YÜNSA - WEAVING TURKISH HERITAGE INTO THE FABRIC OF THE WORLD
YÜNSA - WEAVING TURKISH HERITAGE INTO THE FABRIC OF THE WORLD
BUNGE - CULTIVATING THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL AGRIBUSINESS
BUNGE - CULTIVATING THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL AGRIBUSINESS
SISU AXLES - BORN FROM FINNISH GRIT
SISU AXLES - BORN FROM FINNISH GRIT
The quiet revolution of artificial intelligence hums beneath nearly every moment of modern life. It recommends what we watch, filters what we read, and even completes our sentences. Invisible yet ever-present, AI has slipped from science fiction into the fabric of society. But the real story of artificial intelligence is not what it is today—it’s what it’s becoming. The next two decades will test the limits of both machine intelligence and human imagination, reshaping economies, relationships, and perhaps our very sense of what it means to think.
A decade ago, AI was a niche topic, the fascination of researchers and tech enthusiasts. Today it stands at the center of a global transformation. The explosion of generative AI in the early 2020s turned the world’s attention to machines that could write, compose, generate art, and simulate reasoning. Companies rushed to adopt these systems, investors poured in billions, and societies scrambled to adjust. Computing power, data, and algorithms are compounding in a way that makes progress feel exponential. What once required supercomputers now runs on laptops. What once took teams of scientists can be achieved by a student with curiosity and an internet connection.
Yet amid this dizzying pace, a question echoes: where is all this heading? The next frontier isn’t simply larger models or faster chips—it’s understanding. Today’s systems are astonishing mimics. They recognize patterns, generate convincing content, and make predictions with superhuman speed. But they do not truly comprehend. They can write a poem about love without knowing what love feels like, or describe tragedy without understanding loss. The future depends on bridging this gap—on moving from imitation to cognition.
Researchers call this pursuit artificial general intelligence, or AGI: machines that can perform any intellectual task a human can. Whether or not we achieve it, the path toward that goal will redefine our relationship with technology. The rise of multimodal AI suggests a kind of synthetic perception, while neuromorphic computing hints at machines that learn with the efficiency of biological systems. Some
predict AGI within decades; others call it an illusion. Either way, the search is reshaping our understanding of intelligence itself, forcing us to ask whether reasoning and creativity are uniquely human.
For ordinary people, the future of AI will be felt most in daily work. Every technological leap has redefined labor—the steam engine moved work to factories, the computer moved it into offices. AI moves it everywhere and nowhere at once. Algorithms are already writing news briefs, managing supply chains, and drafting legal contracts. They analyze x-rays, trade stocks, and screen job candidates. Soon, they may plan surgeries, negotiate deals, and deliver real-time coaching or therapy. Some jobs will vanish, but more will evolve, blending human intuition with machine precision. The winners will be those who learn to work with AI rather than against it.
The future of artificial intelligence is not inevitable—it is a choice. It can be a force for progress or peril, depending on the wisdom of its creators and the vigilance of its users.
This transformation demands an equally profound shift in education. If machines can learn faster and recall perfectly, what should humans learn? Creativity, empathy, and ethical judgment will become the currency of the future workplace. Governments and companies will need to invest in reskilling and lifelong learning, while societies redefine the meaning of work itself. What if productivity no longer depends on human labor, but on how intelligently we deploy machines?
With great power comes great responsibility. As AI grows more capable, its ethical and political implications deepen. Who is accountable when an autonomous car kills a pedestrian? Who owns the rights to a song composed by an algorithm? How do we prevent biases in training data from amplifying inequality? Regulators around the world are struggling to catch up. The European Union’s AI Act and similar efforts represent attempts
to set boundaries for an industry that rarely pauses for reflection. Yet technology evolves faster than law, and many fear we’re building the airplane while still writing the manual.
Perhaps the most unsettling challenge is the loss of transparency. AI models are often “black boxes,” producing answers without revealing their reasoning. When such systems influence decisions about credit, justice, or healthcare, the lack of clarity becomes dangerous. To maintain public trust, future AI must be not only intelligent but interpretable—machines need to explain their logic in ways humans can understand.
Still, the story of AI is not purely one of caution or catastrophe. The same technologies that threaten jobs could cure diseases, predict climate patterns, and accelerate scientific discovery. AI could democratize creativity, giving anyone the power to generate art, literature, and music. It could personalize education for every child and blur the line between tool and collaborator as humans co-create with machines that amplify imagination.
Yet in this age of intelligent machines, we must remember what cannot be automated. Empathy, curiosity, and moral reasoning are not functions of data, but expressions of humanity. If we allow AI to dictate our values or our culture, we risk dulling the qualities that make intelligence meaningful. The challenge is not to outsmart our machines, but to ensure they mirror our better nature rather than our worst instincts.
The future of artificial intelligence is not inevitable—it is a choice. It can be a force for progress or peril, depending on the wisdom of its creators and the vigilance of its users. If we pursue AI only for efficiency and profit, we may find ourselves governed by systems optimized for neither fairness nor compassion. But if we shape it with intention—with ethics, empathy, and humility—it could become one of the greatest instruments of human advancement. AI will not replace us, but it will change us. The true measure of that change will not be in what machines can do, but in what humans choose to become alongside them. The future of artificial intelligence is, in the end, the future of human intelligence—augmented, challenged, and, hopefully, enlightened. n
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Europe’s aerospace and defence industry has long been one of the continent’s proudest achievements — a symbol of technological mastery, industrial collaboration, and geopolitical ambition. From the sleek fuselages emerging from Airbus factories to the stealthy prototypes of next-generation fighter jets, the sector sits at the crossroads of innovation and security. Yet, beneath the polished surface of Europe’s airfields and assembly lines lies a growing unease. As global competition intensifies, and as new technologies and political pressures reshape the landscape, Europe’s aerospace and defence sector faces a decade defined not just by opportunity, but by urgent adaptation.
The industry’s heritage is formidable. Europe’s civil aviation sector, led by Airbus, remains a world leader, producing aircraft that rival and often surpass those of its American counterpart, Boeing. The continent’s defence industry — a mosaic of national champions such as BAE Systems, Dassault Aviation, Leonardo, and Saab — has delivered some of the most advanced military platforms in the world. From the Eurofighter Typhoon to the A400M military transport, these projects embody the spirit of European collaboration, even if they have often been complicated by competing national interests. But as the geopolitical climate shifts, that spirit is being tested in ways unseen since the end of the Cold War.
One of the most pressing challenges is fragmentation. Despite decades of talk about a unified European defence posture, the reality remains that national sovereignty still dominates procurement and strategic decision-making. While the European Union has made strides through initiatives like the European Defence Fund, duplication of effort continues to plague the sector. Multiple fighter programs, redundant missile systems, and divergent research priorities prevent the continent from achieving economies of scale. The result is inefficiency at a time when Europe’s competitors — particularly the United States and China — are consolidating capabilities and accelerating innovation.
Technological disruption adds another layer of complexity. The rise of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space-based defence technologies is redrawing the contours of military power. Europe has the scientific base and industrial expertise to compete in these fields, but its fragmented investment approach risks leaving it behind. The United States, fuelled by a deep defence budget and agile partnerships between government and Silicon Valley, is surging ahead in AI-enabled warfare and cybersecurity. China, meanwhile, is pouring vast resources into hypersonic weapons and space militarisation. Europe’s challenge is not just to keep up but to carve out a distinctive
niche — one that reflects its values of multilateralism and restraint while remaining militarily credible.
The war in Ukraine has exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of Europe’s defence infrastructure. On one hand, it has galvanised nations into rethinking their security priorities and boosting defence spending after decades of decline. On the other, it has revealed the limitations of Europe’s industrial capacity. The sudden need to replenish stockpiles of ammunition, air defence systems, and armoured vehicles has shown that the continent’s production base is not configured for sustained conflict. Many European manufacturers have relied on just-in-time supply chains and low-volume production, which may be efficient in peacetime but are ill-suited for the demands of modern warfare. The conflict has thus become a wake-up call, forcing policymakers and industry leaders to confront hard questions about self-reliance and resilience.
Sustainability presents another major test. The aerospace industry, in particular, faces mounting pressure to decarbonise. As public concern about climate change intensifies, the notion of “green aviation” has shifted from aspiration to expectation. Europe is leading the way in developing hydrogen-powered aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels, with Airbus aiming to launch a zero-emission aircraft by the mid-2030s. Yet the road ahead is fraught with challenges — from scaling up production of green fuels to building the necessary infrastructure. At the same time, defence companies face growing scrutiny from investors and the public over environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Balancing the moral imperative of sustainability with the strategic necessity of defence manufacturing will be one of the defining balancing acts of the coming decade.
The workforce issue looms large as well. Europe’s aerospace and defence industries have long relied on a pipeline of highly skilled engineers, technicians, and scientists, but that pipeline is narrowing. An ageing workforce and a shortage of new talent threaten to slow innovation
just as the industry’s technological demands are escalating. Younger generations, drawn to the glamour of the tech sector or concerned about the ethics of defence work, are proving harder to recruit. Companies are responding with new outreach efforts, apprenticeships, and cross-sector partnerships, but reversing the trend will take time and a renewed sense of purpose.
Then there is the question of transatlantic relations. For decades, Europe’s defence posture has been intertwined with NATO and, by extension, with American military dominance. While the alliance remains central to European security, the growing strategic autonomy movement within the EU reflects a desire for greater independence. Balancing that ambition with the practical need for interoperability with the United States will be a delicate exercise. Tensions occasionally flare — over technology sharing, export controls, or industrial competition — yet the two sides remain bound by common values and mutual dependence. The challenge for Europe will be to assert its sovereignty in defence matters without fracturing the transatlantic bond that has underpinned its stability for over seventy years.
Ultimately, the future of Europe’s aerospace and defence industry will depend on its ability to reconcile competing imperatives: unity and sovereignty, innovation and regulation, ambition and realism. The continent stands at an inflection point. If it can streamline cooperation, embrace digital transformation, and invest strategically in both sustainability and security, Europe could enter a new golden age of aerospace leadership. But if it remains mired in fragmentation and complacency, it risks fading from the front ranks of global power.
As the skies over Europe fill with the hum of drones, the roar of nextgeneration engines, and the silent pulse of satellites in orbit, the choices made in the next few years will determine whether the continent’s aerospace and defence industry soars or stalls. What is clear is that the era of easy dominance is over. The future will belong to those who can adapt — swiftly, smartly, and together. n
Somewhere on a quiet stretch of motorway outside Stockholm, a car hums along while its battery quietly recharges — not at a charging station, but through the road itself. Beneath the asphalt, a network of electrified rails delivers power wirelessly to vehicles on the move. A few hundred kilometres away, in Italy, sensors embedded beneath the tarmac monitor cracks and temperature shifts, sending data in real time to maintenance teams. In Spain, traffic lights adjust to approaching vehicles, while digital signs reroute drivers before a traffic jam even begins. This isn’t science fiction anymore; it’s the emerging reality of Europe’s smart roads — the next great transformation in how we move.
Across the continent, a quiet revolution is reshaping one of humanity’s oldest technologies: the road. Once a simple ribbon of tar and gravel, it’s now becoming an intelligent, responsive ecosystem — a living digital surface that interacts with vehicles, infrastructure, and even pedestrians. The European Union has made intelligent transport systems (ITS) a central pillar of its Green Deal and digitalisation strategies. Billions of euros in public and private funding are flowing into projects designed to make
roads not just safer and more efficient, but cleaner, greener, and more connected than ever before.
At the heart of this transformation is connectivity. Roads are being fitted with sensors, cameras, and communication devices that talk to cars and traffic management systems in real time. This network — often described as V2X, or “vehicle-to-everything” communication — allows vehicles to share data about speed, location, weather, and hazards. Imagine your car receiving a warning that a cyclist has just appeared around the next corner, or that black ice lies 200 metres ahead. In a world where split seconds matter, this kind of information can save lives.
Europe’s drive toward connected infrastructure is as much about safety as it is about efficiency. Every year, traffic congestion costs the continent billions in lost productivity and emissions. Smart traffic systems promise to reduce these losses by adapting to changing conditions instantly. A rush-hour bottleneck might trigger dynamic speed limits and rerouted traffic flows; an accident on the autobahn could be detected automatically and communicated to nearby drivers before they even see
the flashing lights. The goal is to turn Europe’s vast road network into a single, self-aware system — one that responds to demand and keeps people and goods moving smoothly.
Yet the future of smart roads isn’t just digital; it’s also electric. As electric vehicles become the backbone of Europe’s mobility landscape, the question of infrastructure looms large. Charging stations are multiplying, but the next frontier lies in the road itself. Sweden, Italy, and Germany are experimenting with electrified highways capable of charging EVs as they drive, using inductive coils or conductive rails embedded in the surface. If perfected, these systems could dramatically reduce the need for static charging stops and shrink battery sizes, making electric cars cheaper and lighter.
The environmental potential goes further still. Smart materials are being developed that can absorb sunlight, generate electricity, or melt snow without the need for chemical de-icers. Roads that harvest kinetic energy from passing vehicles, or that are built from recycled and selfhealing materials, could become standard within decades. Combined with AI-driven maintenance systems — drones and robots that inspect and repair microcracks before they spread — Europe’s highways of the future might be both greener and longer-lasting.
Data will be the lifeblood of this new network. From traffic patterns to tire pressure, the amount of information flowing through smart road systems will be immense. Managing it securely and responsibly will be one of Europe’s greatest challenges. Cybersecurity will need to evolve alongside technology; a hacked road network could, in theory, cause chaos on a continental scale. Privacy, too, will be a concern, as connected vehicles constantly communicate their position and behaviour. The European Commission has already begun drafting regulatory frameworks to ensure interoperability and protect personal data, but these rules will need to adapt as technology races ahead.
The dream of seamless, cross-border smart mobility will also test Europe’s ability to cooperate. Roads don’t stop at national frontiers, yet each country has its own standards, policies, and legacy systems. Harmonising these differences will be crucial. Projects like the EU’s “Connecting Europe Facility” and initiatives such as the Ursa Major corridor — linking Rotterdam to Genoa through intelligent freight routes — are early examples of how collaboration can make smart infrastructure work across borders. The hope is that, one day, a driver could cross the continent without ever needing to think about national variations in digital road systems.
Still, the road to that future will not be smooth. Upgrading Europe’s infrastructure on such a scale will demand colossal investment and political will. Rural areas, where connectivity is weakest, risk being left behind, while questions remain about who will pay for the digital overhaul — taxpayers, private investors, or some combination of both. There are also cultural hurdles: the shift from driver control to system-guided mobility may prove a difficult psychological adjustment for some.
Yet the direction is clear. Europe’s roads are evolving from static pathways into intelligent platforms — extensions of the digital world that surrounds us. The same technologies that power smartphones and satellites are beginning to pulse beneath our tyres, guiding us toward a safer, cleaner, and more efficient transport network.
When historians look back on this moment, they might see it as the point when Europe’s roads learned to think — when asphalt and algorithms began to merge. In that sense, the future of Europe’s smart roads isn’t just about mobility. It’s about redefining the relationship between people, technology, and the world we travel through — one intelligent kilometre at a time. n
Molex, a leading global electronics connectivity innovator, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Smiths Interconnect. Smiths Interconnect, a subsidiary of United Kingdom-based Smiths Group plc, is a leading provider of high-reliability connectivity products and solutions serving the aerospace and defense, medical, semiconductor test and industrial markets. Smiths will receive cash consideration for the transaction, subject to customary adjustments for working capital, cash and debt.
“Molex is excited to reinforce our commitment to the aerospace and defense market with the acquisition of Smiths Interconnect,” said Joe Nelligan, CEO, Molex. “Smiths Interconnect has a highly complementary portfolio of advantaged solutions that strongly enhances the platform established by
our acquisition of AirBorn last November. The combination of Molex’s global scale, capabilities and financial stability with Smiths Interconnect’s complementary technologies, products, customers and footprint will enable us to expand our aerospace and defense business and support customers in new and innovative ways.”
Smiths Interconnect designs and manufactures technically differentiated electronic components, along with microwave, optical and radio frequency products and subsystems that connect, protect and control critical applications. Smiths Interconnect has 21 sales, R&D and manufacturing locations across 12 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, India, China and Singapore.
The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. More information will be shared at that time. Jones Day is acting as Molex’s legal advisor and Rothschild & Co is serving as Molex’s exclusive financial advisor
Argive, an Oxford-based business owned by Alloyed Ltd, has developed two new microturbines through additive manufacturing processes, strengthening British sovereignty in the manufacture of critical technology.
Following successful flight tests, Argive’s 3D printed A300 microturbine will support the independent propulsion capability of MGI Engineering’s unmanned SkyShark one-way effector drone.
Argive has also conducted a successful ground test of a much larger turbine, the A1100, which will be used to power considerably larger platforms. The A1100 is built with one of Alloyed’s nickel superalloys, ABD-900AM®, which allows the engine’s hot components to be much stronger and lighter than is otherwise possible. The 3D printed design also significantly reduces the number of parts in the A1100 turbine and offers a lighter, more efficient, and cheaper power system.
Used in devices such as drone interceptors, man-portable power generators, and cruise missiles, microturbines have seen a huge increase in demand following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Traditionally produced by just a handful of small manufacturers worldwide, Argive’s capability to design, test, and begin mass-production of fully-sovereign turbines within 10 weeks represents a step change in global supply.
International companies in both China and the US are investing heavily in developing turbines for additive manufacture but are yet to deliver production at scale.
The Oxford-based company has developed the production capability to build 100s to 1000s of turbines per month in the UK with a near shore supply chain. This unique offering will allow for rapid re-design and scal-
ing of production at the time and point of need, benefiting sectors from disaster-relief to defence.
High performance additive manufactured techniques reduce the reliance on traditional processes such as casting and machining, and enable the design of lightweight turbines at low cost which can be rapidly deployed. This will play a significant role in the ease and speed at which engine designs can be tailored to meet customer performance requirements, including thrust, cruise efficiency, and engine size. Thus enabling companies to deploy ever stronger and lighter systems for mission-specific propulsion across a wide range of UAS and effector platforms.
Rob Joles, Commercial Director, Argive said: “The successful development and test of our new microturbines demonstrates the capacity of UK manufacturing to offer world-class performance at a reduced cost. This is critical infrastructure for our national security, and Argive is at the forefront of driving forward the nation’s manufacturing capabilities. We have demonstrated that a microturbine can be designed, prototyped and tested within weeks, with the potential to roll out development on a rapid scale critical for high-performance drone missions.”
Mike Gascoyne, CEO, MGI Engineering adds: “Through the integration of the A300 turbine into SkyShark, we have demonstrated how compact, lightweight and fuel-efficient drones can be developed at a faster speed and scale than ever before. The UK has the potential to be a leader in advanced manufacturing, and these new turbines are a testament to the country’s capabilities.”
CNES has awarded €31 million in strategic funding to UNIVITY—formerly Constellation Technologies & Operations— as part of a France 2030 call for projects operated by CNES. This support marks a decisive step in the development of space-based 5G made in France and in the realization of UNIVITY’s industrial ambition.
While American and Chinese giants dominate the race for satellite connectivity, a French startup is changing the game with a bold vision rooted in innovation and industrial sovereignty. Selected under the France 2030 space program following a competitive bidding process, UNIVITY—together with TDF—will carry out a groundbreaking demonstration of satellite-based 5G connectivity. Through real-world use cases, this experiment will validate the relevance of a fully integrated 5G NTN solution, designed and built in France, combining very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites with terrestrial infrastructure.
TDF will play a central role in the project’s operational implementation, managing the hosting, instal-
lation, operation, and maintenance of three gateway stations—two in mainland France and one overseas. These gateways will be essential to ensure seamless interoperability between the satellite system and telecom operators’ terrestrial networks.
With €31 million in funding from CNES and additional industrial co-financing from UNIVITY, the contract amounts to a total of €44 million. It reflects a proactive commitment to technological sovereignty. As a true accelerator for the space industry, France 2030 supports the development of critical technologies for France’s economy and Europe’s technological independence. The selected project aims to validate this technology in real-world operational conditions.
“Thanks to France 2030 funding, CNES is supporting UNIVITY in preparing, through the in-orbit demonstration ‘uniShape,’ a satellitebased 5G-NTN service designed to meet the needs of terrestrial operators. UNIVITY’s ‘uniSky’ constellation aims to deliver a distinctive French solution for high-speed space-based 5G-NTN
connectivity, serving both consumer and professional users, built on innovative concepts and breakthrough technologies,” said Caroline Laurent, Director of Orbital Systems and Applications, CNES.
“We are proud to have the support of France 2030 for this project, which represents a true strategic milestone for us. This recognition validates both our expertise and our vision of converging terrestrial and space networks. Our entire team is fully committed to this challenge, ready to deliver with enthusiasm, ambition, and determination,” added Véronique Bonnet, Program Director at UNIVITY.
“This project is a key milestone for TDF, underscoring our ability to integrate the space dimension into our telecom infrastructure offering. By combining our field expertise, local presence, and technological know-how, we are actively contributing to the emergence of a hybrid, resilient, and sovereign connectivity model driven by French players,” emphasized Jean-Louis Mounier, Managing Director of TDF’s TowerCo Business Unit.
Continue reading at: www.industryeurope.net
Rohde & Schwarz collaborates successfully with the Taiwan Space Agency to develop a
Rohde & Schwarz has taken a significant step forward in satellite testing technology by delivering a fully customized solution to the TASA. For the first time, Rohde & Schwarz integrated EMC and antenna measurement capabilities into a single test chamber, addressing a complex challenge in satellite payload testing. The innovative system, now operational at TASA’s facility, reflects the growing need for advanced satellite testing methodologies. With the increasing adoption of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technologies, precise validation of satellite performance in complex environments is becoming essential. This includes ensuring seamless integration between satellites and cellular base stations — an area where conventional testing methods often fall short.
Rohde & Schwarz integrated EMC and antenna measurement capabilities into a single test chamber, addressing a complex challenge in satellite payload testing.
The project’s complexity stemmed from TASA’s dual testing requirement: a single chamber capable of performing both EMC and antenna measurements. To meet this demand, Rohde & Schwarz’s solution includes a R&S ZNA43 vector network analyzer, R&S AMS32 customized measurement software, and engineering services. The system also incorporated a Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) reflector, developed in partnership with a Taiwan third-party supplier.
A key innovation in the project was the introduction of a patented diamond-shaped reflector design. This reflector minimizes interference within the chamber and reduces interactions between the reflector, feed, and Device Under Test (DUT) positioner. The result is improved accuracy and reliability in measuring complex satellite payloads.
For Rohde & Schwarz, this project reinforced its expertise in integrating third-party components. The collaboration between a third-party supplier and TASA highlights the company’s adaptability in addressing specialized customer requirements while maintaining high standards of performance and reliability.
As satellite-based connectivity becomes more integral to global communications, the industry faces rising expectations for robust and reliable testing processes. Satellites play a critical role in ensuring seamless communication across a wide range of applications, from remote sensing tools to mobile networks.
LEWA, a pioneer in the field of advanced diaphragm pumps, has added two new model sizes to its range of micro-metering pumps to offer a wider choice of flow and pressure combinations, enabling more effective and cost- efficient gas odorization. The new pumps have been developed in response to increasing market demand for smaller units that address a wider range of flow rates and operating pressures.
LEWA MBH Micro Metering Pump
Odorization involves adding a strongly smelling chemical to otherwise odourless gases and is an essential safety requirement in many industries and gas distribution grids. Micrometering pumps are key to the odorization process. They are used to add an intense odorant to flammable gases, such as natural gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and biogas, as they are being fed
into a gas distribution network or trucks, railway tank cars or LPG and LNG vessels. Micrometering pumps are also used to odorize oxygen, hydrogen and other critical industrial gases. Adding a distinctive smell ensures that any gas leaks are detected quickly, protecting people and property in industrial, commercial, and domestic settings.
Walter Richter, Head of Sales Odorization & Gas Distribution at LEWA, explains: “Efficient odorization involves very precise dosing with minute quantities of chemicals, so selecting a pump to match the application’s flow rate and discharge pressure is critical to success. Traditionally, operators found that a pump suitable for the required flow rate did not deliver enough pressure, and vice versa. This leads to increased odorization costs due to pump oversizing and can cause poor injection accuracy. By introducing the MAH4 and MBH6 micrometering pumps with new piston sizes, we can
Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, has been contracted to deliver a biogas upgrading plant (PuregasCA) to Danish renewable energy solutions provider Bigadan AS. The plant will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and utility of biogas as a renewable energy source, and will have the capacity to upgrade 6000 Nm3 per hour of raw biogas. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q3 2025.
The project represents a significant step in scaling up biogas production and utilisation in Denmark, and will make an important contribution to the country’s green transition. The biogas upgrading plant will be located at Bigadan’s biogas facility in Horsens, Denmark.
The Wärtsilä Gas Solutions biogas upgrading is based on the amine scrubber technology, that allows for efficient and effective upgrading, of biogas to meet the Danish national gas grid standards.
“We are committed to supporting and promoting the green transition, nd Wärtsilä upgrading solution will add momentum to our efforts. It is an exciting example of the recent advancements made in renewable energy technology. Biogas has huge potential as a sustainable energy
offer a wider selection of flow and pressure combinations, enabling more effective and cost-efficient odorization with higher accuracy.”
LEWA’s portfolio includes four ranges of hydraulically actuated micro-metering pumps – the MAH, MBH, MLM15 and MLM40 series – that deliver flow rates from 10 ml/h to 55 l/h (0.0026 gph to 14.5 gph) and accommodate pressures up to 560 barg (8122 psig). The new 16-barg (232 psig) MAH4 sits alongside the 20-25 barg (290 - 362 psig) MAH3, enabling utility companies and network operators to meet the pressure requirements commonly found in international natural gas networks, which use PN16 pressure class pipelines. The new MBH6 fulfils customer requirements for a more compact and powerful micro-metering pump that covers up to 0.6l/h at 42 barg (0.16 gph at 609 psig).
Like all LEWA micro-metering pumps, the MAH4 and MBH6 feature a metal diaphragm and solenoid drive available for hazardous environments. These pumps are not only leakproof but also entirely odorant fluid diffusiontight, preventing contamination and potentially costly false alarms. Their sturdy, dry-run safe design ensures they won't sustain damage from extreme operating conditions or operator error. Continue reading at: www.industryeurope.net
solution, since it aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy sources,” said Casper Krog Hansen, Bigadan AS, Project Manager and Christian A. Tidmarsh, Bigadan ASBusiness Development Manager.
The Wärtsilä PuregasCA solution is expected to be in full operation, delivering upgraded gas to the Danish national grid in Q3 2026. Wärtsilä scope includes installation and commissioning of the plant.
“The integration of biomass and biogas, along with wind and solar, is an important element in creating a holistic energy strategy, and the collaboration between Wärtsilä and Bigadan contributes significantly to this strategy,” commented Goran Gajski, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, Biogas. “The innovative technology that we are able to deliver is based on our vast experience and deep in-house expertise, and our solid reputation and track record was an important consideration in the award of this contract.”
Imentand construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with four integrated, customdesigned skids as part of a high-integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) for Saudi Arabia’s Hasbah Gas Field expansion project.
The project is a multi-phase development by Saudi Aramco to increase the supply of natural gas for domestic consumption and industrial development in the Kingdom. This latest expansion of the
With Tinuvin® NOR® 600, BASF introduces a next generation NOR-HALS light stabilizer at K2025. This innovative solution expands BASF’s established NOR-HALS platform. It demonstrates advanced performance when acid resistance or prolonged weatherability is required.
Hasbah Gas Field, which was originally brought online in 2016, will see four new production wells, six well head platforms, six topsides, two jackets and two tie-in float-over platforms installed to produce an additional 2.5 billion cubic square feet of non-associated gas daily.
IMI’s four skids included eight through conduit slab gate valves and four root valves, five pressure transmitters with manifold and one solid state logic solver system with Multiwell Diagnostic Systems for the HIPPS element of the field’s expansion. The HIPPS has been specifically engineered to isolate the source of dangerous high pressure and temperatures, allowing L&T project decisionmakers to increase protection for on-site personnel and downstream assets from potential overpressure and overheating events.
“We are proud to contribute to this highly ambitious project and play a key role in ensuring the safety of site personnel,” said Roby Buyung, President of Process Automation at IMI. “Safety is a vital consideration regardless of project size, but the importance of the works at the Hasbah Gas Field further underlines the need for as hazard-free an environment as possible.
“It is vital that any solutions provided will perform exactly as requested, especially when work-
ing at such a scale. The failsafe valves included in the HIPPS can isolate exposure within a few seconds, and this is a critical level of protection for all stakeholders involved in expanding and working on the field.”
After initial testing by IMI, the HIPPS solution has been fitted into production deck modules at the L&T A.M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex. Full installation at the Hasbah Gas Field was carried out over September 2025, with the system on track to be operational by December 2025 following final commissioning.
“IMI’s long-standing expertise delivering HIPPS systems for a wide array of severe service applications stood out to us on this particular project,” added Bapi Sahoo, Deputy General Manager at Larsen & Toubro. “Guaranteeing the safety of production teams and plant equipment is a key priority for all stakeholders involved in the Hasbah Gas Field expansion, and being able to call upon IMI’s expertise is invaluable.
“From our side, the assurance that this will not only reduce the risks of hazards but also help increase uptime and eventual revenue potential is invaluable. Working with IMI has proven seamless and we would gladly work with them again on other projects.”
The new Tinuvin® NOR® 600 enhances the durability of plastics against sunlight and heat making it ideal for applications such as roofing membranes and artificial turf.
Tinuvin NOR 600 is engineered as a highperformance synergist, offering exceptional protection when used in combination with other BASF light stabilizers. Its advanced chemistry enhances durability of PVC including its alloys and polyolefin-based plastics against sunlight and heat making it ideal for applications such as roofing membranes and artificial turf. The freeflowing, low-dust product form enables safe and easy handling for converters and masterbatch producers to formulate differentiated, longlasting solutions for demanding environments.
“As the market for outdoor plastics evolves, customers demand solutions that go beyond
standard performance. With Tinuvin NOR 600, we are expanding our NOR-HALS portfolio and setting a new benchmark in light stabilization. This product enables our partners to create cutting-edge solutions in durability and to differentiate against competition,” says Joerg Bentlage, Head of Global Product Management, Plastic Additives, BASF.
Tinuvin NOR 600 is a NOR HALS, a special class of light-stabilizer used in plastics to protect them from harmful UV radiation and the resulting degradation. It is part of BASF’s VALERAS® sustainability platform, supporting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and circularity in plastics. As the global leader in plastic additives, BASF is dedicated to helping its customers achieve sustainable success under VALERAS by providing innovative, technology driven solutions.
Today, the Greenbox JV continues its rapid nationwide expansion with another major win: full reserved matters planning consent has been secured with North Yorkshire Council (NYC) for GB181, a new 181,742 sq ft Grade-A logistics and industrial unit at Greenbox Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
Hot on the heels of their success at the speculative Greenbox Darlington development, this latest consent underscores Greenbox’s ability to deliver best-in-class, sustainable logistics space across strategic UK locations.
The 52-acre Greenbox Thirsk site already boasts full consent for GB365 (365,000 sq ft), and a Section 106 Agreement for GB272 (272,504 sq ft) is nearing completion with NYC; together forming a three-unit masterplan totalling 820,000 sq ft. The site however remains deliverable also through its Outline consent which affords it the flexibility to provide Units for SME’s of circa 12,000 sq ft,
through to a single footprint of circa. 820,000 sq ft; one of the only sites in Yorkshire where this size of giga-shed can be delivered.
Built around responsible ESG principles, every Greenbox development targets BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC ‘A’ and Net Zero in Construction and Operation — setting a new benchmark for modern logistics design.
The new approval gives occupiers immediate access to large-scale, future-ready space, with delivery capable within just twelve months. Infrastructure is already in place, including the new Eldmire Lane access and extensive landscape planting to establish early maturity.
Positioned just four miles from the A1(M) and adjacent to the A19, Greenbox Thirsk is perfectly located for manufacturers and distributors seeking rapid north-south connectivity. Within 100 miles lie major urban centres including Leeds, Manchester,
For reeling and trailing – cables that pull along
With its REELTEC® and FESTOONTEC® product series, TKD Kabel offers a portfolio of robust cable solutions for cranes and lifting equipment. The cable products ensure a reliable supply of power and signals to crane and lifting technology. In this way, the specialist for application-oriented cable solutions also supports the increasing digitalization and automation of port facilities.
Docking times are expensive, so fast unloading of ship cargoes is an important competitive factor for ports. Many port facilities today are fully automated. They require reliable cabling that enables the high loading and unloading speeds necessary for short turnaround times. TKD Kabel supplies cables for cranes and lifting equipment,
whose applications require high functionality under challenging operating conditions. The range extends from flat cables and rubber cables to control cables with supporting elements, all of which withstand fluctuating temperatures, salty air, and high speeds of movement. At the heart of the portfolio are two product series for the most important applications.
The REELTEC® series offers shielded and unshielded cables that are reelable and particularly robust and durable. Their low weight makes them ideal for use in industrial crane and port crane systems. Here, power cables are automatically reeled and unreeled on drums as the crane moves. One of the highlight products in the series is the REELTEC®-PUR-HF. This heavy-duty 0.6/1kV cable has a PUR sheath that is resistant to abrasion and oil. One of the highlight products in the series is the REELTEC® PUR-HF. This heavy-duty 0.6/1 kV cable has a PUR sheath that is abrasion and oil resistant as well as halogen-free. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and can also be used in wet conditions. It achieves its high performance for power and signal supply even with long travel distances
Hull, and York — and the local industrial ecosystem is already home to occupiers such as Severfield PLC, Inspired Pet Nutrition, Cleveland Steel & Tubes, and Cargill.
With 11,000 people employed in transport and storage and a further 34,000 in manufacturing — 5% above the UK average — the region offers a deep, skilled labour pool to support future occupiers.
Alex Reynolds, Development Director at Citivale, commented: “Securing further planning at Greenbox Thirsk marks another major step in our strategy to deliver next-generation, Net Zero logistics hubs.
This project reinforces Yorkshire’s position at the forefront of UK logistics and reflects Greenbox’s mission to shape a more sustainable, resilient supply chain through purposeful innovation. We look forward to speaking with interested occupiers on this exciting opportunity”
and at extreme temperatures between -50 °C and +90 °C.
In drag festoon applications, cables are required to be particularly flexible. They hang in loops on cable carriers, such as rollers or trolleys. These carriers move them horizontally along a rail in line with the crane movements.
The FESTOONTEC® series offers shielded and unshielded power and control cables that have been specially developed for this application. One product highlight here is the FESTOONTEC® H07VVH6 flat cable with black PVC sheathing. It allows for a small bending radius and a suspension height of up to 35 m. It can be used in dry, damp, and wet environments as well as at temperatures ranging from -35 °C to +60 °C.
TKD Kabel offers the entire world of cables in one place. The manufacturer has developed its own product families for a wide range of industries, designed to meet the specific application requirements. The specialist offers consulting and complete cabling solutions for agricultural technology, the food industry, conveyor technology, industrial automation, mechanical and plant engineering, elevator construction, and crane and lifting equipment.
Caracol, a global leader in large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM), announces the acquisition of IP and robotic machine configuration assets from the additive division of Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a German leader in extrusion technology with over 100 years’ industrial machinery excellence. This strategic acquisition serves two main purposes for Caracol: first, to integrate Weber’s additive technology into its product portfolio, creating the most comprehensive LFAM ecosystem on the market, and addressing a wide range of international customer needs. Second, it reinforces Caracol’s commitment to accelerating the global adoption and industrialization of LFAM technologies across diverse manufacturing sectors, expanding Caracol's reach in the DACH region
Pictured from left to right: Francesco De Stefano, CEO of Caracol, Ludwig Weber, Managing Director at Weber, Dr. Markus Weber, Managing Director at Weber, and Paolo Cassis COO of Caracol.
Customers and partners looking to work with Weber’s additive solutions can expect Caracol’s full commitment to continued support and development, gaining access to Caracol’s global field and
service network – spanning over 55 countries.
Backed by Caracol’s holistic approach and deep application expertise, all products will benefit from the same quality service and after-sales support the company is known for, helping businesses scale their production operations with LFAM. Weber will remain a key partner for the development of its extrusion technology and support product development on Caracol’s extended portfolio.
This deal is part of Caracol’s broader investment strategy in Europe, leveraging Weber’s strong foundation in the DACH region to ensure the continent’s top industrial players have access to leading technologies and services. At a time of increasing demand for resilient, localized production, this move reinforces Caracol’s dedication to supporting and strengthening Europe’s industrial value chains.
“This agreement combines heritage with innovation, by two companies united by shared values: progressiveness, engineering excellence, and a customer-centric mindset,” says Francesco De Stefano, CEO and Co-founder of Caracol. “It allows us to strengthen the technological roadmap of two best-in-class technologies, ensuring each can best fit specific customer’s industrial needs. On the one
Liebherr delivers confidence: Petrodec relies on proven offshore expertise
Petrodec’s OBANA jack-up is equipped with the proven offshore crane technology of Liebherr, ensuring reliable performance in challenging marine environments. This collaboration underscores the role of Liebherr as a long-term partner in offshore operations. The shared effort between Liebherr and Petrodec was clearly demonstrated during the successful installation of offshore cranes on OBANA.
The OBANA was created by merging two repurposed jack-ups with a newly built mid-section. The 2,000-tonne main crane andtwo 60-tonne BOS cranes were installed in Rotterdam following the arrival of the midship section in late 2024.
Petrodec’s OBANA jack-up represents a new benchmark in offshore decommissioning. The self-elevating heavy-lift jack-up was developed through an innovative rebuilding of two existing platforms and a newly constructed mid-section. To support its complex lifting operations in the North Sea, OBANA is equipped with two BOS cranes and an MTC 78000 offshore crane from Liebherr. The intensive co-operation on the project over several years culminated in the successful handover of the Liebherr cranes.
Petrodec, based in the Netherlands, has been a key player in the offshore energy sector since 2019, focusing on the safe and efficient decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure. The OBANA project began
hand, Caracol’s expertise of the full turnkey technological ecosystem, process, and deep vertical application know-how. On the other, Weber’s core expertise on extrusion and machinery manufacturing.”
De Stefano continues “Thanks to the partnership with Weber, Caracol clients will be able to access Heron platforms with a broader level of customization and configurations to satisfy their specific industrial needs. This means also additional options when it comes to automation – such as Siemens control or ABB robots”.
“We chose to sign this deal with Caracol following the evaluation of several proposals from players in the sector,” comment Dr. Markus Weber and Ludwig Weber, Managing Directors of Hans Weber. “Our choice was based on the fact that they are a leader in the large format AM market, which has built a global network of support, have know-how on key applications and industry verticals, and have a value proposition that is complementary with ours. This is why we believe they are the best company to continue guiding our customers in the implementation of LFAM tech and continue the legacy we started.”
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in 2021, when Petrodec initiated the concept of merging two repurposed jack-ups with a newly built mid-section. In November 2024, the midsection arrived in the Netherlands, and the MTC crane, with a safe working load of 2,000 tonnes, was installed. Each of the installed BOS cranes features a safe working load of 60 tonnes and a boom length of 70 metres.
Strong collaboration during crane installation ‘We are very proud to be involved in such a special project. It shows what can be achieved through trust and clear communication. Working closely with Petrodec during the installation phase has strengthened our relationship and confirmed our shared focus on operational performance’, says Armin Seidel, Area Manager Sales at Liebherr Rostock.
The installation phase clearly demonstrated both the strength of the collaboration and the high level of technical coordination on site. ‘The on-site assembly was technically demanding, but we managed all challenges in time’, says Phillip-Andreas Kugler, Technical Advisor at Liebherr Rostock. ‘At times, work was carried out in parallel on all three cranes, running in both day and night shifts. It was a strong team effort that truly showcased Liebherr as a trustworthy and engaged partner.’
Liebherr remains committed to supporting the offshore industry with reliable technology and long-term service expertise. In complex decommissioning projects like OBANA, customers value Liebherr for its combination of high-performance equipment and dependable on-site support. As a trusted service provider, Liebherr supports its clients throughout every stage of their offshore operations.
At the crossroads of food, feed, and fuel stands Bunge — one of the most influential yet leastknown giants in the global economy. Though its name rarely appears on consumer products, the company’s reach extends into kitchens, farms, factories, and fuel tanks across the world. From soybeans crushed in Brazil to flour milled in Europe and vegetable oils refined in the United States, Bunge operates at nearly every link of the food and agriculture chain.
Founded in 1818 in Amsterdam, Bunge began as a small trading house. Over two centuries, it grew into one of the most powerful agribusinesses on the planet, connecting farmers to consumers on a global scale. Today, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunge operates in more than 50 countries and employs around 37,000 people. Its vast network of port terminals, processing plants, and distribution hubs handles millions of tons of crops each year — a logistical web that keeps the world fed, fueled, and supplied.
Bunge’s core business is the sourcing, storage, processing, and transport of agricultural commodities. It buys grains and oilseeds from farmers, crushes and refines them into oils, meals, and other ingredients, and supplies these products to manufacturers that make everything from bread and snacks to biodiesel and animal feed. It is a company that touches nearly every stage of the agricultural value chain, serving both local and international markets with remarkable efficiency.
What sets Bunge apart is its integration. The company manages the journey of crops from field to final use — a structure that offers resilience against the volatility of global markets. Whether it’s navigating weather disruptions in South America or supply shocks caused by geopolitical tension, Bunge’s global footprint allows it to balance supply and demand with precision.
In July 2025, Bunge entered a new chapter by completing its longanticipated merger with Viterra, one of the world’s leading grain handlers. The union created one of the largest agricultural and food ingredient companies on the planet, blending Bunge’s processing and trading strength with Viterra’s global storage and logistics network.
The merger represents far more than corporate growth; it signals a redefinition of global agribusiness. Together, the two companies possess an unparalleled network of ports, silos, and plants across
six continents. This new scale gives Bunge enhanced geographic diversity and operational depth, helping it manage risk in an increasingly unpredictable world. But integration at such a magnitude comes with complexity. Combining corporate systems, supply chains, and cultures will test Bunge’s ability to deliver the efficiencies and synergies it has promised investors and regulators alike.
Agriculture today faces a paradox: it must feed a growing population while reducing its environmental impact. Bunge’s leadership has recognized that sustainability is not a marketing tool but a business imperative. Across its global operations, the company is embedding environmental, social, and governance principles into its core strategy.
In Brazil, Bunge has launched extensive regenerative agriculture programs aimed at improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and protecting biodiversity. Farmers who join receive access to technical expertise, soil diagnostics, and incentives for adopting practices that restore rather than deplete ecosystems. Similar initiatives are emerging in the United States, where Bunge has partnered with Nutrien Ag Solutions to help farmers implement climate-smart techniques that cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond the farm, Bunge has pledged to eliminate deforestation from its supply chains and to increase transparency across its sourcing operations. This is no small undertaking given the complexity of tracing commodities from thousands of farms across multiple continents. Yet Bunge’s investments in digital technology and data analytics are allowing it to track crops from origin to export more accurately than ever before.
While sustainability drives one side of Bunge’s transformation, innovation powers the other. The company is investing heavily in food science, bioenergy, and biotechnology — fields that will shape
the next generation of agriculture. A recent partnership with Corteva Agriscience focuses on developing soybeans with enhanced amino acid profiles, which improve animal nutrition while reducing the overall environmental footprint of feed production.
The company’s role in renewable energy is also expanding rapidly. Bunge’s oilseed processing infrastructure is increasingly used to supply feedstocks for biofuels, positioning it at the forefront of the low-carbon energy transition. As global demand for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel grows, Bunge’s combination of scale, technology, and access to raw materials makes it a key player in the decarbonization of transport and industry.
Despite its strengths, Bunge operates in an environment fraught with challenges. Commodity markets are inherently volatile, influenced by weather patterns, trade policy, and shifting consumer behavior. Profit
margins can narrow quickly, and the sheer complexity of managing global supply chains exposes the company to both economic and reputational risks.
Environmental scrutiny remains intense, particularly regarding land use and deforestation in sensitive ecosystems like the Amazon. Regulators, investors, and activists are watching closely to see whether Bunge’s sustainability commitments translate into measurable action. The successful integration of Viterra will also be a defining test; failure to harmonize systems or achieve expected efficiencies could slow momentum at a crucial time.
Bunge’s story has always been one of evolution. From its beginnings as a family trading firm to its current status as an agricultural titan, the company has continuously adapted to the demands of a changing world. The next phase of its journey will be defined by how successfully it combines scale with sustainability, efficiency with ethics, and growth with responsibility.
As global populations rise and climate challenges intensify, the need for resilient, transparent, and sustainable food systems will only grow. Bunge’s vast infrastructure, scientific partnerships, and renewed focus on regeneration give it the tools to lead this transformation. The question is whether it can balance the competing pressures of profitability, innovation, and stewardship in an era where agriculture must serve both people and planet.
In many ways, Bunge embodies the future of agribusiness — complex, interconnected, and increasingly conscious of its environmental footprint. Its evolution from a simple trader of grains to a champion of sustainable growth shows not only how agriculture has changed, but how it must continue to change if the world is to thrive.
In the heart of Turkey’s thriving textile corridor stands Yünsa, a company whose story spans five decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and global ambition.
Finto Europe’s largest integrated high-segment worsted wool fabric manufacturer, and one of the top five worldwide. Today, it represents not just a business success story, but a celebration of Turkey’s deep textile heritage — reimagined for the 21st century.
“Every metre of Yünsa fabric carries a story of precision, passion, and purpose.”
Yünsa began with a focus on men’s suiting fabrics, earning early acclaim for its mastery of wool and exceptional finishing. The company went public on the Istanbul Stock Exchange in 1990, marking a milestone in its evolution from domestic producer to international player.
By 1998, Yünsa expanded into women’s fabrics, translating its technical expertise into collections defined by fluidity, sophistication, and style. Over the years, it has continued to evolve while staying faithful to its founding values — quality, integrity, and innovation.
At the company’s vast Çerkezköy facility, covering nearly 197,000 square metres, everything happens under one roof: spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing. This vertically integrated structure allows Yünsa to maintain complete control over its production chain — ensuring unmatched consistency, agility, and sustainability.
With an annual capacity of 10 million metres of fabric and 4,500 tonnes of yarn, Yünsa stands among the world’s leaders in premium wool textiles.
Its portfolio is a masterclass in versatility:
• Pure wool and wool blends with cashmere, silk, lycra, or viscose.
• Corporatewear and uniform fabrics offering comfort and technical performance.
• Home and upholstery lines, added in 2003, that bring the same attention to texture and detail into interior spaces.
Yünsa’s technological edge sets it apart. Each fabric can be enhanced with functional finishes — from water and oil repellency to natural stretch, UV protection, and even self-cleaning properties. The company’s laboratories, accredited by Marks & Spencer, Next, and Interwoollabs, uphold some of the highest quality standards in the global industry.
“We don’t just make fabric,” says a Yünsa design manager. “We create the surface on which designers build their imagination.”
From Çerkezköy to Milan, Tokyo, and New York, Yünsa’s fabrics travel far. The company exports to over 50 countries, with Germany as its largest market, and maintains sales offices and representatives across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Design studios in Turkey and Italy work in tandem, merging Anatolian craftsmanship with Italian flair. Twice a year, Yünsa unveils new seasonal collections inspired by global fashion trends. These debuts often make headlines at the industry’s top trade fairs — Première Vision Paris, Munich Fabric Start, and JITAC Tokyo among them.
Yet, for all its international presence, Yünsa’s identity remains distinctly Turkish. Its people — engineers, designers, and artisans — reflect a culture where precision meets passion, and where every spool of wool tells a story of local pride and global aspiration.
In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, Yünsa’s commitment to sustainability is both moral and strategic. The company’s operations emphasize responsible sourcing, efficient resource use, and eco-friendly technologies at every stage of production.
Its R&D Centre leads the charge in innovation, developing natural dye processes, biodegradable finishes, and traceable supply chains. These initiatives align Yünsa with a growing global movement toward sustainable luxury — where beauty and ethics coexist seamlessly.
“Sustainability is not a trend,” notes the company’s leadership team. “It’s the fabric of our future.”
The business behind the brand
Yünsa operates as a public company (YUNSA:IST), with Sürmegöz Tekstil Yatırım holding a majority stake of around 58%. This ownership structure blends the stability of long-term investment with the transparency of public oversight — a combination that has helped Yünsa build credibility on the international stage.
Despite challenges such as fluctuating wool prices, energy costs, and currency shifts, Yünsa’s focus on the premium fabric segment shields it from the volatility that affects many massmarket producers. The company’s continued growth reflects a clear strategy: invest in technology, sustain design leadership, and serve as a trusted partner for the world’s most discerning fashion brands.
As the fashion industry moves toward more conscious consumption, Yünsa’s model of “responsible innovation” offers a compelling blueprint for the future. By blending natural luxury with technological performance, the company is redefining what modern textiles can be — elegant, durable, and environmentally sound.
From suiting fabric in Parisian ateliers to upholstery in global design houses, Yünsa’s creations form an invisible yet vital thread that connects continents, cultures, and generations.
“Every weave we produce,” says the company, “is a promise — to our customers, to our planet, and to the legacy of Turkish craftsmanship.”
With 50 years of expertise behind it and an unwavering focus on innovation ahead, Yünsa continues to do what it has always done best: turning wool into wonder, and fabric into the future. n
Signode, a leading global manufacturer of transit packaging equipment, tools, consumables, automation, and support solutions, will feature its latest innovations and industry-proven technologies at CorrExpo 2025, October 20-22 at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. Visitors to Booth 419 will experience firsthand how Signode’s broad portfolio supports corrugated operations with tailored, high-performance solutions.
“We work alongside our customers to develop solutions that support both immediate needs and long-term growth,” said Jerry Vivlamore, Segment Specialist, Business Development at Signode. “CorrExpo gives us a valuable opportunity to connect with corrugated producers, learn what’s happening on their lines, and demonstrate how our equipment and support services can help them deliver greater consistency and reliability for their own customers.”
Live demonstrations will feature the SIG-C Automatic Bundler, engineered for high-speed, consistent bundling on corrugated flexo-foldergluer lines. This advanced system streamlines operations with minimal manual input, delivering reliable performance and throughput. Also showcased will be the newly launched BXT4 Hand Tool, equipped with EasyTrigger™ technology. This ergonomic innovation enables precise strap tensioning with a single click, significantly improving user comfort and operational efficiency for hand-strapped bundles.
In addition to live equipment demonstrations, booth visitors will have the opportunity to explore how Signode integrates its full suite of corrugated packaging solutions—including the SIG-VCS, SIG-CORR, and GCU-3 strapping stations—with high-performance consumables. Industry specialists will be on hand to discuss Signode’s customizable end-of-line solutions, tailored to meet the unique demands of corrugated operations. From automatic squaring and bundling to wrapping, hooding, and pallet storage, Signode delivers scalable solutions designed to optimize efficiency and throughput.
Signode continues to advance automation in the corrugated industry with customizable solutions that include Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) featuring enhanced lifting capabilities. These AMRs integrate seamlessly with Signode’s stretch hooders and wrappers, including the newly launched Octopus® Prestige™ Stretch Wrapper. Recently introduced to the North American market, the Prestige model delivers faster cycle times, reduced film consumption, and improved reliability— building on the proven performance of previous Octopus systems. All of Signode’s automation technologies can be paired with the StorFast® Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), showcasing the company’s commitment to designing flexible, scalable solutions that deliver consistent performance, operational efficiency, and long-term reliability.
All Signode offerings are backed by industry-leading service and support, including the Packaging Plus™ Reliability Services program. Customizing solutions to meet transit packaging needs, Signode leverages IoT capabilities for remote monitoring and service, alongside on-site support from the Customer Experience Center and Packaging Lab in Roselle, IL.
To learn more about Signode’s full range of solutions for the corrugated industry, visit Booth 419 at CorrExpo 2025 or explore more at signode.com.
Valmet to supply a BioTrac system with automation for OutNature's agro-residue straw-pulp project in Germany
OutNature in Germany is taking a new innovative step in widening raw material sources for sustainable packaging production with converting agriculture residues into pulp blend based on straw fiber. Valmet has been selected to deliver pretreatment and automation systems to be an important part of the technology solution for this process. The BioTrac system is a pretreatment technology designed to process all kinds of lignocellulosic raw materials, including straw, into high-quality fibers suitable for further refining and papermaking.
Valmet Pretreatment BioTrac system is a versatile system for biomass prehydrolysis for several different end use applications.
The new straw fiber plant will be installed at the LEIPA paper mill in Schwedt/Oder where the company currently processes over one million
tonnes of wastepaper per year to produce various types of paper for packaging and graphic applications. LEIPA plans to use straw fibers in combination with wastepaper. The straw fiber plant, based on Valmet’s continuous steam treatment technology, is planned to start-up by the end of 2026.
Straw offers a number of advantages as a raw material for fiber production. As a by-product of agricultural grain processing, it does not require any additional cultivation areas. Furthermore, cultivation in Germany contributes to short transport routes, which reduces emissions. Straw fibers make it possible to reduce the use of virgin wood fibers and improve the recycled fiber-based paper properties.
"Straw is an excellent way to close the gap between quality loss and the demand for fresh wood fibers. Together with LEIPA, we will unlock the potential of regionally available agricultural
by-products and thus promote the overall social benefit for customers, farmers, and renewable material circularity. The increased focus on securing raw materials also contributes to the sustainability strategy of the entire Schwarz Group. The new fiber production facility is part of a two-stage investment project,” explains Michail Ginsburg, Managing Director of OutNature.
“Together with OutNature we have developed the process and tests conducted at our pilot plant in Sundsvall show that the straw fibers have excellent strength properties. It has been very encouraging for us to be a part of this, for the future, groundbreaking project creating a foundation for sustainable papermaking with reduced carbon footprint and the use of agriculture residues,” says Per Norlin, Sales Manager at Valmet.
The delivery includes Valmet Pretreatment BioTrac system, Valmet DNAe control system and stock preparation equipment. The order is included in Valmet’s third-quarter 2025 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed.
Indian preform and plastic packaging manufacturer Magpet Polymer Pvt Ltd has commissioned Herbold Meckesheim with another PET bottle washing line.
Indroneel Goho, President & CEO of Magpet Polymers Pvt Ltd, visited Herbold at its booth 9B34 at K 2025 to sign the contract.
The new washing line is an extension of the bottle-to-bottle recycling plant that Coperion and Herbold Meckesheim are currently installing for Magpet in India. The granulators and an initial washing line have already successfully commenced operation. With the new washing line, Magpet will
be able to increase its PET washing capacity by a factor of 2 to 2.5.
“By using innovative technologies, we produce first-class packaging and distribute
Formore than three decades, Schütz has been supplying sustainable packaging from its facility in Poland – a milestone that was celebrated in the form of a major jubilee event in Żory on 10 October. Around 150 guests representing business, politics and the international partner network accepted the invitation to celebrate the success story that is Schütz Polska and take a look at the latest investments at the facility.
Schütz entered the Polish market as early as the mid-1990s and was soon handling its swiftly growing customer base from Warsaw. A further decisive step was marked by the opening of the plant in Żory in 2017. Since then, Schütz Polska has continuously invested in expanding the production facility – most recently in a new production area and a new warehouse with an area of approximately 5,000 square metres. This expansion has created additional space for the production and storage of Foodcert and Cleancert packaging supplied by Schütz in accordance with FSSC 22000 system certification, thereby ensuring maximum conformity with all foodstuff requirements in terms of material, process and product. Furthermore, the roof of the building has been prepared for installation of a photovoltaic system with commissioning planned for late December 2025. The solar power generated on site will cover a significant proportion of the location’s energy requirements.
In the future, Schütz will also be producing Green Layer IBCs in Żory. In this product line, the middle of the three inner container layers consists of high-quality regranulate, which Schütz manufactures itself. If a customer also opts for a pallet and corner protectors made of recycled plastic, the IBCs can feature a total recycled content of up to 70 per cent. This sustainable material composition, which is fully in line with the circular economy, enables significant CO² savings without compromising on safety or quality. As part of the expansion of the Green Layer production area, two additional raw material silos will be installed for storing Schütz regranulate and guaranteeing continuous supply.
it globally to our customers. The system solutions and expertise of Herbold Meckesheim and Coperion meet our requirements exactly – for the benefit of our customers. And at the same time, we can increase recycling rates,” said an enthusiastic Indroneel Goho at the signing of the contract.
“We at Coperion and Herbold Meckesheim are very proud that Magpet has once again placed its trust in us and our technologies. The washing line confirms our vision of advancing plastic recycling with innovative solutions. We look forward to the next steps in our joint journey with Magpet,” said Markus Parzer, President Performance Materials Division, Coperion.
Veit Enders, member of the Schütz Group’s management board, and Michal Szygula, general manager of Schütz Polska, emphasised in their speeches the strategic importance of the location for supplying Eastern Europe. The great importance of the circular economy was also reflected in the presentation of the company’s globally unique complete solutions. Representatives of local authorities, including Waldemar Socha, President of the City Office in Żory, and Andrzej Zabiegliński, member of the management board of KSSE – Special Economic Zone, praised the commitment by Schütz in the region and the positive effects on economic development.
With its latest investments, Schütz is not only strengthening supply security and flexibility for its Eastern European customers, but also relying on state-of-the-art standards in production and sustainability. This sees the company setting the course for the introduction of new, sustainable product solutions in line with its comprehensive packaging concept. Future measures are already firmly planned as part of ongoing development. Schütz is thus underlining its long-term commitment to the Polish market and the Eastern European region.
Wärtsilä’s outcome-based operation & maintenance agreement for three Brazilian power plants delivers added value to customer’s business
Technology group Wärtsilä has signed an operation and maintenance (O&M) agreement with an outcome-based performance model, covering three power plants owned by Brazilian Âmbar Energia, the energy company of J&F Group. The five-year agreement combines Wärtsilä’s services with clearly defined performance targets to establish a framework that enables the power plants to meet the requirements of uninterrupted power availability and reliability. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2025.
In the picture from the front row: Daniel Montechiesi and Lucio Santana from Âmbar Energia and Pasi Hautakoski, Nathalie Haen, Kaj Nordman, Adriano Marcolino and Carlos Gonzales from Wärtsilä.
The three power plants, located in the Amazon city of Manaus, each have an output of 92 MW delivered from five Wärtsilä 50SG engines. The plants were recently converted to run on
ply, supporting the reliability, availability, and high performance of the customer’s assets.
“This agreement with Wärtsilä aims to create value for our business through increased operational efficiency, cost savings and regulatory compliance. In the delivery of the agreement, Wärtsilä will leverage advanced digital tools, predictive maintenance, and expertise in supporting optimisation of the asset lifecycle,” says Operations Director Fábio Bindermann at Âmbar Energia.
“This outcome-based agreement with Âmbar Energia ensures that we will achieve shared goals together, which take us one step closer to reaching our decarbonisation targets. The agreement ensures mutual benefit and clear accountability,” comments Energy Business Director Gaston Giani at Wärtsilä Energy.
ment, which aligns the financial structure with the
Wärtsilä and the customer in relation to plant performance. Wärtsilä is committed to providing high operational efficiency and productivity for the power plants, while maintaining predictable long-term operational costs. Maximisation of engine uptime is achieved through proactive maintenance management and spare parts sup-
Oneyear after introducing Denmark’s first circular festival cup, Smukfest, Royal Unibrew and Faerch have proven that circularity is not just an ambition – it works in practice.
At Smukfest 2025, one of Denmark’s largest music festivals, the recyclable cups achieved a remarkable 97% return rate – surpassing last year’s already impressive 95% and setting a new milestone for circular event solutions in Denmark.
The strong result demonstrates that real change is possible through collaboration and a well-functioning circular system, where used cups are turned into new ones instead of ending up as waste. It also shows that festival guests are willing to be part of the circular return system when the solution is simple and meaningful.
The recyclable cups, developed by Faerch in collaboration with Royal Unibrew, are made from recycled plastic (rPET) and designed to be recycled again and again.
After use, the cups are collected at bars, return stations, and designated collection points before being sent to Faerch’s recycling business Cirrec in the Netherlands. Here, they are processed back into food-grade material, which is then used to produce new cups or other packaging.
“Circularity and collaboration with our partners are no longer things we just talk about – they are things we do. Smukfest shows that closed
Âmbar is the energy generation and commercialisation company of the J&F group, the largest private group in Brazil. The company’s broad portfolio of assets, including 43 power generation units, contributes to the expansion and diversification of Brazil’s energy matrix. Âmbar is the fourth largest natural gas power generator in Brazil in terms of installed capacity, and also has hydroelectric, solar, biomass, coal and biogas units.
loops can work at scale and significantly reduce the need for virgin materials,” says Jesper Emil Jensen, Regional CEO at Faerch.
Smukfest, which gathers around 60,000 participants each year –including 18,000 volunteers – has played a key role in the success.
The festival has carried out thorough staff training, made collection points more visible, and strengthened guest communication through QR codes and information campaigns. In addition, the deposit for professional collectors was raised from 25 øre to 1 kr. per cup.
“Reaching a 97% return rate is largely the result of a joint effort from our volunteers, bar staff, logistics teams, and waste sorting partners –and, of course, the strong support from our guests. It shows that small behavioural changes can make a big difference,” says Cathrine Bianca Christensen, Sustainability Coordinator at Smukfest.
The cups are made from up to 86% recycled PET and can be part of a circular loop where the material is recycled repeatedly without loss of quality.
“With results like these, we can demonstrate that circularity works in practice – and that it’s possible to create solutions that are both sustainable and economically responsible. We hope more events and festivals will be inspired to take similar steps,” says Casper Frimann, Business Development & CSR Manager at Royal Unibrew.
Royal Unibrew and Faerch now plan to expand the circular cup system to more festivals and events – both in Denmark and internationally. The goal is to make circularity the standard, not the exception, and thereby reduce the use of virgin plastics across the event industry.
Hydrogen, a European deep-tech company pioneering ceramic-based electrolysis technology, and OX2, a leading developer of renewable energy solutions, today announced the signing of an agreement to jointly accelerate the commercial deployment of large-scale renewable hydrogen production in the Nordic region.
OX2 partners with Stargate Hydrogen to accelerate industrial-scale electrolyser deployment in the Nordics
The agreement marks the official commercialization of Stargate Hydrogen's industrialscale electrolyser platform, reinforcing its foothold in Northern Europe. It underscores the shared commitment of both parties to decarbonizing heavy industry and advancing the growth of the hydrogen economy.
“This agreement marks a major step forward in our mission to deliver industrial-scale green hydrogen solutions to Europe. The Åland project will demonstrate both the scalability and cost competitiveness of our new system and also position Åland
ABB’s
as a hub of the Nordic hydrogen economy.” said Marko Virkebau, CEO of Stargate Hydrogen.
As the first step in the partnership, the companies will deliver a large-scale hydrogen electrolyser in Åland, powered by Stargate Hydrogen’s new 10 MW Aurora electrolyser system module. Once operational, the project will:
• Establish one of the largest hydrogen production assets in the Nordics;
• Utilize the latest hydrogen technology, fully developed in Europe
• Position Åland as a strategic energy hub for the Nordics
• Support the transformation of local society within both local industry, roadside traffic, and shipping along the green corridors concept.
In parallel, Stargate Hydrogen and OX2 will coordinate their participation in the ABB-led H2 Springboard program, a national-scale hydrogen innovation initiative supported by over €150 million in R&D investment. The parties will contrib-
ABBhas signed a term sheet agreement with SwitcH2 to engineer and supply automation and electrification solutions for SwitcH2’s floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit dedicated to producing green ammonia from green hydrogen, to support future demand for low-carbon marine fuels.
The FPSO facility will be stationed off the coast of Portugal and powered by certified renewable electricity from the national grid under a Power Purchase Agreements. It will feature a 300 MW electrolyzer with the potential to produce up to 243,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually.
As part of the term sheet agreement, ABB intends to deliver a prefabricated eHouse, electrical distribution systems and ABB Ability™ System 800xA® Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) with full cyber security integration. These modular, ready-to-deploy systems
will help ensure safe, efficient and reliable operations offshore. ABB’s solutions will fully integrate with third-party equipment, including electrolyzers and ammonia synthesis units.
“This collaboration represents a key step in advancing offshore production capabilities for next-generation marine fuels,” said Saskia Kunst, CEO of SwitcH2. “By integrating ABB’s advanced electrification and automation systems, we are demonstrating how technologydriven partnerships can accelerate innovation, shaping the future of energy at sea.
”The FPSO will utilize treated seawater and use electrolysis to produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen will be combined with nitrogen extracted from the air to create green ammonia. Once synthesized, the ammonia will be condensed and stored onboard. It will then be transferred to carrier ships via a floating hose
ute technology, expertise, and infrastructure to:
• Co-develop modular hydrogen solutions with high export potential;
• Accelerate technology validation and partner engagement;
• Leverage public funding and innovation networks to reduce time-to-market and strengthen competitiveness.
“At OX2, we see renewable hydrogen as a key enabler of the energy transition. Partnering with Stargate Hydrogen allows us to connect world-class electrolyser technology with our large-scale renewable energy portfolio. Together, we can accelerate the development of a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem in the Nordics and beyond.” said Anders Wiklund, Regional Manager OX2 Åland.
system for transport to ports where it can be used as a marine fuel or cracked back to hydrogen for industrial use.
Green ammonia is emerging as a scalable solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping, which contributes approximately two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions1.
“As with other hard-to-abate industries, we are committed to helping the marine sector operate leaner and cleaner. Our leading technologies in automation and electrification will enable this project to run with greater efficiently,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Green ammonia offers a technically viable method for decarbonizing marine transport, and this FPSO concept showcases how renewable energy can be leveraged to unlock low carbon energy value chains.
”Front-end engineering and design (FEED) work is expected to run until summer 2026, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) due by the third quarter of 2026. Detailed engineering and construction will then follow in 2027.
From a single source: hardware and software for efficiency in biopharmaceutical production capacities
Since 1988, Eckelmann has been working in partnership with customers from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technology sectors, jointly implementing over 100 projects worldwide. Since 2013, Eckelmann has been a global partner for leading biotechnology companies, involved in over 25 development projects and 100 customer-specific projects.
One of the highlights of the trade fair is the interactive presentation of a virtual factory, which exemplifies Eckelmann's services for biotech and pharmaceutical requirements in production and intralogistics. All elements can be selected individually in the 3D layout to answer questions from the specialist audience.
Eckelmann FactoryWare® Solutions offers customized control systems that are used more than 1,000 times worldwide for automated pro-
cesses – from product creation to shipping. These include dosing, mixing, conveying, filling, packaging, and logistics processes, which are evaluated and monitored with FactoryWare Analytics.
Whether on a laboratory or industrial scale: Eckelmann automates both individual systems and complete plants to accelerate biopharmaceutical production capacities, make them more efficient, and reduce operating costs in the long term. Biopharmaceutical production units, for example, receive complete hardware and software development, including the installation of electronic hardware, system testing, and commissioning, thereby enabling consistent, optimal scalability. Consistent automation is the key to addressing the widespread shortage of skilled workers. This allows existing workers to be deployed for complex tasks that require creativity and planning.
With the motto “Engineering is our Nature,” more than 250 engineers, computer scientists, and natural scientists provide solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries every day – with hardware and software for customized control solutions.
With AI Vision, Eckelmann has assembled a top team specializing in image processing, vision, and AI. They develop and program manufacturer-independent customized solutions for industries with special regulatory requirements: from machines and systems in batch size 1 (custom-made) to series production.
As specialists in the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, and medical technology, Eckelmann engineers offer industry-specific solutions from a single source. They develop manufacturer-independent, customized solutions for industries with special regulatory requirements, from batch size 1 (custom-made) machines and systems to series production.
Continue reading at: www.industryeurope.net
Themedical technology (MedTech) industry is evolving rapidly, propelled by demographic shifts, technological breakthroughs, and changing healthcare delivery models. As the demand for faster, safer, and more flexible medical devices grows, manufacturers face both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. In this landscape, strategic partnerships and innovative solutions are essential to navigating regulatory pressures, supply chain complexities, and sustainability imperatives.
One of the primary drivers of MedTech demand is the global demographic trend toward aging populations, particularly in Europe, where more than 21% of the population is aged 65 and over[1]. This shift increases the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and dementia, placing significant strain on healthcare systems. To address these challenges, decentralized medical treatments are gaining traction, enabling diagnosis, medication delivery, and ongoing monitoring outside traditional hospital settings. Advances in smart diagnostics, point-of-care testing (POCT), and drug delivery systems are central to this transformation, offering patients greater convenience and healthcare providers improved resource allocation.
The rise of personalized medicine further underscores the need for adaptable manufacturing solutions. Unlike vaccines and monoclonal antibodies produced in large, standardized batches, personalized therapies like gene and cell treatments require small-scale, flexible production systems that minimize product loss and maintain sterility. As these therapies progress from early-stage labs to commercial production, compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) becomes critical, demanding innovative single-use systems that can scale up or out efficiently.
However, MedTech manufacturers must also contend with evolving supply chain dynamics. Emerging markets, especially in Asia, are intensifying competi-
tion with cost-effective manufacturing capabilities and government-backed incentives. In response, many European companies are reshoring production to ensure quality control, mitigate supply chain risks, and protect intellectual property. Recent global events, such as the Suez Canal blockage and escalating trade tensions, have highlighted the vulnerabilities of extended supply chains, reinforcing the value of localized manufacturing and sourcing.
To remain competitive, MedTech firms increasingly collaborate with specialized Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) that offer expertise in design, regulatory compliance, and production scalability. Europe hosts a robust CDMO market, supporting rapid innovation across diagnostic and drug-delivery device segments through advanced manufacturing techniques and regulatory know-how.
In particular, Ireland’s MedTech sector is a leading global hub, employing over 38,000 people and ranking second in Europe per capita. With €12.6 billion in annual exports and a strong presence of top global companies, the sector focuses on enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing costs[2].
Parker Hannifin will participate in Europe’s second largest and fastest growing medical device design and manufacturing show, Medical Technology Ireland, between 24th and 25th September 2025[3].
Technological innovation continues to reshape MedTech device capabilities. Automation and robotics are reducing manual intervention in tasks like blood sampling and medication dispensing, enhancing precision and patient comfort. Artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling smarter data acquisition and personalized patient engagement through AI-powered chatbots and remote monitoring. Augmented reality (AR) technologies are emerging as tools for visual guidance during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, promising improved accuracy and user experience.
Continue reading at: www.industryeurope.net
trinamiX, a leading innovator in biometric imaging technology and biomarker measurement, will present its health and safety solutions at IAA Mobility 2025 tradeshow in Munich. The showcased “Invisible Biometric Sensing Display” employs trinamiX’s patented Beam Profile Analysis technology, allowing for the monitoring of vital signs and biometrics of vehicle occupants. Another feature based on NIR spectroscopy is the non-invasive detection of blood alcohol. The overall aim is to support OEMs to enhance safety and comfort for drivers and passengers and to meet upcoming legal requirements. Another highlight is the trinamiX B-pillar solution, which enables frictionless access for registered drivers and passengers through secure Face Authentication – integrated into the concept car of WITTE Automotive.
Built with a near-infrared camera and an eye-safe laser dot projector, future driver monitoring systems will be capable of tracking vital signs – such as heart rate – without any physical contact. The technology operates by capturing the reflections of light emitted by the laser dot projector in the invisible light spectrum, leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms to derive vital signs.
The solution is designed to identify stressful situations or potential medical emergencies in the car. In the event of such a scenario, a corresponding safety feature can be activated to protect both the occupants and other road users. A key feature of this innovative system is its adaptability to meet the specific requirements of car manufacturers: Using a 5 MP wide-field-of-view camera enables monitoring of both the driver and the co-driver. This comprehensive coverage ensures that both front-seat occupants’ health and wellbeing state can be checked continuously, enhancing overall vehicle safety.
As the automotive industry increasingly prioritizes safety and innovation, the need for reliable blood alcohol monitoring systems has become a central point of global discussions. In response to this demand, trinamiX
presents its blood alcohol measurement solution designed for both private and commercial vehicles.
trinamiX’s innovative technology leverages miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to provide a non-invasive and accurate method for detecting ethanol levels in blood. This cutting-edge approach utilizes invisible near-infrared light that interacts with ethanol molecules present in the tissue under the skin. By analyzing the unique reflection of this light, the system’s advanced algorithms can accurately deduce the alcohol content in a person’s blood.
One of the standout features of this solution is its compact form factor, enabling seamless integration into the vehicle’s interior. This convenience ensures that drivers can quickly and easily check for intoxication at the touch of a button. Attendees at the IAA Mobility tradeshow will have the opportunity to experience a simulation of this innovative feature at trinamiX’s booth #C 10/30 as part of the European High-Tech Pavilion in hall A1.
“The Invisible Biometric Sensing Display” showcased at the IAA Mobility has been developed in collaboration with Continental group sector Automotive, becoming the independent company AUMOVIO.
As part of its ambition to shape the future of mobility with innovative locking and operating systems, WITTE Automotive, a leading automotive supplier for innovative system solutions, enhances its product portfolio with advanced vehicle access features. To achieve this, the company collaborated with trinamiX to develop a keyless B-pillar solution with integrated Face Authentication that combines convenience and increased security. The solution eliminates the need for a handle, allowing the door to open automatically as soon as a registered person approaches the vehicle. This creates entirely new design possibilities of future vehicles. This collaboration marks the first time that the trinamiX Face Authentication solution for the B-pillar can be experienced live in a concept car. Continue reading at: www.industryeurope.net
Lwillshowcase its latest innovations for the medical device industry at Medical Technology Ireland on 24-25th September 2025, at the Galway Racecourse.
Visitors to its stand at Linkway 79 will discover the comprehensive portfolio of LOCTITE adhesives, dispensing systems and curing technologies – all engineered to help medical device manufacturers design and produce smaller, safer and higher-performing products.
With more than 40 biocompatible adhesives – alongside hundreds of other proven solutions –LOCTITE empowers customers to enhance design flexibility, improve manufacturing efficiency and meet stringent regulatory requirements.
As part of the event’s conference programme, Stephen Fearon, Application Engineer at Henkel Ireland, will present “Novel advancements in LOCTITE Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Technology.”
Developed at Henkel’s ‘My Green Lab’certified R&D centre in Tallaght, Dublin, this latest medical-grade adhesive offers rapid curing on diverse substrates, exceptional thermal performance and compliance with ISO 10993 protocol testing.
The session will explore the science behind this and other cyanoacrylate adhesives, Henkel’s unique monomer production capabilities and how
this breakthrough technology meets the evolving demands of healthcare and medical device manufacturing, from complex assemblies to sterilisation resilience and long-term durability.
In addition to its product displays, LOCTITE will also highlight its ongoing commitment to sustainability through advanced adhesive formulations that reduce or eliminate chemicals of concern such as CMRs, SVHCs and skin irritants – supporting safer workplaces and more sustainable manufacturing processes.
“Medical Technology Ireland is a key opportunity for us to connect directly with innovators in the medical device sector,” said George Hickey, Market & Customer Activation Manager at Henkel.
“Between the LOCTITE stand at the show and Stephen’s in-depth technical talk, we’re looking forward to showcasing how our advanced adhesive technologies can help manufacturers achieve next-generation performance, safety and sustainability.”
DigitalCatapult has announced a £400,000 investment in deep tech startup Optimal Slope, a mining technology company on a mission to transform open-pit mining into a more efficient and environmentally sustainable industry. The investment will enable the startup to secure more partnerships with global mining companies, as it looks to scale its solution, decarbonise mining operations and equip the sector to be future ready through the application of its deep tech solution.
Founded in 2021, Optimal Slope developed the world’s first software platform to automate, optimise, and digitalise the design of mine pit walls, which are the stepped rock faces that form the sides of an open-pit mine, and is a process that traditionally relies upon manual trial-and-error by engineers. By intelligently minimising the excavation of waste rock, Optimal Slope’s solution reduces costs, increases mine profitability, and significantly cuts the carbon footprint of mining operations, which is critical to decarbonising the sector and driving industrial supply chain resilience.
While mining is often associated with a nega-
tive environmental impact, it is also essential for producing the metals required to build solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies. By reducing waste and energy usage in the excavation process, Optimal Slope helps the mining industry to deliver the resources needed for the global energy transition, playing a key role in shifting perceptions of the sector and strengthening the resilience of supply chains for critical minerals.
Optimal Slope’s platform is already in use with international mining companies, and the investment will support expansion into key international markets such as Australia, Canada, South America, and Africa, where metal mining is critical to both local economies and the global clean energy supply chain. With Digital Catapult’s £400,000 investment in the form of a convertible loan note (CLN), the company will also refine its product with user feedback and strengthen its commercialisation and marketing efforts.
Stefano Utili, Co-Founder and CEO of Optimal Slope, said: “Mining has a crucial role to play in the transition to renewable energy, but the industry needs to change the way it operates to gain wide-
spread social acceptability. Our mission is to help mines become cleaner, more efficient, and more digitally advanced, and Digital Catapult’s investment is a strong endorsement of our vision. This investment will help us grow our customer base, refine our product with real-world feedback, and demonstrate that mining can be both profitable and sustainable, as we look to partner with mining leaders around the world to enact a low-carbon future.”
Susan Bowen, CEO of Digital Catapult, said: “Optimal Slope is demonstrating how deep tech innovation can transform the mining industry, making it cleaner, more efficient, and better aligned with the needs of the global energy transition. This investment will help the team to scale their solution internationally and showcase how deep tech can reshape essential industries for a sustainable future. Driving industrial supply chain resilience is something that we continue to champion at Digital Catapult, and we’re pleased to support Optimal Slope’s solution that will strengthen the resilience of critical mineral supply chains and equip the sector to be future-ready.”
mining company Asante Gold ordered a fleet of underground mining trucks, loaders, face drilling rigs and production drilling rigs for their operations at the Chirano Gold Mine, a combined underground and open pit gold mine in southwestern Ghana. In addition, Asante Gold also ordered a digital situational awareness solution that will increase efficiency by keeping track of the machines and providing near real-time production metrics such as tonnages moved, cycle time and meters drilled. Epiroc will also provide tools, spare parts and service support.
The equipment order, booked in the third quarter 2025, is valued at around MSEK 115 (MUSD 12).
“We are very pleased to support Asante Gold with our top-modern loaders, trucks and drilling rigs,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “The digital situational awareness solution will boost operational efficiency as well as safety through improved production monitoring.”
Dave Anthony, Asante Gold’s President and CEO, says: “We are excited to collaborate with Epiroc to upgrade operations and increase gold production at our Chirano Mine. The Epiroc mine equipment fleet is world class and brings advanced technology, plus reliability. This strategic partnership
marks a significant step towards unlocking Chirano’s full potential and we are confident it will generate lasting value for years to come.”
Asante Gold ordered a fleet of the Minetruck MT65 S hauler, Scooptram ST18 S loader, Boomer M20 S face drilling rig and Simba E70 S production drilling rig. The machines are part of Epiroc’s Smart series which means that they are automation ready.
Delivery of the equipment has begun and will continue for the next few months.
ABB completes BrightLoop acquisition to scale electrification in mining, off-highway and marine markets
ABB has officially completed its acquisition of BrightLoop, a French pioneer in advanced power electronics, marking a key step in ABB’s strategy to accelerate electrification across mining, industrial mobility and marine propulsion. The transaction gives ABB a 93% controlling interest in BrightLoop, with the remaining 7% expected to be acquired by 2028. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Paris, le 21 mai 2025. Signature de rachat de la societe BrightLoop. Crédit photo Kaloe Photogrphie.
Founded in 2010 and based in Paris, France, BrightLoop has built a strong reputation for its high-performance DC/DC converters, originally developed for motorsports and now used in every car on the ABB FIA Formula E grid. These compact, efficient, and
scalable systems are now being deployed in sectors such as construction, mining, marine, aerospace, hydrogen mobility, and defense, where reliability, space, and weight are critical to performance.
Commenting on the announcement, Edgar Keller, President of ABB’s Traction division, said: “We’re very pleased to have successfully completed the acquisition of BrightLoop. It’s a significant milestone that strengthens our position in the electrification space and brings valuable expertise into ABB as we continue to support the transition to cleaner, more efficient transport systems.”
“This is an exciting new chapter for BrightLoop and our 90 employees. With ABB’s global scale and shared commitment to innovation,
Itaúna Ltda (Minerita) has selected Metso to supply all key comminution equipment for its greenfield Compact iron ore project located in Itatiaiuçu, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The plant aims to produce 4.5 Mtpy of high-grade premium pellet feed in two phases.
The energy-efficient comminution circuit for the first phase will process compact itabirite iron ore and will consist of a Nordberg® C160™ jaw crusher, followed by a Nordberg® MP800 cone crusher, an HRC™e high pressure grinding roll (HPGR) and a 3.9 MW Select™ ball mill for primary grinding. Regrinding will be done with two Vertimill® VTM4500 stirred mills. The Vertimill® order has been booked in Minerals’ 2025 third-quarter orders received, and the rest in Minerals’ 2025 first-quarter orders. The value of the orders is not disclosed.
“The investment reflects our long-term collaboration with Metso on the Compact project. Initial contact was made already around 2010, and the close collaboration was key in selecting Metso as the partner for this energy-efficient comminution circuit. Recently, we had also purchased two Metso Larox® FFP3512 pressure filters for our tailings dewatering system to improve our existing dry stacking process and to enable a more sustainable and modern tailings management. These investments are aligned with our strategic objectives and our values, notably those of always doing things simply and doing them well, and valuing safety and sustainability,” explained Mr. Diego Reis, General Manager of projects and maintenance, and Mr. Lúcio Cerceau, Process General Manager at Minerita.
we’re looking forward to accelerating our growth and continuing to deliver cutting-edge power electronics to the industries that need them most”, said Florent Liffran, CEO of BrightLoop. Together, ABB and BrightLoop are set to accelerate the shift to cleaner, smarter, and more efficient energy systems.
“This order is a great example of how our customers are embracing more energy-efficient and sustainable comminution flowsheets,” said Christoph Hoetzel, Senior Vice President, Grinding at Metso. “The now selected Vertimill® stirred mills and high pressure grinding roll technology are part of the Metso Plus portfolio, offering a more energy-efficient and sustainable way to grind ore, while also helping to reduce the operational costs and improve process performance through enhanced particle size control and reduced water consumption.”
Minerita’s order contributes to the rapid expansion of Metso’s global HPGR installation base, reinforcing the growing demand for sustainable comminution solutions. Through its comprehensive comminution solutions and extensive services, Metso offers grinding solutions with optimal configurations to customer-specific operational conditions, thereby enhancing energy efficiency, availability, and reliability.
Just under half (48%) of manufacturing CFOs have experienced a ‘significant’ cybersecurity breach in the last two years according to Corpay research
New research commissioned by global S&P500 corporate payments company, Corpay, reveals that UK CFOs working in the manufacturing sector believe that cyber threats, legacy systems, and fragmented processes are key barriers to modernising their organisation’s finance operations.
According to the research, every UK manufacturing CFO surveyed (100%) has experienced a payments-related cyber incident in the last 24 months, underscoring just how exposed finance teams have become. In addition, just under half (48%) say they have experienced a ‘significant’ breach. Although only 30% cite cyber risk as an operational concern, nearly all (90%) plan to increase investment in cybersecurity in 2025, with half (50%) preparing for a significant uplift.
The findings from a sample of UK-based CFOs - a third of which all work in manufacturing - reflect the pressures facing finance leaders today as they work to manage risk, control costs, and modernise operations in an increasingly complex and interconnected payments landscape[4].
The appetite for automation remains strong across manufacturing CFOs. More than half of those surveyed (52%) want to prioritise cross-border payments, while 50% want to focus on Accounts Payable and expense management 42%. Fraud detection and prevention (34%) also remain key priorities, underscoring a universal demand for digitisation.
Despite strong automation intent, manufacturers face significant barriers. Half of CFOs surveyed cite integration with existing systems as their biggest blocker to automation, while 38% highlight cyber and data privacy concerns and 36% point to a lack of expertise. These findings
echo wider desk research showing manufacturers face the longest supplier payment delays (46 days on average) due to siloed systems, fragmented approvals, and outdated tools.
Visibility is another challenge. While 88% of manufacturing CFOs say real-time oversight of payments is important[5], just two-thirds (66%) feel confident their processes are optimised for cost control and efficiency, leaving many exposed to unnecessary costs, risks, and delays.
Piero Macari, Corpay Complete’s VP of Product, said: “Manufacturers are telling us loud and clear: cross-border efficiency, automation, and real-time visibility are no longer nice-to-haves - they are urgent requirements. Yet integration and legacy systems are keeping too many finance teams in the dark. Corpay Complete is purpose-built to address exactly these pain points. It’s a unified, mobile first platform that brings together AP, FX, expenses, and supplier payments so CFOs can automate processes, reduce risk, and gain the visibility they need to stay competitive.”
The research highlights that finance leaders are ready to act but are constrained by outdated systems, fragmented processes, and a lack of visibility. Corpay Complete, launched earlier this year in the UK, provides an opportunity to make the change needed. By unifying and digitising Accounts Payable processes, including domestic and international payments, as well as corporate card expenses, it enables CFOs to automate manual processes, shrink the threat surface, and gain total visibility across every transaction.
Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, visited the offices of Productive Machines to learn about the company’s transformative impact on UK manufacturing. During her visit, Ms. Champion had the opportunity to experience firsthand the capabilities of Productive Machines’ flagship product, SenseNC™, an autonomous milling optimization software that is revolutionising the machining industry.
Left to right (Alex Cotton from AML Sheffield, Sarah Champion, MP, Dr Erdem Ozturk, Arman Zonuzi from Productive Machines)
The visit included a demonstration of the company’s innovative tap testing process, which is used to optimise machining operations and eliminate costly inefficiencies. Ms. Champion also engaged with the Productive Machines team to discuss how their technology is helping UK manufacturers increase productivity, reduce waste, and bring manufacturing back to the UK through reshoring initiatives. Alex
Cotton from AML Sheffield, a leading aerospace manufacturer and a key customer of Productive Machines, also supported the visit. Alex showcased one of the actual parts manufactured by AML using Productive Machines’ SenseNC™ technology. This demonstration highlighted the real-world impact of the software, which has enabled AML to reduce cycle times,improve quality, and make UK-based production competitive with overseas alternatives.
Speaking about her visit, Sarah Champion MP said: "It’s inspiring to see the incredible work being done by Productive Machines right here in Rotherham. Their cutting-edge technology is not only boosting productivity and sustainability for UK manufacturers but also making reshoring a viable option. This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to strengthen British industry and create high-value jobs locally."
Dr. Erdem Ozturk, Founder and CEO of Productive Machines, expressed his gratitude for Ms.
Champion’s visit, stating: "We were honoured to host Sarah Champion MP and showcase the impact of our technology on UK manufacturing. SenseNC™ is designed to empower manufacturers to achieve world-class results, and it’s exciting to see how our work aligns with the broader goals of supporting British industry and sustainability. We look forward to continuing to drive innovation and growth in the sector."
The visit highlighted Productive Machines’ commitment to supporting UK manufacturers by providing advanced solutions that enhance productivity, improve quality, and reduce environmental impact. The company’s reshoring success stories, such as its work with AML Sheffield, demonstrate how technology can make UK manufacturing competitive on a global scale.
Has the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy hit the mark for smart manufacturing?
Witha fresh 10-year blueprint for economic growth, the UK’s Industrial Strategy puts advanced manufacturing at the heart of its ambitions. James Watson, Partner, and Rachel Noll, Manager for Data & AI at IRIS at Argon & Co, explore how smarter use of data, automation, and robotics can help manufacturers unlock productivity, resilience, and long-term growth.
The UK Government’s newly launched Industrial Strategy was long in the making, but has arrived with bold ambitions. Its 10-year roadmap for economic growth has a firm bet on advanced manufacturing as one of the eight high-potential industries in the UK, along with sectors like financial services,
clean energy, and life sciences.
For many operating in this sector, this support couldn’t have arrived soon enough. Manufacturing has been pushed from disruption to disruption, hampered by inflation, persistent labour shortages, and global supply chain crises. Businesses have been urgently calling for tools to help them do more with less, and, against this backdrop, the Government’s commitment to invest in digital transformation and skills has been widely welcomed.
The Industrial Strategy features investment in specialist advisory services and organisations to increase technology and robotics adoption across advanced manufacturing. But the big question is now whether it will deliver the change that manufacturers are hankering for, especially in relation to smart manufacturing.
Central to the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan is a push to scale the adoption of robotics, data, and advanced digital technologies. While cutting-edge automation and predictive AI are becoming more accessible, many manufacturers – particularly SMEs – still lack the
maturity or infrastructure to implement them.
The Industrial Strategy aims to bridge this gap, announcing a new Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) programme, backed by an initial investment of £40 million. This will establish a new network of Robotics Adoption Hubs – physical centres with the expertise, equipment, and connections to accelerate firms’ adoption of robotics. These will be designed as a ‘one-stop shop’ to help end-users invest in RAS technologies in a safe, low-risk environment.
However, smarter manufacturing also needs to be backed by operational visibility and a strong data foundation. Here’s how manufacturers can embark on this journey successfully:
Manufacturers first need sight of their core operational metrics to define and monitor performance. After all, you cannot improve what you don’t measure.
Many manufacturers still rely on paper-based reports and inconsistent metrics, making it hard to compare shifts or pinpoint problems. Without operational visibility, actions tend to be reactive and retrospective. Perhaps a shift has underperformed, but without reliable data, it’s impossible to identify the cause.
Continue reading at: www.industryeurope.net
British Business Bank commits £6.6bn to back innovation as part the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy and to unlock potential for entrepreneurs across the UK
Today, the Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade announced that £6.6bn of new capital is being committed by the British Business Bank to boost growth, marking a major step change in financing to support smaller businesses to start and scale in the UK.
A new £4bn initiative, British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, will be invested through the Bank’s existing capabilities across the eight growth-driving sectors - advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, creative industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences, and professional and business services - crowding in another c.£12bn of private capital. British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital will therefore deliver around £16.0bn of capital to invest in smaller businesses and innovation across the eight Industrial Strategy sectors over the next four years.
As part of the Spending Review settlement, the British Business Bank will also
be committing £2.6bn of capital to support entrepreneurs wherever and whoever they are to access capital, driving the growth of smaller businesses across the UK’s Nations and regions, including high-growth innovation clusters across the country.
This follows the recent announcement at the Spending Review of the increase in the British Business Bank's total financial capacity to £25.6bn, which will enable a two-thirds increase in investments to around £2.5bn each year. This investment is expected to crowd in tens of billions of pounds of additional private capital and will support the most innovative UK businesses to access the capital they need to start, scale and stay in the UK.
Also confirmed were reforms to the British Business Bank’s governance and financial arrangements which will be implemented by the end of this financial year. These will place the Bank in a position to successfully deliver
the increased level of investment activity and will mean the Bank has a newly permanent and more fungible capital base, with greater flexibility to re-invest returns over the long term to increase growth and prosperity across the UK. This £16.0bn of permanent capital, which will be invested through economic cycles, will help underpin investment and confidence in the UK’s growth and innovation economy.
Louis Taylor, CEO, British Business Bank, said: “We welcome today’s announcement by the Secretary of State to deliver British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, as well as the reforms to the Bank’s governance and financial framework. Using our market expertise and reach, we have a critical role to play in supporting smaller businesses in the eight growth-driving sectors to grow and stay in the UK.
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They made NORD DRIVESYSTEMS a system provider: Since the 1980s, frequency inverters have been an integral part of the modular products offered by the specialist for drive solutions from Bargteheide. NORD’s drive electronics portfolio meets the requirements of numerous industry applications and always stays close to the market with its developments.
During the configuration and design of a drive system, NORD takes more into account than just motion. The focus is on energy consumption, increased operational reliability, reduced total cost of ownership or similar issues. “For us, drives are more than just their power”, says Jörg Niermann, Head of Marketing at NORD DRIVESYSTEMS. “We develop drive solutions that are precisely tailored to applications and associated customer requirements.”
The company maintains a wide range of products from which it can precisely develop system solutions for applications. Since the mid-1980s, an extensive portfolio of centralised and decentralised
drive electronics supplement the manufacturer’s motors and gear units to create complete solutions. The range of services and functions reflects the diverse needs of the more than 100 industries supplied by NORD.
The frequency inverters are therefore characterised by high compatibility with all system designs and numerous integrated functions that make the integration of additional components superfluous.
• NORDAC PRO is the control cabinet inverter with multi-protocol Ethernet interface and multi-encoder interface for multi-axis control.
• NORDAC LINK for installation close to the motor provides full plug-in capability, therefore facilitating the installation and maintenance.
• NORDAC FLEX is installed directly on the motor and has a modular structure as well as scalable functions.
• NORDAC ON for motor mounting controls the high-efficiency motors from NORD and provides easy commissioning thanks to its
multi-protocol Ethernet interface and plug-andplay capability.
The programme is constantly being developed further to meet the changing market requirements. Among others, the functional safety of the NORDAC frequency inverters is extended step by step to include additional communication protocols. In a next step, the NORDAC ON will feature new safety functions: In addition to STO and SS1, it will also be available with SLS, SMS and SSM in the future. Based on the Profisafe and FSoE interfaces, integration into existing Ethernet environments and operation as a stand-alone solution will then be possible.
Furthermore, the NORDAC ON will soon also be available for the wash-down area. As NORDAC ON PURE, it will feature the food-safe NXD tupH® surface treatment, a smooth, rounded housing design and a reduced number of plugs. Then, NORD will be able to supply complete drive solutions with aluminium housings and particularly resistant surfaces from a single source.
ABBannounced today that it is accelerating the development of gigawatt scale nextgeneration data centers in collaboration with NVIDIA. Innovation will focus on the development and deployment of cutting-edge power solutions needed to create high-efficiency, scalable power delivery for future AI workloads. The research and development projects will support NVIDIA’s planned introduction of 800 VDC power architecture for 1 megawatt server racks.
Delivering this level of power efficiently requires major advancements in power distribution technologies and architecture. Future data center power architectures will combine a medium voltage (MV) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with direct current (DC) power distribution to the server room using solid-state power electronics devices.
“ABB is leading the development of the key new power distribution technologies that will create the next generation of data centers. We have been an early investor in the cuttingedge UPS, DC and solid-state electronics that will enable data centers to stay ahead of AI’s growing power demands,” said Giampiero Frisio, President, ABB Electrification. “This
collaboration supporting the development of 800 VDC architectures for future data centers is one of the many ways we are engaging with the data center community to serve the needs of this dynamic market.”
Global data center demand is forecast to rise from 80 GW in 2024 to reach around 220GW by 2030, with capital expenditure projected to exceed $1 trillion (Source: Dell ’Oro Group). AI workloads are expected to account for around 70 percent of this growth.
"As AI demands continue to grow around the world, data centers require new approaches to power distribution that improve efficiency and simplify designs,” said Dion Harris, senior director, HPC, Cloud and AI Infrastructure, NVIDIA.
“Through our collaboration, NVIDIA and ABB are supporting the industry in advancing toward 800 volt architectures that will enable the highdensity AI infrastructure needed to fuel the next generation of AI."
ABB’s portfolio for data centers encompasses intelligent power distribution systems, backup power solutions, digital monitoring, and other essential technologies that ensure continuous operations and optimize energy use for AI servers. Approximately 40% of ABB’s scientific research in electrification is in areas critical to next gen data centers such as electrical architectures, protection devices, DC distribution and cooling.
Recent ABB innovations that support the data center industry include ABB’s HiPerGuard, the world’s first solid-state MV UPS. HiPerGuard solutions help AI data centers increase their power density and energy efficiency in a smaller footprint. ABB’s SACE Infinitus is the world's first IEC-certified solid-state circuit breaker and is designed to provide the speed and controllability needed to make direct current distribution viable.
Panasonic Factory Solutions has implemented its TAWERS G4 Welding Robot System for STADLER Anlagenbau, a manufacturer of specialist systems for turnkey recycling and waste sorting plants. This automates manual welding processes, vastly reducing welding cycle times, and increasing production line efficiency and scalability.
With all systems and components manufactured in-house, STADLER currently uses Panasonic G3 systems to manage all welding on the conveyor belt frame system, pre assembly, and actual assembly. The integrated welding source, broad process range (MIG/MAG, Puls-MAG, CO2), and Panasonic’s intuitive Weld Navigation software provides high flexibility while maintaining stable quality.
The new G4 Welding Robot System optimises welding process management into a single controller for high-quality arc welding. It features improved controller processing power, higher axis speeds, and optimised controller-robot communication. The G4’s high-resolution touchscreen simplifies programming, with enhanced contact tips delivering superior welding quality and reliability. This removes the need for increased spares storage and minimises maintenance downtime.
Prior to installation, STADLER undertook extensive simulations, and test welds at Panasonic’s Robot & Welding Test Centre in Neuss, with employees given specialist training to maximise the G4’s functionality.
"Panasonic’s robot welding systems are easy to operate and maintain. As a result, the cycle and throughput time for some products, including all preparation, has been reduced to one-third of the original
time. Aside from scheduled maintenance cycles, the G4 has exhibited faultless reliability since installation. If any questions do arise, support is always quickly available when required, providing peace-of-mind,” comments Bruno Stützle, Head of Production at STADLER.
STADLER uses Panasonic’s offline Desktop Programming & Simulation (DTPS) software across its production line. This provides remote digital access to real-time production and system operating data, allowing it to simultaneously plan and simulate manufacturing processes. This increases production flexibility, saving valuable time and resources.
DTPS can also directly input CAD data (in multiple formats) into the production line. Component geometries can be easily adapted, while features such as collision detection, cycle time calculation, and welding parameter optimisation significantly improve quality and efficiency.
“Panasonic’s DTPS offline programming software enables us to simulate and optimise production processes in the planning phase. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors and required rework," adds Stützle.
The addition of a third TAWERS Welding Robot System has vastly increased STADLER’s production efficiency. This provides it with the scalability to expand internationally into new regions, and explore new business opportunities in electronic waste and clothing recycling.
Panasonic will exhibit its TAWERS G4 Welding Robot System in Hall 9, Booth 9505 at Schweisstec 2025, between 21st-24th October. To read the full case study, please visit: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/casestudies/manual-welding-automation
Under Vaisala Circular, customers have a dedicated pool of measurement probes, securely stored and maintained at Vaisala’s service centers. When calibration is necessary, customers simply order replacement probes from Vaisala online and swap them in - thereby minimizing measurement downtime. Batches of used probes then circle back to Vaisala for recalibration, storage and re-use. These refurbished probes retain Warranty for the full term of the Circular agreement.
Explaining the significance of the new service, Shan Gao, Director of Vaisala’s Global Service Line, says: “As the designer, developer and manufacturer of measurement probes, we are in the best position to maintain them and deliver long-term value for customers. Our testing, maintenance and calibration capabilities are so rigorous that probes are returned
to operation with appropriate certification, and in ‘as-new’ condition. When Vaisala probes are used and maintained according to specifications, they can be expected to last for more than a decade.”
By assuming responsibility for probe management, Vaisala Circular delivers long-term peace of mind to customers, providing reliable, accurate measurements and enabling process optimization and waste reduction to improve sustainability.
The range of measurement parameters included in the Circular service is the widest currently offered in its market and includes humidity, dew point, temperature, carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide.
Summarizing, Shan Gao says: “Circular is a good example of Vaisala’s determination to develop life-long partnerships, offering customers increased operating uptime and
reliable measurements, with predictable instrumentation and maintenance costs.”
• Maximizes accuracy and reliability
• Minimizes downtime and extends probe life and Warranty
• Customers retain probe ownership, but Vaisala maintains them in ‘as-new’ condition
• Uses Vaisala’s high-end calibration facilities, following world-class standards
• Reduces waste & optimizes efficiency to improve sustainability
• Makes probe performance and maintenance costs predictable
In the world of heavy-duty trucks, industrial machinery and military platforms, an axle is more than a shaft and bearings: it’s a statement of strength, durability and engineering excellence. And few firms better exemplify that ethos than Finland’s Sisu Axles.
Originally rooted in the axle production arm of Finland’s Sisu vehicles, the business was spun off in 1995 into Sisu Akselit Oy, as a standalone venture focused on drivetrain components. Over the decades, its parentage has shifted, and in December 2011 it became part of the U.S.-based Marmon Highway Technologies / Marmon-Herrington group. But the Scandinavian DNA — rugged, precise, customer-customised — remains firmly in the driving seat.
With its headquarters and key manufacturing located in Hämeenlinna, Finland, Sisu Axles is relatively small — around 40 staff. Yet it operates globally, supplying axles for everything from off-road trucks Down Under to container handlers, specialty vehicles and military rigs across continents. The company positions itself not as a mass producer but as a nimble, engineering-driven supplier: “high quality, short lead time, flexibility and excellent product performance,” as their homepage puts it.
The core of Sisu’s offering lies in planetary reduction axles and independent suspension axle systems for demanding applications. Their product suites include:
• Drive-steer and non-drive steer axles
• Rigid rear axles in single, tandem or even tridem configurations
• Custom axles for military and industrial duty, including independent suspension systems in 6×6, 8×8 and 10×10 formats
• Axles for container handling or terminal tractors, with unusually high load ratings
In heavier classes, their driven axles span single units rated at 10–20.5 tonnes, tandems rated 20–41 tonnes, and even tridem configurations reaching 39–61.5 tonnes. Non-driven steer axles are offered in the 8–13 tonne bracket, sometimes with disc or wedge brakes. Their industrial and terminal axle line offers capacities up to 30–38 tonnes, with either drum or oil-immersed disc brakes.
Sisu emphasizes in-house design and intellectual property — no contract manufacturing, and all differential, wheel end and engineering work done internally. They insist that this allows tighter collaboration with vehicle OEMs and better tailoring of specs to exact use-cases.
One of the more intriguing windows into Sisu’s engineering ethos comes from their test bench operations. To ensure designs translate to real performance, the R&D team revamped their torque testing setup using T40 torque transducers by HBM (formerly HBK).
According to Jouni Teppo, Director of R&D at Sisu Axles:
“It is essential for the product development that design data can be verified in a test bench. We can make sure that what has been calculated takes place in practice. With the data we receive, we can save in production costs. Accurate and real-time torque data is extremely important to us.”
Thanks to the upgrade, measurement error has dropped dramatically — from several percent down to about 0.05 %. The new sensors even support wireless telemetry in the test rig, simplifying setup and data collection.
Such attention to measurement precision may seem niche, but for heavy-duty axle systems — which must survive harsh duty cycles, heavy torque loads, shock stresses and prolonged duty — such rigor is indispensable.
Though rooted in Finland, Sisu Axles’ reach is truly global. Their components find homes in everything from Australian road trains to military vehicles in Europe and industrial rigs across Asia.
One illustrative case: in 2017, Marmon-Herrington (Sisu’s parent group) was chosen to supply Sisu planetary axles for Western Star’s XD-25 truck in North America — a demanding, extreme-duty platform. Western Star’s sales manager John Tomlinson noted:
“Western Star chose Sisu for the XD-25 due to Sisu’s reputation and dedication to robustness and quality.”
That order underscored how Sisu’s legacy in tough Nordic terrain — winter roads, rugged forestry, remote sites — translates well into challenging markets elsewhere.
Sisu is also tightly integrated into the Marmon-Herrington / Marmon Highway Technologies global axle business, particularly in North America, leveraging shared capabilities and logistics. A key part of that is the so-called Rapid Response Program, which allows key Sisu configurations to be shipped within 30 days to customers in the U.S.
In 2017, Marmon unveiled heavier Sisu tandem (90,000 lb) and tridem (136,000 lb) planetary sets for heavy haul use in North America, pushing gross combination weight ratings to 400,000 and 600,000 lbs respectively. That move signalled intention to compete head-on in the heaviest transport segments — not just conventional trucks.
Engineering a durable axle is only half the equation — keeping it running in the field matters too. Sisu runs an Aftermarket division that handles spare parts, product support and service bulletins. Their site offers technical bulletins covering retrofits, lubrication guidance, wear limits and adjustments for various axle families (e.g. FRMP13/16, SSDP drive steer series, etc.).
Given that many customers operate in remote or high-duty environments, having reliable spare part sourcing and field support is often a competitive differentiator. Sisu leans into that: their branding emphasizes service, not just supply.
Operating in niche markets (heavy haul, military, industrial) has advantages — margins can be higher, and customers often demand customization — but it also carries challenges. Scale is limited, competition from larger driveline integrators looms, and supply chain complications in global markets can cut both ways.
Still, Sisu seems well aware of these tradeoffs. Their strategy of in-house design, close collaboration with OEMs, and R&D rigor is likely intended to keep them indispensable rather than interchangeable. The ability to test, validate and iterate quickly is essential when a failure in extreme use (e.g. mining, off-road, battlefield) can be catastrophic.
Moreover, global trends emphasize heavier payloads, electric and hybrid drivetrains, and more demanding torque profiles — fertile territory for a company that already emphasizes torque accuracy, robustness and heavyweight gear sets. If Sisu can evolve its platforms (say, for electric conversions or higher torque density) without losing their core DNA, they could remain very relevant.
Also, in Europe, increasing tensions and defence budgets may drive more procurement in military vehicle platforms — an area where Sisu already competes. (Some commentary in defence industry media suggests Sisu may expand its military axle portfolio under shifting security conditions in Europe.)
In the quiet city of Hämeenlinna, a small but technically ambitious firm builds the literal backbone of some of the world’s toughest vehicles. Sisu Axles may not command mass recognition like a truck OEM, but in the axle world, its reputation is earned through steel, precision, field experience and engineering integrity.
Under the umbrella of Marmon–Herrington, with the global reach that comes with that connection — and a technical edge in testing and customization — Sisu Axles punches above its weight. Its story is one of niche excellence: staying lean, engineering deep, and earning rugged credibility one axle at a time. n
MAHLE has been awarded the Gold Medal by EcoVadis, one of the leading independent specialists for corporate sustainability ratings, for its performance in the area of sustainability. With 82 out of a possible 100 points, the technology group thus ranks among the top five percent of all companies assessed by EcoVadis worldwide. Compared to the previous year’s rating, MAHLE was able to improve in the categories of environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. “This gold award is a strong signal that we are on the right track. As a conscientious foundation-owned company, we are committed to sustainable business practices—not only as a moral obligation, but also as a strategic success factor,” said Georg Dietz, member of the Management Board of the MAHLE Group.
MAHLE achieved EcoVadis'' highest rating of ''Outstanding'' in the categories of environment as well as labor and human rights. This was made possible through concrete suc -
cesses: In 2024, the group reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 47 percent in comparison with the reference year 2019, while Scope 3 emissions fell by 17 percent. Through systematic safety measures, the accident rate improved from 2.8 to 2.1 lost-time accidents per 1 million working hours.
In addition, last year MAHLE signed the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles on gender equality in the workplace and in society. The external recognition of the MAHLE climate targets by the Science Based Targets Initiative and the “ESG Transparency Award 2024” for the comprehensive sustainability reporting of MAHLE were also honored by EcoVadis.
“This outstanding result fills us with pride and encourages us at the same time. We have improved by 16 points in just one year. That shows that our sustainability strategy is not only ambitious, but also effective. We will continue to consistently pursue this path and further consolidate our leading position in
Kabel has a wide range of cables certified according to UN/ECE-R 118.02. It covers various product categories from power transmission to signal transmission. This positions the supplier as a partner for safe electrification in the automotive sector.
TKD Kabel offers UN/ECE-R 118.02 certified cables covering product categories from power to signal transmission
UN/ECE-R 118.02 is an international standard that specifies fire safety guidelines for materials and components in motor vehicles such as buses and coaches. Its purpose is to ensure passenger safety. For electrical cables, the certification requires flame tests to be carried out to examine the cables for flammability and self-extinguishing properties. TKD Kabel
international comparison,” said Kathrin Apel, Global Head of Sustainability, Health, Occupational Safety and Environmental Management at MAHLE.
EcoVadis independently assesses the environmental, social and ethical performance of more than 150,000 companies of all sizes in 250 industry categories and 185 countries. The ratings created serve as a basis for the companies to monitor and improve the sustainability performance of their business practices and their trading partners.
has an extensive portfolio of cables for the automotive sector that meet these strict requirements.
The spectrum covers all areas of vehicle electronics, ranging from lighting and air conditioning systems to on-board electronics and control or communication applications. ECE-R-certified products include electronic cables from the ELITRONIC®-CY series distributed by TKD Kabel, which are used to transmit analog and digital signals in measurement, control, and regulation technology. The ÖPVC-JZ/OZ control cables are suitable for use as power, control, connection, and interconnect cables in flexible applications. With its Industrial Ethernet cables for Cat.5e to Cat.7A, TKD Kabel supports secure signal transmission in harsh environments. The ECE-R portfolio is rounded off by wiring cables for luminaires. In addition, as a technical distribution partner of HUBER+SUHNER in German-speaking countries, TKD Kabel offers RADOX® brand automotive cables. These are also certified according to UN/ECE-R 118.02.
With its certification, TKD Kabel underscores its commitment to being a partner for safe electrification in the automotive sector. All cables and wires have been specially developed to ensure reliable functionality and safety even under extreme conditions. For about a year now, the automotive sector has been part of TKD Kabel’s broad industry portfolio. The company supports its customers in equipping vehicles with solutions for power distribution between the charging port, batteries, and drive systems.
Users benefit from TKD’s technological expertise and application knowledge, as well as from comprehensive TKD services. For example, TKD Kabel also handles cable assembly, such as cutting cables to length, stripping insulation, or attaching connector parts. The company has a local warehouse and can therefore implement customized delivery models such as just-in-time delivery.
StenaLine’s newest vessel, Stena Connecta, was officially named at the CMI Shipyard in Weihai, China on October 16, and will soon begin her maiden voyage to her new home port on the Irish Sea. Alongside Stena Futura, which entered service in September, these two new freight ferries will boost freight capacity by 40 percent on the Belfast–Heysham route.
Attending the ceremony were Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson, members of the company’s executive team, and Stena AB owner Dan Sten Olsson.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate yet another milestone for our fleet and our company today. Stena Connecta and her sister vessel represent the very latest in maritime technology and will not only play a crucial role in maintaining essential transport links in Ireland and the UK but also make a significant contribution to our sustainability goals of reducing CO² emissions by 30 percent by 2030,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.
Stena Connecta is a New Max RoRo ship built for maximised freight capacity, with 2,800 lane metres across its 147-metre length. It uses a multi-hybrid propulsion system enabling the use of battery power, biofuel, and methanol and has two 28x4 metre Norsepower Rotor Sails™ that can save up to 9% in fuel on its Irish Sea route between Belfast and Heysham. Its sister vessel, Stena Futura, is also ready for sail installation. Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with a fleet of 13 vessels (including Stena Connecta, which will enter service in January 2026). The company operates up to 238 weekly sailings, offering a wide network of routes that includes combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard, as well as dedicated freight routes from Belfast to Heysham and Dublin.This year marks 30 years of Stena Line operations on the Irish Sea, during which the company has played a vital role in supporting both trade and communities across the region.
BASF and Carlyle reach binding transaction agreement on coatings business to create a leading standalone company
BASF and funds managed by global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG), in partnership with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), have entered into a binding agreement relating to BASF’s automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish coatings, and surface treatment businesses (“BASF Coatings”).
NIO ES8 – Full aluminum car body with BASF Oxsilan® thin film pretreatment, CathoGuard® 800 e-coat, waterborne primer, waterborne basecoat and a two component clear coat.
The enterprise value of the transaction amounts to €7.7 billion. Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026. This transaction, together with the already closed divestiture of the decorative paints business, value BASF’s entire Coatings division at an enterprise value of €8.7 billion and an implied 2024 EV/EBITDA multiple before special items of approx. 13x. This represents a significant step in unlocking the value of BASF’s standalone businesses, as the company swiftly executes its Winning Ways strategy. BASF
will also reinvest in the coatings business holding a 40% equity stake and will receive pre-tax cash proceeds of approx. €5.8 billion at closing of the transaction.
BASF Coatings is a global player in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. The business operates in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific, and generated sales of approx. €3.8 billion in 2024.
Working closely alongside management, Carlyle will support the future growth of the business through investing in its commercial capabilities, innovation pipeline, and organizational structure to enhance customer focus. Carlyle will leverage its strong track record and extensive experience in successful carve-outs of industrial and chemical assets, following previous investments in Axalta, Atotech, and Nouryon.
“We are delighted to partner with Carlyle, whose sector expertise, carve-out capabilities
“Our investment in Stena Connecta and Stena Futura demonstrates our strong confidence in the continued growth of the Irish Sea region and our commitment to strengthening trade and connectivity. These vessels were commissioned as a direct response to customer demand for increased freight capacity on our routes,”added Niclas Mårtensson.
Stena Connecta will soon begin her delivery voyage from China to the Irish Sea, a journey expected to take several weeks. She will enter regular service on the Belfast–Heysham route from January 2026.
• Length: 147 m
• Beam: 26.3 m
• Built: 2023–2025, CMI Shipyard, Weihai, China
• Passenger capacity: 12
• Crew: 26
• Height clearance: 5.3 m
• Width clearance: 12 m
• Freight capacity: 2,848 lane metres
• Route: Belfast – Heysham (approx. 12 sailings per week)
and collaborative approach will help position BASF Coatings for long-term success,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. “By retaining an equity stake, we are showing our belief in Coatings’ future value creation and upside potential. The passion, expertise, and customer focus of our Coatings team is what makes this business outstanding.”
“The transaction announced today opens a new chapter of opportunity for BASF Coatings, building on today’s success and shaping an even stronger future,” said Anup Kothari, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and responsible for the Coatings division.
“BASF Coatings is an exceptional platform with leading technologies, a world-class management team, strong customer partnerships, and a truly global footprint,” said Martin Sumner, Global Head of Industrials, and Tanaka Maswoswe, Partner at Carlyle. “We see compelling opportunities to leverage our global platform to support the business becoming an established independent leader. This transaction exemplifies Carlyle’s ability to execute complex carve-outs in partnership with leading global corporates.”
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POLYVANTIS, a leading multi-material sheet and film solutions supplier, will highlight its innovative LEXAN™ F8000HR sheet for aircraft interiors at K 2025. With decades of experience supporting the aviation industry, POLYVANTIS continues to deliver advanced thermoplastic solutions that meet the most demanding requirements for safety, performance, and design flexibility.
POLYVANTIS offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the industry, serving global customers with trusted brands including EUROPLEX®, LEXAN™ polycarbonate (PC) film and sheet, and PLEXIGLAS® polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) semi-finished products. Its products are relied upon across the aviation sector for critical cabin applications such as seatbacks, armrests, tray tables, galley interiors, luggage bins, personal service units, and lighting. Through its expansive offering, POLYVANTIS provides the world’s largest range of compliant thermoplastic solutions for aircraft interiors, meeting stringent OSU and FST standards.
“POLYVANTIS is proud to be a trusted partner to the global aviation industry,” said Peter Chedd, Director, Mass Transportation, Europe at POLYVANTIS. “Our deep material expertise and longstanding brand heritage allow us to help customers solve complex challenges while driving innovation. LEXAN™ F8000HR sheet is a prime example of how we are shaping the future of aircraft interior design with lightweight, safe, and versatile materials.”
LEXAN™ F8000HR sheet is a next-generation thermoplastic solution based on LEXAN™ polycarbonate technology reinforced with glass fibers. It delivers exceptional strength-to-weight performance while meeting the most stringent
safety standards, including OSU (CS 25.853) and FST (FAR 25.853(d) + App.F Part IV). This unique combination makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring compliance with rigorous fire, smoke, and toxicity regulations.
Beyond safety, LEXAN™ F8000HR sheet offers outstanding thermoformability, enabling design freedom and efficient processing. Its lightweight properties support fuel efficiency and sustainability initiatives, while maintaining durability and reliability in demanding aviation environments.
With LEXAN™ F8000HR sheet and its extensive portfolio of high-performance materials, POLYVANTIS reaffirms its leadership as a one-stop supplier to the global aviation industry.
ENNOVI announces a strategic expansion of its focus beyond the automotive sector. In line with the electrification and artificial intelligence (AI) megatrends converging in the automotive industry to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable vehicles, the company will leverage its core connectivity capabilities to serve a broader market. This strategic decision builds on ENNOVI’s long-standing success as a trusted partner to customers, providing innovative battery and powertrain solutions spanning mild
48V hybrids to BEVs. Its solid, signal connectivity systems are also advancing autonomous driving capabilities. Each of these competencies seamlessly enables the electrification and AI transformation across other industries.
“Our ‘Beyond Automotive’ strategy is a natural evolution for ENNOVI,” says Stefan Rustler, CEO of ENNOVI. “By leveraging our innovation, speed, and global reach, we are set to empower customers to follow the electrification and AI megatrends across diverse industries to get to the future, faster, from anywhere.”
ENNOVI’s expansion will see the company applying its knowledge and expertise to aerospace, consumer devices, data storage, and industrial applications. At the same time, Interplex Medical will merge under ENNOVI’s brand. ENNOVI Medical delivers trusted medical solutions with precision, reliability, and scalability, enabling OEMs to develop missioncritical, smart devices in various applications,
including diagnostics, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and minimally invasive surgical applications.
This expansion will be supported by ENNOVI’s lean organizational structure and dedicated teams for these industries, which will enable the rapid customization of interconnects, busbars, power modules, and battery interconnects tailored to each region or customer platform. The company’s agility and local support closely meet the needs of these diverse markets, enabling OEMs to innovate at pace.
ENNOVI remains fully dedicated to supporting the automotive industry’s electrification transformation, recognizing the continued importance of PHEVs as a transitional technology for consumers and the varied regional adoption curves of HEVs and BEVs. This dual focus, combined with the new ‘Beyond Automotive’ strategy, strengthens ENNOVI’s position as a crucial strategic partner in the evolving global landscape.
