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Hello and Welcome

to the Sheet Metal Industries MACH 2026 Publication – your guide to this year’s premier metalworking event at the NEC, Birmingham.

Hall 6 this year includes the Metalworking Village hosted by the Metal Forming Machinery Makers Association (MMMA) and The Institute of Sheet Metal Engineering (ISME), plus the introduction of the new ‘Sheet Metal, Metalworking and Fabrication Zone’, introduced by the UK trade association behind MACH 2026 – The Manufacturing Technologies Association. Combining the efforts of these trade associations and www.sheetmetalindustries.com promises to deliver an exceptional showcase of industry innovation.

The UK Metalworking Industry Today

The UK sheet metal and fabrication sector is part of a manufacturing industry employing 2.6 million people and accounts for £220BN in output (Source – MAKE UK).

Our industry serves virtually every sector of the economy. Automotive manufacturers depend on body panels, exhaust systems, and chassis components. Aerospace requires precision-cut lightweight aluminium and titanium. Defence contractors need armoured vehicle fabrication and load-bearing assemblies.

Green Energy transition has opened new opportunities in wind turbine construction, solar mounting systems, and nuclear infrastructure, whilst traditional oil/gas and transportation sectors continue to require tanks and pressure vessels. Construction demands structural steel, cladding, and facades. Marine and shipbuilding industries need hull plating, bulkheads, and corrosion-resistant components for vessels ranging from ferries to cruise liners.

Electronics companies require precision enclosures, and agriculture relies on machinery frames and grain silos. Even telecommunications infrastructure depends on our industry’s precision mounting systems and enclosures.

From the railway industry, IT data storage centres and HVAC ductwork to medical equipment enclosures and food processing machinery, sheet metal fabrication enables modern manufacturing.

As digitisation advances and reshoring accelerates, UK metalworking companies are investing in automation and advanced technologies showcased at MACH 2026.

About Sheet Metal Industries

www.sheetmetalindustries.com has served as the industry’s dedicated digital voice since 2022. This publication brings you exclusive MACH 2026 exhibitor insights alongside in-depth case studies from across the country.

As an independent media house, we bridge the gap between manufacturers showcasing cuttingedge technology and the skilled professionals who harness it, covering everything from automated production cells and presses to tube bending and welding processes.

Four years in, we’ve published over 1,500 stories, generating more than 600,000 annual social media interactions.

Enjoy exploring the innovations ahead, and we look forward to connecting with you at www.sheetmetalindustries.com

Jas Rai, founder Sheetmetalindustries.com

Cover image courtesy of Morgan Rushworth

MACH 2026

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A Partnership Built on Performance: Chasestead and Prima Power

Chasestead’s co-owner Justin Sedgwick reflects on his company’s relationship with Prima Power and the message is simple: they just get it right. From rapid engineer response times to machines that virtually look after themselves, Chasestead’s experience is a testament to what a great supplier partnership looks like in practice.

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“We never have any problems with Prima. Their response speed to any questions has been second to none.

From the Shop Floor to the Boardroom

Justin Sedgwick has been part of the Chasestead story for 27 years, starting on the shop floor at a time when BMW had just acquired the rights to the Mini brand and the company was helping develop front and rear shaft subframes for the iconic vehicle. Over the decades, Justin worked his way through the business until, six years ago, he and his business partner Robin Moore jointly purchased the company from its then-owners.

The timing brought its own challenges. “We spent three years planning it, then did the deal, and two months later, COVID came along,” Justin recalls with characteristic good humour. Despite that rocky start, the business not only survived but invested heavily in new machinery, including two Prima Power laser cutting systems that have since become central to Chasestead’s operations.

Two Machines, One Clear Choice

Chasestead currently operates two Prima Power machines. The first is a large five-axis 3D laser cutting system, the Laser Next 2141, which Justin believes is the only one of its kind in the country and the largest model Prima Power manufactures. The second, acquired last year, is one of Prima Power’s latest highspecification flatbed laser cutting systems, equipped with top-of-the-range software.

“It works really well,” says Justin. “We’ve got the top of the range software to run it and, yeah, it works really well.” But it wasn’t just the machines themselves that convinced Chasestead to go back to Prima Power for a second purchase, it was the entire experience of working with them.

Service That Stands Out

Ask Justin what sets Prima Power apart, and his answer is immediate: service. “We never have any problems with Prima. There’s always someone who will pick up the phone and they tend to get engineers out very quickly.”

— Justin Sedgwick, Co-owner, Chasestead “

For Chasestead, that responsiveness is essential, and a cornerstone of how the company evaluates any supplier. “All of the machinery we tend to buy, we’re really looking for the people who offer the best service. We’re well aware that all machines have hiccups or need tweaks along the way. So, if you’ve got someone who can respond and pick up the phone, life’s a lot easier.”

Chasestead operates other brands of machinery alongside their Prima Power systems, giving Justin a direct basis for comparison. “Yeah, we’ve got other brands of machines here that we can measure them against and that made it a lot more tempting to go back and buy the second Prima.”

The response speed from Prima Power’s UKbased engineers has been, in Justin’s words, “second to none.” When an issue arises, the team will often dial in remotely to diagnose and resolve problems. When a physical visit is needed, engineers simply turn up and get the job done. “We can quite often phone them up and they’ll go online and have a look, or they’ll just turn up here and fix it.”

Installation, Training and Ongoing Support

The relationship begins before a single cut is made. When Chasestead takes delivery of a new Prima Power machine, engineers travel from Italy to carry out the installation and deliver hands-on training simultaneously, making sure that operators are fully prepared from day one. The UK-based Prima Power service team then provides ongoing support, combining deep technical knowledge with the kind of accessibility that keeps downtime to a minimum.

Justin is particularly impressed by the intelligence built into the machines themselves. Both Prima Power systems are equipped with self-calibration capabilities, automatically resetting, changing their own tips, and even cleaning their own nozzles. “It’s pretty clever stuff,” he says. “The consistency and accuracy are great. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Real-World Results: Quality, Speed and Safety

The operational improvements have been tangible. The quality of cut from the Prima Power machines is markedly better than Chasestead’s previous equipment.

The improvement in cut quality has had a direct knock-on effect on downstream processes, dramatically reducing the need for deburring after laser cutting across steels, aluminium, and stainless steel. Cutting speeds are also significantly faster than the previous machines, and the systems handle material thicknesses up to 25mm with exceptional accuracy. These capabilities open up a much wider range of work for the business.

The user interface has also won fans on the shop floor. “Even old gits like me can have a look at it,” Justin jokes, noting that the software’s intuitive design makes it accessible for operators at every level.

Serving the World’s Most Demanding Industries

The work Chasestead produces on its Prima Power machines spans an impressively diverse range of sectors and geographies. On the automotive side, the company has supplied major programmes for Aston Martin, Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota, Nissan, and Ford. In aerospace and defence, Chasestead carries out significant MOD work for companies including MBDA. Architectural and decorative metalwork has taken the company’s products as far afield as a Harvey Nichols installation in Kuwait.

Perhaps most eye-catchingly, Chasestead’s precision metalwork has found its way onto the silver screen. The company has contributed to productions including the Barbie film, Fantastic Beasts, and Men in Black, fabricating the props and set components that require the kind of extreme accuracy the Prima Power machines reliably deliver. With customers stretching from Canada to South Korea, the quality and versatility of Chasestead’s laser cutting capability is on display across the globe.

“We never have any problems with Prima. Their response speed to any questions has been second to none.”

— Justin Sedgwick, Co-owner, Chasestead

For Chasestead, the decision to invest in Prima Power machinery a second time was not a difficult one. When a supplier combines cutting-edge technology with genuine, accessible after-sales support, it becomes far more than a vendor; it becomes a partner in the truest sense. That is precisely the relationship Justin Sedgwick describes, and precisely why Chasestead keeps coming back.

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BENDING THE RULES:

HOW SIGMA FOUND PERFECT PARTNER

When a British aerospace manufacturer took stock of its ageing equipment, it made a bold call and discovered that the best partnerships are built on mutual ambition.

There was a pipe assembly that was produced at Sigma’s facility that once caused a multitude of headaches, where the part was produced from thick-walled Inconel pipe, requiring a 1D bend (meaning the bend radius is exactly equal to the tube’s own diameter). Brutally tight, brutally unforgiving. Two years ago, Sigma’s machines couldn’t reliably pull it off. Today, it rolls off the line without drama. The difference? Three new machines from AMOB, and a partnership that has quietly repositioned Sigma as a world-class benchmark in pipe forming.

A company at a crossroads

Sigma makes rigid pipes and sheet metal fabricated assemblies for the aerospace industry, civil overwhelmingly, with some defence, across four sites: Farnborough, Hinckley, and a super-polishing facility in Sandiacre, plus a machining, bending and assembly facility in Chengdu, China.

With around 480 people across the sites, and turnover set to hit circa £52 million this year, it is a significant business. But until recently, it was one with a vulnerability: a heavy dependence on equipment that hadn’t kept pace with the demands of modern aerospace.

“About two years ago, we had a discussion with the board regarding new investment in some of our key capabilities, that hadn’t been done for some time” says Paul Scattergood, Sigma’s operations director. The evidence was stark. One bending machine was 38 years old, and the maximum pipe diameter the company could bend with confidence was 2.5 inches. In addition, with1D bending becoming increasingly specified by engine manufacturers, chasing fuel efficiency and a smaller engine core, this was somewhat beyond reliable reach.

That last point mattered enormously, as the industry’s trajectory was clear: aerospace had moved from 4D bends to 3D, then 2.5D, and was now demanding 1.5D and 1D as standard.

RULES: FOUND ITS PARTNER IN AMOB

At the same time, the materials being specified were changing, moving from straightforward stainless steel to Inconel and titanium. Inconel, a heat-resistant superalloy that won’t melt until 1,650°C, is increasingly used to withstand the heat generated by ever more efficient engines.

Then there is Titanium, which brings its own challenges with regards to bending tube. Due to its grain structure and a relatively low modulus of elasticity, it always wants to spring back toward its original form, meaning the machines have to calculate an overbend to achieve the drawing requirement. Neither material is forgiving of older, less-advanced equipment.

Meanwhile, Sigma’s strategy was shifting. The company had been pursuing diversification, winning new business with new customers like GE, Collins, and Safran. That was the right move. But new customers bring new, more complex requirements. The old machines were creating scrap, burning time, and holding Sigma back.

Enter AMOB

After engaging with several manufacturers, Sigma settled on AMOB, a Portuguese machine-builder with deep roots in the industrial and shipping sectors, but with clear ambitions to break into aerospace. The fit, it turned out, was natural.

Sigma purchased three full-electric AMOB bending machines: a 52mm model handling pipe up to 2 inches, an 80mm handling up to 3.5 inches, and a flagship 150mm capable of bending pipe up to 6 inches in diameter. All three arrived within weeks of each other, starting in late February last year, in fact, the 150mm machine turned exactly one year old on the day of this interview!

Before a single machine was accepted, Sigma’s engineering Manager Tom Wilson, along with a quality engineer, and a bending operator flew to AMOB’s facility in Portugal for a Factory Acceptance Test. They didn’t bring easy sample parts to prove out. “We took some of the most complex parts we make, some of which

were thick-walled Inconel 1D bends that we had been struggling to produce conforming bends,” Tom recalls. “The machines hit all the requirements.” That trip did more than prove the technology, it established trust.

A mutual deal

What distinguishes the Sigma/AMOB relationship from a standard equipment purchase is the depth of collaboration on both sides. AMOB handles Sigma’s servicing and when Sigma needs technical support, such as a different approach to a tricky part or a new way to operate the machines, AMOB is there.

But the exchange runs the other way too. “AMOB was mostly involved in industrial and shipping sectors and wanted to get into aerospace,” Paul explains. “We share material specifications with them to help them understand how aerospace materials work.” Stainless steel and Inconel may look similar but forming them is a world apart.

That knowledge shared from Sigma’s accumulated understanding of exotic aerospace materials is exactly what AMOB needed to build credibility in the sector.

The machines themselves have transformed Sigma’s capability. They are multi-stack, allowing various tube sizes to be run without tool changes, and they support bending modes that Sigma’s older equipment simply couldn’t offer.

The machines are accurate, repeatable and the software is simple, user-friendly and being picture-based, requires minimal data entry. Operators pick up the interface quickly. Nine previously problematic parts, Paul notes, “disappeared overnight” once the 80mm machine arrived.

Setting the benchmark

The investment has had an impact that goes beyond Sigma’s own metrics. Customers including Airbus, GE, and BAE

have visited the facility and used a phrase that would have seemed ambitious two years ago: world-class benchmark.

It is a verdict that reflects not just the machines, but the ambition behind acquiring them. The aerospace industry is pursuing engines that run hotter, faster, and leaner which in turn leads to pipe designs that are tighter, made from more exotic materials, and formed to tolerances that were barely conceivable a generation ago. Paul puts it vividly, “Aerospace engines that once used stainless steel pipes in the majority, now require Inconel and Titanium, because the fuel savings and increase in performance with a smaller, hotter core, justifies the cost.”

Sigma, with AMOB, its Portuguese partner, and its three new machines, are supplying the pipes that make that possible. The bend radius keeps getting tighter. The materials keep getting harder. And the company that once couldn’t reliably hit 1D bends in Inconel are now the one others call the benchmark.

What began as an equipment upgrade became a partnership built on shared ambitionand a step change in capability.”

SIX TIMES FASTER

Kim Williams set up All4One Engineering, a Worcestershirebased sheet metal fabricator, in 2004. His experience of Bystronic’s equipment – and his faith in their machinery – made them the natural choice when kitting out his new shopfloor. Now, over 20 years on, Kim’s investing in fibre laser technology – and Bystronic’s cutting edge equipment is still his go-to.

“After redundancy, I took the step to start my own business because I had the experience to do it and I enjoy what I do,” explains Kim Williams, MD of All4One Engineering.

“As a Press Setter, I’d used Edward Pearson machines, which became Bystronic in 2000. I chose to stick with Bystronic’s equipment when I set up on my own because I knew they were good; I knew what I could produce, and being familiar with how these machines operate helped massively in the beginning.

The first two Bystronic machines I bought back in 2004 were a guillotine and a press brake. As soon as they were installed, I was straight on to it. I didn’t need any training; I knew exactly what to do – and I was able to teach other people how to operate them. It made the whole transition into selfemployment much smoother. I also had a good working relationship with some of the Bystronic staff, which was reassuring when taking such a big leap.

Fibre laser investments

At All4One, we mainly work with sheet metal fabrication within the construction industry: flashings, guttering, rainwater systems, and some bespoke items. We also work with other sectors, like transport and the NHS.

We’ve grown over the years from 21,000sqft to 35,000sqft. Our recent factory extension has given us more space to help with productivity, and thanks to a government grant, we’ve invested in new machinery – a Bystronic ByCut 4020 6kW and ByCut 3015 6kW Eco with loader flex – to take on more work and be more efficient.

The ByCut 4020 was installed in February 2023 and is their flagship machine. It has all the bells and whistles and a 4m x 2m bed for cutting bigger parts. The 6kW machine is big enough for our capacity, cutting gauge material, but they do go up to 30kW. Before deciding, I got to see the 4020 being demonstrated at Bystronc’s showroom, which gave me confidence it was the right choice.

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The efficiency of this machine and the service contracts we’ve got with it are noticeable. It’s cutting the same quality parts as our old CO 2 machine, but with the fibre lasers, it’s six times faster. Now, we get six parts to one part for the same energy cost, which allows us to get more work out the door.

A second laser machine

To support the 4020, we got a ByCut 3015 Eco in March last year. It hasn’t got all the extras like the 4020, such as the parameters check, so it takes a bit more skill to operate, but it’s a good workhorse. We mainly use the Eco as back-up. Before, we had people working weekends and overtime to fulfil larger orders: that starts to go against you when your employees get tired. Now, we run the two machines side by side and produce the extra work without changing the shift pattern. Having two lasers also means if one is being serviced, we still get the work out.

It’s a massive transformation going from CO 2 to a fibre laser; I’d recommend it to anybody! The parameters on the controls are better, cleaning the heads is easier, and the cutting quality is spot on, and they are more user-friendly – everyone loves operating these machines! They’re also more economical and energy efficient. We’re saving a lot of money on the gas consumptions now, we’re using compressed air instead of CO 2 and moving closer to our NetZero goals; in the future, we plan to install solar panels to power them. When clients come around and visit us, it gives them confidence seeing a modern, smart facility. It shows we’re a professional outfit able to service them.

An international leader in sheet metal processing technology and innovation, Bystronic is a full solutions provider, offering advanced flat and tube laser cutting systems, press brakes, and intelligent automation solutions supported by global services and Bystronic Software.

With headquarters in Switzerland, the company has development and production facilities in Germany, Spain, Italy, China and the USA, serving customers in more than 30 countries.

As a trusted partner, Bystronic aims for long-term collaboration solidifying lasting customer relationships through high-performance innovations, service excellence, and local expertise.

It’s cutting the same quality parts as the old CO2 machine, but with the fibre lasers, it’s six times faster. “ “

BySoft Suite and training

When I was employed, everything was manually programmed, but to have this software now to do it for you is incredible. BySoft Suite makes it so much easier for all the technicians working on the drawings –they send them straight from their computer in the office to the shopfloor or via a link, and the programme comes up on the machine, ready for the operator to start production.

BySoft minimises mistakes, because it rules out the risk of misreading the drawing or confusion over whether a part is to be cut or bent. And for nesting parts, the software tells you the time it takes to cut every part and what you get on the sheet, so it’s more economical, and you get less waste. Knowing cutting time costs and your consumption also helps with accurate pricings and gives you a clear idea of how much to sell that part for.

A couple of our lads went over to Coventry to learn how to use BySoft; an engineer also came to do some in-house training with us for a week as well. They went through everything and answered any questions we had. Our programmers who use it find BySoft so userfriendly; it’s quick and easy – and if we ever do have a problem, we’ve only got to pick up the phone for advice, and if needs be, a Bystronic engineer comes out to help us; their aftersales care is brilliant.

Aftercare support

I’m very happy with the service I get from Bystronic; they’ve looked after me since day one. If I’ve ever had any issues or problems, a breakdown on a machine or oil maintenance issue, they’re straight out to fix it. It just gives me peace of mind knowing that I’ve not just been sold a machine; I have expert backup cover if I ever need it. We’ve built a good relationship, and it’s made me stronger. I’m very proud of my business and I’m very happy with where we’re at now. Hopefully, my sons will carry on and take it to another level.”

Your best choice for raising performance.

MiTek, Myself and I

MiTek Maintenance Manager Simon Brazier shares how a successful working relationship with Presscare has transformed productivity at their site in Dudley. With the help of Presscare, MiTek has installed cutting edge safety equipment, bringing a newfound sense of continuous improvement to the global company.

Simon recently sat down to discuss how this partnership has evolved and why it continues to deliver value for both organisations.

Finding a good partner is difficult. Having a working relationship between companies that is truly mutually beneficial is rare, but in Presscare, MiTek found a partner that understood their needs perfectly, and thanks to Simon, has had ample opportunity to improve processes and increased productivity.

‘Working with Presscare was a natural progression’, says Simon. ‘When I started at MiTek in 2020, Presscare were already working with the company but not at the scale we are now. I saw the potential in a more collaborative relationship right away and worked to include Presscare’s suggestions into our production cells.

MiTek predominantly create nail plates for the building trade, which are plates for roof trusses to hold the joists together. Posi-Joist combines the lightness of timber with the strength of the Posi-Strut steel web to produce a floor and roof system allowing you to span far greater distances than would be possible with alternative timber products.

This gives you unequalled design freedom across a wide range of applications for both floor and roof in domestic, industrial and commercial applications. The Posi-Joist allows a variety of internal room layouts within an external shell due to its clear spanning capabilities.

Easy access for the installation and maintenance of services in the floor zone is the clear advantage of the Posi-Joist system, and with the ever increasing need for MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery) systems, Posi-Joist provides a perfect and simple solution that just isn’t possible with alternative solid timber products.

Efficiency and productivity are our lifeblood, so incorporating more robust safety protocols and the technology to back them up was vital.’

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Investing in safety

For MiTek, an American-owned company, health and safety standards are nonnegotiable. Brazier explains that the company is led by rigorous safety standards from the United States, making safety equipment and upgrades a top priority.

‘Health and safety is a high priority for us.’ Brazier notes. ‘So, the more health and safety equipment installed, the better.’

The results speak for themselves. When insurance inspectors from Allianz conduct their regular press inspections, they consistently deliver glowing feedback. Simon explains, ‘Every time they come, they say that the safety cells and the safety guarding is the best they’ve seen for protection, which is pleasing to know.’

This recognition isn’t just a point of pride; it represents real protection for MiTek’s workforce and demonstrates the tangible value that Presscare’s safety solutions deliver.

Transforming Productivity

The partnership’s impact extends beyond compliance. Presscare’s safety upgrades have fundamentally transformed how MiTek operates, particularly in areas that were previously productivity bottlenecks.

Simon describes one particularly significant improvement: ‘Loading coils onto the back of our press lines used to be an issue. Before, you would get somebody walking past where they put the coils on the decoiler, and obviously you’ve got to stop them because somebody’s decided to walk past.

Now we have beacons, alarms, and floor scanners that monitor the working area around the decoilers constantly. So, if anybody does walk near the machines, it’s not going to cause a major accident. They also installed magnetic guard interlocks for access gates and interfaces between coil lines and presses, with the addition of photoelectric sensors for high loop detection.’

Presscare has worked to install real-time productivity monitoring for press lubrication systems, as well as programmable controls for cut-off shears, all designed and manufactured by them to improve safety standards for MiTek.

These implementations have created a safer work environment while simultaneously eliminating unnecessary production stoppages. Workers are more aware, equipment is more responsive, and operations flow more smoothly: a win-win scenario that exemplifies the best outcomes of thoughtful safety investment.

Prevention is better than cure

While Presscare provide the safety upgrades, MiTek’s internal team ensures everything remains in peak condition through a rigorous Total Planned Maintenance (TPM) program. The results have been dramatic.

‘When I started, the breakdown side of it saw probably 10 to 12 breakdowns a day, and they were quite serious,’ Simon recalls. ‘Now we’re probably having serious ones, touch wood, every three or four months, and probably only 5 to 10 small ones a week.’

This reduction in breakdowns has dramatically increased Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), demonstrating how safety improvements and maintenance excellence create a positive effect on operational performance.

A partnership built to last

The MiTek-Presscare relationship demonstrates what modern industrial partnerships should aspire to: mutual respect, shared values, clear communication, and measurable results. It’s not just about selling safety equipment or installing upgrades it’s about two organisations working together to create a safer, more efficient, and more productive manufacturing environment.

For MiTek, the benefits are clear: bestin-class safety standards, improved operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their workforce is protected by industry-leading safety systems.

For Presscare, the relationship provides validation of their solutions in a demanding industrial environment, ongoing opportunities

to innovate and improve, and the satisfaction of seeing their safety systems make a real difference in worker’s lives.

As Simon makes clear, this is a partnership built on more than just business transactions. It’s built on trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to excellence; the kind of foundation that ensures long-term success for both parties.

I saw the potential in a more collaborative relationship right away and worked to include Presscare’s suggestions into our production cells. “ “

Based in the West Midlands, Presscare UK specialises in the design and integration of machine control and safety systems. These range from minor guarding to full machine re-wires for modern multi-press transfer lines and old ring frame machines, and everything in between.

The range of services offered by Presscare is continually evolving. They design, manufacture and integrate state-of-the-art control & safety systems to bring press shop machinery in line with the highest safety standards globally.

Presscare has enjoyed collaborative partnerships with many trusted companies across the world, from leading press manufacturing group SEYI, based in Taiwan, to Linear Transfer Automation from Canada, and Coiltech who are based in Turkey.

From initial advice through installation and commissioning of new presses, complete after-sales support, breakdown cover and ongoing preventative maintenance schedules, Presscare has you covered.

Built to Last Made to Impress

Since 1939, Havant Sheet Metal has been quietly shaping some of the world’s most demanding industries. They can’t always tell you what they make. But the evidence speaks for itself.

Deep Roots, Strong Steel

There’s a quiet confidence about Havant Sheet Metal that comes from knowing who you are. Founded in 1939 and occupying the same 30,000 sq ft site since the 1950s, this is a business that has outlasted wars, recessions and pandemics and is only getting stronger.

Originally a family-owned enterprise, the company underwent a management buyout around 12–13 years ago. Today, it is owned solely by Paul Rebetts, who has built a tight, empowered leadership team around him: Jolene Towner heads up accountancy and HR, Tony Malloy drives operations, and Carl Benfield, who has been with the company for 30 years, leads sales and marketing.

Carl’s own story mirrors the company’s values perfectly. He joined as a trainee, worked his way through virtually every operation on the shop floor, rose through supervisor roles, took charge of day-today production, and eventually found his calling in sales. “Learning to do the quoting was easy,” he says, “because I was used to the production methods. I had a feel for it.”

“ For a site with just under 50 employees, we do some fantastic work. “

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The One-Stop Shop

Walk into Havant Sheet Metal’s facility and the breadth of capability is immediately striking. Laser cutting, punching, graining, deburring, power presses and press brakes sit alongside five welding bays, one of which houses a brand-new laser welding area. Add in a dedicated machine shop, tube forming, a fully equipped paint shop and inspection areas, and you begin to understand why the company positions itself as a true one-stop shop for precision sheet metal fabrication.

“Our aim is to undertake all those operations in-house so we can manage quality, timeline and meet the customer’s expectations,” explains Carl. As subcontractors rather than design authorities, they work from customer drawings and models, but they bring far more to the table than simple execution. Their ‘design for manufacture’ approach means they’ll regularly identify smarter ways to make a component: better efficiencies, cost savings, sometimes fundamentally improved processes.

The most recent investment underlines the point. A £30,000 laser welding installation was committed to specifically for an upcoming project with a large boiler manufacturer in Yorkshire. “We will invest if we know the work is there,” says Carl. “And we’ll make the project work better for our customers as well.”

“

For a site with just under 50 employees, we do some fantastic work.”

From Pharma To Defence - And Beyond

Havant Sheet Metal operates across an impressively diverse range of sectors: pharmaceutical, defence, aviation, marine, audio equipment, electronics and medical devices. They specialise particularly in pharmaceutical and defence work, and in both cases, the stories behind the contracts are remarkable, even if they can rarely be told in full.

Take the COVID-19 vaccines. At a recent industry meeting, representatives from Pall Europe and Cytiva were rightly proud of their role in the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine rollout. What they may not have realised, and what Havant Sheet Metal still can’t shout about due to confidentiality agreements, is that Havant was instrumental in helping to upscale the vaccine production process.

Defence contracts are similarly impressive. The company has worked on projects with components destined for nuclear submarines, and new work is already underway for a Dutch shipyard. They supply into high-profile prime contractors as a Tier 1-2 supplier — and while NDAs mean the specifics stay under wraps, within the industry, people know.

With global defence spending on the rise, that pipeline is looking increasingly healthy. “The way the world is at the minute, defence is becoming more prevalent and we’re seeing an uptick,” says Carl.

People First

At Havant Sheet Metal, culture isn’t a slide in a presentation. The company recently introduced a four-day working week, with employees working an extra hour each day Monday to Thursday, keeping Friday available for optional overtime. The results have already been noticeable: staff are coming in more refreshed, morale is higher, and productivity has held up strongly.

“I know people use work-life balance as a sound bite these days,” Carl admits, “but it is important. And the difference is amazing.” Alongside the shorter week, the company has been rolling out enhanced welfare benefits, including access to online medical services for all staff — a meaningful step in an industry that doesn’t always prioritise shop floor wellbeing.

Staff retention is a genuine point of pride. The company takes on T Level students and apprentices on an ongoing basis, offering real mentorship rather than a tick-box approach, and actively works to keep them once their training is complete. “We’ve invested a lot of time and energy into them,” says Carl. “We want them to stay with us.” With four current vacancies to fill, the focus now is on finding the right people to grow the team further.

Underpinning all of this is a collaborative leadership culture. Monthly off-site management meetings between Carl, Jolene, Tony and owner Paul Rebetts ensure challenges are identified early and action plans are put in place quickly. “No one here is on their own,” says Carl. “If something goes wrong, we’re quite open, and we’ll work together to find a resolution.”

Eyes On The Horizon

2025 was a challenging year for many UK manufacturers with contracts taking longer to land, economic uncertainty making hiring decisions fraught, and Havant Sheet Metal was not immune. But the company enters 2026 with a strong forward order book, a clear five-year growth plan, and the kind of optimism that comes from real foundations.

The ambition is bold: to double turnover over the next five years. Achieving that will mean forging the right stocking partnerships, deepening existing customer relationships, investing in automation and digitisation where it makes sense, and continuing to attend regional defence cluster and engineering meetings where business is built on trust and word of mouth.

A potential site move is on the longer-term horizon too. Not because the current facility is failing, but because growth demands space. “We know how we want to grow the business,” says Carl. “We want to keep growing; sustainably, not recklessly.”

In the meantime, MACH 2026 represents exactly the kind of opportunity Havant Sheet Metal embraces. They welcome around 20 customer visits per month to the site or out to clients, because face-to-face contact is where relationships are built and where, as Carl puts it, people are surprised by just how much this compact, expert team can actually do. “Even existing customers come in and say, ‘Oh, I didn’t realise you did this!’ We like to surprise people.”

FEATURED ARTICLE

BRANDAUER AND BRUDERER UK MARK 60 YEARS OF PRECISION PRODUCTION WITH £700,000 INVESTMENT NEWS

Aprecision relationship that has spanned more than 60 years is celebrating a new milestone after the latest turnkey project delivered major performance wins on a male grooming component supply contract.

Brandauer, one of the world’s leading metal stamping and tooling specialists, worked with Bruderer UK to specify and install a new BSTA510-150B2 press and associated ancillary equipment, capable of producing millions of precision razor frames every week.

The £700,000 machine line delivers 51 tonnes of power at up to 1050 strokes per minute, with a unique 1500mm press bed facilitating the adoption of a four element fully modular progression tool that meets the demand for volume, accuracy and partto-part reliability for its international client.

In addition, a BBV191 precision mechanical feed was specified to cater for high tensile stainless steel that is just 0.15mm thick.

“Our relationship with Bruderer goes way beyond that of a machine supplier; in essence the press specialist has become a critical partner in our pursuit of new automated process development and ultra precision parts,” explained Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer.

“The latest BSTA510-150B2 press is the perfect example of how the relationship works. We won and set-up a new line to supply lead frames for subscription razor assemblies and, due to increasing volumes, recognised the need for additional capacity that could take us to the next level.”

He continued: “We sat down with Bruderer UK’s expert sales team, who are all former toolmakers, and came up with an option that gave us the power, the control, the speed and the accuracy our clients were craving.”

The Bruderer UK press features dynamic ram adjustment and guaranteed bottom dead centre position, ensuring process stability and part quality.

Ram guidance - exclusively at strip level - ensured the £250,000 progression tool is in safe hands and is kept perfectly square regardless of whatever off-centre loading is applied. This further bolsters the repeatable accuracy of the press and contributes to the longest possible tool life.

The Bruderer B2 Control delivers quicker tool changeovers by using stored data and process parameters of any given tool to automatically adjust the Bruderer press to match requirements.

Adrian Haller, Managing Director of Bruderer UK, picked up the story: “The latest project means we have now placed 38 different machines into Brandauer’s Birmingham factory since the early 1960s.

PRECISION

INVESTMENT

“We know each other inside out and this means we can work quickly to test-run tooling projects, seamlessly pickingup highly confidential contracts where precision is paramount.

“Through tooling concepts, press optimisation, protection systems and ancillary equipment, we are able to jointly deliver world-class automation solutions that go far beyond a simple machine sale.”

He went on to add: “The razor contract was secured against international competition and proves that UK manufacturing can be very cost competitive.”

Bruderer UK opened its new competence centre in Telford in January 2025, and this state-of-the-art facility is playing a key role in how the relationship develops.

The speed of securing spares and repairs has improved even further, whilst demonstration of machinery and ancillary equipment can be quickly arranged and completed, leading to the purchase of a Micro Servo Feeder and sensors for increased safety on the machines.

Engineers from both firms have also used collaborative knowledge to explore R&D projects, with the most notable being breakthrough work with Ford.

Rowan concluded: “The engineering professionalism of the Bruderer UK engineers really stands out and is something we’ve tapped into significantly over recent years - there’s a real appetite from them to make sure UK manufacturing thrives.

“A relationship of more than six decades proves the importance of collaboration and the longevity of its precision highspeed presses that are among the best in the world.”

Rowan Crozier (Brandauer)

Adrian Haller (Bruderer UK)

SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Global leader in processing solutions, ACCURL, proudly announced the grand opening of its state-of-the-art SMART Factory in November last year, marking a transformative milestone in the sheet metal fabrication industry. This groundbreaking facility represents more than an expansion- it’s bold declaration of ACCURL’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global leadership.

ommitted to delivering cutting-edge technology that drives efficiency, sustainability, and precision, ACCURL empowers manufacturers to shape the future of metal fabrication with a relentless focus on innovation.

The company’s latest leap forward – a new intelligent manufacturing base that introduces constant-temperature and humidity-controlled workshops, eliminating thermal deformation and achieving precision levels never before seen in the industry – is being described as “beyond evolution”.

“This is not incremental progress – it’s a dimensional leap that’s rewriting the rules of metal forming,” says ACCURL CEO, Cameron Lee. Steve Thomas, MD for Axe & Status who are the UK’s sole distributor for ACCURL, adds: “Over the past three years, we’ve equipped customers with cutting-edge technology and supported them in achieving exceptional results as our partnership with ACCURL has gone from strength to strength. We’re excited to continue this journey with the SMART Factory, bringing even more advanced solutions to the UK market.”

ACCURL is widely recognised for its state-of-the-art technology and inventive solutions within laser machinery. Boasting 33 years of experience and a remarkable record of over 12,000 installed machines, ACCURL’s expert R&D team tirelessly works to research the most competitive technology for their customers. This dedicated approach aligns seamlessly with Axe & Status’s commitment to providing exceptional solutions to their UK clients.

Smart, Sustainable, and Future-Ready

The new SMART factory integrates photovoltaic energy, robotic automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies, dramatically reducing carbon emissions while setting new benchmarks for efficiency and consistency.

“ACCURL is now a global beacon for green manufacturing, delivering smarter, cleaner solutions for the future,” says Lee. “This is ACCURL’s manifesto for the future. We are forging a new industrial paradigm where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.”

FEATURED ARTICLE

Revolutionary Product Launch

Coinciding with the factory opening, ACCURL unveiled the new next-generation machines for laser cutting and bending, powered by intelligent systems and high-efficiency technology. Each innovation is designed to redefine industry standards and empower manufacturers worldwide.

These include the SMART Giant, a fibre laser sheet metal cutting machine that delivers enhanced output, stability and expanded cutting capabilities. Available in 12kW – 60kW, its SG-X Series large format fibre laser offers high efficiency and autonomous plate processing, delivering precise cuts on bevels up to 45 degrees with minimal operator input.

The GIANT’s modular design supports a 36m processing area for seamless operation, allowing continuous, uninterrupted processing of extra-large or multiple parts without repositioning while enabling simultaneous cutting and offloading on separate table sections to minimise downtime. Full stock plates of 3x6m allow for efficient nesting, reducing waste.

Another exciting SMART factory product is ACCURL’s new automated robotic for press brake loading and folding that deliver two levels of automation – process and operation. An extremely reliable solution for automated production, even at night, it reduces setup time for tooling while delivering precise bend angles and superior finished parts. All risks associated with part handling during bending are faced by the robot, making for a safer working environment.

Join the Revolution

For UK manufacturers, Milton Keynes based distributor, Axe & Status, are bringing these groundbreaking technologies and sustainable solutions to British soil, ensuring you access the most advanced sheet metal fabrication systems available today at affordable prices.

Situated in the heart of the UK, Axe & Status Machinery Ltd has demonstrated excellence in the sector for over 40 years. Born from the union of Axe Machine Tools Ltd and Status Sheet Metal Machinery Ltd in 1979, the company has evolved into a stalwart supplier of quality machine tools and sheet metal equipment.

We are forging a new industrial paradigm where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

UK market.” “

We’re excited to bring even more advanced solutions to the

As ACCURL’s sole UK distributor, Axe & Status has introduced a wide range of high-performance machines, including highpower lasers, helping UK manufacturers improve efficiency and stay competitive. Since joining forces, the collaboration has transformed the UK market by delivering advanced, cost-effective solutions and setting new benchmarks in laser technology.

“We are proud to represent ACCURL in the UK market and celebrate nearly three years of partnership,” says Axe & Status MD Steve Thomas. “This milestone reflects both companies’ shared commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer-focused service, driving continuous innovation in UK laser technology.”

Thanks to Axe & Statius, you won’t have to travel to Anhui, China, to set eyes on your next acquisition from ACCURL. The Axe & Status showroom, ideally located in Milton Keynes, is a hub for innovation, offering live demonstrations of ACCURL’s latest machinery and tailored consultations for individual production needs.

New stock, including ACCURL’s high-power lasers, is now available for demonstration in the showroom – so why wait? Book your slot to witness the future of sheet metal fabrication in action today!

The founding principles set out in 1979 still guide Axe & Status today- an unwavering commitment to delivering acceptable quality and reliability at competitive prices. The company places a premium on problem-solving, inviting customers to explore their machinery offering and discuss individual production needs.

The Axe & Status showroom is testament to over four decades of industry expertise, offering customers firsthand experience of their diverse machinery range, including the latest innovations from ACCURL.

For more information on the ACCURL range or to arrange a demonstration, visit www.axestatus.com email sales@axestatus.com or call 01908 647707

“

How Lasershape built Hyperlight around RADAN to automate part validation, nesting and planning at scale

Online ordering in fabrication tends to sound simple until the first edge case appears. A customer uploads a file that needs cleaning, a material isn’t truly available in the grade assumed, or a time estimate looks plausible in theory but collapses in practice once the job hits the machine schedule. The moment quoting becomes automated, manufacturing assumptions stop being internal judgement calls and start becoming commercial commitments.

Lasershape has taken that challenge headon with its Hyperlight launch, positioning it as 24/7 online ordering with instant quoting and live order tracking. Hyperlight has been built around a simple principle: automated quoting must be consistently accurate, so customers can rely on the prices they receive instantly, any time of the day.

“I

needed the basics to be absolutely bulletproof”

Jason George, who has worked on both the software and manufacturing sides of the business, is clear about what mattered when Lasershape tightened its approach to nesting and automation. The priority moved away from a long feature list, to consistency and repeatable outputs. “If you’re going to have code talk to it and get an answer back,” he says, “it has to be right every time.”

That requirement shaped how the team evaluated their options. In day-to-day

production environment, Jason argues, a small set of core functions carries most of the operational load, and those functions need to be stable under repeat use. “We use a small percentage of this program almost all of the time,” he says. “I need that to be absolutely bulletproof.”

RADAN’s reliability and its rich, accessible API gave Lasershape a platform it could safely build on. The result is an internal automation layer that drives part validation, nesting and program output, developed with input from Hexagon’s technical team and designed specifically to allow external systems to interrogate nesting logic without introducing variability.

What RADAN does in the Hyperlight workflow

Lasershape uses RADAN in three core areas: part validation, nesting, and program output. “We use it primarily for validating parts,” Jason explains. “We’re importing CAD, we’re doing cleaning of geometry… and most of that happens automatically. And then the nesting.”

In practice, this means automated geometry checking, rule-based cleanup and validation before any costing logic is applied. Only once a part is manufacturable does it move onto the nesting stage.

TURNING RELIABLE INTO

The intent is not to turn programmers into button-pushers. It is to remove repetitive manual effort while keeping manufacturing logic intact. Historically, nesting consumed substantial capacity: “We used to have five people that would nest for our five machines… We now don’t have anybody doing that.”

That shift was enabled by designing their system so that most users don’t have to be RADAN experts. “For the largest part, no one here really knows much about how RADAN works, because the system is driving RADAN for them,” he says.

RELIABLE NESTING 24/7 QUOTING

A small number of experienced people can still intervene when needed, but the default mode is API-driven automation with controlled human override.

Why Hyperlight isn’t “just instant quotes”

Many automated quoting tools stop at a basic cost model and a generic cycletime estimate. Lasershape’s aim is more exacting. Hyperlight removes human interaction from import, geometry

preparation and quote return, but Jason is careful to say the quote isn’t generated by nesting alone.

“That’s not just by running a nest and getting some figures from it,” he says. “We do that and then we run it through all the algorithms that we developed over time that apply real-world scenarios to those figures so that the sheet utilisation and the times that we get are actually what it will take us.”

Those algorithms effectively overlay operational rules onto theoretical nesting outputs, adjusting utilisation, processing time and sequencing assumptions to reflect actual machine performance and handling realities.

Those estimates are not treated as advisory. “We plan based on those same times and we always run to plan,” he adds. “So, we know those are the correct figures.”

In other words, Hyperlight is positioned as a planning-grade, production-aligned quoting engine rather than a rapid approximation tool.

Scaling the engine without breaking the shop

Once you take humans out of quoting, scalability stops being a marketing aspiration and becomes an engineering problem. Lasershape tested this directly by throwing a month’s worth of quotes at the system in a single second. The failure

mode was not a web bottleneck; it was how traditional desktop applications behave under concurrent load.

To allow bullet-proof scalability of the process, Lasershape investigated sharing the load of calculations across the organisation’s existing RADAN-equipped machines.

“We had the server divvy it up amongst the computers that are in the building that have Radan on them,” he explains. “So without people knowing, their computers are processing parts through the Hyperlight system and providing the results back.”

The architecture effectively parallelises deterministic nesting across multiple licensed environments, allowing the quoting engine to scale without rewriting the underlying CAM logic.

For fabricators looking to scale quoting without destabilising production, this serves as a reminder that modern digital services in manufacturing often depend on scaling proven engines intelligently, rather than replacing them with entirely new systems.

Rollout strategy: start where the market is most unforgiving

Lasershape’s phased approach is also telling. The first iteration focuses on flat cut parts and stock materials, the area where speed of quote turnaround often determines where the work goes.

Jason frames it as competing for simple work that typically goes to a low-overhead local shop, even when customers would prefer the assurance of a larger facility. “We’ve never wanted to get into… a race to the bottom,” he says, but customers still need responsiveness.

Hyperlight is the mechanism Lasershape is using to provide that speed while keeping the standards associated with a larger operation, including maintenance resilience, quality control and inspection.

The next phase extends into 3D. Lasershape is already testing blank development from a STEP upload, with the system checking whether a part can be unfolded and asking RADAN whether it can be cut. To prove the manufacturability of bent parts, a similar principle is applied. The result is a multi-stage manufacturability check spanning cutting and forming before a price is returned.

What customers are responding to

The early feedback has been positive, with one limitation that is familiar to any fabrication shop: file quality. If CAD arrives as “a mess,” someone still has to clean it. For Lasershape, that becomes part of the education effort; the benefits are speed and certainty once a usable file is supplied.

Purchasers have responded strongly to the combination of instant response and traceability. “They get their quote back instantly,” Jason says. “It’s not guessed… and they really, really love that then they can track that order as it travels through the system.”

This is an important distinction – instant quoting is not the main feature, validated quoting is.

A practical anecdote captures the difference: a customer who sells machinery and spares had been buying parts from a competitor because quotes didn’t come back quickly enough. With Hyperlight, he

can stand in front of his customer, pull up his catalogue on a phone, and get a price immediately. Even in testing, he asked to begin purchasing through the system.

The wider point: automation that protects jobs by protecting margin

Inside Lasershape, the introduction of Hyperlight has required careful and considered communication. Automation in fabrication can trigger a predictable concern that the new systems are taking someone’s job. Jason was very clear that this was never the objective.

“We want to grow, but not by getting our people to do more work, faster,” he said. “We want to grow by letting people focus on where they add the most value.”

For Jason and Lasershape, the goal is not labour reduction, it is labour redeployment. Repeatable processes such as importing parts, cleaning geometry, generating quotes, contract checks, planning and routine nesting, are being systemised so that skilled people are not consumed by transactional work. He continued: “What we’re trying to do is automate the processes that can be automated... and then put the people where the people belong, providing value.”

In practical terms, Hyperlight removes labour from routine quoting, contract review, manual planning and repetitive nesting, while keeping people focused on assemblies, engineering-led work and customer-specific complexity – the areas that genuinely differentiate a fabrication partner.

Through this lens, Hyperlight is a margin protection strategy. By stabilising quoting and planning, Lasershape protects profitability. By protecting profitability, it protects jobs. Sustainable automation is not about asking people to work harder or cutting costs. It is about building systems strong enough to support growth without eroding the workforce that creates value.

What it signals for fabrication

Lasershape expects adoption to start slowly, partly because the industry has built habits around how buying works. Jason compares it to the early days of online retail, arguing that word of mouth and demonstrated experience will be what changes behaviour.

In fabrication, online ordering only becomes credible when the quoting engine is driven by consistent, rules-based part interpretation, and when the system producing the numbers is reliable enough to be interrogated automatically without surprises.

For Lasershape, RADAN has provided the stable basis to predict and prepare production and now allows the organisation to take the next step.

15% less material waste. 47.5% more gross profit. That's what RADAN delivered for Lasershape. Your setup might look different. The results don't have to. During MACH we're marking fifty years of making that possible. Come and judge for yourself.

Engineering Excellence: Four Decades of Precision Fabrication at

Grenville Engineering

From multi-million-pound petrochemical contracts to one-off prototypes Grenville Engineering has the expertise, equipment, and customised approach to handle any project.

A true end-to-end fabrication partner, this West Midlands-based manufacturer is the turnkey solution you’ve been looking for.

Afamily-run business for over 40 years, Grenville Engineering specialises in precision and sheet metal fabrication. With 58,500 sq ft premises and advanced CNC machinery including laser cutting, tube lasering, machining, metal punching, forming, and welding, Grenville satisfies every production process under one roof.

Their impressive shopfloor and broad inhouse experience see Grenville deliver ISO 9001-acredited design and manufacturing services to a wide range of industries. From agricultural, transport, and garden furniture to yellow goods, the defence industry, and petrochemical work, no job is too big or too niche.

“Our services take us from one end of the spectrum to the other!” comments Sales Director, Stuart Rawlinson. “The petrochemical projects sit at the top of what we do. They are particularly demanding because of their scale and the extensive material stipulations, quality requirements, and inspection documents involved.”

Everything we do customer driven; client needs, we accommodate “

With design-to-manufacture capabilities, including an in-house 3D CAD team, Grenville excel at making customer concepts a reality, with as much collaborative support as needed from the Grenville engineering team.

“The weird and wonderful projects are probably too numerous to list!” says Stuart. “The projects I find most interesting are site services. The client gives us a concept, and we’ll work through it with them, develop a 3D model and designs to prove it, tweak it as needed, and then move into prototyping and production. These are so varied, which is brilliant!”

The Grenville experience

Collaboration, communication, and client satisfaction are at the heart of the Grenville experience, with every department working closely with the customer to ensure every stage of the projects meets with their exacting requirements. “We’re flexible and adaptable,” Stuart asserts. “It’s one of our key strengths.”

Once a project has been discussed and agreed, it passes through to the planning department, then on to Greenville’s CAD engineers, who assess its requirements and produce drawings or a sample to determine the best means of manufacture. The quality team is also on hand at this stage to ensure all standards are met, whether they are British Standards or client specific.

“We maintain a comprehensive library of customer standards and British Standards,” explains Stuart. “It can be a bit of a minefield at times, but the expertise we’ve built up here means we handle it.”.

As soon as a project hits the shopfloor, tracking begins to monitor its progress and costs. If customers want to see parts before delivery, Grenville are happy to oblige, as well as welcoming any factory acceptance tests the client needs.

“Everything we do here is customer driven; whatever the client needs, we accommodate it,” says Stuart. “If they want something tomorrow, we’ll do everything we can to deliver tomorrow.”

Situated in Stoke-on-Trent, at the heart of the West Midlands, Grenville’s strategically located 58,500 sq ft premises serve the entire UK.

With a commitment to excellence, they provide a comprehensive engineering experience covering everything from design and prototyping to full-scale production batches.

Services include laser cutting, CNC metal folding, CNC metal punching, metal welding, and machining.

From large-scale contracts to small-scale prototyping, Grenville’s complete in-house design and manufacturing solutions make them your perfect end-to fabrication partner.

Having everything in-house puts Grenville – and their clients – in the enviable position of having complete control over timeframes and costings. Quotes are clear, with realistic prices and turnarounds applied to each stage of the project, customers always have complete transparency over what’s achievable and a comprehensive overview of their job.

“I have so many conversations with people who are buying components and sending them somewhere else to be welded, then somewhere else again for another process. They really appreciate that they can just come to us and get the part they want,” says Stuart.

In-house investments

Having made significant investments in laser cutting machinery, Grenville’s shopfloor houses three flatbed lasers and a tube laser, which Stuart says has removed their biggest supply issue and bottleneck since its installation three years ago.

Their most recent acquisition – a Trumpf 12-kilowatt fibre laser – has made a seriously positive impact, as Stuart explains: “It’s got double the power of the old machine. It handles thicker materials and cuts much quicker. We’re tremendously excited about seeing its full potential.”

They’ve also transformed their machining capabilities, going from manual lathes and milling machines to CNC machines, with the addition of two Hurco VMCs and an XYZ CNC lathe in the last two years.

On top of this, Grenville has developed its welding offering with a full Yaskawa robotic weld cell, which joined the lineup in August 2025. “Once parts are loaded, they spin around on a carousel, and the machine starts welding them while the operator at the front is loading and unloading the next set. It’s a continual production run – really impressive!” Stuart comments.

The Greville team has marked several improvements since introducing robotic welding to their processes, including speed, quality, and a reduction in the number of hours spent checking welds, allowing their skilled team members to focus other areas of production.

“Whenever we’re looking at new machines, we always consider where we can improve and resolve capacity issues,” Stuart shares.

“That’s all part of our ISO 9001 commitment. It’s only two weeks into the year, but I’m already looking into the future!”

The Grenville team

Grenville’s skilled workforce is fundamental to everything they do. From the quality assurance team to production managers and team leaders, Grenville boasts members who’ve been with the company over 30 years.

“The wealth of experience we have is extraordinary. Once operators join us, they tend to stay and develop deep expertise.

Grenville is a good place to work and we value our people,” Stuart says.

Through its apprentice scheme, Grenville also invests in training newcomers to the industry, with support from North Staffs Engineering Group, who regularly assess their apprentices.

“What’s particularly pleasing is that once people complete their apprenticeships, they tend to stay with us,” says Stuart.

“We’re at a really exciting point in our development. With over 40 years of experience behind us, significant investments in cutting-edge machinery, and a loyal and highly skilled workforce, we’re exceptionally well positioned to serve our customers’ needs.”

Collaboration, communication, and client satisfaction are at the heart of the Grenville experience “ “

For over 40 years, Grenville n ineerin has delivered precision metal fabrication and expert desi n solutions across the , supportin bespo e pro ects and repeat production runs

For over 40 years, Grenville Engineering has delivered precision metal fabrication and expert design solutions across the UK, supporting bespoke projects and repeat production runs.

LASER CUTTING LASER CUTTING

Committed to quality, we provide reliable service and consistently hi h standards you can count on

Committed to quality, we provide reliable service and consistently high standards you can count on.

FORMING FORMING WELDING WELDING

01782 577929 01782 577929

sales@grenville-engineering.co.uk sales@grenville-engineering.co.uk grenville-engineering.co.uk grenville-engineering.co.uk

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ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY MACHINING MACHINING

FINISHING FINISHING PUNCHING PUNCHING

LOGISTICS LOGISTICS

ROLLING ON: WHITE CROSS RING’S FACILITY OF THE FUTURE

With over 60 years in the fabrication sector and the very latest in metal manipulation technology, White Cross Ring’s recent investments match its expertise with next-level speed and capacity.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Bradford-based White Cross Ring Co Ltd has never been a company that stands still. From its inception in the 1960s as an in-house solution to Vierod & Wood’s ring-and flangesupply issues, this family fabrication business has been on a constant forward trajectory.

Its fearless agility and open-minded approach are key to White Cross Ring’s exponential growth. Propelled by continual investment in both its teams and machinery, the innate drive to solve problems and meet industry demand have shaped White Cross Ring into a modern powerhouse facility with customer satisfaction at its core.

Complete in-house fabrication

Aside from their ring rolling operation, which is still going strong, White Cross Ring now offers a complete in-house fabrication service

that includes capabilities such a cutting; welding and fabrication; tube and section bending; and drilling and punching.

The instigator behind the company’s ethos of perpetual improvement is Managing Director, Thomas Horner.

“It’s not rocket science that we offer all these other services; it just makes sense,” he explains. “It saves our customers a lot of legwork when they come to us. It’s a finished product that we deliver – a complete solution; not just a part of the bigger process.”

Now at shopfloor capacity, the very latest additions to the White Cross facility – A BLM E-Turn and Elect52, an AMOB MDH-90-CN3, and a Roundo 62 S – are all about optimising their current services, achieving new levels of speed, efficiency, and production output for customers while maintaining the same exceptional quality White Cross is known for.

Bending with the BLM E-Turn 52

The company’s biggest machinery investment to date is its BLM E-Turn 52, which has the ability to manipulate the positioning of a tube while also bending it, offering a wider range of finished shapes.

Designed for efficiency, precision, and ease of use, this cutting-edge machine offers left-and right-hand bends and is capable of bending tube from 8mm to 52 mm.

From barriers, handrails, and public transport accessories to furniture, tank container products, and even medical scanners, the E-Turn excels at creating long, sweeping curves, a technique that the White Cross Ring team has developed and perfected.

“Since taking on the new BLMs, we’ve been focused on building our tube bending expertise,” Tom shares.

“There’s no apprenticeship for ring rolling or tube bending, but they are skilled jobs, regardless. It takes years of experience to master it, because every material is different.”

Now specialists in this niche market, White Cross Ring offers a complete bespoke service that includes working with their in-house engineers and designers to help customers achieve their dream staircase, complete with central column and metal treads.

“The E-Turn was kind of an unknown. We were spending a hell of a lot of money, and it could have been a disaster!” Tom points out. “But it wasn’t – it was brilliant! It’s made us even more determined to look to invest year on year.”

Tooling around

As well as machinery, White Cross has consciously ensured their tooling meets up with their customers’ needs, even going so far to invest in the right tooling for a client’s specific job.

“We’ve probably spent as much on tooling as we have the machines,” Tom confirms. “There are so many variations that cater to different tube sizes, wall thicknesses, and diameter. You need a whole set of tooling to be able to do a piece of tube.

“Often, we’ll speak to the customer, and if it’s something that will work, we’ll look to invest in the tooling for their project, so it’s always here for them, ready to go. It’s part of being flexible and working with the customer to get exactly the result they want for the right price and within the desired timeframe.”

Ring-rolling with Roundos

Although the methods used for ring rolling haven’t changed much in the 60-odd years White Cross has been operating, the technology for achieving this has. Mindful of this, the company is keeping up with the latest advancements in rolling equipment, replacing their older machines with two new Roundos – a 62-S and an R3s.

“Our 62-S, which we purchased last year, has CNC programming capabilities, which allows us to save the settings, so we can repeat jobs accurately should we need to, and take on those bigger projects that require lots of the same parts,” explains Tom.

With in-house operatives who are skilled in rolling round bar, square bar and beams, as well as non-standard sections in aluminium, stainless steel and mild steel, the recent addition of the R-62-S has taken their rolling capabilities to the next level.

“With the new machine we’ve invested in, you have better control settings. They’re more sensitive,” Tom iterates, “so you can put weight on incrementally rather than it being just guesswork, which makes everything that bit more precise.”

Now, thanks to the Roundo’s turbo speed, the White Cross team’s turnaround times and capacity have increased.

“Our rolling speed has gone from 7m per min to 14m per min, doubling our rolling speed at full torque!” Tom confirms.

New for this year!

The most recent addition to the White Cross shopfloor is an AMOB MDH-90CN3 – another Hydraulic tube-bending machine, capable of manipulating tube up to 90mm.

“Our team’s just getting their training in with this one at the minute,” Tom says. “It’s getting bedded in and will be producing jobs straight away as we had jobs lined up ready and waiting.”

“We purchased this with a complete range of tooling to update some of our older machinery condensing two machines into one, creating more usable space while achieving greater efficiency, and accuracy.”

About White Cross Ring

White Cross Ring Co Ltd is a Bradford-based manufacturer specialising in the manufacture of bespoke bent, rolled, and fabricated components from steel sections and tubes. The company offers a comprehensive range of services and skills that cater to customer’s specific requirements, always finding the most efficient and economical solution to ISO 9001 standards.

It’s made us even more determined to look to invest year on year at this rate we will need a bigger boat!!” “

With over 60 years’ experience serving a vast range of sectors and the very latest tube-bending technology at their disposal, White Cross Ring welcomes challenging projects! For more information, visit whitecrossring. co.uk or call 01274 669933

ENABLING AMBITION

How Compass made the impossible possible for Optimum Laser

Compass Business Finance is a trusted partner for fast, flexible funding in the metal forming machinery sector. With deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of market demands, we deliver smart, tax efficient finance that helps you move quickly and confidently. Whether you’re upgrading machinery, boosting cash flow, or restructuring debt, we make securing the right solution simple and stress free.

With almost two decades of laser cutting experience behind him, Luke Maw decided it was time to create something of his own. Having previously worked across a wide range of laser technologies - from small desktop engravers to large fibre lasers used for cutting steel - he combined his expertise in operation, maintenance, and sales to launch Optimum Laser, a precision engineering firm based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Specialising in fabricated metal products, Optimum Laser provides all aspects of sub contract laser cutting solutions under one roof. The company offers 24 hour turnaround on rapid prototyping, batch runs, and one off projects, along with finishing services ranging from deburring and powder coating to plating and galvanising.

and determination - it needed the right machinery and financial backing.

When Luke made the decision to start his business last spring, time was against him. He had already left his previous role and needed to be operational almost immediately. Ordinarily, the lead time for a new fibre laser cutter can span 12 to 18 weeks - far too long to wait when rent and set up costs are already building.

Compounding the situation, as a brand new start up, Optimum Laser had no trading history, creating a major barrier when attempting to secure funding for the essential equipment.

compassbusinessfinance.co.uk

01732 833477

info@compassbusinessfinance.co.uk

The business is run by Luke and his partner, Rochelle Watt, who manages the administrative and financial side while Luke focuses on sales and production. But getting Optimum Laser off the ground required more than experience

Through HPC Laser Ltd, a trusted machinery supplier Luke had known for years, he discovered a potential path forward. Dan Foley, Sales Manager for Fibre Laser Cutting Equipment at HPC, had a demo model available - a LS1325 HPC Midi PRO Fibre Laser Metal Cutter, complete with full protective enclosure and advanced servo motor control. It was exactly what Luke needed to launch his business.

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Financing remained the critical piece of the puzzle. Dan suggested Compass Business Finance, a partner HPC had worked effectively with on previous deals.

“Compass were brilliant to deal with,” said Dan. “Allan Robinson was really communicative and quick to turn an enquiry into a completed deal. For a new start business with no trading history, that’s no small feat. Without Compass, there’s no way we would have secured the finance for this machine. And Luke would have had to spend a lot more money to get going.”

Compass quickly recognised the urgency and promise of Luke’s venture. After reviewing his business plan, they structured a tailored funding solution - incorporating deferred VAT payments and additional support through the Government Growth Schemeto help Luke hit the ground running.

After leaving his previous job in April, Luke moved into his Barnsley unit. Thanks to the swift collaboration with Compass and HPC, Optimum Laser was trading within weeks. Business has been growing steadily.

“

Compass understood me, believed in me and went the extra mile to make my business dream a reality. They’re a truly people focused company who made it possible for me to get the laser machine I needed to bring Optimum Laser to life.”

Luke Maw Director, Optimum Laser

“Without the laser we would not be doing anything - it’s the beating heart of our business,” said Luke. “Work has been intense with long days, but demand is rising fast, and we’re already looking at hiring our first employees.”

For both Luke and HPC, Compass’s approach has reinforced the value of working with a truly people focused finance partner. Their speed, understanding, and flexibility made it possible for a start up with ambition but no trading history to get up and running almost instantly.

As Dan Foley observed, “Compass made the impossible possible. They’re not just lenders - they’re problem solvers.”

With a strong foundation, a trusted supplier relationship, and continued backing from Compass, Optimum Laser is well positioned for a bright future - built on precision, partnership, and people.

As one example of its forward-thinking and innovative culture, Optimum Laser will be audited in the next month to obtain ISO 9001 and EN1090 excluding class 3 accreditation.

“

Without Compass, there’s no way we would have secured the finance for this machine. And Luke would have had to spend a lot more money to get going. Compass made the impossible possible.”

Dan

Foley

Sales Manager for Fibre Laser Cutting Equipment, HPC

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PRECISION IN MOTION

Fruehauf leads the way in bulk trailer manufacturing with advanced Fronius welding technology

Fruehauf, recognised for pioneering trailer engineering in the UK, continues to strengthen its reputation for build quality and reliability through strategic investment in advanced welding technologies. At its Grantham headquarters, the company produces more than 500 tipping and bulk trailers each year, managing the complete manufacturing process in-house – from raw material to finished trailer.

A key part of this operation is Fruehauf’s extensive use of Fronius welding systems. The manufacturer currently relies on 31 TPS 400i MIG/MAG power sources, an iWave 300i AC/DC, and, more recently, a FlexTrack 45 Pro rail-guided welding carriage, all of which play an essential role in delivering consistent, structurally robust welds across steel and aluminium components.

“For the past two years, we’ve relied on Fronius welding systems because their offerings align perfectly with our core values of commitment to quality and reliability,” says Artūras Mitunevičius, Production Director at Fruehauf.

“As a valued partner, Fronius consistently provides insightful advice and introduces cutting-edge products that enhance our operations. The continuous technical advancements, such as those found in the TPS 400i and its exceptional welding capabilities, have significantly improved our performance by increasing the speed and flexibility of our manufacturing processes. These systems enable us to confidently deliver the dependable products our reputation is built upon, ensuring that their strength and reliability remain unmatched–qualities that result in almost zero warranty issues.”

High - quality welding for demanding trailer applications

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Every Fruehauf trailer includes a significant number of welded joints, many located in areas subjected to intense mechanical stress, such as shock, vibration and torsion. Maintaining weld integrity is therefore essential.

“We take great pride in our weld quality. Defective welds can lead to significant issues and so we have very strict standards regarding the quality of our welds, “ Artūras continues. “We focus particularly on ensuring flawless welds in the load-bearing parts such as the load support structure or subframe, where we use high tensile S700MC steel. Additionally, we ensure that

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“

The company

saves around 800–1,000 labour hours per year, equal to £20,000–£25,000 in annual cost savings.”

all welds are aesthetically pleasing as they are visible on the exterior of the trailers,”

This emphasis on weld quality is particularly important for Fruehauf’s lightweight aluminium bodies, capable of handling payloads of up to 30 tonnes while reducing trailer weight by as much as 250 kg. Welding aluminium, however, brings challenges such as heat distortion, porosity, and the difficulty of joining thick to thin sections. These challenges are addressed head-on through the capabilities of the Fronius TPS 400i.

Fronius TPS 400i: precision-tuned welding for complex aluminium joints

The TPS 400i is central to Fruehauf’s aluminium fabrication processes. Its intelligent control functions – including Penetration Stabiliser and Arc Length Stabiliser – help maintain stable weld geometry and reduce heat-related

distortion. Operators at Fruehauf make extensive use of the Pulse process, particularly valuable when welding 5–6 mm top rails to 2.2 mm aluminium panels. The Pulse process helps deliver enough heat to the thick section while safeguarding the thinner material from overheating.

Fruehauf has also equipped the TPS/i systems with Fronius JobMaster Push-Pull torches featuring a 10-metre hose pack, improving wire feed reliability and usability during long, continuous welds.

Artūras explains: “Before we introduced the Fronius TPS/i machines, we frequently encountered wirefeed issues and consequently had to change the liner regularly. We have been using the 10m Fronius Push Pull torch, which includes a motorised pull system that synchronises with the wire feeder, ensuring uninterrupted wire feed. Since adopting these we have significantly increased efficiency. We opted for the Job Master model so the welder can select parameters, including pre-saved jobs, directly on the torch without having to return

to the machine. This is very convenient when you are welding body lengths of 9-12 metres. The user-interface on the screen is also relatively simple to use.”

The torch’s “EasyJob” feature allows operators to store and switch between five commonly used welding procedures directly on the torch body – an important benefit given the length and complexity of trailer body welds.

FlexTrack 45 Pro: Introducing automation

As part of its ongoing improvement strategy, Fruehauf has introduced semi-automated welding to its production line. The FlexTrack 45 Pro, used in combination with a TPS 400i, welds the longitudinal seams of aluminium sidewall panels mounted in a purpose-built jig.

This approach has proven significantly more cost-effective than a fully robotic system

while still delivering major productivity gains. The FlexTrack welding carriage ensures smooth, consistent travel speed and reduced operator fatigue, while improving the repeatability of weld quality.

Following months of internal testing and adaptation within Fruehauf’s R&D department, the FlexTrack system has been in daily production use since June 2024.

Artūras notes that the impact has been substantial: the company saves around one hour of welding time per sidewall, resulting in 800–1,000 labour hours saved per year, equal to £20,000–£25,000 in annual cost savings. The investment paid for itself in under two years.

“Today, it is difficult to envision our aluminium body production without the FlexTrack welding equipment. It ensures perfect reproducibility of welding results, especially when used with the TPS/i welding source,” he says. “We have also found the FlexTrack to be very reliable. We have been operating this application for 18 months without experiencing a single breakdown.”

“Fronius consistently provides insightful advice & cutting-edge products that enhance our operations.”

A future built on efficiency, quality and innovation

Fruehauf continues to refine its welding processes to improve comfort for operators and to fine-tune parameters for the highest possible weld quality. The combination of advanced Fronius welding systems and targeted automation supports Fruehauf’s long-established engineering strengths while positioning the company for future growth.

By integrating precision-focused technology such as the TPS 400i and FlexTrack 45 Pro, Fruehauf reinforces its commitment to delivering UK-built trailers with consistently high structural integrity, aesthetic finish, and long-term reliability – qualities that remain central to its reputation in the bulk trailer market.

A passion for new technologies, intensive research, and revolutionary solutions have been shaping the Fronius brand since 1945.

Fronius U.K. Ltd, a subsidiary of Fronius International GmbH, has been operating in the UK since 2009, and currently has 50 employees over two sites.

The facility in Milton Keynes extends over 3,800 square metres and houses the tech support teams, a repair centre, demonstration area, warehouse, display area and training rooms, and epitomises the importance of being able to deliver a first-class service to customers.

The next generation of manual MIG/MAG welding

Fortis

As flexible as your work

Welding is rarely straightforward, especially for SMEs dealing with constantly shifting requirements and a wide range of materials. Tasks can change daily—as do the welding processes needed to complete them. This calls for a welding machine that can be adapted perfectly to these dynamic conditions.

The Fortis series rises to this challenge with up to 240 optimised welding characteristics, specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of steel construction. It delivers consistently reliable performance, making it a standout solution for professionals who value precision, efficiency, and adaptability.

In addition to steel, this MIG/MAG welding machine also masters materials such as aluminium and stainless steel effortlessly, especially in combination with the pulsed arc.

More at: www.fronius.co.uk/fortis

NEW to South Yorkshire: Fronius Technical Competence CentreNear Sheffield Official Opening: 7th May

Meet the NEW Fortis. Explore the latest cutting-edge technology. Tour the new facility. Enjoy all- day refreshments. Drop in 10am–3pm.

More info & register: www.fronius.co.uk/sheffield

For nearly 20 years, Formation Media has helped manufacturing businesses grow through strategic, process-driven marketing.

We understand the sector because we’ve worked alongside it for years, supporting manufacturers with websites, SEO, branding, content, video, social media and campaigns built around quality, consistency and results.

ISO 9001 certified. Manufacturing-focused. Engineered for growth.

SHEET METAL WORKING? YOU BET WE OLICANA!

When their external supply of sheet metal components dried up during the covid pandemic, tube manipulation specialists, Olicana, decided to fulfil their sheet metal working needs in-house. The LS7 flat-bed, fibre-laser cutting machine from BLM Group UK has proved the perfect choice.

Olicana Products has for many years prided itself on providing a topquality, high-volume, CNC tube laser cutting and bending service, complemented by robotic welding and powder coating, all under one roof. When the decision to fulfil their own sheet metal working needs proved to be a good one, the Ilkley, Yorkshire factory chose to upgrade their temporary CO2 cutting solution with an LS7 flat-bed, fibrelaser cutting machine from BLM Group UK, Ampthill, a subsidiary of the parent machine manufacturing company in Italy.

“The BLM LS7 was selected due to it being a top-class machine. We have been using tube bending machines from BLM since 2001 and have been very satisfied with both the equipment and the service they provide,” explains Stephen Thorpe, Olicana’s technical director.

Tube manipulation

The first electric BLM tube bending machine Olicana invested in was an E-TURN 52, capable of processing tube up to 52 mm outside diameter while executing a wide range of functions such as variable radius bending.

Most significantly, however, the 15-axis E-TURN employs a double head with a novel swinging action, enabling both right- and left-hand bends to be accomplished in the same automatic cycle.

With the type of fabrications Olicana makes, this delivers huge cost-and timesaving advantages to both customers and the factory. By eliminating the need for two separate tubes to be processed and welded together, the E-TURN as much as halves production costs, dependant on finish and fettling.

Such was the success of the E-TURN 52 installation that a further two machines, both new but of smaller, 32 mm diameter capacity, were purchased in 2021 and 2023 directly from BLM in Ampthill.

The machine supplier’s off-line VGP3D software simplifies operation of all three electric tube bending machines. On receipt of a customer order and component drawing, Mr Thorpe simulates the bending sequence on-screen to detect any potential collisions or other problems. If issues are encountered, they are discussed with the customer and design changes are proposed before the program is finalised.

After the software has automatically generated the bending cycle, taking into account the tube material, diameter and wall thickness, it is rare that there is a need for the cycle parameters to be adjusted, according to Mr Thorpe. The program is simply sent over a network link to one of the tube bending machines and production starts straight away.

As a global leader in tube and sheet metal processing solutions with more than 70 years’ experience and thousands of applications in the development of tube and sheet metal fabrication equipment, BLM GROUP high-tech solutions are found in nearly every sector.

BLM GROUP UK, in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, provides tube processing solutions, equipment demonstrations, service and parts support, application development, and training to the UK and Ireland.

Discover the latest laser tube cutting systems, tube bending machines, production sawing, wire bending machines, and sheet laser cutting machines.

www.blmgroup.com

The BLM E-TURNs incorporate innovative features to ensure that tight tolerances are held from the very first part, including compensation for tube springback and elongation. A checking fixture is made at the Ilkley factory for every new order and 100% inspection is employed to verify accuracy. Drawing tolerance is generally surprisingly tight, typically within plus or minus one-fifth of a degree, sometimes requiring final manual tweaking of the computer-generated springback values.

ERW (electric resistance welded) steel is processed mostly, plus high-tensile and stainless steels, ranging from 8 mm diameter solid bar up to 50 mm diameter tube, and wall thickness is up to 3 mm. More than 90% of tube is pre-processed with features and identification marks in a BLM LT5 tube laser cutting machine, also

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built in Italy, which was supplied in 2015 by the group subsidiary in Ampthill.

Flat-bed laser cutting

Control over the supply of flat sheet metal parts to the fabrication and assembly department has also been improved with the installation of the 6 kW BLM LS7 fibre-laser cutting centre. Savings in subcontract costs are predicted to amortise the investment quickly.

Mr Thorpe shares stand-out features of the machine include automatic sheet position sensing and alignment with the programmed path; active nozzle centring to maintain productivity, particularly during unattended operation; and active zoom, which changes the diameter of the laser beam to optimise

cut quality and speed according to the gauge of sheet being processed.

Similar steel materials – mild, high-tensile and stainless – are laser profiled into components nested across 2.5 x 1.25 metre sheets. Tolerances of 50 microns are achieved, consistent with reliable fabrication of the components with the tubular elements.

Minimal time is wasted between processing one sheet and the next, as the outgoing movement of the table carrying the cut parts and skeleton, and the movement of the incoming table carrying a fresh sheet, are simultaneous. Table exchange is completed in under nine seconds, notably the fastest on the market.

The line of three BLM CNC tube bending machines in operation at Olicana’s Ilkley factory.

About 95% of parts in the Ilkley facility are produced from sheet under 8 mm thick using nitrogen as the service gas, enabling fast, clean cutting that delivers a highquality edge with no oxidation, ideal for subsequent painting. Oxygen is used for thicker gauge materials, allowing more productive cutting compared to using an inert gas. Lantek software is employed for highly efficient nesting of parts, ensuring minimal material wastage.

“Savings in subcontract costs are predicted to amortise the investment quickly.”

Service and support

In addition to machine quality, a high level of service support is critical to Olicana when choosing a supplier, Mr Thorpe explains. “The tube manipulation machines and the laser cutter from BLM are topquality, but the level of service we receive guarantees continuity of production. It’s crucial to our competitiveness.”

“From the purchase of our first machine, a high level of back-up was forthcoming from Ampthill, even though they didn’t sell the machine to us. Engineers in the Italian factory were also willing to help if necessary and we even set up a WhatsApp group to aid communication. Overall we have been more than satisfied.”

He added that the quality of the aftersales support was evident even before the machines were operational. Both the latest tube bender and the laser profiler were installed and commissioned in one week and were in full production by the next, a feat he described as “impressive”. Similarly, training of Olicana staff onsite and in Italy was comprehensive and co-ordinated in a timely manner with the installation of the machines.

“

By eliminating the need for two separate tubes to be processed and welded together, the E-TURN as much as halves production costs.”

The flat-bed LS7 cutting a nested sheet of components

SPECIAL

How Press-Form Machinery’s unique blend of partnership and expertise achieved the perfect in-house solution for this cable management client.

More than a machine distributor, Press-Form Machinery Ltd is a problem-solving powerhouse.

Backed by a team of highly knowledgeable engineering specialists, the company’s holistic approach to working with its customers – coupled with an arsenal of European manufacturing partners –delivers complete, target-driven solutions, not just fancy equipment.

Andrew Meachen is Press-Form’s go-to guy for all things technical, be it sales or service. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Andrew’s vast knowledge has seen him working all over the world, installing everything from stand-alone units to complete manufacturing systems.

A keen innovator, Andrew thrives on applying his expertise to resolving client issues. “Every solution, even when individual components are similar, results in a unique end application. I don’t think I’ve ever completed two identical projects!” he says.

When a client from the cable management sector approached him at MACH ‘24 with ideas for an in-house production line, Andrew was straight on the case.

The catch? To achieve the necessary payback and solve their supply bottleneck, the client’s in-house cell would need to produce 15 metal pressings per minute –one every four seconds.

One tool to rule them all

With a clear idea of their desired outcome, but no idea how to achieve it within budget, Andrew made several visits to the client’s facility, examining their production setup and current supply chain situation.

The finished cell would be required to produce a family of components, all similar, but of varying lengths. Recognising this stipulation was key to the tooling design, Andrew set to work with the help of Hull-based toolmakers, Paragon, who he brought in to advise on his drawings.

“

AGENTS

“you’re not just buying a machine – you’re gaining access to an entire network of expertise.

“

The resulting design was a flexible system, capable of manufacturing various metal pressings with a single adjustable tool –no need for time-consuming changeovers or the expense of multiple tool sets, a solution which aligned perfectly with client’s budget requirements.

Assembling the A Team

The next step was finding a press. For this, Andrew consulted San Giacomo, an Italian company he’s worked with for 30 years.

“We discussed the required tonnage and bed size based on the tooling design and estimated power requirement,” he shares.

“It started as a T500, a 500-tonne press, but became a 400-tonne model as the design evolved”.

The second element of the cell was the transfer system, and again, Andrew called on another of his expert collaborators – NORDA – to deliver the goods. They suggested their ROBOY system, a pick-andplace mechanism that continuously moves parts from right to left across the tool.

To achieve the all-important payback of 15 parts per minute, Andrew turned to DIMECO, a French company he’s worked with since 1990. The feeding stage involved taking material from a coil, and having confirmed the specified maximum coil weight capacity, strip width, and other requirements from the client, he sourced the ideal feeding line.

Main UK agents for ACF, Dimeco, Haeger, Sangiacomo, Vicla, Technology Italiana, Galdabini, PEMSERTER, Zani and Virtek, Press-Form boasts a highly knowledgeable team of engineering professionals.

With a solid background in sheet metal machinery, coil processing equipment and bespoke manufacturing systems, we offer a one-stop solution to all your production requirements, whether you require sales, after-sales, or support for Haeger Insertion Presses, Dimeco Flexible Coil Processing Lines, ACF Flexible Cornerformers

Sangiacomo Eccentric Mechanical Presses, or Galdabini Hydraulic Presses.

Discover more at

“From experience, I knew all the individual components would work perfectly and I was confident these three partners – San Giacomo, NORDA, and DIMECO – could come together to create an exceptional production cell,” he asserts.

“For me, this exemplifies what Press-Form offers – problem-solving with decades of experience. It’s wonderful to draw from that knowledge base – not only my own but also our suppliers’. When you work with us, you’re not just buying a machine –you’re gaining access to an entire network of expertise dedicated to delivering the complete solution you need.”

Because the client wanted a turnkey package, Andrew also sourced scrap conveyors for all waste materials and conveyors for removing and stacking finished parts, creating a complete, readyto-run solution.

The moment of truth

With the exception of a few transport issues, caused by disruption to routes through Europe, the machines all came together with relative ease at the client’s facility. Press-Form also arranged for the entire line to be CE marked by an independent auditor. The next challenge was to make it work.

“All systems used Siemens controls, but when one programmer writes a Siemens subroutine in Italy and another in France, they don’t always see eye to eye on signal protocols,” Andrew explains.

After a week of addressing software issues, integration was complete and the cell was ready for testing.

“There were a few tool-related issues, but after a couple of days of adjustments, slowly ramping up the speed, we reached 15 strokes per minute,” Andrew beams.

“Once we hit that sweet spot, everything fell into place. It was an enormous relief because the entire contract hinged on achieving that return.”

Within the first two months of operation, the cell had already reached targets projected for the six-month mark. “They’re absolutely delighted and are already looking at a second line,” Andrew says.

Training and aftercare

As the client had never operated a press of this size, Press-Form provided comprehensive in-house training. Their onboarding was so thorough, their single trainee is now running the whole line solo.

Press-Form also continues to support their client with aftercare, acting as their first point of contact for all standard maintenance and any issues that need addressing, though to date, these have been queries rather than problems.

The entire project took around 18 months to complete and represents around a £1.5m investment. In return, the client now has complete control over their production schedules and pricing.

“We don’t just supply machinery – we partner with customers to understand their challenges, draw on our extensive network of trusted European manufacturers, and engineer complete bespoke solutions,” says Andrew. “Now, when our client makes promises to their customers, they know they can produce the parts to fulfil them.”

“ “ Press-Form offers –problem-solving with decades of experience.

The end of boring bins. Keep streets litter-free.

HUBBUB’S BIG BALLOT BIN

One bin, triple win. The Hubbub Big Ballot Bin is a customisable, highcapacity voting bin that invites people to vote with their rubbish. Imagined by Hubbub, Designed by Morrama, and brought to life by ICEE, our partnership is growing.

Working with world renowned design agency, Morrama, our Manufacturing Sector took the product from concept, to something that could be physically manufactured via a variety of fabrication processes, and then delivered built units across the world.

Our Manufacturing Sector works hand in hand with our staff across ICEE, to continue to manufacture, install and maintain the Big Ballot Bins across the country.

High footfall, frequently handling, potential missues and repeated transportation & positioning are just some areas we had to think about. Choosing the correct materials, manufacturing processes and product finish were essential to the longevity of each unit. Hubbub needed a bin that was:

• Manufacturable at scale with consistent quality.

• Durable for long-term use in public settings.

• Practical to assemble, maintain and deploy

• Cost-effective without compromising performance.

• Designed for reliability, with tight control of tolerances and repeatability.

The initial design was strong and visually stunning, but required a few tweaks as we moved towards production, to ensure the geometry, materials, fixings, access points and build sequence all worked smoothly in real-world manufacturing.

Working with the supplied prototyped design and the team from Morrama, we supported Hubbub through a structured design for manufacture process, ensuring the unit was something that could be made reliably, efficiently and consistently.

DFM Review & Engineering Refinement

We assessed the design against core manufacturing constraints – bend radius, fold sequences, weld type & access and assembly practicality. From there, we produced refinements that protected the design intent while making the unit simpler to build and more robust in use.

Material & Finish Specification

Public-facing assets demand the right balance of aesthetics and resilience, especially when being used in an external environment. We advised on material selection and a powder coat finish, to support longevity, clean presentation and repeatable supply. The unit is manufactured from mild steel, with a AP120 Primer and a Powder Coat finish.

Production Ready

We exported the complete design into production-ready outputs, including updated fabrication details and formats suited to our CNC Profiling and Fabrication processes. This stage ensured the units can be manufactured repeatedly with consistent fit and detail.

Manufacturing

Once the design was signed off for production, ICEE took the project into manufacture using our in-house fabrication and assembly teams. The bin components are CNC cut for accuracy and consistency, then folded to form the structure of the unit, ensuring each bin aligns and fits together as intended. Parts are fabricated and joined with durability in mind, keeping the exterior clean while delivering a robust, long-lasting product. The units are finished to suit frequent handling and public use, before being fully assembled and checked in-house. Every ballot bin is inspected for fit, alignment and overall quality before leaving our facility.

From early Design for Manufacture input through to production, the focus was on creating a unit that performs reliably in real-world environments. Seeing the bins move into production and gain international interest has been a real highlight.” “

The ballot bin project shows what’s possible when strong design is supported by practical manufacturing expertise.

Through ICEE’s Design for Manufacture input and manufacturing capability, Hubbub achieved a ballot bin that is reliable, visually engaging and built to last. Supported by ICEE’s integrated field services, the units can be delivered, installed, maintained and stored consistently, ensuring long-term performance beyond manufacture. With units already in production for deployment across the UK and UAE and growing interest from the USA, Israel and other EU countries, the ballot bin is gaining strong momentum and making a real impact within the waste management sector.

This project demonstrates ICEE’s ability to bridge concept and reality, taking strong design intent and turning it into a manufacturable, scalable product, backed by modern fabrication and assembly. For organisations deploying public-facing assets, that blend of engineering input and production delivery is what ensures reliable rollouts and consistent performance.

Ryley Arnold - Account Manager

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AUTOMATION IN ACTION:

HOW MORGAN RUSHWORTH IS HELPING FABRICATORS RETHINK PRODUCTIVITY

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Across the UK and Irish fabrication industry, automation is no longer a distant ambition. It is a practical response to the pressures manufacturers face every day: skills shortages, rising labour costs, tighter delivery schedules, and the need to do more with less floor space and manpower.

t the centre of this shift are technologies such as fibre lasers, tube lasers, robotic press brakes, and fully integrated automation systems. Through its expanding portfolio, Morgan Rushworth is supplying these solutions to fabricators looking to modernise their workshops, improve efficiency, and build resilience into their production processes.

Rather than focusing on individual machines in isolation, the emphasis is increasingly on complete, joined-up solutions; systems that streamline workflow from raw material to finished component.

Fibre Laser Cutting as the Foundation

For many workshops, fibre laser cutting is the starting point of automation. Morgan Rushworth fibre laser systems deliver high cutting speeds, consistent edge quality, and reduced energy consumption compared to older cutting technologies such as CO2. Just as importantly, they reduce reliance on manual adjustment and operator intervention.

In an environment where experienced operators are becoming harder to recruit, this consistency is critical. Fibre lasers allow manufacturers to maintain quality and throughput regardless of shift patterns or variations in operator experience, providing a stable foundation for downstream processes.

When combined with automated loading and unloading systems, fibre laser cutting becomes a scalable production platform. Capable of supporting both daytime operation and unattended running outside normal working hours.

Tube Lasers: Replacing Multiple Machines with One Process

While fibre lasers have transformed sheet metal cutting, tube laser technology is having an equally profound impact on the processing of tubular and structural sections.

Morgan Rushworth tube laser systems capable of handling round, square, rectangular, and open sections are increasingly being used to replace entire chains of traditional equipment; including bandsaws, pillar drills, saw and drill lines, and even standalone tube notchers.

Instead of material moving between multiple machines and operators, tube lasers consolidate cutting to length, profiling, drilling, slotting, mitring, and notching into a single, automated process. Components are produced directly from CAD data, ensuring accuracy and repeatability along the full length of the section.

Automatic loading and unloading systems further enhance this capability, allowing bundles of raw lengths to be processed continuously with minimal manual handling. Finished components exit the machine ready for welding or assembly, eliminating secondary processing and reducing lead times dramatically. The operator can load a bundle of materials in, leave the machine running while they carry out other duties.

For fabricators producing frames, structural components, architectural steelwork, or fabricated assemblies, this shift represents a fundamental change in how workpieces can flow through the workshop.

Robotic Press Brakes and the Evolution of Bending

Bending has traditionally been one of the most skills-dependent stages of fabrication. Press brake automation is now changing that dynamic.

Morgan Rushworth robotic press brake solutions enable manufacturers to maintain consistent output without relying on scarce skilled operators for repetitive bending tasks. Modern offline programming and simulation tools allow jobs to be prepared away from the machine, reducing setup time and increasing machine utilisation.

These systems are no longer confined to high-volume, single-part production. Advances in tooling flexibility and software mean robotic bending can now support highmix environments with frequent job changes, making automation viable for a far wider range of businesses.

By automating routine bending operations, manufacturers can redeploy skilled staff to higher-value activities such as programming, quality control, and process improvement, improving both productivity and job satisfaction, all key aspects for staff retention and recruitment.

Automation as a Solution to Skills Shortages

One of the most significant challenges facing the industry is the shortage of skilled labour. Morgan Rushworth’s approach to automation is not about removing people from the process, but about reducing dependency on manual skill where it creates risk or limitation.

Automated systems simplify setup, reduce physical strain, and embed accuracy into the machine itself. This allows new operators to be trained more quickly and reduces vulnerability when experienced staff are unavailable or leave.

At the same time, modern automated workshops are more attractive to the younger engineers entering the industry. Clean, digitally driven environments help reposition fabrication as a technologically advanced career path. They provide an environment that young workers can see themselves working in for decades to come, with prospects for advancement.

Building On Our Heritage For The Future

The Morgan Rushworth name has always stood for excellent. 150 years on from the establishment of Rushworth and Co, Morgan Rushworth continues to set new standards in the metal fabrication industry.

From the belt driven section rolling machines of the 1870s to our state-ofthe-art fully programmable XS fibre laser cutters of today, we continue to build on our heritage and values, ensuring our customers’ operations run productively free of concerns over downtime or service issues, day in and day out.

Website: www.morganrushworth.com

Telephone: 01785 247 575

Email: sales@morganrushworth.com

Enabling Lights-Out Manufacturing

A major advantage of automation is the ability to extend production beyond normal working hours. With automated loading systems, material storage, and integrated software, Morgan Rushworth fibre lasers, tube lasers, and robotic bending cells can operate unattended.

Lights-out manufacturing allows businesses to increase output without increasing headcount or expanding premises. Machines continue producing parts overnight or at weekends, improving return on investment while maintaining quality and consistency.

For many manufacturers, this capability represents a step change in capacity planning, shifting production limits from labour availability to customer demand, and with it moving the cost of goods from labour to machinery.

Building Efficient, Integrated Workshops

Ultimately, automation is about efficiency and control. Fewer handling stages, reduced scrap, shorter lead times, and better machine utilisation all contribute to lower cost per part.

Morgan Rushworth’s focus on integrated solutions; where cutting, bending, material handling, and software operate as a connected system, reflects how modern workshops are evolving. Fabrication is no longer defined by individual machines, but by how smoothly an entire process flows from start to finish.

Automation is enabling manufacturers to build faster, leaner, and more resilient operations. For those investing now, it is not simply a means of a competitive advantage - it is becoming a vital necessity.

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Promoting companies involved in the manufacture and sale of Sheetmetal, Metal forming, Stamping, Fabrication Machinery and ancillary technologies

ADRIAN HALLER

Managing Director, Bruderer UK Ltd

Chairman, Metalforming Machinery Makers Association (MMMA)

Dear Members

As Chairman of the MMMA, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2026 Members’ Directory. I trust this publication will serve as a valuable tool in helping us collectively achieve our shared goals.

At the heart of the MMMA’s activities lies the highly anticipated MACH Exhibition, an event of particular significance to our association. Central to this is the Metalworking Village, which we proudly host on a biennial basis. The Village truly embodies the spirit of the MMMA, providing a unique platform for customers, professionals in training, and sales specialists to experience first-hand the latest advancements in sheet metal and forming technologies. I am especially pleased that this key feature is now firmly established as a mainstay in Hall 6.

Showcasing new developments is always an exciting prospect, and this year’s event promises to be no exception. Within the Metalworking Village, visitors will witness a comprehensive demonstration of a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, presented in real time and actively manufacturing components before their very eyes. These live demonstrations are delivered by our esteemed MMMA members and reflect the very best of our sector’s innovation and expertise.

Alongside unveiling new technologies, we are equally enthusiastic about welcoming new members to our community. This is particularly significant with the addition of the iconic ISME (Institute of Sheet Metal Engineers) to our organisation. This partnership not only strengthens engagement with the MMMA but also encourages participation from manufacturers and users of our members’ products. The 2026 Metalworking Village in Birmingham is set to attract industry professionals from across the globe, making it a truly exceptional event for the sectors we serve and for the combined MMMA and ISME community.

I would also like to highlight the MMMA Gala Dinner, an annual occasion where we celebrate excellence and recognise outstanding talent within our industry through our prestigious awards programme. This year, we are expanding the awards ceremony to further honour the exceptional contributions made by individuals and businesses across the manufacturing sector.

As Chairman, it is a privilege to lead an organisation that not only recognises the importance of our industry but actively advocates for the diverse needs of its members. This includes support across technology adoption, workforce development, human resources, and financial guidance.

Our mission at the MMMA is to raise the profile of our members’ businesses and products within the manufacturing sector through a range of initiatives. These include a strong and growing social media presence, as well as strategic collaborations with leading financial institutions such as Lloyds, Compass Finance, and Finance for Industry—specialists in funding solutions for engineering, print, plastics, and machinery.

Together, the MMMA and ISME serve as a unified voice for our industry, providing a platform for open dialogue and constructive discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing our members. These range from financial pressures to regulatory compliance and wider industry concerns.

Reflecting on our journey, I am immensely proud of the MMMA’s growth over the past 14 years, evolving from a small association into a strong and vibrant membership community. This growth is a testament to the resilience and vitality of UK manufacturing, which remains a cornerstone of both the national economy and the global manufacturing landscape.

Looking ahead, there is a clear and urgent need for continued government investment and support for our sector. Sustained commitment is essential to driving innovation and maintaining excellence within UK manufacturing. Despite external challenges— such as geopolitical tensions affecting global trade routes—we must remain steadfast in promoting domestic manufacturing and nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals.

As we face both opportunities and challenges, we should remember that manufacturing is deeply embedded in the history and identity of our nation. The MMMA and ISME stand firmly in support of UK manufacturing, and together—with the passion and dedication of our members—we are well positioned to shape a vibrant, prosperous, and socially impactful future for our industry.

I invite you to immerse yourself in the excitement of MACH 2026 and to join us in the MMMA / ISME Metalworking Village, where innovation meets collaboration. Your involvement is vital to realising our shared vision of a thriving manufacturing sector.

SELLING PRODUCTS TO THE INDUSTRY?

MMMA MEMBERSHIP

Companies that enable, supply and support the industry

ECOSYSTEM OF THE UK SHEET METAL, METAL FORMING, STAMPING AND FABRICATION INDUSTRY.

Equipment Manufacturers / Sellers (Core Members)

Associate Members

Software Providers

Finance & Insurance

Media & Marketing

Industry Services

SHARED INDUSTRY BENEFITS

MANUFACTURE OR OPERATE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY?

Industry Promotion & Directory

Awards & Recognition

Academic Links

Talent Development & Apprenticeships

ISME MEMBERSHIP

Sector Access (Aerospace, Automotive, Defence etc.)

Companies and people that build, manufacture and employ talent

Subcontract Manufacturers

Toolmakers / Fabricators

OEMs / Engineering Firms

Networking & Events (MACH, Gala, Meetings)

Individuals / Professionals

SCAN TO JOIN

SCAN TO JOIN

MACH 2028 TO SHOWCASE

THE BEST OF SHEET METAL AND FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY

MACH is widely recognised as the UK’s largest manufacturing exhibition, typically bringing together more than 500 exhibitors to showcase their latest advanced manufacturing technologies, processes and solutions. Owned and organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), this biennial event will return to the NEC Birmingham in 2028, promising to deliver a platform for the very latest in a broad range of manufacturing disciplines, from sheet metal, metalworking and fabrication to tooling and automation.

Sheet metal, metalworking and fabrication remain central to the UK manufacturing industry. Products made from sheet metal feed into almost every sector, from automotive and aerospace to power generation and defence. They are closely linked with other manufacturing technologies that will be on display at MACH 2028, such as laser cutting and welding.

The MACH exhibition floor is organised into several dedicated technology zones, designed to make navigation easier and help visitors quickly find areas of interest. The zones include sheet metal, metalworking fabrication, automation and robotics, manufacturing and a wide range of other specialist

Fabrication Zone is co-located with the well-established MMMA Village, which is hosted by the Metalworking Machinery Makers’ Association (MMMA), the UK’s dedicated trade association for the industry. The creation of a central hub for exhibitors specialising in these technologies ensures that Hall 6 at MACH is recognised as the showcase for excellence in all forms of sheet metal, forming and fabrication technologies.

James Selka, CEO at the MTA, said: ‘Our decision for MACH 2026 to create this new zone to showcase the latest technology in sheet metal, metalforming and fabrication was definitely the right one. We were delighted to see an increase in exhibitors in this zone, providing attendees interested in this technology with an easy, convenient way to see the latest cutting-edge products and solutions in one place. We are looking forward to continuing this successful initiative for MACH 2028.’

Exhibitors in this zone demonstrate inspiring metalforming machinery and ancillary products, including presses, bar and tube working machines and specialist tooling. This offers attendees a unique opportunity to see a wide range of metalworking equipment and machinery live and under power, whilst also gaining access to expert advice and guidance.

MACH is designed to help attendees expand their knowledge and understanding of the opportunities available to adopt new technologies whilst benefiting from practical guidance on how businesses can improve productivity, increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Products made from sheet metal feed into almost every sector, from automotive and aerospace to power generation and defence.

The MMMA Village promotes the interests of its member companies, which are predominantly involved in the manufacture and sale of metalforming machinery and related products. This includes high-speed and hydraulic presses, straight side presses, manual die clamping, coil handling lines, servo forming, benders and stackers.

This exhibition attracts around 30,000 visitors from across the manufacturing community, from CEOs, managing directors and buyers to engineers and designers. It provides an ideal platform to discover the latest innovations, see live demonstrations, build supplier relationships and gain practical insights from leading industry experts.

To find out more about MACH 2028, please visit:

www.machexhibition.com

James Selka, CEO at the MTA

1

ANDRITZ SCHULER PRESSES UK Stand 6-388

6 FACCIN GROUP QUALIMACH LIMITED Stand 6-590

11

OERLIKON BALZERS COATING UK LTD Stand 6-485

2

BRADBURY INTERNATIONAL U.K. LIMITED Stand 6-473

7

GROUP RHODES LIMITED Stand 6-380

12

ORTLINGHAUS UK LTD Stand 6-470

16 PRIMA POWER Stand 6-591

17 ROLLA -V Stand 6-494

Outside the village

AKYAPAK Stand 20 -370

COMPASS BUSINESS FINANCE Stand 6-44

HEXAGON PRODUCTION SOFTWARE Stand 17-320, 18-520

3

BRUDERER UK LIMITED Stand 6-479

8

HSM METAL FABRICATIONS Stand 6-487

13

OTTO BIHLER MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG Stand 6-499

18 ROPE AND SLING SPECIALISTS LTD Stand 6-492

4

DECADE MONITORING SOLUTIONS LIMITED Stand 6-490

9

INDUSTRIAL CLUTCH PARTS LIMITED Stand 6-493

14

PHOENIX TOOLIING & DEVELOPMENT LTD Stand 6-480

5

EUROPEAN SPRINGS AND PRESSINGS LIMITED Stand 6-491

10

METALFORMING MACHINERY MAKERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD Stand 6-599

15

PRESS-FORM MACHINERY LTD Stand 6-481

19

SHEETMETALINDUSTRIES. COM Stand 6-599

20 WORCESTER PRESSES LIMITED Stand 6-489

AW PRECISION Stand 20-30

COTSWOLD MACHINERY SALES LIMITED Stand 6-659

ROEMHELD UK LTD Stand 6-450

BYSTRONIC UK LIMITED Stand 6-770

DALTONS Stand 18-120

SIGMATEK EUROPE LIMITED Stand 6-762

FINANCE FOR INDUSTRY –CLOSE BROTHERS Stand 20-449

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY GROUP –DURMA Stand 6-281

5S Technologies

Unit 9, Moons Park, Burnt Meadow Road, Moons Moat North Industrial Estate Nr. Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 9PA

Tel: 01527 576444

Email: sales@5-s.co.uk

Website: 5-s.co.uk/

A trusted provider of ERP and production control software tailored for the engineering and manufacturing industries with over 26 years of experience. As the exclusive UK reseller of MIE Trak Pro, we offer a complete, scalable ERP system that boosts productivity and streamlines operations. MIE Trak Pro integrates seamlessly with third-party software, helping UK manufacturers plan smarter, work faster, and grow stronger.

Aida s.r.l UK Branch

City Road, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 3RP

Tel: 01332 648200 / 07968 694609

Email: info@aida-europe.com

Website: http://www.aida-global.com

AIDA is a global press manufacturer that offers a diversified product line, total turnkey packages and automation. AIDA’s UK facility provides crucial after service support that includes maintenance, stock delivery on spare parts for AIDA, Bliss, Manzoni and Rovetta presses. Aida S.R.I UK Branch is the authorised provider for service, parts and support of all AIDA, Manzoni, Rosetta and Bliss press models.

Akyapak

17 Greens Lane, London, UK, N169BS Tel: 0203 883 9031

Email: info@akyapak.uk

Website: makyapak.com/en

Connecting technology and engineering through comprehensive machinery and software solutions for metal forming and fabrication, our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps our customers succeed and empowers industries to contribute to a better and sustainable future. Operating since 1962, our machines are preferred in the factories of Mitsubishi, Mercedes, Harley Davidson, Rolls Royce and NASA.

Andritz

Brineton Street, Quayside Drive, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 9LA

Tel: 01922 619113 / 07766 136952

Website: www.andritz.com

Andritz is the largest company servicing the pressing industry in the UK and offers comprehensive services for mechanical and hydraulic presses made by Schuler and many others. The brands: Schuler, Mueller-Weingarten, Clearing International, Verson Wilkins, Wilkins & Mitchell, Bronx, Clearing, Bliss, Niagara, Spiertz, Beche, SMG, GMG, Hydrap, Schaefer, Schleicher, Erfurt, Eitel and Beutle.

AP&T

AP&T UK Branch, 1 Bordesley Chambers, Albert Street, Redditch, Worcestershire, B97 4DA

Tel: 07811 266577

Email: christian.wright@aptgroup.com

Website: aptgroup.com

AP&T provides metal and fiber forming industries worldwide with advanced production systems, linear automation, servo presses, and heat treatment equipment. Being the technology leader in selected niches, we focus on sustainable production systems offering the highest customer value and lifetime performance. As One Responsible Partner®, we contribute to developing our customers’ business, in the short- and long-term.

Asset Disposal Services

Alpha House, Tipton Street, Sedgley, Dudley, West Midlands, DY3 1HE Tel: 01902 672323

Email: paul@assetdisposalservices.co.uk website: assetdisposalservices.co.uk

A privately-owned firm of professional selling agents, specialising in the marketing and sale of surplus machinery for businesses across a range of industries. With a client base ranging from privately-owned SMEs through to major engineering conglomerates, Asset Disposal Services Limited combines flexibility with expertise to meet the unique needs of each business. By managing the entire process, we remove the risk and complexity of selling machinery independently.

AW Precision Ltd.

64-66 Somers Road, Rugby, CV22 7DH

Tel: 01788 542271

Email: sales@awprecision.co.uk

Website: www.awprecision.co.uk

Our manufacture of the best quality Punch and Die products on the market, that suit to a large range of universal machines, is the reason that we are the leading manufacturer of these components in Europe and the USA. Specifically selected, the high quality materials we use withhold many attributes that can extend Punch life; high wear resistance, reduced tension, and good stability are just a few qualities we can guarantee.

BalTec UK Ltd

Heron Industrial Estate, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1PJ

Tel: 0118 9311191

Email: dave.abbott@baltec.com

Website: baltec.com

Specialists in the manufacturing of joining technology machinery; radial riveting technology and orbital riveting, roller forming, and pressing. BalTec has achieved expertise in the cold forming area due to the long-lasting experience and is the world-wide leader in riveting technology and processes. All BalTec machines and devices are manufactured in Switzerland according to strict guidelines and production standards, ensuring a high consistency of quality.

Bradbury International UK Limited

Building 56, Second Avenue, The Pensnett Estate, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 7XN

Tel: +44 (0) 1384 893777

Email: bradburyuk@bradburygroup.com

Website: bradburygroup.com/bradbury-international-uk-ltd

Bradbury UK is the UK facility of the Global Bradbury Group of Companies (www.bradburygroup.com). We offer full Coil Processing and Rollforming solutions, along with individual machine components and support. We provide roll forming lines, roll tooling, cut-to-length lines, slitting lines, levelers, shears, etc. We also provide service and upgrades on existing equipment; including mechanical and controls upgrades.

Bihler

School Lane, Gentleshaw, Staffordshire, WS15 4LX

Tel: +447885292197

Email: sharrattcm@miautomation.co.uk

Website: www.bihler.de/en

Automation solutions in stamping, forming, welding and assembly technology. Your one-stop-shop in metal-forming, welding and assembly processes. Electrical and electronic parts and assemblies, including connector technology. Automotive applications including e-mobility (busbars, hairpins, connectors, shielding sleeves, etc.). Domestic, food, medical and household appliances. Plug & Produce –tool compatibility.

Bruderer

Unit 8, Hortonwood West, Telford, Shrophire TF1 6AH

Tel: 01582 560300 / 07798 903621

Email: mail@bruderer.com

Website: www.Bruderer.co.uk

Bruderer UK is your trusted partner for Industry World -leading High speed precision power press machinery, automation, tooling, and Press ancillary equipment together with full turn key solutions supporting the UK manufacturing across all sectors.

With decades of expertise, BRUDERER UK is the leading provider of high speed -precision stamping presses—both new and pre-owned—offering solutions from 10 to 1000 tons. Our portfolio includes high-speed presses, hydraulic machines, servo feeds, and a wide range of press ancillary equipment, including precision press and plastic mould tooling components.

Bystronic UK

6 Wayside Business Park, Wilsons Lane, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6NY

Tel: 0844 848 5850

Email: sales.uk@bystronic.com

Website: bystronic.com/gbr/en

At Bystronic UK, we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions in laser cutting, bending, and automation. Located in Coventry, our Experience Centre showcases the latest advancements in technology, allowing you to see first hand how our systems can streamline your production processes and enhance efficiency. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Bystronic UK is your trusted partner in achieving optimal performance and profitability.

CIDAN Machinery UK Ltd

Sweden House, 5 Upper Montagu Street, London, Greater London, W1H 2AG

Tel: +44 7869 025 134

Email: info@cidanmachinery.com

Website: cidanmachinery.com

CIDAN Machinery Group offers solutions for sheet metal, construction, and manufacturing. Originating as Göteneds Mekaniska Verkstad AB in 1907, it’s now known for power folders and mechanical shears under brands Göteneds and CIDAN in 30+ countries. Coil processing products, under Forstner brand, are made in Austria since 2018. Targeted customers include industrial and architectural applications.

Compass Business Finance

Compass House, Medway Wharf Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1GH

Tel: 01732 833477

Email: sarah@compassbusinessfinance.co.uk

Website: compassbusinessfinance.co.uk

Compass Business Finance specialises in financing for the metalforming machinery sector. We understand market intricacies and offer optimal, tax-efficient funding solutions. Whether you’re investing in machinery, needing cash flow support, or restructuring debt, we ensure your success with straightforward finance. Our dedicated finance experts work closely with you to tailor solutions to your needs.

Costa Lev

Via Venezia 144, Schio (VI), Italy, 36015

Tel: +39 0445 675000

Fax: +39 0445 675110

Email: AGrendene@costalev.com Website: costalev.com

Costa Levigatrici S.p.A. is a world-leading manufacturer of automatic sanding equipment for the treatment of Wood, Metal and Composite materials. For over 50 years, Costa has been offering high quality sanders with unchallenged level of reliability, a commitment that continues through investments in innovation, manufacturing and after sales services.

Cotswold Machinery Sales

22 Neptune Business Park, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, Glos., GL51 9FX

Tel: 01242 221204

Email: sales@cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk

Website: cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk

We are the Sole importers and distributors for Euromac CNC Punching, Press Brakes and Robotic Cells, Horizontal Digibends Bending machines. Vaski Copper Bus Bar Punching and Bending machines. Roscamat Tapping and Balancing Support 3Arms. Comac Ring Rolling Machines.

Daltons Machines

Crossgate Drive, Queens Drive Ind Est, Nottingham, NG2 1LW

Tel: 0115 824 4855

Email: info@daltonsmachines.com

Website: www.daltonsmachines.com

Daltons Machines are leading suppliers of Kimla Fiber Lasers, CNC Routers and Milling Machining Centres, Schiavi Press Brakes, Houfek Finishing Machines, Slat Pro - laser slat cleaners and Reinecker Tool and Cutter grinding machinery for producing carbide & HSS cutting tools. Covering markets that use various materials including, metals, wood, composites, plastics and many more, operates from their extensive showroom facilities in Nottingham, Daltons Machines offer specialist advice, expert guidance and full training and engineering support.

Dayton Progress Ltd

Unit 16, Springfield Industrial Estate, Manchester St., Oldbury, West Midlands B69 4HH

Tel: 01926 484 192

Email: info@daytonprogress.co.uk

Website: www.daytonprogress.de/en/

DAYTON PROGRESS stands for over 90 years of experience in production and distribution of press die components. Whether you require Punches, Die Buttons, Retainers or Accessories to OEM and Industry standards or special parts to your design - we find the right solution for you. For high quality tooling and experienced technical support, we are ready to help.

DECADE

Unit 3, Octagon Business Centre, Miller Street, Birmingham, B6 4NF

Tel: 0121 359 3978

Email: info@decade.co.uk

Website: www.decade.co.uk

DECADE, a UK-owned company, serves the manufacturing industry with off-the-shelf and bespoke products. Specialising in automation, load monitoring for power presses, process monitoring in assembly machines, and production recording. With 25+ years in load measurement, we offer OEM modules, PC software, calibration, testwork, breakdown support, consultation, and training, prioritising swift service.

Decoilers and Feeders Ltd

Unit 1, Keystone Enterprise Factory, 39 Brunel Way, Norfolk, IP24 1HP

Tel: 01842 821467

Email: info@decoilersandfeeders.com

Website: decoilersandfeeders.com

Decoilers and Feeders Ltd, est. May 2014, started with service & spares for metal coil feeding machinery. Now, with vast experience, they design and manufacture Decoilers, Levellers, Servo Roll Feeds, & more. They offer servicing, upgrades, new machinery installation, refurbishment, relocation, spare parts, software assistance, and electrical control panels, prioritising client needs.

European Springs & Pressings Ltd

Chaffinch Business Park, Croydon Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4DW

Tel: +44 (0) 208 663 1800

Email: info.bec@europeansprings.com

Website: www.europeansprings.com

European Springs and Pressings Ltd, established in 1948, is an industry leader in the field of spring manufacturing and high-speed press technology. We’re dedicated to providing our clients with the best springs and pressings as the top spring manufacturer in Europe. Our products are used in major industrial environments worldwide.

Finance for Industry

Unit D Telford Court, Chester Gates Dunkirk, North Chester, CH1 6LT Tel: 01244 257216

Website: www.financeforindustry.co.uk

Finance for Industry specialises in financing solutions for engineering, print, plastics, and machinery sectors, offering bespoke options. With a nationwide team of experienced finance professionals, they prioritise strong relationships and rapid service. Their Machinery Protection covers mechanical and electrical breakdown, accidental and malicious damage, repair or replacement costs, and transfer of cover, providing peace of mind.

Integrated handling of tools from warehouse to machine

Find out more at www.roemheld.co.uk or call 01670 281400

Formit Ltd.

Unit 3, City Estate, Corngreaves Road, Cradley Heath, West Midlands, B64 7EP

Tel: 01384 895150 / 07950 472662

Email: sales@formit.co.uk

Website: www.formit.co.uk

Manufacturers of industry leading roll forming production lines for countless industry sectors. Formit excels in roll form tooling and equipment, offering comprehensive solutions from section design to production line setup.Design is streamlined with the German CAD system COPRA. Specialising in ‘Duplex Lines,’ Cladding Lines, and quick-change ‘C’ and ‘Z’ purlin rollformers.Formit caters to diverse needs like steel framing, plasterers’ angle bead, and more. Packing & Bundling solutions are also available.

GD Precision Engineering

Tel: 01159 394 365

Email: jess@gdprecisionengineering.co.uk

Website: gd-precision.co.uk

Our highly skilled team are proficient in manual machining to a high degree of quality and accuracy. Our reliable quality levels span from one-of-a-kind prototypes to large factory-level batches.

We pride ourselves in providing you with quality milling, turning (lathe), and grinding work to meet your project needs, in a timely manner. No project is too big, and we revel in solving the most complex of engineering problems.

GE Machinery Ltd.

Unit C2, Platinum Jubilee Business Park, Hopclover Way, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3FW

Tel: 0333 242 0424

Email: sales@gemachinery.co.uk

Website: www.gemachinery.co.uk

GE Machinery, the top supplier of Deburring, Polishing and Finishing machines in the UK & Eire, brings years of expertise to all industries. We offer machinery, ancillary equipment and unparalleled service, ensuring optimal performance and client satisfaction. From product selection to installation and training, we guide you every step of the way. We guarantee top machinery conditions with in-house demonstrations and expert technicians.

Glen Callum Associates Ltd

The Red House Glass Cone, High St, Wordsley, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 4AZ

Tel: 01384 485 274

Email: jobs@glencallum.co.uk

Glen Callum Associates is a long-established specialist recruitment consultancy with over 25 years’ experience supporting the automotive, engineering, and industrial sectors. Working closely with manufacturers, distributors, and trade organisations, the team has built a reputation for connecting businesses with the skilled professionals they need to thrive. With deep knowledge of technical markets and a consultative approach, Glen Callum Associates helps employers navigate talent shortages, benchmark salaries, and secure candidates who not only fit the role but also strengthen long-term business performance.

Rhodes A6 Advert.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2026 22:26 Page 1

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+44(0)1924 371161 sales@grouprhodes.co.uk grouprhodes.com

Group Rhodes

Power Park, Calder Vale Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 5PE

Tel: 01924 371161

Email: sales@grouprhodes.co.uk

Website: www.grouprhodes.co.uk

Rhodes Interform Ltd is a leading European manufacturer of CNC and PLC-controlled metalforming and composite machinery, specialising in bespoke hydraulic and mechanical presses. As part of Group Rhodes, it is globally recognised for its patented Superplastic Forming and Diffusion Bonding (SPF/DB) press technology.

Having celebrated 200 years of trading in 2024 and exporting to over 30 countries, the business has built a worldwide reputation for bespoke design, innovation, and high-quality manufacturing, backed by technical expertise and after-sales service.

Havant Sheet Metal

6 Downley Road, Havant, Portsmouth, PO9 2NN

Tel: 02392 484471

Email: sales@havantsheetmetal.co.uk

Website: havantsheetmetal.co.uk

A complete range of sheet metal services, from design and planning to fabrication, finishing, and subcontracting. Based on the South Coast, we work with clients across the UK, providing bespoke solutions tailored to the specific needs of each project. With a focus on precision and quality, our team ensures every aspect of your sheet metal service is managed with the highest attention to detail with exceptional results.

Hexagon

Website: www.hexagon.com

Hexagon provides comprehensive CAD/CAM software solutions for sheet metal fabrication, supporting the complete workflow from enquiry to dispatch. Our sheet metal suite offers machine-agnostic programming compatible with all major CNC sheet metal equipment including laser cutting, punch presses, and press brakes. With flexible ERP integration and automated nesting capabilities, Hexagon’s solutions maximise productivity whilst giving manufacturers freedom to choose their preferred hardware and complementary software.

Industrial Clutch Parts Ltd.

Unit 11, Bingswood Industrial Estate, Whaley Bridge, High Peak, SK23 7LY

Tel: 01663 734627 / 07711 186454

Email: mike@industrialclutch.com

Website: http://www.industrialclutch.com

ICP is the UK distributor of Goizper pneumatic and hydraulic clutch brake systems. Goizper is a respected Spanish manufacturer of clutch brakes for mechanical power presses, with many customer references for their clutch brakes installed in power presses used in automotive and can making applications. The ICP/Goizper partnership offers application assistance and a high quality, cost effective solution for your press clutch brake needs.

James Hallam Limited

Tel: 01392 833991

Email: paul.masters@jameshallam.co.uk

Website: jameshallam.co.uk

We are an independent Lloyd’s broker with wide access to the market and with an inquisitive approach, we aim to offer tailored flexible insurance packages at outstanding value. We are the claims service you can depend on, and you will benefit from our in-house dedicated claims team that make up around 10% of our workforce. You will receive expert risk management advice and training tailored to your business needs.

Messer Cutting Systems

Northumberland Business Park West, Dudley, Cramlington, NE23 7RH

Tel: 0191 2504610

Email: Richard.bennett@messer-cutting.com

Website: uk.messer-cutting.com

A global leader in cutting-edge solutions for the metalworking industry. Operating in over 50 countries with five main locations and nearly 1,000 dedicated employees, Messer delivers high-performance cutting technologies, tailored service packages, and intelligent software –setting industry standards worldwide. Our comprehensive product range spans oxyfuel, plasma, and laser cutting systems – from handheld tools to large-scale machines. Messer also supplies advanced equipment for welding, brazing, soldering, and heating applications.

Oerlikon

Tel: +41 58 360 96 96

Email: alan.akers@oerlikon.com

Website: www.oerlikon.com/balzers/uk/en

Oerlikon, a leading global technology Group, offers market-leading technologies and services. Organised into Surface Solutions, Manmade Fibers, and Drive Systems segments, each with its own brands and strategies, Oerlikon has a strong presence in Asia, particularly in China and India. With significant investments in R&D, it filed 91 patents worldwide in 2017, continuing its innovation legacy.

Ortlinghaus UK Ltd

Unit 3, Block 1, Buntsford Business Centre, Buntsford Drive Bromsgrove, B60 3FR

Tel: 01527 579123

Email: Sales@ortlinghaus.co.uk

Website: www.ortlinghaus.co.uk

Ortlinghaus has worked in metal forming technology for over 75 years, with a reputation for quality and superior engineering globally. We offer products across the entire spectrum of mechanical and servo presses, from clutch/brake units, slide locking devices, brakes to mechatronic control systems. Ortlinghaus UK have stock parts for many lines, along with the knowledge and capability to optimise and service your Ortlinghaus products.

OSA Systems Ltd

H6 New Yatt Business Park, New Yatt, Witney, OX29 6TJ

Tel: 01993 220263

Email info@osa.systems

Website: www.osa.systems

Created in 2019 as a sister company to One Stop Automation, OSA Systems Ltd purchased the intellectual property and assets of PJ Hare Ltd’s servicing arm, and now provides servicing and maintenance for Hare Presses. Our engineers are experienced with a wide range of press types including servo-hydraulic and hydro-pneumatic presses. Combined with One Stop Automation, we provide solutions above and beyond usual servicing and maintenance.

PAB Coventry Ltd

Midland House, Falkland Close, Coventry, CV4 8AU

Tel: 024 7669 4419

Email: info@pabcoventry.co.uk

Website: pabgroup.co.uk

Sheet metal specialists with more than 30 years of experience supporting the automotive, aerospace, rail, defence, and special vehicle sectors. The company has built long-standing relationships by taking projects from inception to completion, offering solutions that range from one-off prototypes to scale production. Expertise covers design, tooling, stamping, laser cutting, welding, finishing, sub-assembly, inspection facilities, project management, quality control, assembly, production, R&D, and stores management.

Phoenix Tooling & Development Limited

1 Shenstone Drive, Northgate, Aldridge, Walsall, West Midlands, WS9 8TP

Tel: 01922 743414

Email: sales@phoenixtooling.co.uk

Website: www.phoenixtooling.co.uk

Phoenix Tooling and Development Ltd, est. 1990, has a well-established reputation for high quality precision press tooling and an industry recognised standard for customer satisfaction and service. Phoenix Tooling continues to lead the way in tool design and manufacture thanks to continual investment in the latest tool room equipment, cutting edge design and development technology, and its long standing apprenticeship program.

Press-Form Machinery Ltd

162 Netherton Lane, Netherton, Wakefield, WF4 4HH

Tel: 01924 271540

Email: info@press-form.co.uk

Website: www.press-form.co.uk

With over 30 years of experience in the supply and servicing of sheet metal working machinery, Press-Form is firmly positioned as one of the UK’s leading providers of metal process equipment. Our extensive expertise within the industry ensures we provide a first class service to our clients. We are the official UK agent for ACF Corner Former, Dimeco, Haeger, Sangiacomo, Galdabini, Zani, Vicla, Technology Italiana, and Virtek.

PressCare UK Ltd

Unit 6 Wall End Close, Leamore Industrial Estate, Walsall, WS2 7PH

Tel: 0845 226 7617

Email: sales@presscare.co.uk

Website: www.presscare.co.uk

PRESSCARE is a West Midlands-based engineering company, operating in the fields of power presses, coil handling equipment & automation systems for more than 25 years. We offer a comprehensive range of services to the sheet metal industry, including servicing, safety inspections, electrical & mechanical repairs, preventative maintenance programs, installations & guarding solutions. We also supply a large range of ancillary equipment, including tool protection (load monitors, component/miss feed detection, etc), strip lubrication, scrap removal & remote diagnostic systems.

Prima Power UK ltd.

Unit 1, Phoenix Park, Bayton Road Industrial Estate Nr. Coventry, Coventry, West Midlands, CV7 9QN

Email: barry.rooney@primapower.com

Website: www.primapower.com/en

Prima Power provides businesses of all sizes with targeted dynamic technologies that enhance profitability in sheet metal working. We create integrated, automated solutions designed to meet our customers’ challenges and support future growth. From 2D and 3D laser cutting to punching, shearing, bending and flexible manufacturing systems, we offer high-performance machines that deliver flexible, precise execution.

Qualimach Limited

2A High Street , Dronfield, S18 1PY

Tel: 0114 2495400

Email: info@qualimach.co.uk

Website: qualimach.co.uk

UK Agents for FACCIN Group, including FACCIN - ROUNDO & BOLDRINI. Manufactures of Plate Bending Rolls, Section Bending Rolls, Dishing & Flanging Lines.

Specialist in fabrication and metal forming, stocking New and Used Metalworking Machinery.

EAMTM members of European Association of machine Tool Merchants.

Raybould Machine Tools Ltd

Macarthur Road, Cradley Heath, West Midlands, B64 7RP Tel: 01384 565997

Email: slr@raybould.com

Website: www.raybould.com

Raybould Machine Tools Ltd, a top UK supplier, offers new & used mechanical and hydraulic power presses, press feeding, and coil handling equipment. Representing brands like Boxin, Pressix, and HongEr, we provide quality machinery. With over 47 years of expertise, we specialize in supplying, purchasing, and disposing of manufacturing equipment, offering Asset Disposal Solutions for various industrial needs.

RCK Partners

7th Floor, Forum House, 15-18 Lime St, London , EC3M 7AN

Tel: 07380861518

Email: jdavenport@rck.partners

Website: www.rck.partners

RCK Partners, a leading Financial Consultancy, prioritises your security. We specialise in tax incentives and innovation funding, with expert advice in R&D Tax Credit Relief and Patent Box. With a commitment to exceptional service, we provide tailored solutions, partnering with various stakeholders to maximise value. Led by a dedicated Senior Consultant, we ensure efficient and timely delivery, maintaining a personal touch throughout.

Regent Engineering Co (Walsall) Ltd

Salisbury Street, Darlaston, West Midlands, WS10 8XB

Tel: 0121526 6060

Email: info@regenteng.com

Website: regenteng.com

Specialists in pressed metal components and assemblies. Regent supports clients from initial design, prototyping, and testing to full-scale volume production. ISO 9001 accredited, we are a trusted supplier to leading UK and European manufacturers; we also design and manufacture our own innovative product range. Using advanced CAD/ CAM systems such as SolidWorks for 3D modelling, assembly design, photorealistic rendering, and environmental impact analysis, we deliver efficient and sustainable end-to-end solutions.

Roemheld (UK) Ltd

Unit 9 B village, Endeavour Park, Baker Road, Nelson Park West, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1XA

Tel: 01670 281400

Email: sales@roemheld.co.uk

Website: www.roemheld.co.uk

Roemheld (UK), leading in hydraulic workholding, enhances efficiency with press die clamping solutions. Quick change products cut downtime, boosting productivity. Range includes swing sink, sliding clamps, and new magnetic options for diverse industries, even at high temps. Optimize with Roemheld for peak productivity.

Sheet Metal Industries Ltd

Unit 2, St Georges House, Cape Road, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 5DJ

Tel: 01926 298 292

Email: editorial@sheetmetalindustries.com

Website: www.sheetmetalindustries.com

All the latest industry news for sheet metal, metal forming and fabrications industries. Sheet Metal Industries launched in 2022 and brought to market through a dedicated team of media and industry experts dedicated to the field of content generation and media publishing. SMI is dedicated to the niche field of sheet metal, metal forming and fabrication and aims to serve and highlight key innovations and strengths attached to the sector.

Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd

Unit 5 Washington Estate, Halesowen Road, Netherton, West Midlands, DY2 9RE

Tel: 01384 431066

Email: netherton@rssgroup.co.uk

Website: ropeandsling.co.uk

The RSS Group is one of the UK’s largest independent specialists in lifting equipment supply, hire, servicing, and bespoke engineering solutions. With decades of hands-on experience, RSS delivers tailored support across all sectors, ensuring safety, compliance, and performance. Backed by expert staff and a diverse client base, RSS ensures each customer receives the correct equipment and guidance to meet today’s stringent safety standards.

ROLLA-V LTD

7 Bassett Rd, Halesowen B63 2RE

Tel: 01384 414100

Email: sales@rolla-v.com

Website: https://rolla-v.com

Rolla-V are a Press Brake Tooling manufacturer with its production facilities based in the heart of the West Midlands.

We have been at the forefront of the industry for over 20 years, manufacturing the unique Rolla-V Die, along with special bespoke and standard tools to fit all press brakes.

We supply direct to machine manufacturers, UK end users and tool dealers globally.

SigmaTEK Europe Ltd

Manor Wy, Halesowen B62 8QZ

Tel: +44 (0)2476 982299

Email: sales-uk@sigmanest.com

Website: www.sigmanest.com/en-GB

SigmaNEST, a part of Sandvik Group, is the industry’s leading provider of intelligent CAD/CAM nesting and Connected Shop solutions for sheet, plate, tube, and profile fabrication.

Built on more than 25 years of innovation, SigmaNEST software connects quoting, design, cutting, bending, scheduling, and shop management in one integrated platform — delivering faster production, reduced waste, and a smarter, more efficient shop floor.

JOIN US!

Sheet Metal Industries is a unique digital media platform for the

Southwest Fabrications Ltd

UNIT 1-3, UPCOTT AVENUE, POTTINGTON BUSINESS PARK, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1HN

Tel: 01271 324172

Email: lee@southwestfabrications.com

Website: southwestfabrications.com

Southwest Fabrications, are an expanding third-generation family business with over 50 years of experience in the metalwork and fabrication industry. We provide expert precision engineering services across industrial, commercial, and retail sectors throughout the UK and Europe.

A one-stop shop for all of your metalwork needs, made up of a team of accomplished, dedicated and talented in-house engineers. Whatever the project, Southwest Fabrications Ltd see it through from inception to fabrication to assembly and offers you the excellent, responsive service.

T.M.A. Engineering Ltd

95-111 Tyburn Road, Birmingham, B24 8NQ

Tel: 0121 328 1908

Email: sales@tmaeng.co.uk

Website: www.TMAeng.co.uk

Power Press sales, service, repairs and inspections on all makes of presses.New TMA World Power Presses, TMA servo feeds & coil Feed equipment. Complete production lines and projects.

TMA have a team of mechanical and electrical service engineers for breakdowns,Inspections and repairs. Full ‘in house’ machining, assembly, electrical, spare parts and CAD departments for all your power press requirements.

Guarding, electrical controls, robots, complete overhauls, hsg236 inspections.

UPman Laser UK Ltd

Tel: 01482 420491

Email: info@upmanlaser.co.uk

website: upmanlaser.co.uk

Experts in designing and manufacturing fibre laser cutting and welding machines with years of experience in the metal processing field, UPman Laser provides solutions throughout your project from confirming welding requirements until the machine gets up and running. Quality and innovation are always our core values.

Laser welding: Embrace the laser weld technology enhancing welding capabilities and techniques. Up to 10 times faster welding process, low heat distortion, learn in 30 mins. UK stock of equipment, spares and consumables / safety equipment: www.laserweld.uk

Laser Cleaning: Effective non-contact cleaning of rust, paint, contaminants, varnish and much more with our UK available laser cleaning equipment: www.laser-cleaning.uk

Voith Turbo Ltd

6 Beddington Farm Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 4XB

Tel: 020 8667 0333 / 07773 780343

Email: nick.moody@voith.com

Website: www.voith.com

Voith offers innovative hydraulic systems and components as well as selfcontained servo drives for a wide variety of applications. Among others, hydraulic press solutions from Voith are used in mechanical engineering, the automotive sector and in the energy sector.

As an international partner with high system competence, we develop modern fluid technology - customized and tailor-made to your requirements.

The Workshop Press Company UK

Unit B2B, Holly Farm Business Park, Honiley, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NP

Tel: 0800 999 1090

Email: Info@workshoppress.co.uk

Website: www.workshoppress.co.uk

The Workshop Press Company UK is a leading supplier of hydraulic press machinery in the UK. We offer a wide range of hydraulic presses, plus expert advice and support on all aspects of hydraulic press machinery. We understand that every business has different needs so we offer a customised approach to hydraulic press sales and support. We work to understand your specific requirements and recommend the right hydraulic press for you.

Worcester Presses Ltd

Unit 4, Crescent Industrial Park, Peartree Lane, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 0QQ

Tel: 01384 392266

Email: Sales@worcesterpresses.co.uk

Website: www.worcesterpresses.co.uk

Worcester Presses offers a combination of mechanical Chin Fong presses, Hydraulic presses, Tomac coil handling equipment and press transfer. Offering complete turnkey solutions which can incorporate guarding, load monitoring, QDC and additional ancillary equipment to increase productivity. Worcester Presses offer countrywide sales and service coverage, emphasis on quick response.

The sheet metal industry is our home. It is our passion. And so are you. That’s why we develop smart, high-quality products such as the ByBend Star 40/80. And make it both mobile and compact. Allowing you to move it around your shop floor te create the most efficient workflows to reliably bend small parts.

Your best choice for raising performance.