visitors to our stand will have the opportunity

to explore our latest range of precision gauges,

diaphragm seals, and bespoke instrumentation, all

designed to withstand the demanding conditions

of chemical processing. Our team will be on hand

to discuss how our tailored solutions and expert

support can help businesses overcome industry

challenges and achieve optimal performance.

Whether you’re looking for enhanced precision,

improved process control, or expert guidance, we

invite you to visit us on Stand J64 at CHEMUK on

the 20th and 21st May 2026 to discover how S.M.

Gauge Company can support your business with

precision you can trust.

Get in touch with our expert team

Come and see us on Stand J64 at CHEMUK

on 20th and 21st May 2026 at the NEC in

Birmingham.

0117 965 4615

sales@smgauge.co.uk

www.smgauge.co.uk

www.linkedin.com/company/

sm-gauge-company-limited

Swan: Your trusted partner for online

water quality monitoring for chemical,

power, and industrial processes

For over 30 years, Swan has

developed and manufactured

reliable, cost-saving online analytical

instruments that are entirely

dedicated to continuous water

quality monitoring. Our mission

is to provide the best process

measurement technologies and

thereby establish the foundation

for safe water utilising cuttingedge

innovations and delivering

exceptional service.

As a global leader, Swan

instrumentation monitors an

extensive list of parameters

including Conductivity, pH, Turbidity,

Disinfectants, Organics, Dissolved

Oxygen, Sodium, Silica, TOC,

and many others. Swan Systems

Engineering is the system integration

specialist within the Swan group,

delivering bespoke, fully integrated

Steam & Water Analysis Solutions

(SWAS) for Chemical, Power &

Industrial applications.

Our low maintenance instruments

optimise plant efficiency, reduce

operating costs, and meet regulatory

compliance. Continuous precise

online monitoring provides stable,

dependable control of water-steam

chemistry. Accurate, real-time data

supports safe, efficient, & economical

operation – reducing risks while

ensuring long-term reliability.

With high-sensitivity measurements

and continuous data tracking,

Swan’s analysers will detect even

subtle shifts in water chemistry. Early

insights enable timely corrective

action, preventing escalation,

avoiding costly damage, and

protecting critical plant assets.

Our YouTube channel offers more

information on our comprehensive

product range, technical webinars,

and service maintenance

demonstrations: www.youtube.

com/@SwanAnalyticalInstruments

Come see us on Stand E64.

01780 755500

sales@swan-analytical.co.uk

www.swan.ch

16


Oliver Valves India opens new state

of the art manufacturing facility

Pumps & Valves

Oliver Valves

is pleased to

announce the opening

of its new, purposebuilt

manufacturing

facility in India, marking

a step change in the

role the site plays

within the wider

Oliver Valves family of

companies. Formerly a

regional manufacturing

operation, the new

facility now operates as

an international manufacturing and supply chain

hub, supporting projects and customers across the

globe.

The 45,000 square foot

factory became fully

operational on 2 January

2026, following the

successful relocation

of all machinery by 15

December 2025. The

transition has been

carefully managed to

ensure uninterrupted

production while

significantly expanding

both capacity and

capability.

SPP Pumps wins

Manufacturer of the Year

PP Pumps, a leading manufacturer

Sof centrifugal pumps and systems,

wins Manufacturer of the Year at the

2026 Pump Industry Awards, recognising

the company’s engineering and highstandard-contributions

to the pump

industry for a record-setting fourth year

in a row.

This is a testament

to SPP Pumps

leadership

in the field.

From flood risk

reduction to fire

protection, water

management to

chemical process

pumping, SPP

Pump’s products

are installed in a

variety of critical

industries and

applications.

“This award is

a meaningful

representation

of our

commitment to industry excellence and

manufacturing expertise. With a robust

team of highly skilled and dedicated

people, we pride ourselves on the

quality, reliability and service provided

to our customers around the world,” said

Robert Tichband, COO, SPP Pumps UK.

SPP represents high quality British

manufacturing and standards on a global

scale. It designs, manufactures and

delivers to global markets, with over 60%

of sales as custom-engineered, made-to

order products and 70% exported.

The Manufacturer of the Year award,

presented at the

Pump Industry

Awards, honours

companies that

demonstrate

excellence in

the industry. The

judges felt that SPP

Pumps achieved

significant

recognition from

contractors and

customers in

service areas such

as innovation,

product delivery,

technical expertise

and after sales

service.

As Russ Towse,

the Director of Operations at Yorkshire

& Humber Drainage Boards said when

discussing the flood risk project SPP

Pumps worked on, “The pumps have

become an asset to our communities.”

www.spppumps.com

The site is now equipped

to manufacture

components weighing

up to 3 tonnes and

brings a range of

critical processes fully

in house. These include

an in-house painting

facility, advanced

non-destructive

testing capabilities

including fluorescent

liquid penetrant

inspection, and a

modern inspection suite featuring a Coordinate

Measuring Machine, contour tracer, and surface

roughness testers. A dedicated clean room has also

been established for the production of oxygen

clean valves, supporting

high-integrity and safetycritical

applications.

Beyond increased

manufacturing capability,

the new facility plays

a strategic role within

the Group’s global

supply chain. Closely

integrated with Oliver

Valves’ UK operations

and international sales

network, the Indian

Lutz Holding expands

into Italy

utz Holding GmbH, a German

Lgroup of companies specialising

in professional fluid management, is

expanding its international presence.

The new branch office ‘Lutz-Jesco

Italia Srl’ in Milan is set to become

the foundation for long-term growth

in one of Europe’s key regions. The

new branch office builds upon an

established sales partnership with

the renowned Italian pump

manufacturer ARGAL.

The Italian market

has gained

increasing

importance for

Lutz Holding

in recent years.

“Italy has a strong

industrial base and

is one of the key

markets in Southern

Europe for water and

wastewater technology,

chemical dosing and environmental

technology,” says Susanne Maurer,

member of the management board

of Lutz Holding GmbH and CEO of

Lutz-Jesco Italia Srl. In these sectors,

the group’s industrial pumps and water

treatment technologies are playing

an increasingly important role. “The

new branch office strengthens our

factory provides a robust link between British

engineering standards and customers in the far

reaches of the world, enabling shorter lead times,

greater flexibility, and consistent quality across

global projects.

The formal inauguration took place on 12 February

2026, led by Mark Oliver, with a number of

customers in attendance. The event provided an

opportunity to demonstrate the site’s expanded

capabilities and to underline its importance within

the Group’s international manufacturing footprint.

This investment reflects Oliver Valves’ long-term

commitment to applying British engineering

expertise on a global scale. By evolving the Indian

operation into an international hub, the Group

continues to strengthen its ability to deliver

reliable, high-quality valve solutions worldwide,

supported by strong partnerships, skilled teams,

and decades of industry heritage.

+44 (0)1565 632636

sales@valves.co.uk

www.valves.co.uk

local presence, enabling us to assist

customers in Italy more effectively

throughout the entire process – from

planning and commissioning to aftersales

service.”

Going forward, Lutz-Jesco Italia

Srl will offer the entire Lutz Group

product portfolio. This includes

pumping, dosing and water

treatment solutions for

industrial, municipal

and environmental

applications. In

this context, the

company works

closely with ARGAL,

an Italian pump

manufacturer

based in Brescia.

“We are pleased

to have ARGAL as a

strong partner at our

side, bringing many years

of experience and in-depth

market knowledge in Italy – and

with whom we also share a longstanding

friendship,” Susanne Maurer

emphasises. “Together, we aim to pool

our expertise, create synergies and

develop customised, high-performance

solutions for our customers.”

www.lutz-holding.de/en


Pumps & Valves

20


Apex Pumps celebrates award-winning

year of growth, investment, innovation

and industry recognition

Bristol-based pump manufacturer reports record order

book, major investment in UK manufacturing and wins top

sustainability honour at the Pump Industry Awards 2026

t has been a phenomenal 12 months for Apex

Pumps, with the British manufacturer celebrating

Ione of the most successful periods in its 35 year

history.

From record sales performance and major investment in

UK manufacturing capability, to sustainability leadership

and award-winning performance at industry awards,

Apex Pumps has strengthened its position as one of the

UK’s leading centrifugal pump manufacturers – trusted

by customers where reliability and performance are

critical.

Founded in 1988, Apex Pumps has grown from a

small industrial unit in South Gloucestershire into a

modern, highly respected manufacturer operating from

expanded facilities in Staple Hill, Bristol. The business

designs and manufactures bespoke centrifugal pump

solutions, offers rigorous testing and also a spare parts

sales hub.

Record performance driven by investment and

profile growth

Over the past year, Apex Pumps has reported its

largest ever order book, equivalent to six months of

turnover, and has also achieved significant operational

improvements. Apex has enhanced on-time delivery

performance, and as such has seen returning customers

place larger, repeat orders and lapsed clients return, also

driven by increased visibility and awareness of Apex’s

capabilities.

The business has invested heavily in state-of-the-art

CNC machinery, including Mazak Quick Turn lathes

and HCN NEO horizontal machining centres, enabling

greater precision, efficiency and control across the

manufacturing process. Importantly, this has allowed

Apex to bring more machining in-house and reshore

stainless steel machining and casting operations back to

the UK, reducing reliance on overseas suppliers.

These investments have not only increased

manufacturing capacity but also strengthened Apex’s

commitment to British engineering and long-term

supply chain resilience.

People are at the heart of Apex Pumps

While investment in technology has been key, Apex

Pumps is clear that its success is driven by its people.

Pumps & Valves

grid electricity usage by 37.8% through renewables and

smarter energy management.

Further initiatives include an EV company fleet, a Cycle

to Work scheme, the creation of wildlife meadows, and

significant reductions in transport emissions through

reshoring manufacturing processes to the UK.

These efforts have been recognised nationally, with

Apex Pumps named Runner Up for Sustainability

Initiative of the Year at the Made in Britain Impact

Awards and crowned Winner of the Sustainable

Contribution for a Better World category at the BPMA

Pump Industry Awards 2026.

Continued recognition at national industry awards

Apex Pumps achieved standout success at the BPMA

Pump Industry Awards 2026, securing national

recognition across multiple categories:

■ Sustainable Contribution for a Better World – WINNER

■ Manufacturer of the Year Finalist

■ Rising Star Award Finalist – recognising apprentice

Jordan Hopkins

Winning one of the industry’s most competitive

sustainability awards, alongside finalist positions in key

categories, firmly positions Apex Pumps at the forefront

of UK pump manufacturing innovation, environmental

responsibility and talent development.

A major contributor to this success has been a

substantial investment in marketing and brand

awareness. Apex Pumps has significantly raised

its industry profile, delivering strong engagement

and tangible commercial results, a strategy recently

recognised with a Highly Commended award for

Marketing Campaign of the Year at the Made in

Britain Impact Awards.

Expanding UK manufacturing and reshoring

capability

Apex Pumps has made a major investment in its Bristol

headquarters, expanding its premises to support future

growth and increasing demand while maintaining the

quality standards the company is known for.

The company continues to invest heavily in skills and

training, with apprenticeship training deeply rooted

into its culture. 36% of the current workforce began

their careers as apprentices, including four current

apprentices, while four former apprentices now work

full-time within the business.

Apex Pumps is a long-standing supporter of

engineering education, helping to shape the next

generation of engineering talent; delivering BEMA

apprenticeship schemes, sponsoring STEM On Track

at IKB Academy in Keynsham, and supporting a range

of local community initiatives. Members of the Apex

team, including Managing Director, Andrew Simpson,

and selection of Apex apprentices, also recently spoke

at a regional Future of Work event, highlighting the

value of vocational training and career progression in

engineering.

One notable success story is Co-Director, Sam Kemp, who

began his career as an IT apprentice and has progressed

into a senior leadership role – a clear example of the

long-term opportunities available within the business.

Driving sustainability in pump manufacturing

Sustainability remains a core focus for Apex Pumps,

with the business making measurable progress towards

net-zero operations.

Over the past year, Apex has achieved a 40% reduction

in CO₂e emissions, generated 175MWh of renewable

energy from its 150kW solar array in Bristol, and reduced

Looking ahead to another successful year of growth

Andrew Simpson, Managing Director at Apex Pumps,

said, ” This past year has been transformational for

Apex Pumps. We’ve invested heavily in our people, our

facilities and our manufacturing capability, while staying

true to what matters most – engineering reliable, highperformance

pumps that our customers can depend on.

“To be recognised as winners for sustainability, alongside

being named finalists in multiple categories, is a huge

achievement for our team and reflects the real impact

of the investments we’ve made across the business, and

we see this as just the beginning of the next phase of

growth for Apex.”

To find out more about Apex Pumps and its

innovative pump solutions, proudly made in Britain,

see: www.apexpumps.com


Industrial Process Technologies

Efficient solutions for

vacuum, flushing and

silo vehicles from CVS

engineering

VS engineering GmbH, based in

CRheinfelden, offers sustainable

solutions for suction, flushing and silo

vehicles: These include vacuum pumps

from the VacuStar series for suction and

flushing vehicles (‘sewage handling’)

and oil-free screw compressors from the

SKL series (‘dry bulk’). “With Dry Bulk, we

have efficient solutions in our portfolio

for the rapid and residue-free unloading

of silo vehicles for bulk goods such as

cement, grain or plastic pellets,” explains

Fabio Geiger, Area Sales and Marketing

Manager at CVS engineering.

These technologies ensure maximum

suction capacity and durability in

extreme conditions – such as sewer

cleaning and sludge extraction. The range

includes oil-free screw compressors (SKL

700, 1100, 1500), rotary vane vacuum

pumps (VacuStar L/W) and liquid ring

pumps (VacuStar WR) – supplemented

by drive components such as hydraulic

adaptors or drive shaft couplings and

other accessories.

These solutions are in demand among

fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers

and engineers in the road haulage,

transport, distribution and logistics

sectors. The suction and flushing vehicles

are used in the wastewater sector, in

industrial cleaning (grease separators in

the catering industry), the construction

industry (pit emptying), agriculture and

in environmental technology for the

removal of pollutants. “Specifically, they

are indispensable for sewer maintenance,

emergency cleaning in the event of

blockages, the transport of hazardous

liquid waste, and the efficient unloading

of large quantities of material in the

building materials and food industries,”

explains Fabio Geiger.

www.cvs-eng.com

Landmark sculpture

commission

ITI Group signs major

MES contract with Fazer

eading international, progressive

Lsystems integrator ITI Group has

announced it has been selected

by Fazer, the Finnish confectionery

and food giant for the design and

implementation of its new ‘Factory

of the Future’ MES (Manufacturing

Execution System). The new €400m

factory in Lahti, Finland is the largest

investment in food manufacturing in

northern Europe in over 70 years.

ITI Group has been providing consulting

services to Fazer on the project for the

past two years developing the initial

concepts, defining business strategy,

through to technical specifications.

ITI Group has now been retained to

develop, build and implement this

multi-million Euro project following a

four-way pitch process.

ITI Group will develop the MES

deploying Parsec Automation’s TrakSYS

software for the entire factory which will

fully automate all areas of the factory’s

operations including:

Recipe and material handling

Providing complete oversight of

ingredients across all product lines

throughout the entire facility from

door-to-dock ensuring quality and

consistency as well as managing

the wider supplier chain through

integration with the SAP invoicing

system.

Performance monitoring

Real-time monitoring of all assets

to ensure all newly commissioned

production equipment is operating

as expected and protecting the

investment of the legacy systems

being integrated. Ongoing monitoring

to ensure factory optimisation and

maximum productivity.

Quality management

Complete track and trace capability

and product genealogy for enhanced

compliance auditing. System measures

every minute, every machine and

all materials to prevent costly delays

in production due to batch quality

deviation.

+44 (0)1246 437600

www.itigroup.com

Akoje Gallery, co-founded by England,

British & Irish Lions and Saracens rugby

captain Maro Itoje and Khalil Akar, is

leading the commission as part of its

broader ‘Paint The Game’ campaign.

ilverstone Park, a leading

Sdestination for advanced

engineering, innovation and highperformance

technology businesses,

has partnered with Akoje Gallery

to commission two major outdoor

sculptures by acclaimed artist

Cristina Morbi and her London studio

Maetherea.

Titled Land of Currents: Magnetic

Field and Wind Rose, the works will

explore how natural forces inspire

technological innovation – particularly

within the realm of advanced

engineering and motorsport, a core

theme of Silverstone Park.

The sculptures will be installed in

summer 2026, ahead of the British

Grand Prix.

This initiative seeks to use visual

art as a tool to connect the worlds

of sport, culture, and education. By

commissioning site-specific artworks

and collaborating with athletes, artists,

and institutions, Paint The Game

aims to break down barriers between

disciplines, encourage creative

dialogue and spotlight the oftenoverlooked

cultural narratives within

sport. This partnership with Silverstone

Park represents a bold step in bringing

together engineering, motorsport and

art.

The large-scale installations will serve

as the first permanent artworks in a

new art trail across Silverstone Park.

Managed by Federated Hermes,

Silverstone Park is home to a

community of cutting-edge technology

firms and adjacent to the worldrenowned

Silverstone Circuit, and has

long been synonymous with highperformance

innovation.

Contact

https://silverstone-park.com

22


Smart Manufacturing Week Preview

Glastonbury for manufacturers and engineers:

Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 returns with new

look, features and festival energy

wanted a brand that feels as electric as the industry

it represents. The bright, neon and modern creative,

inspired by our music festival theme, captures the

sparks of innovation and energy at the heart of Smart

Manufacturing Week. The dynamic design also reflects

the pace of change in manufacturing – always evolving

and alive with possibility.”

mart Manufacturing Week (SMW), the UK’s biggest

Sfestival of advanced manufacturing and engineering,

has unveiled a fresh look and exciting new features for

this year’s show, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham

from 3-4 June 2026 which includes Smart Factory

Expo, Maintec, Drives & Controls, Design & Engineering

Expo, Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit and The

Manufacturer Top 100 Awards.

The first change to note is SMW’s brand new logo, the

colours and style of which match the forward-thinking

and technology driven modern world of engineering and

manufacturing, and align with the evolution of the event

as a fun and exciting place to visit.

Commenting on SMW’s redesign, Verity Noon, Marketing

Director at event organiser, Nineteen Group, said, “We

Other fringe events will also be taking place as part

of SMW 26, including The Manufacturer Directors’

Forum breakfasts and dinners, the Marketing to

Manufacturers Breakfast, and partner events. The result

is a full-spectrum view of the technologies and trends

driving modern industry, attended by over 13,500

manufacturers, engineers, designers, maintenance

professionals, industry leaders and technology solution

providers from across every vertical sector.

With digital transformation, AI and workforce

skills challenges to the fore, this year’s event helps

manufacturers tackle change with confidence. From

advanced automation and robotics to essential

maintenance and asset management, the event delivers

both future vision and practical know-how. In addition

to showcasing technical innovations, a strong lineup of

speakers from across industry and academia will share

the ideas and strategies shaping manufacturing today

and preparing it for what comes next.

As in previous years, 2026 will also play host to the

Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit. This two day

conference for senior leaders, which attracts many

of the top 250 manufacturers from across the UK, is

focussed on the application of digital technologies to

enhance the processes, efficiencies, and outcomes of the

manufacturing industry.

Also, the evening of 3 June will see the announcement

of The Manufacturer Top 100. The awards programme

scours the length & breadth of the nation to find the 100

most dynamic leaders and innovators in manufacturing,

nominated by The Manufacturer’s audience, the

industrial community and judged by a panel of industry

leaders, academics and manufacturing associations.

www.smartmanufacturingweek.com



MRPeasy users report 58% better inventory

accuracy, 46% higher production efficiency

MRPeasy’s latest

customer survey

results show meaningful

improvements across key

performance metrics —

from delivery reliability to

inventory accuracy and

overall growth.

Key improvements at a

glance

■ 37% in on-time delivery rates

■ 46% in operational efficiency

■ 58% in inventory tracking accuracy

■ 46% in cost control

■ 28% overall business growth

On-time delivery rate

Ensuring products reach customers when promised

is one of manufacturing’s most visible performance

indicators. This year, MRPeasy users reported a 37%

average improvement in on-time deliveries.

“As a small business, we need to be agile, responsive,

and lean,” said Sophie Jewett, founder of York

Cocoa Works, a chocolate manufacturer from York.

“MRPeasy has enabled us to become much more

efficient in our use of resources and deliver in a more

timely manner.”

Operational efficiency

Overall operational efficiency saw a 46% average

improvement in the survey.

Tony Green, Co-Founder

of Bradenham Preformed

Wood Components,

said, “Even though it’s

still relatively new, the

benefits are already

incredible. Time savings

are enormous; the system

makes everything so

quick. If we’d kept the old

system, I don’t know how

much time we would have lost scaling up.”

Inventory tracking accuracy

Accurate inventory information is vital to avoid

stockouts, reduce waste, and keep production

flowing. Users reported a 58% average improvement

in inventory tracking accuracy, reflecting better realtime

visibility into materials and finished goods.

“We’ve never had

a shortage after

adopting MRPeasy,”

said Colin Hart,

Managing Director

at power electronics

manufacturer

Poweronics from

St. Neots. “All the

components that the

software says are in the

warehouse – are in the

warehouse.”

Cost control

Respondents reported a 46% improvement in cost

control since adopting MRPeasy.

Sarah Jones, Director at Wolverhampton-based

sauna manufacturer Oceanic Saunas, said, “With

MRPeasy, we can assign overheads and have the

system automatically calculate product cost based

on SKU configurations. I’m much more confident

with it now, plus, I can do it very quickly.”

Overall growth since implementing MRPeasy

Beyond operational KPIs, users also reported 28%

overall growth in their business since implementing

MRPeasy.

Chris Landen, Managing Director at Bristol-based

computer manufacturer Exacta Technologies, said,

“Since we started using MRPeasy, we have achieved

over 100% growth in revenue, and we have almost

tripled our employee count

from 25 to 70 without

adding the same proportion

of administrative overhead.”

For more information

and a free trial, please

visit: www.mrpeasy.co.uk

or come chat with us at

Stand B50 during Smart

Manufacturing Week on

3-4 June at the NEC in

Birmingham.

24


Easy-Laser Generation XT systems

In today’s engineering landscape,

accuracy is not a luxury but an

essential. Using Easy-Laser technology,

we provide advanced measurement

and alignment solutions to improve

machine performance, reduce

downtime and extend asset life. Shaft

alignment is critical to reliability.

With Easy-Laser Generation XT

systems we deliver fast, precise

measurements, helping engineers

correct misalignment, reduce wear

and lower operating costs.

For geometric measurement, the Easy-

Laser XT22 system offers an unrivalled

solution for straightness, flatness and

level, utilising digital inclinometers

and the latest laser technology to

deliver unparalleled accuracy. This is

complemented by the XT24 system,

extending capability into bore and

stern tube alignments for marine and


industrial applications.

We are solution providers, not just tool

suppliers. Easy-Laser offers UK based

calibration, application support and

practical guidance to ensure the best

results.

Come see us on Stand L34.

01909 251001

sales@easylaser.co.uk

www.easylaser.co.uk

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

Excellence in vibration

monitoring

s a globally recognised leader in

Aindustrial vibration monitoring,

Hansford Sensors designs and

manufactures a broad range of highperformance

equipment. Its offerings

include accelerometers, vibration

sensors, 4-20mA transmitters, cable

assemblies, and industrial enclosures.

At exhibitions, Hansford Sensors

highlights 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

offers 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

provides 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.

Come see us on Stand K32.

For more information on all products,

or to use the calculator, please see

below:

0845 680 1957

sales@hansfordsensors.com

https://hansfordsensors.com



Precision in motion: Smarter linear measurement

for modern automation

When every millimetre matters, precision

is not a luxury – it’s a requirement. From

machine builders to system integrators, the ability

to accurately measure motion directly impacts

efficiency, product quality, and overall system

performance. At the centre of this is encoder

technology, quietly delivering the feedback

needed to keep operations running smoothly.

Encoders convert movement into reliable data,

allowing engineers to monitor speed, position,

and distance in real time. This information

is essential for synchronisation, control, and

optimisation – helping reduce downtime while

improving productivity across a wide range of

applications.

A well-established solution for linear

measurement is the TR1 Tru-Trac® measuring

wheel encoder. This compact, allin-one

unit combines an encoder,

measuring wheel, and springloaded

torsion arm into a single

assembly, simplifying installation

and ensuring consistent contact

with the measured surface. Its

flexible mounting options and

robust design enable reliable

operation even in demanding

industrial environments, with

operating speeds up to 3,000ft/min.

Precision components for

demanding applications

Principle

Engineering,

exhibiting on

Stand M94,

will showcase

a portfolio of

high-precision

components and

drive solutions for

engineers working

at the limits of

speed, accuracy

and environmental

performance.

Central to this year’s display is

the GRW range of miniature ball

bearings and precision assemblies

– engineered for speeds in excess of

100,000rpm and built for the most

demanding operating conditions,

including high temperatures,

corrosive environments, vacuum

and medical-grade applications. All

assemblies are produced and tested

in Class 7 cleanroom conditions,

with bearing sizes ranging from

1mm bore up to 50mm outside

diameter.

Alongside these, Principle

Engineering will present SycoTec’s

Building on this proven platform, the TRP

Tru-TracPro introduces a new level of

flexibility through field programmability.

Unlike traditional systems that require

hardware changes to adjust resolution,

the TRP allows engineers to configure

settings from 1 to 100,000 counts per

revolution using simple software.

This capability transforms how linear

measurement systems are deployed.

With features such as selectable waveforms,

in-situ calibration, and Teach Index positioning,

engineers can fine-tune performance directly

on-site. User-defined settings can be stored and

reused, reducing setup time and simplifying

maintenance.

The result is a more streamlined approach

range of custom

electric motors

– asynchronous,

synchronous and

generators – flexibly

tailored across a

wide operating

envelope from

5W to over 1MW.

Paired with Sieb

& Meyer’s highspeed

frequency

inverters, capable

of driving motors

to 480,000rpm with

advanced torque and speed control,

these solutions deliver measurable

gains in efficiency, precision and

machine longevity.

Principle Engineering will also be

demonstrating its range of highspeed

motor spindles, including the

60K RPM Battery SPEEDER.

World class products from their

primary partners: GRW – SycoTec –

Sieb & Meyer

0333 888 0360

info@principle-eng.co.uk

www.principle-eng.co.uk

Step into the future

of manufacturing with

RoboMotion & RobCo

Discover the power of modular

automation at this year’s Smart

Manufacturing event. RoboMotion

is redefining how businesses

adopt robotics – making advanced

automation accessible, scalable, and

future-ready.

At the heart of our offering is the

RobCo modular robot – a gamechanging

solution designed for

flexibility. Unlike traditional fixed

systems, RobCo adapts to your

needs. Whether you’re automating

assembly, handling, or inspection,

its modular architecture lets you

reconfigure, expand, and redeploy in

minutes – not months.

Why commit to rigid systems when

your production demands change

daily? With RobCo, you invest in

a platform that evolves with you.

Reduce downtime, accelerate

integration, and unlock new

efficiencies without complexity.

Join us on Stand K130 to see the

RobCo robot in action. Experience

to system design and operation. Instead of

managing multiple encoder variants, a single

programmable solution can support a wide range

of applications – from packaging and material

handling to robotics and food production.

As automation shifts towards smarter, more

adaptable solutions, programmable encoder

technology is enabling faster commissioning

and reduced system complexity. At British

Encoder Products, we combine global

expertise with responsive, local support –

helping engineers find the right solution

quickly. Visit us at Smart Manufacturing

Week, Stand J110, to discuss your

application, explore our programmable

solutions, or simply send us what you see at:

sales@encoder.co.uk for fast, like-for-like

replacements.

+44 (0)1978 262100

live demos, explore real-world

applications, and talk to our experts

about how modular robotics can

transform your operation – whether

you’re scaling up, diversifying, or

modernising legacy systems.

Smarter. Faster. Modular.

RoboMotion is here to help you build

the factory of tomorrow – today. Visit

us at Smart Manufacturing and take

the first step toward truly flexible

automation.

01746 866711

07785 556708

info@robomotion.co.uk

www.robomotion.co.uk

26



Mirka UK redefines the future of

finishing at Smart Manufacturing Week

Mirka UK will be

showcasing new products

and the benefits of

automated processes with the

help of its innovative robotics

line-up on Stand D134 at Smart

Manufacturing Week at the NEC

(4-5 June 2025). The products on

display have been designed from

the ground up to put the user in

control while ensuring there is a

consistently high-quality finish

alongside a reduction in abrasive

usage, whether a hand-held tool is

being employed or the head used

in an automated process.

The hand-held tools will be

spearheaded by the POLAROS®

RP 600, an electric polisher. This

tool puts the user in control with

the help of the new Ramp Up and

Ramp down system, which has been

developed to slowly raise the RPM as

pressure is applied to the tool, and

it also prevents sudden increases in

speed that would send the polishing

compound everywhere apart from

the surface being worked on. The

Ramp Down function prevents the

operator from applying excessive

pressure to the machine or the

surface, and once the tool feels the

pressure is getting too much, it will

gradually lower the RPM until the

pressure is reduced.

components, so it is has a longer

lifespan.

The robotics range, which is

constantly evolving, will be led

by the Mirka® AIROS 353S This

advanced sanding head delivers

exceptional performance across

a wide range of applications,

ranging from furniture and doors

to window manufacturing where a

precise rectangular sanding solution

is essential. It also features an

optimally sized pad that is capable

of handling both flat surfaces and

intricate corners with ease. This

intelligent design minimises process

interruptions by removing the need

to transfer workpieces between

machines, significantly reducing

downtime and enhancing overall

productivity.

Another tool on display will be the

Mirka® AIROS 130S a precisionengineered

sanding head developed

specifically for spot repair in the

automotive sector, where quality

and consistency are critical.

Complementing the Mirka® AIROS

130S is the Mirka® AIROS 150S, the

most compact sanding head in the

robotic range. This tool has been

designed to make easy work of

confined spaces and is also suitable

for deflashing and deburring.

The tool also has a compact design

that ensures it is balanced in the

user’s hands and close to the surface

for increased control during the

polishing process, which is especially

important during detailed or

vertical work. The tool can efficiently

manage its internal temperature

when in use, which is important

during long periods of use, and

it also protects the tool’s internal

Rounding out the range on display

is the Mirka® AIROS 312P a random

orbital polisher with an advanced

electric polishing head for robotic

usage. It features a 77mm pad and

provides an alternative to Mirka’s

cordless polishers. This tool is also

compatible with Mirka’s wide range

of polishing pads and compounds,

so it means users do not have to

change the tool depending on the

job. This, in turn, reduces downtime

and increases productivity.

Chris Brook, business sector

manager Transport & Industry, Mirka

UK Ltd, says, “Smart Manufacturing

Week provides our technical team

with the perfect platform from

which to demonstrate and highlight

how innovation in both hand-held

tools and robotics is transforming

finishing processes. We believe

that the tools we have created for

the end user set the benchmark

for multiple applications and

increase efficiency, productivity

and consistency of jobs, which are

benefits businesses are looking for

as margins and deadlines for jobs

become tighter.”

Contact

+44 (0)1908 866100

www.mirka.com/en-gb



Vision Engineering redefines its shopfloor

metrology range with the launch

of the 'Edge' series

Vision Engineering, global manufacturer

of ergonomic inspection and noncontact

metrology systems, recently

announced the launch of Edge: a new range

of compact vision measurement systems

designed to bridge the gap between manual

inspection and full-scale CNC automation.

Set to launch to the Public at Smart Factory Expo

(Stand F110), the Edge series addresses the

growing demand for high-accuracy, non-contact

inspection within the precision engineering,

medical device, and plastics sectors.

Precision without the footprint

As manufacturers move toward Industry 4.0,

the traditional ‘quality lab’ is moving onto the

production floor. The Edge series is ‘Compact

by Design’, offering a focused 200 x 100mm

measurement envelope that fits seamlessly into

high-pressure production environments where

floor space is at a premium.

Scalable automation: APEX, VISTA, and CORE

The Edge series is structured into three distinct

tiers, allowing businesses – particularly second

and third-tier suppliers – to scale their quality

control as their production volumes grow:

■ Edge APEX – The flagship 3-axis CNC system.

Fully automated and featuring motorised

zoom, APEX is designed for high-throughput,

palletised batch inspection, significantly

reducing operator dependency and error.

■ Edge VISTA – An automated 2-axis FOV system

with 3-axis CNC movement and motorised

focus. Optimised for flat and turned parts, it

features collimated lighting for precise Edge

detection on complex geometries.

■ Edge CORE – A manual 2 or 3-axis system

designed for rapid, one-off measurements and

setup checks. It's built for the machinist who

needs a ‘just made it, check it’ solution without

a steep learning curve.

Engineering-grade features

The Edge series isn’t just a downsized version

of larger machines; it’s a ground-up redesign

focused on practical productivity:

■ Motorised 6.5:1 Zoom – Standard on the

APEX model, this allows users to measure

features of vastly different sizes on a single part

without manual lens changes.

■ Advanced Image Stitching – Users can

capture and document features larger than the

field of view (FOV), ensuring full traceability

even for larger components.

■ Matched Optics and Sensors – Unlike ‘parts

bin’ systems, Edge utilises specifically matched

5MP (VISTA) and 2.3MP (APEX) cameras to

optimise signal-to-noise ratios and Edgedetection

clarity.

Driving ROI in challenging markets

“With the global optical measurement market

projected to nearly double by 2035, the pressure

is on manufacturers to automate or be left

behind,” says Stephen Sanderson, Group Product

Manager at Vision Engineering. “Edge provides a

structured upgrade path. Whether you are a small

workshop looking to ditch manual callipers or a

high-volume manufacturer needing to eliminate

inspection bottlenecks, Edge delivers lab-grade

precision in a shop-floor-ready package.”

Visit Vision Engineering at Smart Factory Expo

on Stand F110.

01483 248300

enquiries@visioneng.co.uk

www.visioneng.com

28



Mechatronics: Solving the ‘Heat and Hysteresis’

hurdle in high-duty cycles

In high-speed precision automation – think

semiconductor pick-and-place or high-speed

medical bottling – the enemy isn’t just friction; it’s

the thermal instability that friction creates.

When a mechatronic positioning table runs 24/7 at

high acceleration, heat builds up. This heat causes

linear expansion in the Ballscrew and the guide rails.

For an engineer at the CAD station, a few microns of

thermal expansion might seem negligible. On the

shop floor, it’s the difference between a perfect pass

and a binned batch.

At IKO, we believe that the solution to ‘accuracy drift’

isn’t just a more expensive motor; it’s a superior

mechanical foundation.

The lubrication-thermal connection

Most accuracy issues in mechatronic systems stem

from inconsistent lubrication causing ‘stiction’ or

uneven heat distribution. If the lubricant film breaks

down even slightly, the power required to move the

carriage increases, the motor runs hotter, and the

precision of your control loop begins to degrade.

Our team addresses this by integrating C-Lube

directly into our Mechatronics series.

The ‘So What?’ for precision automation:

■ Constant Coefficient of Friction – C-Lube

ensures a stable oil film regardless of the stroke

length or speed. So what? Your servo tuning

remains consistent over millions of cycles,

PrintMedia: Your

partners in labelling &

identification

ith nearly 30 years under our belts,

WPrintMedia is your go-to, one-stop

shop for everything labelling, marking,

and barcoding. Based in the heart of

Trafford Park, Manchester, and supported

by our international offices in Poland and

Hong Kong, we combine local expertise

with a global reach to keep your business

moving.

What we bring to the

table:

■ Tailored

Labelling

Solutions –

Whether you

need simple

blank rolls

or complex,

custom-printed

designs, we’ve

got you covered.

From UL-certified

industrial labels

to sustainable linerless options, our

capabilities focus on manufacturing

processes such as flexo, digital, hot

foil, and embossing.

■ Leading Hardware – As first-line

partners for heavyweights like

Toshiba and Urovo, we supply the

‘kit’ you can rely on, thermal printers,

barcode scanners, RFID systems, and

mobile data devices.

■ Software & Specialist Support – We

offer industry-leading software like

BarTender for in house label design

and print, seamless traceability,

backed by expert consultation to

ensure your systems work perfectly.

■ All the Essentials – We keep a full

stock of thermal

transfer ribbons,

printheads, and

cleaning supplies

to ensure your

operations never

skip a beat.

We don’t just ship

boxes; we provide

solutions.

From manufacturing

and logistics to

automotive and

healthcare, we’re proud to support

diverse sectors with high-quality, reliable

adhesive labels and the technology to

print and read the data printed on them.

Come see us on Stand B80.

0161 872 2801

www.printmedialtd.com

eliminating the need for constant ‘re-zeroing’ or

software compensations.

■ Reduced Thermal Signature – Better lubrication

means less mechanical energy is converted

into heat. So what? Your system maintains

its dimensional stability even during peakproduction

duty cycles.

■ Integrated Design – Our positioning tables (like

the Precision Positioning Table LH) combine the

bed, slide table, and linear motion rolling guides

into one unit. So what? You reduce the number

of potential failure points and assembly errors in

your machine build.

Beyond the component: The ‘Black Box’ challenge

We often see manufacturers struggle with

mechatronic units that are ‘sealed for life’ but lack

the internal architecture to actually survive that life.

When an integrated table fails because of lubricant

starvation, you aren’t just replacing a bearing; you’re

replacing an entire calibrated axis.

By specifying IKO, you are adopting the ‘Specify

Once, Fit Once’ philosophy. We design our

mechatronic systems to be the ‘reliable heart’ of your

machine, ensuring that the Total Cost of Ownership

(TCO) stays low by avoiding the catastrophic costs of

unplanned axis replacement.

Your extension in motion control

At IKO, we don’t just provide the hardware; we

provide the application expertise. Whether you

are dealing with the high-vacuum requirements

of spectroscopy or the high-throughput demands

of renewable energy manufacturing, we help you

calculate the duty cycle and specify the exact

mechatronic solution to match.

We’ve found that the best systems are those where

the mechanical and electronic elements work in

total harmony. We’re here to ensure that harmony

lasts for the life of your machine.

How are you currently managing thermal expansion

and accuracy drift in your high-speed positioning

stages?

Next Steps – If you are struggling with ‘accuracy

hunting’ in your current automation setups, let our

technical team look at your duty cycles and thermal

loads.

Come see us on Stand N116.

01908 566144

info@iko.co.uk

www.iko.co.uk

Klüber Lubrication

The way we manage

lubrication is changing,

and it’s happening fast.

More maintenance teams

are moving away from

fixed schedules and

toward condition-based

maintenance, using real data

to guide smarter decisions.

If this is a topic you want to

understand better but haven’t

had the chance to explore yet,

stop by our stand to see how

modern sensor technology

and automated lubrication

systems are making real-time,

condition-based lubrication a

practical reality on the plant

floor.

We’ll also be diving deeper

into this topic during our

speaker session, where we’ll

walk through how these tools

help improve equipment

reliability, support predictive

maintenance, and reduce

unnecessary lubrication costs.

Whether you’re responsible

for reliability, maintenance,

or lubrication programs, this

session will give you a clear,

look at how condition-based

lubrication works and how it

can strengthen your current

approach.

Come meet the team at

Stand 5/G74, ask questions,

and join us at the session

Day 1 Maintenance Theatre

12.00pm (Noon) to see how

data-driven lubrication can

make a real difference in your

operation.

Contact our team to learn

more: info.uk@klueber.com

30


High-precision eco-friendly flow measurement

Application: Domestic Cold Water (DCW)

Monitoring

Sector: Retail/Commercial Plumbing

Application overview

UK-based plumbing contractor

A approached Total Pressure Solutions

(TPS) after identifying our expertise in

flow measurement instrumentation

online. The project required a reliable

and accurate flow measurement

solution for installation within a range

of major retail environment.

The applications formed part of a wider

sustainability and monitoring initiative

within a group of shopping malls, where accurate water

usage data was essential for operational efficiency and

environmental reporting.

Several flow meters supplied by TPS have been installed

within Zara retail stores in Newcastle, Ireland and

Manchester with more locations planned in the future.

The requirement

The customer was working to a detailed

project specification for domestic cold

water (DCW) monitoring, which included

key technical requirements such as:

■ Measurement of instantaneous flow

rate and accumulated consumption

■ Integration via Modbus RS485

communication

■ Suitability for installation within

ceiling voids and constrained spaces

■ Reliable performance within a

commercial plumbing system

The specification also ruled out certain

technologies, requiring a robust and

proven flow measurement solution

capable of delivering consistent,

accurate data.

The solution

Following a review of the application

and specification, the TPS technical

team recommended a LWGY turbine

flow meter with threaded connection,

selected for its high accuracy and

suitability for clean water applications.

The turbine flowmeter technology

provided:

■ Excellent

measurement

accuracy for low to medium flow

rates

■ Compact design, ideal for installation

within restricted ceiling spaces

■ Reliable, repeatable performance in

clean water systems

■ Cost-effective solution without

compromising on performance

■ Reliable digital output for integration

into building

management

systems


TPS worked closely with the customer

to ensure the selected flowmeter met

both the technical specification and

installation requirements.

The TPS difference

What set this project apart was the level

of technical support provided by Total

Pressure Solutions.

From initial enquiry through to product

selection, the customer benefited from:

■ Expert interpretation of project specifications

■ Clear guidance on suitable flow measurement

technologies

■ Confidence in selecting a compliant and reliable

solution

■ A solution to help the customer achieve their ecoefficiency

goals

Impressed by the knowledge and responsiveness of

the TPS team, the customer proceeded with the orders,

confident that the recommended solution would deliver

the required performance for all locations.

The result

The selected turbine flowmeter was

successfully installed within a major

retail store environment, supporting

accurate monitoring of water usage as

part of a wider sustainability initiative.

This project highlights how Total

Pressure Solutions combines product

expertise with practical application

knowledge, ensuring customers receive

the right instrumentation solution first

time.

Talk to the experts

If you have a flow measurement requirement – whether

for water monitoring, process control or building services

– Total Pressure Solutions can provide expert advice and

tailored solutions.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your application or

visit us on Stand M152.

024 7658 0180

sales@totalpressuresolutions.co.uk

www.totalpressuresolutions.co.uk



DynamxMFG from TotalControlPro

Maeving is a fast-growing

British startup building

some of the most desirable

electric motorcycles in

Europe. Retro-styled, urban

EVs, hand-assembled in the

UK, with a customer waiting

list and a growth curve to

match. The bikes are striking.

The order book is real. But

like a lot of fast-scaling

startups, Maeving had a

problem hiding in plain sight.

365 Business Central. Stock,

purchasing, finance and the

shop floor can talk to each

other. No re-keying, and a

fully costed picture of every

bike from kit to dispatch.

“Setting up DynamxMFG

was quick, support readily

available, easy to use,

excellent value for money,”

says Liam M, Head of

Operations, Maeving.

They didn’t have full visibility

of production and reworks,

or therefore their real margin.

The numbers lived in

silos, and the labour and

production time was aggregated, not real-time,

therefore blurring the true cost for a finished

product. For a rapidly growing company, that gap

could get expensive. Maeving met TotalControlPro

and DynamxMFG at Smart Manufacturing Week

in June 2025 – not really knowing

that someone had exactly what they

needed and four weeks later, live

and tracking on the shop floor.

Not a pilot in a meeting room.

Not a demo on a sales engineer’s

laptop. Real jobs, real components,

real bikes moving through real

stations. We started with a focused

proof of value. Operators scanned parts in at

each station. Time was captured against builds.

The cost of every bike was visible at the click of a

button for the first time. The proof of value did its

job. Maeving could see where money was being

made, where it was leaking, and where small

inefficiencies were quietly stacking

up.

One source of truth, one source of

action, product to dispatch.

Deployment moved quickly from

there. DynamxMFG is now rolled

out across the operation and

integrated with Microsoft Dynamics

DynamxMFG is built for

UK SME and scale-up

manufacturers who don’t

have eighteen months

to wait for an ERP rollout,

and don’t want a system

shaped for a business ten times their size. Shop

floor visibility, job-level costing, MRP, scheduling

and live reporting in one platform. Affordable,

fast to deploy, and built around how British

manufacturers actually work.

Come and see us on Stand C44 at Smart

Manufacturing Week to find out how you can be

live and costing every job in weeks, not months.

Dolores Sanders – dolores.sanders@

totalcontrolpro.com

Damian Donn – damian.donn@

totalcontrolpro.com

sales@totalcontrolpro.com

32


Electrical & Electronics

Taking on tomorrow’s projects – starting today

ncreasing demands for efficiency, sustainability,

Iand reliability require not only high-quality

components, but also a forward-looking

approach to design, materials, and processes.

At Kaiser&Waltermann, we see these challenges

as opportunities. Our mission is to support our

customers with solutions that are not just fit for

today’s requirements, but ready for the demands of

tomorrow.

As a German company with decades of experience

in the fastening industry, Kaiser&Waltermann stands

for engineering precision, reliability, and deep-rooted

industry knowledge. Our long-standing presence in

the market has enabled us to develop a profound

understanding of diverse applications and sectors.

This experience forms the foundation of our work

and ensures that our solutions meet the highest

technical and quality standards. We already work

closely with established distribution partners in the

UK, enabling us to support customers locally with the

same technical expertise and reliability that define

our brand worldwide.

We have always focused on close collaboration with

customers and a clear understanding of applicationspecific

needs. Whether it is complex assemblies,

demanding operating conditions, or highly regulated

industries, our goal is to deliver reliable, tailored

fastening solutions – shorter development times,

increased process reliability, and sustainable cost

efficiency.

We enjoy engaging conversations with engineers and

decision-makers who are thinking ahead and asking

the right questions: How can fastening solutions

support lightweight design? How can they contribute

to sustainability? How can they help make products

and processes future-ready? Together, we can turn

these questions into practical solutions.

Contact: Magnus Bende, Sales Manager,

+49 2393 9183 14

m.bende@kaiser-waltermann.de

www.kaiser-waltermann.de


Drives, Controls & Automation

Drive Technology Insight presents tech talks and

one-on-one engineering sessions

maxon is inviting engineers to Drive Technology

Insight 2026, the advanced technical forum

designed to elevate expertise in DC drive systems.

The free-to-attend event is taking place Wednesday

20 May 9am to 3.30pm at the British Motor Museum,

Warwickshire and will feature educational tech talks

that deal with real-world drive system challenges,

alongside one-to-one engineering discussions.

Drive Technology Insight

2026: Innovations in

Precision Motion is aimed

at engineers who integrate

DC and brushless DC

drive systems and motion

control within their

application designs. Suited

to all levels of engineering

experience, the technical

talks will educate and

improve knowledge in

drive system design,

integration, and use.

The event will also include dedicated one-to-one

engineering discussions where visiting engineers

can present drive system questions and challenges

to maxon’s technical experts. More than 10 maxon

engineers from across the UK, Ireland, and Europe

will attend the event to host the engineering

sessions. Visitors can pre-book appointments to

guarantee their time slot with a maxon technical

expert.

Drive Technology Insight’s tech talks will feature four,

45-minute educational sessions, each presented by a

technical expert in the subject. Beginning with How

do you pick the perfect drive?, this session will explain

the key principles in selecting the right motor,

gearbox and controller for optimal performance and

efficiency.

The presentation Can motion systems survive

anywhere? is aimed at

application designers

for harsh environments,

covering drive system

engineering for settings

ranging from the deep

sea to outer space.

During the talk Can

data predict your next

failure?, engineers

will discover how

predictive maintenance

can enhance motion

control by minimising

downtime and enhancing reliability.

Finally, Where is robotics headed next? will uncover

the latest trends in robotics and present how

actuator technology is shaping the future of

automation.

Throughout the day, maxon’s engineering team

will also display the latest drive system technology

powering robotics, medical devices, industrial

automation, and mobility solutions, giving visitors

the chance for informal discussion around new

motion solutions. The event also presents the

opportunity for networking with fellow engineers

attending from various sectors across the UK.

This is the fourth running of maxon’s Drive

Technology Insight, with previous editions attracting

well over 100 visitor engineers on each occasion.

Registrations for this year’s event are limited, and

engineers are advised to book as soon as possible.

Breakfast and lunch are provided, and following the

event close at 3.30pm, visitors can also explore the

British Motor Museum, the world’s largest collection

of historic British cars featuring over 400 classic

models.

Find out more and register here.

www.maxongroup.com/en-gb

34


Machining

The machine-tool retrofit dilemma

When considering updating machinetools

there are a number of factors

that drive the decision whether to

retrofit, or replace a machine-tool, and it’s not

always down to direct cost comparison. Many

retrofitters won’t even quote for machines

with less than 1.5m 2 capacity. Not just because

they can’t compete with the cost of a new

machine, but because it makes them look

overpriced, so could affect the possibility of

quoting for larger machines or other services.

Using a sliding scale of approximate cost

comparison according to machine capacity

in m 2 , it’s easy to see how increasing machine

capacity transfers the balance towards

retrofitting.

The main differential driver is economy of scale,

which has a number of factors.

■ Hardware cost – Retrofits are generally

offered by small companies such as us,

that don’t have the volume, and therefore

the purchasing power to demand large

discounts from the systems suppliers. They

can’t even buy the hardware for less than

many machine-tool manufacturers are selling

entire small machines. Whereas, machine-tool

manufacturers have the production volumes

to do so, and the cost difference is substantial.

Economy of scale.

■ Machine capacity – As a measure of the size

of the machine. The larger the machine, the

lower the production volumes and higher

the production costs. Then it starts to shift

in favour of retrofitting. Large machines

are considerably cheaper to retrofit than to

replace. Especially when you factor in the cost

of special foundations, etc.

■ Mechanical condition – The condition of

the machine dictates whether mechanical

refurbishment of some elements such as linear

guideways, ballscrews, pumps, guarding, etc,

need to be addressed as well. A new control

system won’t improve worn mechanics, it’s

more likely to reveal the problems. However,

a retrofit is the ideal time to address these

issues while the machine is out of production

anyway.

■ Downtime – Can production accept the

downtime to install the new system?

Is it more cost-effective to buy a new machine

and just swap it over?

Again, the larger the machine, the greater the

time to install and commission.

Our Retrofit systems are built off-site, precommissioned

and tested prior to installation.

Minimising the on-site install time, again

it’s relative to the size and complexity of the

machine.

■ Diversity – This means non-standard, so low

production volume, higher cost and longer

lead-times for replacement machines. It makes

more sense to retrofit the current asset.

■ Reliability – Often in large machine shops you

find an old workhorse of a machine stuck in

a corner somewhere, running on an ancient

CNC system kept running by any means. The

cabinet looks like it houses bats. It doesn’t get

powered off because it might not power up

again.

Why do they still exist? Because mechanically

Figure 1 – Cost per m 2 capacity

they are solid, reliable and reasonably

accurate. They cost little to keep going – if

the parts are available to repair them – and

the downtime doesn’t hurt so much because

they are usually a backup machine when

production gets tight, or other machines are

down. These machines usually fall into the

crossover size of around 2m 2 capacity, so the

cost of retrofitting can almost be justified, but

a new machine would also be a viable option.

So why retrofit one of these machines? The

answer is precisely the reason it’s still in

the workshop. It’s mechanically robust & in

reasonable condition. Newer machines are

built to a budget and rarely as robust as the

old workhorses.

If you are running these machines to

supplement production you rely on them

because of problems in other areas, so you

don’t want it down for weeks waiting for parts

that are increasingly difficult to source.

■ Compliance – Retrofitting

can, and often does, force

compliance to current

safety standards, but

this is an opportunity to

improve safety on the shop

floor with new guarding

systems, etc, which vastly

reduces the risk of lost time

accidents and the inevitable

follow up litigation.

Many factories hide behind

the ‘old control system’ as

an excuse not to comply

with current standards, they

think it’s not a requirement

for old systems, but that’s

not strictly true. The old

control isn’t required to

have SIL3/4 or PLd/e safety

systems, but it still has to be safe. A PUWER

assessment will reveal the non-compliances,

especially around guarding, operator

ergonomics and safety. There really is no

excuse.

■ Program compatibility – Programs require

re-writing for the new system.

Often, yes, but most old machines are

programmed manually, by the operator,

because it’s no longer compatible with the

factory data connection. A new control

system will be compatible with the up-todate

programming strategies of the newer

machines in the factory, so will integrate

readily.

If you have machine tools in need of an

upgrade, give us a call. We can help you.

07787 553251

info@effectivecncsolutions.co.uk

www.effectivecncsolutions.co.uk


Test, Measurement & Laboratory

Record-Purity Microwaves.

Now Commercial

TOPTICA brings ultra-pure photonic microwave

technology from lab to industry

TOPTICA Photonics announces the launch

of its X-band Metrological Microwave

Solution (X-MMS), a commercially

available ultra-low-noise microwave source

that ranks among the purest signals achieved

worldwide. Developed using photonic

technology, the system transfers the stability

of an optical reference into the microwave

domain, enabling unprecedented signal purity

and stability in an industrial-grade platform.

From optical stability to microwave precision

Unlike conventional electronic microwave

sources, the X-MMS derives its signal from an

extremely stable laser using optical frequency

division. This approach leverages the superior

performance of optical resonators to generate a

9.6 GHz microwave signal with exceptionally low

phase noise and high frequency stability.

Benchmark performance in phase noise and

stability

The system achieves

a single-sideband

phase noise of -102

dBc/Hz at 1 Hz offset

and reaches below

-166 dBc/Hz at higher

offset frequencies,

placing it among

the top-performing

microwave sources

reported to date. Its

fractional frequency

instability is as low as

2.0 × 10 -15 at 1 second

averaging time.

Such performance

TOPTICA’s DFC CORE + was designed to

combine highest stability with reliability

at the push of a button. With our awardwinning

CERO technology, we achieve

ultra-low noise performance while

reducing complexity

is critical for

demanding

applications

including

atomic

clocks, radio

astronomy,

frequency

metrology,

and emerging

quantum

technologies.

These fields

rely on ultra-stable microwave signals to

ensure precise timing, synchronization, and

measurement accuracy.

Cross-correlation measurement of 3 independent

TOPTICA’s X-MMS systems

Broader impact of Quantum Technologies

“This is an exciting time to see critical advances

in quantum technologies benefiting other

fields,” says Dr Mikhail Volkov, Director of

Research in Quantum

Technologies at

TOPTICA. “Built entirely

from industry-grade

TOPTICA components

developed for quantum

applications, our

commercial X-band

microwave solution

brings metrology-grade

performance to an

industry-ready platform.

See how our phasenoise

compares with

the world’s best results

in the accompanying

white paper – you may

do a double take.”

Core technology:

Difference

Frequency Comb

At the core of

the system is

TOPTICA’s Difference

Frequency Comb

technology, which

enables intrinsically

offset-free operation

and contributes to

both low noise and

long-term stability.

The platform can also be referenced to external

standards such as atomic clocks or GPS signals,

ensuring SI-traceable measurements for realworld

applications.

Bringing ultra-pure microwaves to applications

Metrology-grade local-oscillator performance

opens new possibilities in advanced test and

measurement and in the development of

compact, high-end RF systems. X-MMS enables

faster, more accurate measurements and

accelerates high-end RF development.

This development reflects a broader trend in

photonics, where advances in laser and frequency

comb technologies are enabling the transfer of

scientific breakthroughs into practical tools for

industry.

The full technical background and performance

data are outlined in a recently published white

paper ‘X-Band Metrological Microwave

Solution’ by Sebastian Müller, Dr Mikhail Volkov,

and Dr Thomas Puppe.

www.toptica.com

36


Cleaning & Hygiene

Tailored to help keep it

clean

hen it comes to food processing,

Wensuring the highest hygiene

standards is critical for reliable and safe

production outcomes.

Faced with stringent cleaning

requirements and the use of harsh

disinfecting chemicals, a food

processing company needed a cleaning

solution that was both effective and

reliable. To address this challenge, the

company partnered with Membracon

– an OEM – and IMI to develop a

bespoke machine cleaning system,

ensuring food processing equipment

could be efficiently cleaned after each

production shift.

By combining expertise of IMI

Norgren pneumatic control with IMI

PBM advanced valve technology,

Membracon was able to deliver a

robust, efficient, and safe solution

tailored specifically for its customer.

The challenge was to create a robust

system to produce the required

volumes of disinfectant on-site to be

used in the daily cleaning process.

The disinfectant – made from four

separate chemical ingredients stored

in barrels – is mixed into a single barrel

for use. However, the ingredients are

extremely aggressive, requiring a

system able to handle them without

compromising safety or performance.

To meet the challenge, Membracon

designed a mixing machine that uses

IMI PBM pinch valve technology to

control the flow of the challenging

ingredients. The pinch valves are

pneumatically actuated and are ideal

for this application as the media never

comes into contact with the valve itself.

Instead, the valve pinches the tube

carrying the media, ensuring ongoing

durability and safety.

Contact

www.imiplc.com/

industrial-automation

Sontara’s industryleading

sustainable

wipes portfolio

eading professional wipes brand

LSontara® has announced the launch

of a groundbreaking sustainable wipes

range, utilising exclusively sustainable

raw materials including recycled PET

from PCR bottles, plastic-free fibres such

as viscose, lyocell and cotton, and natural

wood pulp. The portfolio represents the

widest of its kind currently available on

the market.

Made in Europe at its

northern Spain production

site, Sontara’s sustainable

range includes products

with up to 42% less CO 2

emissions compared

to its standard wipe

equivalents, and up to

70% reduced transport

emissions against far eastern

imports, providing customers

with sustainability insights based

on industry-recognised methods, supply

chain security and greater agility.

Performance matched against Sontara’s

standard range, the reduced-carbon

portfolio has been developed to help

customers to reduce their environmental

impact without compromising on the

high strength, absorbency and extremely

low lint for which the brand is known.

Sontara’s sustainable off-the-shelf

options are available in a variety of

weights, colours and finishes, including

four variations of the brand’s leading

Sontara EC® engineered cloth wipes and

their innovative Sontara® TriFlo multilayer

technology, all engineered without

added binders, chemicals, or silicones:

■ Sontara EC® Green and

Sontara EC® Green

Natural – made

with fully cellulosic

biodegradable fibres.

EC Green Natural is

made with natural

wood pulp, offering

reduced chemical

processing and a

natural aesthetic.

■ Sontara EC® Recycled and

Sontara EC® Recycled Natural

– made with rPET, with the Natural

version also using natural wood pulp.

■ Sontara® TriFlo Green – a 100%

cellulosic wipe made with Sontara’s

multi-layer technology for greater

thickness, higher absorption, and the

lowest lint level in the range.

info@sontara.com

38


Recommended Supplier Directory

Here at AdCo we offer a wide range of adhesive

products for various applications, including

industrial manufacturing, construction,

packaging, and more. Our goal is to provide our

customers with reliable and efficient solutions

to all their adhesive needs. Not sure which

adhesive is right for your application? Our team

of experts are here to assist you.

At Christeyns, we’re passionate about helping

you keep things clean and safe. As hygiene

experts, we’re here to provide everything you

need – from five-star detergents, advanced

equipment to user-friendly monitoring systems

– all designed to deliver excellent results while

saving water and energy. Our family of hygiene

experts is ready to find what works best for you.

Our services have enabled many companies

and utilities to improve efficiency, reduce

costs and increase the effectiveness of their

waste management programmes and food

and beverage production. We provide a

comprehensive service to deal with all sludge and

effluent-related problems involving the treatment,

thickening and dewatering of almost any liquid.

Our multi-purpose storage cages are of modular

design, allowing for easy DIY construction

and incredibly flexible usage. Equally at home

either inside or outside the warehouse and

are designed to protect goods, gas bottles or

chemicals against vandalism and theft. We offer

a range of mobile security cages with wheels, as

well as fixed static cages all available from stock.

Curtiss-Wright surface technologies provides

customers a single-source solution and point of

contact for all their controlled material surface

treatments, supporting their requirements

through our global network of over 70 worldwide

facilities and on-site field teams, improving and

reducing turnaround times and costs. We are

material surface improvement specialists.

Kingston Engineering is a leading UK precision

engineering company with expertise in

manufacturing precision machined components

and assemblies. Our specialism is in producing

bespoke power screws, manufactured to the

highest quality standards. We provide solutions to

complex and challenging precision projects, based

on our extensive precision engineering experience,

expertise and cutting-edge technology.

With over four decades of expertise in

manufacturing and distributing industrial and

commercial electric vehicles, Bradshaw Electric

Vehicles stands as one of the market’s most

experienced and trusted providers.

Bradshaw EV offers a comprehensive range

of vehicles and serves as Club Car’s leading

dealership & Goupil’s exclusive UK distributor.

Able Instruments are the Exclusive Sales &

Service Representative for the Micronics

UX5000 ATEX Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flow Meter

in the UK & Ireland. This advanced, non-invasive

flow solution offers high accuracy and reliability

for Zone 1 hazardous area applications. The

UX5000 is the ideal choice for critical flow

monitoring.

Gold & Wassall Hinges is the leading name in

hinge manufacturing in the UK, and has been

manufacturing hinges of all types, including

continuous hinges, heavy duty hinges, butt

hinges and special purpose hinges. Our

impressive stock range boasts over 25,000

continuous hinges and over 120,000 other

hinges.

C&M Precision Ltd specialises in precision

components using Sliding and Fixed head

Turn/Mill technology. We produce complex

components with maximum efficiency, ensuring

minimum timescales for delivery. Our expertise

in precision engineering and advanced

manufacturing techniques allows us to meet

the most challenging demands of the industry.


Industrial Process News Issue 754

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