Industrial Process News Issue 755

IPN

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS NEWS

June 2026 – Issue 755

Tel: 0121 550 2086

www.industrialprocessnews.co.uk

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Balancing cost, quality

and speed in modern

plastics manufacturing

Awarded the Injection Moulding

Company of the Month

See page 2

ACRE Consultancy

Pages 6-7

Dynamics Consultants

Page 11

Piab Group/TAWI

Page 15

Injection Moulding Company of the Month

Balancing cost, quality and speed in

modern plastics manufacturing

In this issue of Industrial Process News, we are pleased to feature Plastic

Parts Direct as our Injection Moulding Company of the Month

I

n plastic injection moulding, the problems that cause

the most disruption are often the ones customers

don’t even know exist until it’s too late. Speaking to

Nick Cook, who works in Business Development at Plastic

Parts Direct, it quickly becomes clear that much of this

comes down to one thing: design for manufacture.

“People tend to focus on the tool,” he explains, “but that’s

only part of it. If the design hasn’t been properly thought

through for manufacture, that’s when costs start creeping

up.” It’s a point that comes up repeatedly. Details like wall

thickness, material use and even how a part will sit within

a mould all have a direct impact on cost and efficiency.

“You can reduce tool complexity, control material

usage and make the whole process more efficient just

by getting the design right at the start,” he says. “Even

something like matching the tool to the right machine

can make a big difference.”

overseas is cheaper and therefore better, but if you’re

moulding parts in a country with less regulation and then

shipping them halfway around the world, the carbon

footprint is significantly higher. Keeping production in

the UK is often the greener option.”

Looking ahead, however, he sees challenges on the

horizon, particularly around energy. “If you look at the

push towards net zero and the rising cost of electricity,

there’s a real risk we will price UK manufacturing out

of the market,” he says. “Then production just moves

abroad. You’re not reducing carbon emissions, you’re just

moving them somewhere else, often to countries that

pollute more, giving a net increase.”

“Plastic parts direct constantly look at ways to reduce

energy usage and cut unnecessary costs in production to

ensure we are competitive for our clients and are ready

for the future, this gives stability of supply to our clients.”

It also feeds into one of the biggest misconceptions

he sees. “A lot of people assume injection moulding

is expensive because of the tooling,” Nick says. “But if

it’s done properly, it doesn’t have to be.” Plastic Parts

Direct builds this thinking into its process from day one,

offering full DFM support and using standard mould

bases alongside UK-designed tools and in-house tooling,

with one simple aim, to keep costs under control while

still delivering a reliable, scalable solution.

A recent project highlights the effectiveness of this approach.

A manufacturer of LED lighting for harsh environments

needed a cap to secure the end of a diffuser and prevent

insects getting inside. “It sounded simple,” Nick says, “but it still

needed to work properly in a tough environment.” The team

developed two options and produced 3D-printed samples

so the client could test the fit before committing. “Once they

were happy, we moved straight into tooling,” he adds.

Using a four-cavity insert within a standard base,

the full solution was delivered in just six weeks.

Nick also points to the growing influence of 3D printing

on customer expectations. “We’re seeing more designs

come through that work perfectly for 3D printing, but

not for moulding,” he says. Features like undercuts or

angled holes might not seem like an issue at first, but in

tooling, they can quickly double the cost. “That’s where

clients are relying on us more,” he adds, “to guide them

towards a design that still does the job, just in a much

more cost-effective way.”

Plastic Parts Direct stays competitive by working closely

with material suppliers and investing in energy-efficient

processes that reduce waste. “We use closed-loop

recycling where possible, reprocessing sprues and start-up

scrap, and make sure the right tooling runs on the right

machine to balance speed, quality and cost,” says Nick.

Flexibility is another key strength. As a privately owned

business with a dedicated team, staff will go the extra

mile to keep production moving. With in-house tooling

maintenance, automation for complex parts and ongoing

investment in modern, efficient machines, the company

ensures consistent quality while keeping costs under control.

As the conversation turns to the future, Nick is clear

that sustainability is central to how Plastic Parts Direct

operates. “It plays a huge role for us,” he says. “We’ve

invested in the latest machines that use less energy,

we’ve got energy-efficient lighting throughout, and we

recycle wherever we can. It’s about keeping control of

our environmental impact.” But he’s also open about

the bigger picture. “There’s a perception that sourcing

Against that backdrop, Nick is keen to highlight what

Plastic Parts Direct does best. “For us, it’s the full service:

design, tooling and moulding,” he says. “That’s where we

add the most value, working with clients from the very

start to get things right.”

Ultimately, though, it comes back to relationships. “We

see ourselves as a partner,” he adds. “We genuinely care

about our clients and what they’re trying to achieve.

We understand the pressures, especially for SMEs, and

sometimes that means going above and beyond. If

something’s gone wrong and a customer needs parts

urgently, we’ll do what it takes, even if that means getting

in the car and delivering them ourselves. At the end of the

day, we’re here to keep their production running.”

For more information, please see below:

01295 269333

sales@plasticpartsdirect.co.uk

https://www.plasticpartsdirect.co.uk

2 see pages 6-7

Editors Notes

Welcome to our June 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 Plastic Parts Direct as our Injection Moulding

Company of the Month. In this exclusive interview, Plastic

Parts Direct explains why design for manufacture is critical,

Gina Burton

Editor

gina@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

how early engineering decisions can dramatically reduce costs, and why sustainability,

nnovation, and customer partnerships are shaping the future of UK plastics manufacturing.

See more on page 2.

On page 11, we feature Dynamics Consultants as our ERP Specialists Company of the Month.

Approaching its 20th anniversary, Dynamics Consultants has become one of the UK’s leading

Microsoft Dynamics specialists. Discover how its ‘Pain Free ERP’ methodology, deep manufacturing

expertise, and innovative use of AI-powered business solutions are helping organisations

streamline operations, improve efficiency, and achieve successful digital transformation.

Contents

IPN

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS NEWS

Issue 755

This issue, Piab Group is our Industrial Automation Company of the Month. Piab Group and TAWI

are helping businesses transform workplace safety and productivity. Discover how innovative

material handling technologies, smart automation, and a commitment to employee wellbeing

are enabling organisations worldwide to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable working

environments. See further on page 15.

Show Previews: Hillhead 2026, MACH 2026.

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

info@industrialprocessnews.co.uk.

Atlantic Pumps

9

Cover Story

Schmersal

12

Plastic Parts Direct

The company prides itself on being a modern friendly, feet on the

ground facility where service is paramount and technical ability

and efficiency combine to promote long-term relationships with

an increasing list of national and international clients.

2

GCE Industrial

21

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

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

see pages 6-7

3

Electronics

Maximising performance: Speed and precision

with IKO NT Series Linear Tables

n high-performance automation, engineering

Iteams often face a classic trade-off when selecting

positioning systems: choosing

between the rapid response of a

linear motor or the microscopic

precision of a mechanical drive.

However, modern dynamic

applications no longer require

sacrificing one for the other. Linear

motor-driven positioning tables

have evolved to offer both high-speed

capabilities and exceptional, sub-micrometre

accuracy.

mechanical stability over extended operation.

The NT Series addresses this by

incorporating an integrated anticage

creep crossed roller way.

This built-in rack-and-pinion

design effectively eliminates

cage creep, ensuring stable,

high-speed movement and

keeping the system’s attitude

entirely unaffected by rapid

motion. The result is an

exceptionally rigid structure that

offers long-term reliability.

IKO’s NT Series of compact, linear motor-driven

tables exemplifies this technological evolution. By

integrating a built-in direct-drive linear motor, highstrength

neodymium magnets, and a high-resolution

optical linear encoder into a single

streamlined

unit, the NT

Series delivers an

elegant solution for spaceconstrained

environments.

A primary engineering challenge with

high-speed linear tables is maintaining

To ensure strict real-time positioning

and control, the series utilises a

sophisticated closed-loop feedback

system. The optical linear encoder scale

is mounted directly onto the slide table, while the scale

head is secured to the bed. This setup continuously tracks

positional accuracy, allowing the drive system to make

immediate, microscopic adjustments on the fly.

For advanced applications requiring ultimate precision,

such as semiconductor and LCD manufacturing, the

NT…H High Accuracy model provides standard-setting

performance metrics. It delivers a running accuracy of

less than 1µm and a high attitude accuracy of 5 seconds

or less. With stroke lengths ranging from 25 to 65

millimetres and a maximum thrust of 25N, it provides

highly concentrated power and control. Additionally,

the system supports seamless operation monitoring

via PC and is fully compatible with leading industrial

communication protocols, including EtherCAT, SSCNET

III/H, and MECHATROLINK.

When design specifications demand rapid acceleration,

fast response times, and uncompromising repeatability,

the NT Series removes the need for compromise. The

combination of direct-drive technology and premium

guiding components ensures that your high-speed

applications operate with absolute precision.

If you would like to know more, please feel free to

contact out friendly team on:

01908 566144

info@iko.co.uk

www.iko.co.uk

LinkedIn:

Semiconductor

Mechatronics

LinearMotor

IKONipponThompson

HighSpeedAutomation

Appointments

Clearway appoint Christian Baumbach as

Managing Director of Secontec

learway is delighted to announce the appointment

Cof Christian Baumbach as Managing Director

(Geschäftsführer) of its German business, Secontec,

marking an important step in the Group’s continued

growth and development across Europe.

Christian brings extensive leadership experience and a

proven track record of driving operational excellence,

commercial growth and business transformation across

industrial and environmental service sectors.

For the past nine years, Christian has held a number of

senior executive positions with Safetykleen, the global

leader in chemical cleaning and environmental services.

During his tenure, he played a key role in leading

business performance, developing high-performing

teams and delivering sustainable growth in highly

competitive markets.

Prior to joining Safetykleen, Christian held several

leadership positions within Rothenberger, a leading

manufacturer and supplier of specialist tools and

machinery serving the construction, plumbing,

heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, gas and

environmental sectors.

In his new role, Christian will lead Secontec’s

strategic development and operations

in Germany, focusing on strengthening

customer relationships, accelerating growth

and supporting the delivery of innovative,

high-quality solutions to clients across

the region.

Commenting on the appointment, Phil Doyle,

CEO said, “We are delighted to welcome

Christian. His extensive leadership experience,

deep sector knowledge and strong track

record of delivering growth make him an

excellent addition to our team. Germany is

a key market for the Clearway Group, and

Christian’s Secontec appointment reflects

our commitment to investing in talented

leadership as we continue to expand and

strengthen our position across Europe.”

Christian Baumbach added, “I am excited to join

Clearway and Secontec at such an important stage

in the company’s development. The business has a

strong reputation, an excellent team and significant

opportunities for future growth. I look forward to

working closely with colleagues, customers and

partners to build on this success and help drive the

next chapter of growth in Germany.”

Christian’s appointment reinforces Secontec’s growth

ambitions in Germany and demonstrates Clearway’s

ongoing commitment to investing in exceptional

talent, strengthening leadership capability and

delivering long-term value for customers, employees

and stakeholders across the Group.

About The Clearway Group

Established in 2016, The Clearway Group is a holding

company operating businesses in the UK, France, and

Germany, specialising in the protection of people,

property and assets. Clearway is managed by an

experienced team and through strategic expansion,

it has become a trusted partner for a wide range of

public and private sector clients across Europe.

To find out more, please visit:

www.clearway.co.uk

4 see pages 6-7

Clean water: Even

in times of crisis

In this issue of Industrial Process News,

we are pleased to feature Lutz Jesco as our

Water Treatment Systems Company of the Month

Water Treatment Systems Company of the Month

T

he German company Lutz-Jesco has set itself

the goal of providing people with access to

clean and safe drinking water, even under

challenging conditions. To achieve this, the water

treatment specialist develops mobile disinfection

solutions that are used in municipal supply networks

worldwide, as well as in crisis and disaster areas.

“Through co-operation and the use of modern

technologies, we can help prevent the spread of disease

and alleviate human suffering.” (Heinz Lutz, CEO of

Lutz Holding GmbH (pictured))

Millions of people around the world do not have reliable

access to safe drinking water. Water treatment systems are

reaching their limits in many cities and regions, a situation

exacerbated by urbanisation and population growth. At

the same time, the expansion of infrastructure often lags

behind the pace of rapid growth. The result: people are

forced to rely on contaminated water. The risk of disease,

epidemics and social unrest increases.

To break this vicious cycle, many cities are

seeking relief through technical solutions

that can provide the population with

large quantities of hygienically safe water

as quickly as possible. This is where Lutz-

Jesco comes in – our Company of the

Month. The German specialist in pump

technology and water disinfection, based in Wertheim,

Baden-Württemberg, supports the modernisation of

drinking water networks around the world.

Containerised gas chlorination units improve

drinking water supply in western Uzbekistan

To achieve results as quickly as possible, Lutz-Jesco

follows a holistic systems approach. “We are one of

the few suppliers capable of providing all system

components for chlorine gas water disinfection from a

single source,” says Robert Heuschneider, Chief Operating

Officer at Lutz-Jesco. The company develops customised

solutions from these components. For example, for the

modernisation of drinking water treatment plants in

the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan in western

Uzbekistan, Lutz-Jesco pre-installed gas chlorination

units in containers. The advantage: these units are mobile

and can be connected to existing water networks and

put into operation without timeconsuming

conversion work.

Mobile water treatment

plants for Ukraine

Lutz-Jesco’s water treatment

technology is also being deployed in

Ukraine. In regions such as Kherson,

Zaporizhzhia and Marhanets, the

war has caused extensive damage to

infrastructure, leaving water supplies

in a critical state. This humanitarian

emergency is being alleviated in part

by Lutz-Jesco. “As a key player in the

water industry, we are committed

to doing our best to improve the

water supply throughout the world.

As such, we see it as our social

obligation to support emergency

aid projects in crisis zones through the provision of

state-of-the-art technology,” says Heinz Lutz, CEO of

Lutz Holding GmbH.

With support from the German Agency for International

Cooperation (GIZ), the company has equipped three

mobile water treatment plants with modern treatment

technology. Electrolysis systems make it possible to

produce chlorine from ordinary salt and use it to disinfect

water. With a treatment capacity of 300 cubic metres per

hour, the fully automated mobile waterworks can supply

some 300,000 people with clean and safe water.

“In our view, a reliable drinking water supply plays a

key role in stabilising crisis regions,” emphasises Heinz

Lutz. “Through co-operation and the use of modern

technologies, we can help prevent the spread of disease

and alleviate human suffering.”

see pages 6-7

Water scarcity caused by climate change:

Disinfection technology for alternative water sources

However, it is not only war, urbanisation and population

growth that are causing shortages of clean water in

many parts of the world. Climate change is also playing

an increasingly significant role. Glaciers are retreating

worldwide. As a result, many regions are losing these

dynamic reservoirs which cyclically replenish rivers

and groundwater aquifers with fresh water.

“Glaciers are an important source of drinking water in

many areas of the world, such as parts of Asia, South

America and Europe. It is therefore crucial for the people

affected that we act to slow down the dramatic decline in

the ice masses, in particular by reducing CO2 emissions,”

explains Heinz Lutz. “The regions affected should also

prepare to make greater use of alternative sources of

water such as rainwater and surface water.”

“However, since these sources can often be more

heavily contaminated with pollutants, microplastics

and chemical impurities, technologies for safe water

treatment are of central importance in achieving this

aim.” One example is the SAFETYCHLORMIX, a plug-andplay

chlorination system mounted on a pushcart. A single

person can transport the system to wherever emergency

chlorination is needed and start work straight away.

At the heart of the system is a diaphragm dosing

pump that doses a calcium hypochlorite solution into

contaminated water in order to kill or deactivate bacteria,

viruses and other microorganisms. Thanks to its mobile

design, the system can be deployed flexibly, particularly

in situations where rapid and reliable drinking water

disinfection is required.

Please contact

+44 (0)2477 103306

uk-sales@lutz-jesco.com

www.lutz-jesco.com/uk

5

Regulatory Strategy Company of the Month

Helping businesses meet

chemical regulations with

confidence

In this issue of Industrial Process

News, we are pleased to feature

ACRE Consultancy as our Regulatory

Strategy Company of the Month

A

CRE Consultancy was established in 2020

by Craig Kelly, building on his extensive

experience in product stewardship across

both the chemical industry and consultancy

sectors. The business was founded to address a

clear gap in the market: the need for practical,

client-focused regulatory support delivered by

a team of consultants with real-world industry

experience. Rather than offering generic,

one-size-fits-all advice, ACRE was created to

provide tailored solutions that reflect the specific

operational and commercial realities faced by

each client.

Headquartered in Otley, West Yorkshire, ACRE

Consultancy operates with a flexible, remotefirst

model. While the company maintains a

registered office, its consultants are based across

the UK, enabling support for clients nationally and

internationally. This structure allows the team to

remain highly responsive, combining day-to-day

accessibility with the option of in-person engagement

where projects benefit from closer collaboration or

site-specific understanding.

ACRE Consultancy supports businesses in navigating

complex chemical and environmental regulations

with confidence. The company specialises in UK and

EU REACH regulation advice, product stewardship,

horizon scanning, and wider sustainability-related

regulatory services. Through its ACRE-Advantage

service, it helps clients stay informed of regulatory

developments and better prepared for change,

supporting risk reduction and more confident

commercial decision-making.

Rather than treating regulation as a

standalone function, ACRE integrates

it into broader business strategy. This

approach is particularly valuable in

sectors where regulatory change can directly affect

formulation decisions, supply chains, and market

access. By translating evolving requirements into

clear, actionable guidance, ACRE helps organisations

remain both compliant and commercially competitive.

Within the chemical regulatory and product

stewardship sector, ACRE occupies a specialist

position. Although a relatively small consultancy,

its size enables a highly focused and personalised

service. The senior team brings together consultancy

expertise from direct employment in the chemical

industry or working in the UK Regulator, ensuring

advice is grounded in practical reality as well

as regulatory expectation. This combination is

particularly important in a field where interpretation

of guidance can often vary and where commercial

implications are significant.

A defining strength of ACRE is its ability to bridge

technical complexity with commercial practicality.

Rather than delivering purely theoretical

compliance advice, the team works closely with

clients to understand how regulations affect realworld

operations. This allows them to develop

proportionate, workable solutions that align with

business priorities, reduce unnecessary burden,

and support long-term planning.

ACRE also places strong emphasis on building

ongoing relationships rather than transactional

consultancy engagements. This continuity allows the

team to build deeper understanding of each client’s

product portfolio, markets, and regulatory exposure,

resulting in more targeted and efficient support over

time. The result is not only improved compliance

outcomes, but also greater confidence in decisionmaking

across organisations.

The company works with a diverse client base,

ranging from global chemical manufacturers to SMEs

and start-ups. This breadth reflects the flexibility of

its approach and its ability to support organisations

at different stages of regulatory maturity. For larger

organisations, ACRE often complements existing

internal teams, providing additional technical depth

or independent perspective. For smaller businesses,

it can act as a fully outsourced regulatory function,

helping them access and navigate complex markets

with confidence.

Guided by its philosophy of being ‘specialists in

chemical regulatory strategy and support,’ ACRE

focuses on simplifying complexity and enabling

confident decision-making in an increasingly

regulated environment. As regulatory frameworks

continue to evolve across global markets, the need for

clear, practical interpretation has become increasingly

important for businesses seeking to maintain

compliance while remaining competitive.

Speaking about ACRE-Advantage, Senior Consultant

Natasha explained, “ACRE-Advantage is our flexible

product stewardship and horizon scanning service. It is

designed to help businesses stay ahead of regulatory

change, manage risk, and maintain market access without

having to build a large in-house regulatory function.”

“The service is tiered, so clients can choose the level

of support that fits their business, markets, product

portfolio, and budget. This can range from targeted

horizon scanning and expert enquiries through to

regulatory clinics and full ongoing support.”

“For many businesses, particularly SMEs, this provides

a practical and cost-effective way to access specialist

regulatory expertise when they need it. It reflects

what ACRE does best: turning complex regulatory

requirements into clear, commercially useful action.”

ACRE-Advantage builds on the company’s core

expertise by providing structured, ongoing visibility

of the regulatory landscape. In industries where

chemical regulations are continuously evolving

across multiple jurisdictions, this forward-looking

approach is particularly valuable. New restrictions,

amendments, and policy developments can all have

significant implications for product development

timelines, supply chain decisions, and market strategy.

By monitoring these changes and interpreting their

relevance early, ACRE helps organisations move from

reactive compliance to proactive planning. This shift

enables businesses to anticipate challenges before

they arise and integrate regulatory considerations

more effectively into their operational and

commercial strategies.

6 see pages 6-7

Regulatory Strategy Company of the Month

Sally Jones,

Senior Consultant

Kitty Creasey,

Regulatory Scientist

Milly Stoneley,

Regulatory Consultant

Natasha Bennett,

Senior Consultant

Craig Kelly, Director,

Senior Consultant

A key strength of the service lies in how it is embedded

into existing business structures. For organisations with

established regulatory or compliance teams, ACRE-

Advantage provides additional capacity, specialist

insight, and independent validation of internal

interpretations. For companies without dedicated

regulatory resource, it offers structured external

expertise that brings clarity and reduces uncertainty

in decision-making.

The service also places strong emphasis on usability.

Regulatory intelligence is only valuable when it can

be applied effectively, so information is delivered

in a way that is directly relevant to each client’s

sector, product range, and commercial priorities.

This ensures that insights are not only accurate, but

also actionable, supporting day-to-day operational

decisions as well as longer-term planning.

Clients benefit from direct access to experienced

consultants who understand both the technical

detail of chemical regulation and the commercial

pressures faced by industry. This dual perspective is

particularly valuable when navigating ambiguous

or rapidly changing regulatory requirements, where

interpretation and judgement play a critical role.

Beyond immediate compliance support, ACRE-

Advantage also contributes to strategic foresight.

By identifying emerging trends and potential future

regulatory directions, it enables organisations to align

product development and investment decisions with

anticipated changes. This is increasingly important in

a global market where divergence between regional

regulatory frameworks can have a direct impact on

competitiveness and market access.

In a nutshell, ACRE-Advantage is designed to provide

reassurance in an uncertain regulatory environment.

It gives businesses confidence that they are not

only meeting current obligations but also preparing

effectively for what comes next. By combining specialist

knowledge, continuous monitoring, and practical

guidance, the service supports organisations in managing

risk, maintaining compliance, and making informed

commercial decisions in a complex and evolving sector.

Over the past twelve months, ACRE has continued to

grow in response to increasing demand for specialist

regulatory support. The company has expanded its

team, bringing in additional experienced consultants

who share its practical, client-focused approach. This

growth has been organic, reflecting both increased

project activity and long-term client relationships.

The company has also recently completed a rebrand

and launched a new website designed to better reflect

its services and make it easier for clients to engage.

The updated platform provides clearer insight into

ACRE’s offering and reinforces its position as a specialist

consultancy focused on practical regulatory solutions.

ACRE has also developed a dedicated EU and UK

REACH inquiry solution, including access to analytical

support where required. The early stages of the

REACH registration process can be complex and timesensitive,

particularly when it comes to demonstrating

substance identity to regulatory authorities.

Craig Kelly, ACRE’s Director and Senior Consultant,

explains, “The first stage of both the EU and UK REACH

registration process can be unexpectedly tricky to

navigate and can delay our clients’ market access

plans. The inquiry process needs to be managed

carefully and efficiently, and the quality of analytical

data required is exacting. You must demonstrate

conclusively to the regulator that your substance is

exactly what it claims to be.”

Alongside its UK REACH Only Representative services,

which support companies accessing the GB market,

ACRE also operates a presence in Belfast, enabling it

to assist both GB-based and EU-based businesses in

accessing EU markets.

With a refreshed brand identity and updated digital

presence, ACRE Consultancy continues to strengthen

its reputation for building collaborative and trusted

client relationships. The company places strong

emphasis on understanding each client’s requirements

from the outset, ensuring that all support is relevant,

practical, and aligned with business goals.

For prospective clients, ACRE recommends beginning

with a free, no-obligation introductory meeting. This

initial discussion provides an opportunity to understand

the organisation’s needs, identify regulatory risks or

challenges, and explore how ACRE can add value.

These meetings can be arranged directly via the

company website or by contacting the ACRE team

directly.

Please see below for more information:

01425 838995

info@acre-consultancy.com

www.acre-consultancy.com

see pages 6-7

7

Pumps & Valves

Europump welcomes

Alexandre Lacour as its

new president

uropump, the European Pump

EAssociation, is pleased to announce

the appointment of Alexandre Lacour

as its new President for the period

2025-2027. He succeeds Lubos Michlik,

CEO of Sigma and member of the

Executive Council of the Czech Pump

Manufacturers Association (CPMA), who

has successfully led the association over

the past two years.

Mr. Lacour, who represents the French

organisation EVOLIS and serves

as President of the French pump

manufacturer SOMEFLU and CHABOT,

was unanimously elected during

Europump’s General Assembly held in

Prague in May. His appointment reflects

the strong confidence of Europump’s

membership in his leadership and

strategic vision for the industry.

During the meeting, outgoing President

Lubos Michlik was warmly thanked for

his commitment and achievements,

notably for launching a comprehensive

strategy revision and for establishing a new

sponsorship program that will support

Europump’s long-term growth and visibility.

Mr. Lacour will be supported in his

presidency by two Vice-Presidents,

Markus Holmberg of Xylem, representing

the Swedish Pump Manufacturers

Association (SWEPUMP) and Jim Wall of

Sulzer Ireland, representing the British

Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA)

Together, they will guide Europump

in advancing its mission to promote

innovation, sustainability, and industrial

excellence across the European pump

industry.

For further information on the work

undertaken by Europump on behalf

of the European pump industry,

please visit: www.europump.net

Pfeiffer Vacuum: Safe

vacuum generation in

potentially explosive zones

he international process industry

Tcame together at ACHEMA in

Frankfurt am Main. Pfeiffer Vacuum

presented innovative vacuum solutions

at the trade fair. Particular attention

was focused on vacuum generation

in potentially explosive environments

and on the evacuation of explosive

gases. Wherever combustible dusts,

gases or vapours are used, or can

develop, there is always a danger of

explosion. To ensure the protection of

people working in potentially explosive

atmospheres, the vacuum pumps used

in these areas must be safe and free of

ignition sources. Here, the Okta ATEX

Roots pumps and HiScroll ATEX scroll

pumps from Pfeiffer Vacuum offer the

ideal solution.

Explosion-proof Okta ATEX

Roots pumps

Since they are designed in accordance

with the European ATEX Directive

(2014/34/EU and/or 1999/92/EC) and

have a pressure surge resistance of PN

16, the Okta ATEX Roots pumps meet

the very highest explosion-protection

requirements. Due to the hermetically

sealed magnetic coupling on the

drive shaft, there is no risk of zone

entrainment.

Explosion-proof HiScroll ATEX

scroll pumps

The vacuum pumps in the HiScroll

ATEX range meet the requirements of

European directive ATEX 2014/34/EU

and/or 1999/92/EC and are therefore

suitable for handling potentially

explosive gases. These scroll pumps

meet the equipment category 3G

standards for contact with the pumped

substance and also comply with

temperature class T4 requirements.

All gases up to and including explosion

group IIC can be pumped, including

hydrogen.

For more information, please visit:

www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com

8 see pages 6-7

Turning waste into watts

Project overview

eliability upgrade saves pump-related energy and

Rmaintenance costs at this Energy-from-Waste (EfW)

Anaerobic Digestion Plant.

Bio Dynamic, a leading East Midlands anaerobic

digestion plant that recycles food waste into green

energy, appointed Atlantic Pumps to advise and

implement a range of robust pumping solutions to

meet the growing demands of its biogas centre in

Nottingham.

Processing over 13 million litres of abrasive slurry, the

site generates around 43,000 megawatt-hours (MWH)

of sustainable energy per year. Continual improvement

in energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction are

key aims for the company as it seeks to increase output

of clean energy.

Find solutions to your pump challenges

Challenge

The cost of maintenance and the reliability of existing

pump performance were impacting downtime.

■ High wear rates –

replacing parts monthly

■ High operating and

maintenance costs

■ Cost and availability

of spare parts

■ Poor reliability –

frequent pump

stalls

Cumulatively, these

were restricting

outputs and increasing

inputs. Fast-wearing

pumps consume

exponentially more energy, as well as increasing

downtime and engineering costs.

The desired outcome

4 Lower whole life costs

4 Ability to pass highly abrasive waste containing grit

and glass

4 Consistent flow rate regardless of wear

4 Reduce the cost of maintenance and wear parts

Solution

Atlantic Pumps worked to understand the site’s

operational and commercial requirements, and then

advised on a strategy to reduce the total cost of

ownership. Following successful trials, 3 pumps

were upgraded to two better-suited pump types:

LSM Peristaltic and Toro Progressive Cavity.

Like in many recycling and waste-to-energy facilities,

the biggest pump challenge is at the front end of the

waste plant, pumping materials from the de-packing

machine. Pumps working in the intake hall typically

have the harshest duty, with large solids, settling silt

and highly aggressive, abrasive liquid.

Oliver Valvetek wins King’s Award

for Enterprise in Innovation

Pumps & Valves

Based on the parameters

and experience in similar

situations, Atlantic Pumps

recommended a heavyduty

peristaltic and a robust

progressive-cavity type of

pump. To determine proof

of concept, a trial was

conducted with pumps supplied on a hire basis.

Following the trial’s success, two peristaltic pumps were

then purchased – an LSM 100 & 150 – alongside a Toro

Progressive Cavity (PC) pump.

Results

Long wear life – more uptime – less maintenance –

energy savings

Delivering consistent, reliable performance, the

selection of the correct pumps has added immediate

value, reducing costs by circa £2k per month.

Fewer blockages, longer mean-time-betweenmaintenance

(MTBM), and reduced downtime have

increased site capacity and business resilience.

Reduced wear rate directly improves energy efficiency –

maximising energy-to-grid output.

Please contact

0800 118 2500

hello@atlantic-pumps.com

www.atlanticpumps.co.uk

liver Valvetek has been honoured with the King’s

OAward for Enterprise in Innovation, recognising

a major in-house engineering development that

has delivered significant benefits for subsea valve

performance, reliability and long-term customer

confidence.

This latest success marks the fourth Royal Award

achieved by the Oliver family of companies, and

Oliver Valvetek’s third Royal Award. It is also the

company’s first award in the Innovation category,

underlining the role that British engineering, research

and development, and practical problem-solving

continue to play across the business.

At the heart of the award-winning innovation is a

new Face Seal arrangement for Oliver Valvetek’s

subsea gate valves. Developed entirely in-house by

the company’s UK-based R&D team, the innovation

replaces a conventional spring-energised lip seal

with a simpler, one-piece PEEK polymer seal

designed to improve performance in extreme

subsea environments.

Unlike traditional sealing arrangements, the new

Face Seal uses system pressure to strengthen the

sealing effect. As operating pressure increases, the

seal becomes more effective, providing greater

reliability in demanding applications where failure

is not an option.

The innovation has been qualified for working

pressures from 5,000psi to 20,000psi and simulated

water depths of up to 4,000 metres. For subsea

operators, where unplanned intervention can

be highly complex, costly and time-critical, the

performance benefits are significant. Improved sealing

reliability helps reduce the risk of downtime, supports

safer offshore operations and provides greater

confidence for high-pressure, deepwater projects.

Beyond the technical performance, the innovation

has also delivered major operational and commercial

benefits. By bringing the design and manufacture of

the seal fully in-house, Oliver Valvetek has reduced

reliance on external suppliers, improved quality

control, simplified assembly and strengthened its

ability to respond quickly to customer requirements.

The development has already supported more than

£6.8 million in orders, demonstrating its clear impact

in the market.

Nick Howard, Engineering Director, said, “Winning

the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation is a

tremendous achievement for Oliver Valvetek and a

proud moment for everyone across our companies.

Innovation has always been central to how we work,

not as an abstract idea, but as a practical engineering

discipline that solves real customer challenges.”

“This award recognises the skill, persistence and

technical expertise of our people, who continue to

develop world-class valve solutions here in the UK for

some of the most demanding energy applications in

the world.”

see pages 6-7

The award further strengthens Oliver Valvetek’s

reputation as a trusted subsea valve specialist,

with a long history of delivering engineered

solutions for critical offshore applications. It

also reflects the company’s continued investment

in British manufacturing, in-house testing and

R&D-led product development.

With three Royal Awards now awarded to

Oliver Valvetek, and four achieved across the Oliver

companies, this latest recognition marks another

significant milestone in a legacy built on engineering

excellence, innovation and long-term performance.

Contact

+44 (0)1565 632636

sales@valves.co.uk

www.valves.co.uk

9

Manufacturing & Engineering

Step by step to a better quality of life

Greater efficiency, fewer breakdowns – with

these goals in mind, STOBER continues

to enhance its predictive maintenance. The

drive specialists have also defined several

expansion stages: they continuously monitor

the drive train and derive maintenance

recommendations based on the analysis of

the relevant process and machine data. The

possibilities range from analytical calculation

models to AI-supported processes. STOBER is

following an integrated solution strategy. This

requires no external sensors or accessories and

is accessible for a wide range of controllers.

“How can we use predictive maintenance

to make the transition from pure condition

monitoring to real condition-based servicing

for drive trains?” Tim Lang, Head of System &

Test at STOBER, and his team asked themselves.

Predictability is becoming increasingly

important for users who want to achieve

higher availability, lower maintenance costs

and longer life cycles. “How likely is it that the

geared motor will fail soon?” or “When is the

ideal time to service or replace it?” To answer

these questions, STOBER is pursuing a threestage

development plan, the second stage of

which is currently being implemented.

Please visit

www.stoeber.de/en

www.stober.at

www.stober.ch

tube manipulation

welded assemblies

Based at the heart of the UK, founded in 1966, Formbend is your one-stop shop for

outstanding technical expertise in tube manipulation & welded assemblies.

Specialising in tube bending, end forming, brazing & welded components from a

vast range of materials across a wide variety of sectors, working closely with local

specialists to offer our customers a complete line side solution.

Our mission is “To maintain our position as a world class leader in tube

manipulation and welded assemblies by manufacturing high-quality products

and providing worldwide customer delight.”

Please visit for more: www.formbend.com

Call: 0121 557 0555 or email: email@formbend.com

10 see pages 6-7

ERP Specialists Company of the Month

Driving ERP innovation in UK

manufacturing and distribution

In this issue of Industrial

Process News, we are pleased to

feature Dynamics Consultants

as our ERP Specialists


Established in 2007 by directors Tom Jenkins and

Jeremy Organ, Dynamics Consultants was created to

fill a growing gap in the ERP and business software

market. Following the closure of a local Microsoft

Dynamics partner, the two recognised an opportunity

to support businesses that relied on Dynamics systems

but lacked specialist guidance. Jeremy brought

extensive experience as a Dynamics developer, while

Tom contributed a strong operational and business

background, creating a partnership that combined

technical expertise with practical commercial

understanding. Nearly two decades later, the company

has grown into one of the UK’s leading Microsoft

Dynamics specialists, supported by more than 400

years of combined team experience in ERP solutions.

Headquartered on the South Coast of Hampshire, between

Portsmouth and Southampton, Dynamics Consultants

operates with a truly nationwide reach. While the main

office remains in the South of England, the company

employs consultants and technical specialists across the

UK and Northern Ireland. This distributed model allows the

business to remain flexible and responsive, ensuring clients

receive consistent support regardless of location, while

also benefiting from a broad pool of expertise.

Dynamics Consultants specialises in delivering integrated

business software solutions powered by Microsoft Dynamics

365 Business Central, widely regarded as one of the leading

ERP platforms for small and medium-sized businesses. The

company’s core focus is on unifying business operations

into a single, connected system. Rather than relying on

multiple disconnected tools, clients benefit from one central

platform that brings together finance, CRM, e-commerce,

manufacturing, warehousing, stock control and service

management. This integration enables organisations to

streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies and gain real-time

visibility across all areas of their operations, improving

both decision-making and overall performance.

The company is particularly well known within the

manufacturing and distribution sectors, where complex

operational requirements demand highly tailored

solutions. Dynamics Consultants has built a strong

reputation for delivering ERP projects on time and

within budget, which is a significant achievement in

an industry where implementations are often complex

and unpredictable. Its experience spans a wide range

of industries including machine building, medical

equipment, marine components, boat building,

pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage manufacturing.

This depth of sector knowledge allows the team to

design systems that are not only technically robust but

also aligned with real-world operational needs.

As the company approaches its 20th year in business,

its vision is clear: to be widely recognised as the

UK’s leading Microsoft business solutions provider

for manufacturing and distribution companies. This

long-standing commitment is underpinned by proven

delivery processes that cover every stage of a project

lifecycle, from initial discovery and solution design

through to implementation, training and ongoing

support. These processes have been refined over years

of customer feedback and practical experience, ensuring

consistency, reliability and high-quality outcomes.

A defining strength of Dynamics Consultants lies in

its combination of Microsoft-powered technology

and deep industry expertise. Microsoft’s continued

investment in artificial intelligence and automation

within Dynamics 365 Business Central is transforming

the ERP landscape. These advancements enable

businesses to automate routine tasks, reduce manual

effort and access insights more quickly than ever before.

Data that was once fragmented across multiple systems

can now be consolidated and analysed in real time,

helping organisations improve productivity, efficiency

and strategic decision-making.

Rather than treating technology as a standalone

solution, Dynamics Consultants focuses on how these

innovations can be practically applied within specific

industries. Their consultants work closely with clients

to ensure that AI-driven features and automation

tools are embedded into everyday business processes

in a meaningful and usable way. This ensures that

technology adoption leads to measurable improvements

rather than unnecessary complexity.

Alongside these technological advancements, Dynamics

Consultants is also expanding its product offering through

the development of a suite of Microsoft-approved

applications for the Business Central App Store. These

apps are designed to extend the core functionality of

Business Central, providing additional capabilities and

improved experience to those using the software. This

allows clients to enhance their systems without the need

for extensive custom development, while still maintaining

flexibility and scalability as their businesses grow.

Another key pillar of the company’s approach is its ‘Pain

Free ERP’ methodology, which is designed to simplify

what is traditionally seen as a complex and disruptive

process. ERP implementations are often associated with

high costs, long timelines and operational disruption.

Dynamics Consultants addresses these challenges by

focusing on structured planning, clear communication

and close collaboration with clients at every stage. The

goal is to ensure that projects are delivered on time,

within budget and with minimal disruption to day-today

operations.

This approach is particularly valuable for growing

businesses undertaking digital transformation for the

first time. By breaking down complexity into manageable

stages and prioritising practical outcomes, Dynamics

Consultants helps organisations transition to modern

ERP systems with confidence. The emphasis is not just on

implementing software, but on ensuring long-term success

through training, support and continuous improvement.


02380 982283

enquiries@d-c.co.uk

https://dynamics-consultants.co.uk

see pages 6-7

11

Health & Safety

New Schmersal Webshop:

Faster, simpler, fully responsive

ith the new webshop, Schmersal is consistently

Winvesting in its digital future and offering

customers worldwide modern, high-performance,

and user-friendly access to its product portfolio.

K.A. Schmersal GmbH & Co. KG has successfully launched

its new webshop. With modern technology and

significantly improved user guidance, the platform offers

customers worldwide a more convenient and efficient

shopping experience for products, order data, and

services. The overall portfolio comprises around 15,000

products in safety, control, and automation technology.

Significantly simplified ordering and

registration process

A key focus of the relaunch was further improving userfriendliness.

The entire ordering process has been made

clearer and more intuitive. Existing approval processes for

the registration of business customers have been retained

but now run more efficiently. Another advantage for

existing customers: current login credentials remain valid,

ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.

Product information presented more clearly

and technically

The product detail pages are now more user-friendly:

technical features, specifications, and relevant

information are more prominently displayed and

easier to find. Additional functions such as a product

comparison tool further support customers in selecting

suitable solutions.

Responsive design

The mobile experience has also been significantly

improved. The new webshop now features a modern,

PFAS in firefighting foam:

What UK businesses need

to know

ecent EU headlines

Raround PFAS

bans in firefighting

foam have caused

understandable

concern. However,

OHEAP Fire &

Security is urging UK

businesses to take a

measured, informed

approach.

In October 2025,

the EU confirmed

Regulation 2025/1988,

which bans the sale

of PFAS-containing

firefighting foams

from October 2030 and requires the

removal of PFAS-based extinguishers

by December 2030. These regulations

do not currently apply in the UK.

Instead, the UK Government and the

Health & Safety Executive launched a

six-month consultation on PFAS use in

firefighting foam on 18th August 2025,

closing on 18th February 2026. No

regulatory decisions will be made

until this process concludes. As

it stands, all existing fire safety

equipment remains fully compliant.

Early indications

suggest that, if

introduced, the

earliest possible UK

restrictions would

come into force in late

2026, likely followed

by a phased transition

period of up to five

years. This means

existing PFAS foam

extinguishers may not

require replacement

until 2031 or later.

“There is a lot of

misinformation

circulating,” says

Nicholas Heap, Managing Director at

OHEAP Fire & Security. “Our role is to

provide clarity and guide customers

through any future changes in a planned,

compliant and cost-effective way.”

With over 60 years’ experience, OHEAP

Fire & Security continues to monitor

regulatory developments closely and

advise businesses based on facts, not

headlines.

Please visit

www.oheap.co.uk

responsive design. Content and functions automatically

adapt to different devices, ensuring convenient use on

the go.

International availability and personal support

The new webshop is available in around 20 countries,

strengthening Schmersal’s international digital presence

and providing a consistent global shopping experience.

In addition to digital optimisation, Schmersal continues

to focus on personal support. Customers will still benefit

from technical and commercial support hotlines to

receive fast and competent assistance.

Webshop: www.products.schmersal.com

Please visit

www.schmersal.com

www.tecnicum.com

12 see pages 6-7

Health & Safety

Safety Unlimited announces partnership

with Phoenix Safe Company to offer

certified lithium-ion battery safes

Safety Unlimited are pleased to

announce that they are now offering

the Phoenix Safe Company’s new

range of Lithium-Ion Battery Safes,

delivering market-leading protection for

the safe storage and charging of lithium-ion

batteries.

Phoenix Safe Company – Battery Commander

Pro – Certified safety for lithium-ion storage

When it comes to lithium-ion battery fires,

compromise is not an option. The Phoenix

BS1940 Battery Commander Pro Series is the

first UK-available range independently certified

to VDMA 24994:2024-08 by ECB.S, setting the

benchmark in safe storage and charging.

Built with reinforced double-wall construction,

multipoint locking, and advanced fire insulation,

the BS1940 series delivers tested protection

both inside-to-outside and outside-to-inside,

containing even the most severe thermal

runaway events. With capacities of up to

22,500Wh (BS1946 double-door), these safes

are ideal for police, emergency services, oil &

gas, utilities, and other high-demand sectors.

Key features of the Phoenix Battery

Commander Pro BS1940 Series:

■ VDMA 24994:2024-08 Certified – the

recognised European benchmark for lithiumion

storage safety

■ Storage and charging up to 22,500Wh

■ Integrated smoke detection and electronic

monitoring with auto power cut-off

■ Mobile phone App for live monitoring

■ 6 cabinet sizes available across the range

■ Reinforced and insulated shelving, heavyduty

PDUs, and ventilation with extraction

options

■ UK Police Secured by Design approved

By combining Phoenix Safe Company’s

engineering excellence with Safety Unlimited’s

expertise in hazardous material storage,

customers can now access a fully certified

solution for lithium-ion battery safety.

“Protecting people, property, and business

continuity is at the heart of everything we do,”

said Gary Wiley, Managing Director.

“The Phoenix Battery Commander Pro BS1940

Series provides our clients with independently

certified assurance, ensuring the highest levels of

fire safety where lithium-ion batteries are in use.”

Choose certified protection

Protect your people, property, and reputation.

Choose the Battery Commander Pro BS1940

Series – because real fire safety is certified.

For media enquiries, product information,

or to request a quotation, please contact:

01702 420000

sales@safetyunlimited.co.uk

www.safetyunlimited.co.uk

see pages 6-7

13

Preview

The quarrying industry’s biggest live showcase returns

Hillhead 2026 returns bigger

and better than ever from

23rd-25th June 2026

idely recognised as the UK’s largest quarrying,

Wconstruction and recycling exhibition, the event

attracts thousands of industry professionals eager

to discover the latest machinery, technologies and

innovations shaping the future of the sector.

What makes Hillhead truly unique is its live working

quarry environment. Unlike traditional indoor trade

shows, visitors can see heavy plant and equipment

operating in real-world conditions. The famous Quarry

Face demonstrations remain one of the event’s biggest

attractions, with crushers, excavators, wheel loaders

and screening equipment all put through their paces in

front of live audiences. Crusher Alley and the Recycling

Demonstration Areas also promise high-energy

displays, giving attendees the chance to experience the

latest engineering advancements in action.

Hillhead 2026 is already on track to become the largest

edition in the show’s 44-year history. Organisers

have confirmed that more than 600 exhibitors will

attend, showcasing everything from aggregates

processing equipment and recycling systems to

digital technologies, safety solutions and sustainable

innovations. Major OEMs from across the globe are

expected to unveil new machinery and product

launches during the three-day exhibition.

Sustainability is also set to be a major talking point

this year. With the industry increasingly focused on

efficiency, emissions reduction and material recovery,

visitors can expect to see cutting-edge recycling and

wet-processing technologies designed to improve

productivity while supporting environmental goals.

Several exhibitors are preparing to launch modular

processing systems and next-generation equipment

aimed at helping operators work smarter and more

sustainably.

Beyond the machinery, Hillhead offers invaluable

networking opportunities. With nearly 20,000 visitors

attending previous editions, the event brings together

quarry operators, contractors, plant managers,

engineers and decision-makers from across the

construction and recycling industries.

Hillhead 2026 promises an unmissable showcase of

innovation, live action and industry insight, all set

against the dramatic backdrop of a working limestone

quarry in Derbyshire.


https://www.hillhead.com

Please visit Stand C9

14 see pages 6-7

Where ergonomics

meets automation

Industrial Automation Company of the Month

In this issue of Industrial Process News, we are pleased

to feature Piab Group as our Industrial Automation


and lorries within the logistics sector. The response

from the market has been extremely strong, resulting in

increased demand and the need to establish additional

manufacturing locations to support growth.”

P

iab Group and its ergonomic lifting brand

TAWI have become recognised names in

industrial automation and smart material

handling, helping businesses improve workplace

safety, productivity, and operational efficiency across

a wide range of industries. Founded in Sweden

in 1951, Piab was established with a vision to use

vacuum technology to create safer, cleaner, and

more efficient industrial handling processes. The

company’s roots trace back to founder Sven Tell,

whose passion for engineering and innovation laid

the foundation for what would become a global

leader in vacuum automation technology. Over the

decades, Piab expanded its capabilities through

research, innovation, and strategic acquisitions,

with TAWI joining the Piab Group in 2020 as its

specialist ergonomic lifting brand.

Today, Piab Group is headquartered in Sweden, where its

primary manufacturing operations remain based, while

the company operates globally through an extensive

network of offices, distributors, and partners. In the

UK, Piab and TAWI operate from Loughborough and

Northampton respectively, enabling the companies

to support customers nationwide with sales, technical

expertise, and aftercare services. The group now serves

customers in more than 100 countries, reflecting its strong

international presence and continued global growth.

Under the TAWI brand, the company provides a

comprehensive range of ergonomic lifting and material

handling solutions designed to reduce manual handling

risks and improve workplace efficiency. Its portfolio

includes vacuum lifters, wire hoists, crane systems,

mobile order pickers, and customised lifting equipment,

supported by full project management services

from design and installation through to servicing

and maintenance. These solutions are widely used in

production facilities, warehouses, logistics operations,

pharmaceutical environments, and food manufacturing

sites where repetitive or heavy lifting forms part of daily

operations.

Within the industrial handling sector, TAWI occupy a

unique position between fully manual handling and

complete automation. The company is widely regarded

as a leading provider of semi-automated vacuum lifting

solutions, combining ergonomic design with advanced

vacuum technology to help businesses create safer

and more sustainable workplaces. TAWI’s long-standing

expertise in process refinement, return-on-investment

analysis, and workplace safety improvements has helped

distinguish the brand from competitors. Rather than

simply supplying equipment, the company works closely

with customers to identify operational challenges and

implement tailored lifting solutions that reduce physical

strain, increase productivity, and improve overall

workflow efficiency.

Piab and TAWI primarily serve industries such as food

and beverage, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing,

distribution centres, logistics, and wider process

industries. Their continued focus on innovation,

customer relationships, and smart automation has

positioned the company as a trusted global partner for

businesses looking to modernise their material handling

operations while prioritising employee wellbeing and

operational performance.

Michael Wooster, Director – Piab Ltd & Lifting

Automation Country Manager adds, “At Piab and

TAWI, our focus has always been on improving

workplace safety while helping businesses become

more productive and sustainable. One of our proudest

achievements has been our contribution to reducing

manual handling injuries through intelligent lifting and

handling solutions that remove strain from everyday

operations.”

“We continue to expand our range of mobile and flexible

lifting systems to meet the evolving demands of modern

industry. Recently, we launched a complete mobile

solution designed specifically for unloading containers

“We are also preparing to introduce a next-generation

lifting solution that we believe will revolutionise many

working environments. Importantly, this innovation

is designed to support employees in their roles,

enhancing safety and efficiency rather than replacing

the workforce.”

“Our mission is centred on improving our customers’

productivity, sustainability, and safety through

evolving industrial automation and semi-automation

technologies. At the heart of everything we do is our

philosophy to ‘make light work of heavy lifting’ by

combining safety, ergonomics, and productivity in

every solution we provide.”

“Looking ahead, Piab will continue strengthening

the integration of TAWI within our wider automation

portfolio while expanding our range of ergonomic,

mobile, and customised lifting solutions. Our ambition is

to further enhance workplace ergonomics and support

growing sectors such as logistics and e-commerce with

smarter, more flexible handling technologies.”

“We are increasingly focused on integrating ergonomic

lifting with advanced semi-automated solutions that

enhance both operational efficiency and employee

wellbeing. Investing in ergonomic lifting technology

is one of the most effective ways businesses can

reduce workplace injuries, retain skilled employees,

increase throughput, and deliver measurable process

improvement and return on investment, often through

relatively small but highly impactful changes to

everyday handling operations.”

Piab and TAWI continue to demonstrate how intelligent

lifting technology is transforming modern industry by

creating safer, smarter, and more sustainable workplaces.

Through continuous innovation, ergonomic expertise,

and customer-focused solutions, the company is helping

businesses worldwide embrace the future of material

handling while improving productivity, efficiency,

and employee wellbeing.


01604 591120

la.uk.info@piab.com

www.tawi.com

see pages 6-7

15

Review – Top Exhibitors

Driving the future

of advanced

manufacturing

T

he MACH Exhibition is the UK’s leading

showcase for manufacturing technologies,

engineering innovation, and industrial

advancement. Organised by the Manufacturing

Technologies Association (MTA), the event once

again brought together the full breadth of the

manufacturing sector under one roof, serving as

a central meeting point for engineers, decisionmakers,

suppliers, and innovators shaping the future

of production in the UK and beyond. More than a

traditional trade exhibition, MACH demonstrated

how modern manufacturing continued to evolve

through automation, digital transformation, and

increasingly sophisticated engineering systems.

The scale of the 2026 event was a defining feature,

with more than 26,000 attendees and several hundred

exhibitors filling the NEC’s expansive halls. The show

covered an impressive range of technologies, from

machine tools and robotics to additive manufacturing,

metrology, software platforms, and precision engineering

solutions. Rather than relying on static displays, MACH

2026 stood out for its emphasis on live, operational

machinery. Visitors were able to see advanced

manufacturing systems running in real time, giving

a clear and practical understanding of performance,

efficiency, and integration in real production

environments. This hands-on approach proved especially

valuable for engineers and buyers assessing potential

investments in new technology.

The event took place against a backdrop of continued

transformation within UK manufacturing, as the sector

adapted to challenges including supply chain disruption,

rising energy costs, skills shortages, and increasing

pressure to adopt more sustainable production methods.

MACH 2026 reflected these realities by highlighting

technologies designed to improve productivity,

resilience, and long-term competitiveness. A strong

focus was placed on smart manufacturing and Industry

4.0 principles, with exhibitors showcasing connected

production systems, data-driven monitoring tools,

artificial intelligence applications, and highly automated

workflows. These technologies illustrated how digital

integration was becoming central to modern factory

operations rather than an optional enhancement.

The structured layout of the exhibition played a key role

in its accessibility and effectiveness. Dedicated zones

helped visitors navigate the vast show floor, grouping

technologies into clear categories such as machine

tools, robotics and automation, sheet metal fabrication,

additive manufacturing, metrology and inspection, and

advanced manufacturing software. Each zone featured

live demonstrations and technical experts who were on

hand to explain applications in detail. This organisation

allowed attendees to move seamlessly between broad

exploration and highly focused technical evaluation,

depending on their interests and requirements.

Beyond the technology on display, MACH 2026 also

delivered significant value as a networking and

knowledge-sharing platform. The event attracted a

wide cross-section of the industry, including engineers,

production managers, procurement specialists, senior

executives, and consultants. Many attendees used the

show to build relationships, explore partnerships, and

discuss future investment strategies. Alongside the

exhibition floor, a comprehensive seminar programme

provided deeper insight into key industry themes.

Topics included digital transformation, sustainable

manufacturing practices, workforce development,

and supply chain resilience, with speakers offering

perspectives on both current challenges and future

opportunities facing the sector.

Education and skills development also formed an

important part of the event. Dedicated initiatives

aimed at students, apprentices, and early-career

engineers helped promote manufacturing as a

modern, innovative, and attractive career path. These

areas provided inspiration and guidance for the next

generation of industry professionals at a time when

the sector continues to address significant skills gaps.

By showcasing real-world applications of advanced

technologies, MACH reinforced the message that

MACH Exhibition 2026 took place

from 20th-24th April 2026 at the

NEC Birmingham

manufacturing remains a dynamic and evolving field

with strong future prospects.

Although rooted in the UK industrial landscape, MACH

2026 also reflected the global nature of modern

manufacturing. Exhibitors and visitors from across Europe

and beyond contributed to an international atmosphere,

highlighting the interconnectedness of supply chains and

industrial collaboration. This global presence enabled UK

companies to benchmark themselves against international

competitors, explore export opportunities, and engage

with leading technology providers from around the world.

At the same time, the event underscored the strength

and adaptability of the UK manufacturing sector within

a highly competitive global environment.

Throughout the week, a strong emphasis emerged

on automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and

sustainable manufacturing solutions. Numerous product

launches and live demonstrations showcased the

latest developments in smart factory systems, digital

production platforms, and next-generation engineering

technologies. The integration of data, machinery,

and software was a recurring theme, illustrating how

manufacturing systems were becoming increasingly

interconnected and intelligent.

Overall, MACH Exhibition 2026 delivered a

comprehensive and forward-looking snapshot of the

manufacturing industry at a pivotal moment in its

evolution. It combined scale, innovation, and practical

application in a way that few other events achieve.

By bringing together thousands of professionals,

technology providers, and industry leaders, it created

a powerful environment for collaboration, learning,

and commercial development. As the sector continued

to evolve in response to economic, technological,

and environmental pressures, MACH once again

demonstrated its importance as a key indicator

of the direction manufacturing was heading.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s

show, listed here in alphabetical order: Phoenix Tooling.

Further details can be found below.


https://machexhibition.com

16 see pages 6-7

Test, Measurement & Laboratory

Not in sight, but within hearing

range: detecting and locating

drones thanks to intelligent

sensor data fusion

raunhofer IDMT in Oldenburg has

Fdeveloped an intelligent sensor

solution that detects drones even

outside the line of sight. The acoustic

detection technology can be combined

with radar, camera, and lidar to form a

complete system.

When a drone (also known as an

unmanned aerial system, or UAS)

approaches a security-critical area

without permission, it poses a potential

threat. In some cases, optical sensors,

radio, and radar are disrupted by

terrain, weather, or technical measures

and cannot reliably detect a drone.

The Fraunhofer

Institute for Digital

Media Technology

IDMT in Oldenburg

has developed an

integrated acoustic

sensor solution for

drone detection and

localization. In view

of the increasing

threat posed by

unmanned aerial

vehicles in securitycritical

areas, the

system fills a crucial

gap: it ‘hears around

corners.’ Acoustics can be combined with

radar, camera, and lidar to form a robust

sensor data network. Unlike purely

optical and radar-based methods, which

rely on line of sight, the technology

enables drone operations to be detected

even in built-up or forested areas.

Fraunhofer IDMT has published a

video on its YouTube channel about the

detection and localisation of drones:

https://youtu.be/cSuV9xzcgXY

Further information on:

www.idmt.fraunhofer.de/hsa

Excellence in vibration

monitoring

aintec is the longest standing

Mexhibition for the predictive

maintenance, reliability and asset

management industry, and Chris

Hansford, Managing Director of

Hansford Sensors Ltd, has been

attending the show for almost 40 years.

As a globally recognised leader in

industrial vibration monitoring,

Hansford Sensors designs &

manufactures a broad range of highperformance

equipment. Its offerings

include accelerometers, vibration

sensors, 4-20mA transmitters, cable

assemblies, and industrial enclosures.

At Maintec 2024, Hansford Sensors

highlighted key products like its

Accelerometer Power Supply Modules

and Vibration Sensors, showcasing

its commitment to delivering reliable

solutions for industrial applications.

Vibration monitoring products are

crucial in industry because they

help detect early signs of machinery

malfunction, such as misalignment,

imbalance, or bearing failures. Hansford

Sensors systems are ideal to support

various outputs like AC acceleration and

velocity, ensuring versatility in usage.

Its products are designed for robustness

with IP ratings suitable for harsh

environments, making them ideal for

industries such as manufacturing, power,

and mining.

As well as Vibration Systems and

Switches, Hansford Sensors also offer

a range of accessories for vibration

monitoring that include DIN rail

mounted monitoring and protection

modules, vibration switches and charge

amplifiers.

What’s more, Hansford Sensors also

provide an online calculator designed

to simplify your vibration analysis. From

an input of acceleration, velocity or

displacement the Vibration Calculator

converts the amplitude and frequency

into a range of engineering units to

optimise analytical performance.

For more information on all

products, or to use the calculator,

please see below:

0845 680 1957

sales@hansfordsensors.com

https://hansfordsensors.com

DRIVING INNOVATION IN

IOT SOLUTIONS

Providing custom cutting-edge IoT and Connectivity solutions

to any size projects for all industries and requirements. If it can

be measured, we can monitor it. If it can be reached, we can

manage it. If it is out there, we can connect it.

Linkwave Technologies is a value-added

distributor of 4G-LTE/5G wireless connectivity,

Ethernet connectivity, location, Bluetooth

and Wi-Fi solutions. With extensive product

knowledge, we are passionate about delivering

high standards of technical support and

commercial service. Linkwave Technologies

is a specialist distributor for major

manufacturers, serving the UK and Ireland.

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.

End

Products

Modules

Accessories

Visit hansfordsensors.com,

contact 0845 680 1957 or email

sales@hansfordsensors.com

Cloud Services

Special Projects

Please visit linkwave.co.uk

Phone: +44 (0)1522 884750

Email: webenquiry@linkwave.co.uk

18 see pages 6-7

Laboratory

Never lose track of your samples again and

ensure you meet legislation & compliance with

durable identification solutions for any laboratory

GS1 sample tracking utilises standardised barcodes

(GIAI & GTIN) to uniquely identify, locate, and track

laboratory or medical samples through their entire

lifecycle – from collection to lab analysis. This solution

ensures real-time visibility, reduces errors, and

maintains strict chain of custody.

s the UK’s leading Premier Distribution Partner

Afor Brady Corporation, Omser cover the whole

of the UK, specialising in providing the best products,

service and support into the UK’s laboratory market.

From small handheld label printers for low volume

applications to full benchtop systems for higher

volumes & flexibility, coupled with a wide range of

laboratory specific labelling materials, we help users

find the right solution for their needs.

With dedicated laboratory printing software, RFID

labelling capabilities, a full range of scanners and

readers, and the ability to print direct from your

own systems, the laboratory solutions from Omser

offer something for every laboratory identification

application no matter how big or small.

We also offer bespoke solutions for sample tracking,

whether with GS1 barcode labels or RFID technology to

allow for tracking of samples throughout any process

across multiple locations.

As GS1 standards are global, samples can be seamlessly

transferred between different labs while maintaining a

verifiable digital record always ensuring interoperability.

“Unidentified samples and illegible labelling pose

a multitude of problems and issues within the

laboratory environment…”

Avoid sample loss by identifying every sample in your

laboratory with professional laboratory labels from Brady.

The labels are engineered to stay attached and remain

legible in the most challenging laboratory conditions

when printed with a Brady printer. Sample labels will not

smudge or smear when exposed to typical laboratory

chemicals, unlike handwritten labels. They are precise,

reliable and efficient. Labels can be easily designed and

printed in the laboratory, will stay attached on every

sample and remain legible throughout processing

and in storage even down to -196°C.

SPECIALIST MATERIALS include

■ Cryogenic Materials

■ Water Dissolvable Labels for Easy Cleanup

■ Sterilisation Indicating Labels

■ Colour Changing Labels

■ Pre-Coloured Labels

■ RFID Labels & Tags

From Freezers to Autoclaves, specially developed

laboratory label materials ensure sample integrity even

in the harshest storage environments. Print on demand,

even in full colour.

Contact Omser today and we will be happy to

discuss all your laboratory identification needs:

01389 830408

sales@omser.co.uk

www.omser.co.uk

The new E series by BOGE: compressed air

technology for everyday use

Compressed Air

he new E series offers a stable compressed air

Tsupply, robust and durable components, and an

economically favourable overall balance. The oillubricated

screw compressor stands out with proven

technology, made-in-Germany quality and a low

purchase price. Users continue to benefit from the

established BOGE service and a sophisticated aftermarket

concept.

The E series is aimed at users who require solid basic

equipment without premium functions and who

depend on compressed air in daily operations. E

stands for ‘easy’ – and therefore for a solution that

is uncomplicated, economical and focuses on the

essentials. At the heart of the series is the lowmaintenance

and durable airend, developed and

manufactured in Germany. It is combined with an

efficient drive motor and a patented BOGE drive

system, which ensures constant belt tension in every

operating phase. The design deliberately relies on

established standard components so that maintenance

and the supply of spare parts is easy and cost-effective.

The E series comprises various models with different

housing sizes from 4 to 30kW and maximum pressures

of 7.5, 10 and 13 bar, including versions with optional

frequency control.

Click here for further information: https://

www.boge.com/en-de/products/compressors/

screw-compressors/e-series-up-to-30-kw/?utm_

source=E+series&utm_medium=Media_

AnzeigeUK&utm_campaign=E-series_

industrialprocessnews

About BOGE

With more than 115 years of experience, BOGE

KOMPRESSOREN Otto Boge GmbH & Co. KG is one

of the oldest manufacturers of compressors and

compressed air systems in Germany. The company is

one of the market leaders. Be it screw compressors,

piston compressors, scroll compressors or turbo

compressors, complete systems or individual machines

see pages 6-7

– BOGE meets the most diverse requirements and

the highest demands. With precision and dedication

to quality. The internationally active family business

employs around 800 people and is managed by

Dr. Sebastian Göbel and Dr. Björn Six. BOGE offers

its international customers comprehensive service

through numerous sales offices and subsidiaries. The

company supplies its products and systems to more

than 120 countries worldwide.

Contact Katie Medd,

Sales & Marketing Administrator,

+44 (0)800 318104

k.medd@boge.com

www.boge.com/en-uk

19

Industrial Process Technologies

New GCE Industrial website built around user needs,

offers easier navigation and better access to support

GCE has launched its new Industrial website,

gce-industrial.com, a dedicated digital

destination that makes it easier for customers to

find industrial gas control, cutting and welding

products, information and support. The website

features user-centric navigation built around real

search behavior rather than assumptions about

how products should be organised.

The new site groups GCE’s offerings into major

categories – torches and nozzles, regulators,

valves, automated cutting, gas generators, central

gas – with pop-up menus that further clarify

product categories (e.g., the regulator menu

displays options for cylinder regulators, technical

grade regulators, propane regulators, flashback

arrestors and hoses). After selecting a category,

products are ranked in order with the most popular,

highest interest and new products appearing at the

top of the page. Filters then enable users to specify

exact product requirements to narrow choices

(e.g., selecting regulators by inlet pressure, gas

type, outlet pressure, flow range, product line

name, and product type).

“With the launch of gce-industrial.com, customers

can find what they want faster because it uses a

flatter structure so that products are not buried

several layers deep,” says Shaun Heys, Marketing

Communications Manager, GCE. “We have

modernised our digital presence to

showcase our portfolio in a way that

meets the needs of how customers

search, browse, and buy today.”

To find a distributor, connect with

sales personnel, or locate regional

offices, clear calls to action guide

users from product and application

pages directly to contact pages.

Those contact pathways are

tailored by region, helping users

move quickly from product search

to the right local GCE resource.

pages with updated descriptions, technical data,

downloadable product sheets, and instructions for

use. Visitors can also explore application content

across areas such as fabrication, HVAC, shipbuilding,

automated cutting and transport, while support tools

make it easier to get in touch, locate distributors

and access documentation and certifications.

The site is the third of GCE Group’s vertical

websites and completes the company’s transition

away from its legacy all-in-one GCE Group site to

a more focused digital structure for its industrial,

medical and specialty gas audiences.

About GCE

GCE Group, part of ESAB Corporation (NYSE: ESAB),

is a leading global manufacturer of gas control

equipment. Driven by innovation across our brands,

including Ohio® Medical and Therapy Equipment,

we strive to deliver the highest quality gas control

products and services. Our portfolio offers market

compliant, industry leading solutions for the

medical, industrial and specialty gas industries. With

international manufacturing, sales, and supply,

we ensure customers can always access the

world’s leading innovative gas control equipment.

To learn more, please visit:

www.gascontrol.com/en/about-us

In addition to improved navigation,

the site offers richer product

Please visit:

www.gce-industrial.com/en-gb

20 see pages 6-7

Industrial Process Technologies

GCE launches Nitrogas NG modular nitrogen generator

to lower gas costs, prevent supply disruptions

CE has announced the introduction of its

GNITROGAS NG series of on-premise nitrogen

generators using state-of-the-art pressure swing

adsorption (PSA) technology. Eight models offer flow

rates ranging from 5 to 100Nm 3 /h at guaranteed

purity levels from 95% to 99.999%. Its dual-level

modular design allows each generator to be

expanded through additional adsorption modules,

while multiple generators can also be combined to

achieve very high overall production capacities.

Nitrogen generators are suitable for all users of

nitrogen, from small to large consumers in the food

and beverage, wineries, breweries, laser cutting, heat

treatment and electronic manufacturing industries,

as well as other applications.

“We designed the NITROGAS NG nitrogen generator

to immediately reduce operating costs for a wide

range of customers - from those with medium to

small nitrogen requirements to large industrial

consumers using several hundred thousand cubic

meters per year,” said Andrea Castellanza, general

manager of NITROGAS.

Castellanza added that a

nitrogen generator provides

peace of mind. There are no

worries about lost production

because cylinders run empty,

no wasting time with daily

checks of cylinder pressure or

tanks levels, no need to move

cylinder bundles with a forklift,

and no worries about delivery time or accurate order

fulfilment.

“GCE offers more than a standalone nitrogen

generator. We can provide a complete, fully plugand-play

nitrogen production solution, available

either skid-mounted or containerized, including all

required components,” Castellanza said.

High-performance 4.0 design

The NITROGAS NG produces nitrogen by selective

adsorption on a bed of carbon molecular

sieve (CMS) using compressed air,

starting from compressed air class

1.4.1, according to ISO 8573-1:2010.

It features PLC supervision of the

system to continuously control and/

or monitor pressure regulation,

flow rate, moisture content, and

temperature, and the PLC enables

setting parameter limits and alarms.

In addition, a zirconium oxide oxygen analyser

continuously measures residual oxygen content in

the nitrogen flow to certify purity levels, while a selfcleaning

design discharges any non-specified gas into

the atmosphere to ensure correct purity.

Users can interface with the Industry 4.0-ready

NITROGAS NG via an Ethernet port or Wi-Fi router.

They can directly control production parameters from

their computer or mobile device and generate reports.

For those systems not connected, the NITRIGAS NG

can create reports and export them by USB port.

The NITROGAS NG range features the lowest air

factors on the market (the ratio between inlet air

and nitrogen outlet flow rate), meaning it requires

significantly less compressed air to produce nitrogen.

When nitrogen demand falls to zero, the system

automatically detects this condition and switches to

energy-saving mode, reducing consumption to zero.

The NITROGAS NG is available from GCE, an ESAB

Corporation brand, and is available to order through

GCE and ESAB distribution networks. These world

leaders in fabrication and gas control technology

provide complete workflow solutions through a

diverse portfolio of products from more than 40 of

the most trusted brands in welding and cutting.

To learn more, visit:

https://esabcorporation.com/gas-control

Please visit:

www.gcegroup.com/en

see pages 6-7

21

Controls, Drives & Automation

The completely revised maxon catalogue 2026/2027

has been released

axon has fundamentally revised its catalogue.

mThe new structure is designed to make access

to products and applications easier while providing a

clearer overview of the company, its markets, and its

technological capabilities.

The maxon catalogue 2026/2027 has been completely

reconceived. As part of a targeted portfolio streamlining,

redundancies were minimised and complexity reduced.

The revised structure of the product categories now

features clearly organised introductory pages that

enable a quick entry into each portfolio segment.

This is complemented by a new ‘Welcome’ section

that positions maxon as a company and clearly

communicates at a glance what maxon stands for.

A particular focus has been placed on the Market

Solutions, which now have their own dedicated

section. Each maxon business unit (Medical, Aerospace,

Industrial Automation, and Mobility) is presented on a

double-page spread, with the respective expertise in the

relevant submarkets clearly highlighted.

In addition, the areas of Robotics, Space, and Electronics

are presented separately within the Market Solutions.

This demonstrates maxon’s broad market competence

and enables targeted browsing while maintaining a clear

overview of the core markets. The section ‘Technology –

short and to the point’ has also been completely revised.

The stars of the new catalogue, of course, remain the

products. The portfolio has been expanded with several

highlights, including the brushless ECX PRIME 4-pole

motors for high speeds and torque, the powerful

ECX FLAT flat motors with fan, new diameters of the

EC frameless high torque motors, and the backlashfree

GSW planetary gearheads. The new products

are complemented by the versatile ESCON2 servo

controllers and the EPOS4 positioning controllers.

The new catalogue is available as an e-paper

+44 (0)1189 733337

sales.uk@maxongroup.com

www.maxongroup.co.uk

22 see pages 6-7

Oil, Gas & Offshore

Oliver Twinsafe supports ultra-deepwater FPSO

development offshore Brazil

Oliver Twinsafe has secured an order

for a 2-piece, 2” Class 300 RF valve in

Alloy 625 for deployment on a series of

deepwater Floating Production Storage and

Offloading units operating offshore Brazil.

The order supports a new generation of

FPSOs being developed for some of the

most demanding offshore environments

in the world. Installed in water depths

of more than 2,000 metres, these

facilities are being designed to deliver

high-capacity oil production alongside

large-scale gas processing, underlining

the need for dependable, high-integrity

valve technology throughout the topside

process systems.

FPSOs continue to play a critical role in

unlocking offshore reserves where fixed

infrastructure is not practical, particularly

in ultra-deepwater regions such as

Brazil. In these applications, material

performance, corrosion resistance

and long-term reliability are essential.

Manufactured in Alloy 625, the valve has

been specified to meet the challenges

associated with harsh offshore service

and the demanding operating conditions

typical of deepwater production assets.

Construction of the FPSOs is being

undertaken across multiple international

shipyards, with local content

requirements forming an important part

of the overall project execution strategy.

The programme also reflects a broader

shift in offshore development, with

operators placing increasing emphasis

not only on production efficiency, but

also on environmental performance.

These next-generation platforms are

being developed with a strong focus on

reducing greenhouse gas emissions per

barrel of oil equivalent, helping position

them among the more energy-efficient

FPSO facilities in Brazilian waters.

For Oliver Twinsafe, the order represents

another example of British engineering

supporting major offshore energy

projects where quality, reliability and

proven material expertise remain

paramount.

Contact

+44 (0)1565 632636

sales@valves.co.uk

www.valves.co.uk

see pages 6-7

23

Machining

GCE Mach2 auto-darkening

helmet brings natural colour

visibility and multi-process

versatility to welders

GCE® has introduced

its Mach2 autodarkening

welding

helmet, designed to

enable operators

to work with

greater clarity,

comfort and

versatility across

welding, cutting

and grinding

applications.

The Mach2 features

GCE’s advanced

ColorView lens

technology, which

allows users to see

the workpiece in

natural colors rather

than the green-tinted view

often associated with traditional

helmets. This clearer, more realistic

view helps operators see the weld

puddle better and differentiate it

from the workpiece, supporting

more precise bead placement

and reducing eye strain during

long shifts.

The Mach2 delivers flexibility and

productivity on the shop floor with

three operating modes (Weld, Cut

and Grind) and easy parameter

adjustments made from digital

controls inside the helmet. Weld

Mode supports MMA, MIG/MAG,

flux cored and TIG welding with

variable shade control from 8-13.

Grind Mode fixes the lens at shade 3

to provide visibility of the workpiece

and eliminate the need to switch to

a grinding shield. Cut mode provides

shade levels 5 through 8.

For Weld and Cut modes, Sensitivity

and Delay (0.1 to 1.0 second)

controls further tailor performance

to match the application. For

example, a high sensitivity/short

delay for TIG welding at low

amperages or low sensitivity/high

delay for high amperages helps

protect the eyes from the bright

afterglow once the arc stops.

“GCE developed the Mach2 helmet

to give metal fabricators a better

visual experience and greater

day-to-day flexibility,” said Amil

Anwar, Business Development and

Product Manager. “With ColorView

lens technology and dedicated

modes, users can move from task

to task with the visibility, protection

and convenience they need to stay

productive.”

Performance with Value

The Mach2 auto-darkening

filter (ADF) offers a

1/1/1/2 optical class

rating for a sharp, clear

and consistent

view of the weld

puddle. The ADF

has a viewing

area of 95 x 40mm

and reacts in

0.05 milliseconds

(1/23,000th of a

second; an eye

blink averages 100

milliseconds, or

1/10th of a second).

The helmet uses

two arc sensors and is

powered by solar cells

with a replaceable CR2450

lithium battery. It complies with EN ISO

16321-2: 2021 on personal protective

equipment and is CE marked.

Operator comfort also played a

central role in the helmet’s design. The

headgear’s two-strap design helps

decrease perceived helmet weight;

a third, rear strap and integrated

comfort cushion pad improve balance

and reduce neck strain. A quick-release

rail-type headgear system also enables

easy, precise adjustment of the

distance between the eyes and lens.

Explore the full GCE Industrial portfolio

at its new website, gce-industrial.com,

featuring regulators, valves, central gas

supply systems, cutting and welding

torches and equipment, welding

consumables, and safety gear.

About GCE

GCE Group, part of ESAB Corporation

(NYSE: ESAB), is a leading global

manufacturer of gas control

equipment. Driven by innovation

across our brands, including Ohio®

Medical and Therapy Equipment,

we strive to deliver the highest

quality gas control products and

services. Our portfolio offers

market compliant, industry leading

solutions for the medical, industrial

and specialty gas industries. With

international manufacturing, sales,

and supply, we ensure customers

can always access the world’s leading

innovative gas control equipment.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.gascontrol.com/en/

about-us

Please visit:

www.gcegroup.com/en

24 see pages 6-7

Processing &

Conveying Components

and Equipment

agog Industries are long

Mestablished UK designers,

manufacturers and suppliers

of processing, mixing and

conveying screws and barrels.

Based in Hertfordshire, the

company operate across the UK,

Ireland, Europe and beyond.

Magog now offer their latest

range in coatings and materials,

designed to enhance longer

life and greater resistance in

for increasingly demanding

processing using recycled

material.

“We constantly strive to offer solutions

from optimal design to reduce wear

to offering a wide range of surface

technologies, explained Michael

Bate, General Manager. “We design

everything in-house but also work

closely with specialist partners to meet

our customers’ specific processing and

production requirements. Our three core

competencies run through everything we

do: Process experience, manufacturing

expertise and engineering excellence.”

Enhanced coatings include: Thin Dense

Chrome (TDC) to enhance wear with low

friction and is FDA Approved for food

process environments. Ceramic Seal

coatings reduce porosity and increase

plating/coating life 4 to 10 times longer

in corrosive environments.

Magog also specialise in refurbishment

of pre-used parts, which extends the life

of screws, and barrels by re-honing and

partial re-line of barrel bores and hard

welded re-build of screw flights in bimetallic

alloy as standard. This provides

a cost-effective option and ensure lower

operating cost.

For more information,

please contact Magog Industries

on: enquiries@magog.co.uk,

telephone: 01920 465201 or

visit: www.magog.co.uk

32nd International Colloquium

Plastics Technology increases

confidence in the innovative

strength of the plastics industry

he 32nd International Colloquium

TPlastics Technology demonstrated

clearly that the plastics industry has

plenty of possibilities for meeting the

many challenges that currently exist.

On February 28th and 29th, 2024, the

Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV)

in Industry and Craft at RWTH Aachen

University offered a lively forum for

exchanging technical experiences and

ideas. Some 600 participants from

research and industry took advantage

of the opportunity in the Aachen

Eurogress and IKV’s technical service

departments and laboratories to

discuss the latest developments and

technologies in the plastics segment.

High-calibre plenary speakers,

including VDI President Prof. Lutz

Eckstein, were able to convince the

audience of the innovative strength

of the industry and the future of the

engineering profession.

Breaking through the stress of the many

day-to-day events that are increasingly

characterised by crisis reports, and

taking time to reflect on the present

situation and recognise new per

perspectives was particularly necessary

Plastics & Rubber

at the present time, said the Head of

IKV, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Hopmann,

during his welcoming speech. For this,

he continued, the Colloquium offered

plenty of opportunity at all different

levels: Not only during the presentation

of the latest research results in the 15

lecture sessions, and the guided tours

by IKV’s technical service departments

and laboratories, but also at the industry

trade show in the foyer of the Eurogress,

during the recruiting speed-dating

sessions, and the guided tourstween

the individual events on the agenda.

+49 241 8093806

central ikv.rwth-aachen.de

http://www.ikv-aachen.de

see pages 6-7

25

Plastics & Rubber

Brenntag Specialties

expands Rubber

Excellence Centre

renntag Specialties invested into the

Bexpansion of its Rubber Excellence

Centre in Orbassano next to Turin.

Besides the laboratory for R&D, which

services customers with state-of-the-art

performance analysis and testing, further

value-added services are completing the

broader offer portfolio: Additives can

be repacked customised to customer

requirements. Thereby safe handling of

chemicals and sustainable production

processes are ensured.

The region of Turin (Piedmont) is

known as location of main sites of

high-performance tires. Automotive tire

companies are the main customers for

the Orbassano site, but technical goods

like Industrial Rubber workpieces catch

up and are an important and growing

niche.

The Brenntag Orbassano site special

focus lies on bags-in-bag solutions and

on liquid as well as solid repackaging.

Meltable bags-in bag allow to pack

several components together in

accordance with customers recipes

without need to change the customers

productions process. This reduces

complexity, avoids scarp, and prevents

chemical reactions between materials.

Liquid Repackaging, especially for sticky

liquids and very high viscosity liquids,

is a process difficult to manage, which

needs to preheat the material in special

conditions. The Orbassano site offers

dosing for regular and high viscosity

liquids, avoiding any waste of material.

Brenntag’s production capacity for

liquid repackaging has been increased

by 25% by investments into additional

production lines and new heating rooms.

The Orbassano site meets all quality

standards, including the internationally

accepted IATF 16949 and the ISO 9001

standard.

www.brenntag.com/en-de/

industries/rubber

LAMILUX Composites

impresses

LAMILUX Composites, a leading

manufacturer of fibre-reinforced

plastics, reflects on a highly

successful participation at last year’s

IAA Transportation in Hannover.

From September 16 to 22, 2024, the

company used the renowned trade

fair to showcase its latest innovations

and sustainable product solutions

for the commercial vehicle and

bus industries. A special highlight

was achieving third place in the

International Trailer Awards 2025

in the category ‘Components’ for

the innovative surface LAMILUX

Sunsation®.

The International Trailer Award

recognises outstanding innovations

and products that set new standards

in the commercial vehicle industry.

LAMILUX Sunsation® impressed

the jury with its revolutionary UV

resistance, which preserves the gloss

and color of surfaces even after

years of intensive use. Additionally,

its scratch resistance and ease of

cleaning were highlighted as key

advantages.

The jury of the International Trailer

Awards consists of an international

group of experts from the

commercial vehicle industry. This

includes trade journalists, engineers,

and industry experts who specialise

in innovative and practical solutions

in the fields of components, trailers,

and technologies.

In deciding the winner in the

Components category, the jury

placed special emphasis on

technological innovation, practical

application, and a sustainable

contribution to optimising

commercial vehicles. LAMILUX

Sunsation® impressed with its

outstanding combination of

aesthetics and functionality, meeting

the demands of the modern

commercial vehicle and bus industry.

www.lamilux.com

PLASTICS releases

2025 Q2 Committee on

Equipment Statistics

report

same period in 2024, shipments

increased by 3.5%. It seems the

plastics industry had a better

handle on ongoing trade and tariff

challenges across the value chain

in the second quarter compared

to the first,” said PLASTICS Chief

Economist Perc Pineda, PhD.

The Plastics Industry Association

(PLASTICS) has published the

Committee on Equipment Statistics

(CES) report for the Second

Quarter of 2025, authored by Chief

Economist, Dr Perc Pineda. Despite

ongoing uncertainty in global trade

policy, the report reveals growth in

shipment data compared to both

the previous quarter and the same

period in 2024.

“Shipments stopped falling in the

second quarter. In fact, comparing

the first half of 2025 to the

Still, high tariff rates remain a

concern. “If the overarching goal is

to strengthen US manufacturing

competitiveness – a goal the

plastics industry fully supports

– then, in the short term, the

industry should be able to import

production inputs and equipment

no longer made in the US at lower

tariff rates,” Pineda added.

Click here to read the report:

https://lp.plasticsindustry.

org/hubfs/CES%20Media%20

Reports/CES%20Media%20

Report%20Q2%202025.pdf

26 see pages 6-7

B&D Plastics: Supplying

chemical pipework system

solutions for 25 years

&D Plastics play a pivotal role in

B connecting Clients, Installation

Contractors, Engineers and OEMs

with market-leading Chemical &

Water Pipework systems. Successfully

providing expertise, knowledge and

first-class service; B&D is committed to

providing the correct solutions for all

your business needs whilst adding value

and excellence simultaneously.

Established over 25 years ago in

Colchester, B&D Plastics began as a

pipework distributor specialising in

plastics pipework systems to serve the

Chemical Process, Water Treatment &

Manufacturing process industries. 2018

welcomed the opening of its Midlands

Office that was established to continue

the ‘expertise, service & solutions’ ethos

for process businesses based in the

Midlands and the North.

B&D Plastics actively stock and distribute

a vast range of market-leading products

ranging from pipes, fittings & manual

valves to actuation, flow & monitoring

control, as well as a comprehensive

range of ancillary items. These products

are produced by some of the industry’s

leading manufacturers such as Georg

Fisher, Durapipe, Safi, GPS, Technoplastic,

and many more.

As an industry leader, B&D Plastics

is renowned for its commitment to

excellence, ensuring each client gets

the correct service and product for

their individual needs. Therefore, it

takes an active role in guaranteeing the

correct product is being selected for the

applications involved.

For more information about B&D

Plastics, please visit our website:

www.bdplastics.co.uk, and also

visit our new web shop:

https://webshop.bdplastics.co.uk

Plastics & Rubber

Meeting the challenges

Hertfordshire based engineering

company Magog Industries

continue to develop it’s range of

bimetallic alloy hardened grades

and coatings, working closely with

established UK and European based

coating specialists. Plastics recycling

is growing within the industry

with many moulders increasingly

recycling in-house.

However, where recycled material

needs to be bought in, problems can

arise where material contain abrasive

elements that pose a challenge in

processing. For example, added

fibres used to reinforce the moulded

product can now be as high as 50%.

Certain PE and some grades of biodegradable

polymers such as PVOH

(Polyvinyl Alcohol) can attack the

screw surface over time.

Screw designs are configured to

maximise performance from single

start compression to a range of

mixing elements for optimised

distributive and dispersive mixing.

The company also advise and offer

design configuration for complex

parallel and conical twin extruder

screws.

Manufactured from high quality

metals including EN 41B Steel

provides hard wearing properties

but also allows refurbishment of

hard welded flights at a later date.

Depending on material type, surface

treatments are on offer to include

ceramic, chrome, Hastelloy, Armoloy

and Tungsten Carbide (HVOF) in

addition to Nitride and bi-metallic

hardened.

For more information, please

contact Magog Industries:

01920 465201, email:

enquiries@magog.co.uk

or visit: www.magog.co.uk

see pages 6-7

27

Plastics & Rubber News

Bioplastics: Prepare

for the long road

ahead, says John

Williams, Chief

Technology Officer,

Aquapak

he number of

Tnew bioplastic

firms that have

appeared on

the market in

recent years is

significant. They

are promising to

revolutionise the industry with their bio-developed

polymer platforms, claiming sustainable, renewable

resources – the answer to the World’s plastic problem.

It all sounds so easy, and ‘bio’ certainly has cache with

investors and appears to be gaining traction with

the end user. However, in truth, bio plastics are at the

beginning of a very long and, often, frustrating journey.

Of course, bioplastic makes perfect sense against

the backdrop of increasing concerns about plastic

waste and the environmental impact of traditional

plastics. In response to these concerns, consumers,

businesses, and governments are seeking alternative

materials that are more sustainable and have a lower

impact on the environment. Bioplastics, which are

made from renewable resources such as corn starch,

sugarcane, vegetable oils and even seaweed, offer a

more sustainable solution to traditional plastics. They

are mostly biodegradable and compostable, meaning

they can be broken down by natural processes and do

not pose a long-term threat to the environment.

However, the bioplastics market is still in its infancy

and growth remains stubbornly slow. According to

trade body European Bioplastics, global production

capacity of bioplastics is set to grow from around

2.23 million tonnes in 2022 to approximately 6.3

million tonnes in 2027.

Please visit: https://www.aquapakpolymers.com

or https://www.aquapakpolymers.com/hydropol

Solving the microplastics problem

requires more than just damage

control, says Symphony Environmental

lastic restrictions and collection

Palone cannot solve the problem.

Instead, plastic production must use

sustainable biodegradable polymers

from the start.

Microplastics have become a

significant environmental and health concern in recent

years, being found not just in the land, sea and air but

also across the food chain and in the human body.

Without addressing methods of plastic production and

encouraging more sustainable industry practices, the amount

of microplastics released into the environment can only

continue to increase. Damage control alone is insufficient.

There is some research into methods to physically

remove plastic pollution but this is rather like trying to

empty the North Sea with a spoon.

It is much better to make plastic so

that it takes care of itself by safely

biodegrading if it gets into the open

environment.

Michael Laurier, CEO of Symphony

Environmental, argues that while the plastic industry is

not itself the polluter it must recognise that its products

do get into the open environment deliberately or by

accident and must adopt sustainable manufacturing

practices rather than rely on damage control from outside.

Manufacturers can now go one step further, and can reduce

the fossil content of their products by using Symphony’s

NbR resin which has recently been launched.

Visit: www.symphonyenvironmental.com

Global Plastics Treaty: Symphony CEO

demands global rethink to plastic approach

he international community

Tis on the brink of signing

the world’s first legally binding

agreement addressing the

complete life cycle of plastics.

Supporters hope the reforms

will fundamentally alter how

we use and dispose of this

hugely important material, and

expectations are high ahead of

the final round of negotiations

in South Korea next week.

However, according to Michael

Laurier, CEO of Symphony

Environmental, global players

need to adopt a far more constructive approach than

simply calling for bans.

Symphony’s D2W is a masterbatch which, when

added to ordinary plastic at manufacture, converts

it into biodegradable materials. Plastic made with

D2W can still be reused and

recycled, but it will biodegrade

and disappear entirely in

a much shorter time span,

leaving no microplastics and

harmful residues behind. It is

not a ‘problematic’ plastic – it

is the only way to prevent

plastic in the environment from

accumulating there for decades.

The American National

Standards Institute states, “Using

oxo-biodegradable technology

can prevent future contributions

to the accumulation of plastic waste that has escaped

into the environment. Oxo-biodegradable plastic serves

as a solution to littered plastic because it is recyclable

and will degrade without releasing methane.”

Please visit: www.symphonyenvironmental.com

UPM to supply Artigo with UPM BioMotion Renewable

Functional Fillers for next-generation rubber flooring

Artigo, an international rubber flooring

company, will produce their nextgeneration

flooring collections from 2025 with

UPM BioMotion Renewable Functional Fillers

(RFF). By incorporating UPM Biochemicals’

RFF, Artigo has achieved CO 2

footprint savings

of up to 0.5kg CO 2

e/sq. meter and managed

to reduce the weight by up to 5% per square

meter flooring.

UPM BioMotion RFF are a CO 2

-negative

solution for diverse rubber and plastic

applications, containing 100% renewable

carbon, certified by DIN CERTCO, which is

sourced from sustainably managed forests.

They support carbon footprint improvements

by enabling flooring manufacturers to increase

their share of renewable materials in products

and reduce the use of traditional highly CO 2

-

intensive fillers, such as precipitated silica, and

other fossil-carbon based raw materials. RFFs

deliver the same technical performance as

precipitated silica in aiding flooring durability

and elasticity, with the added benefit of being

up to one third lighter.

Artigo will achieve a renewable content

share of up to 30% of the total weight of the

new products thanks to the addition of UPM

BioMotion RFF. Its flooring collections contain

post-industrial recovered and consumer

recycled material, and also other renewablebased

components alongside UPM’s RFF

making Artigo a clear sustainability front

runner.

For more information on UPM BioMotion

RFF for rubber and plastic applications,

please visit: www.upmbiochemicals.com/

renewable-functional-fillers

28 see pages 6-7

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.

see pages 6-7

29

Industrial Process News Issue 755

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