ACE - Issue 41 2025

AZM 150 SOLENOID INTERLOCK HIGH CODING SLIMLINE DESIGN WITH 360 ACTUATING HEAD

The new AZM150 electromechanical interlock boasts a slimline design and a holding force of 1,500 N. The AZM150 can be combined with a range of different actuators to suit different mounting situations, including a straight or angled actuator for sliding guards and a flexible actuator for small hinged guards.

A plus point of the interlock is the 360 degree rotating actuator head which is locked by simply putting on the cover. The actuator head with its two insert slits allows for a range of mounting and approach options for highly versatile use. o

SCHMERSAL | Enigma Business Park

Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GL

www.schmersal.co.uk

uksupport@schmersal.com

Innovation in motion: Bespoke Engineering that deliver results.

Four predictions for asset management in 2026.

Snap-On Industrial unveils new product range.

Midlands electric motor specialist celebrates 35 years of success.

Getting battery design right in robotoics

The hidden cost of tolerance: Why manufacturing excellence requires uncomfortable decisions.

Nulogy powers smarter manufacturing compliance with auditcomply acquisition.

Editor in Chief

Antony Holter antony@designbuybuild.co.uk 01304 806039

Sales Director Harriet Bennett director@mhmagazine.co.uk 0203 907 9161

Sales Manager Jamie Bullock jamie@mhmagazine.co.uk 01227 936971

Business Manager Josh Holmes josh@mhmagazine.co.uk

Studio Designer Leila Schmitz leila@mhmagazine.co.uk

Accounts Manager Lauren Holmes Lauren@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Publishing Director Martin Holmes martin@mhmagazine.co.uk Published by:

Media Global Ltd 18/20 Newington Road Ramsgate Kent CT12 6EE Tel: 01304 806039

VELOCITY COMPOSITES SECURES

MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWAL AND EXPANSION WITH UK TIER 1

AEROSPACE MANUFACTURER

Velocity Composites plc (AIM: VEL), a leading supplier of advanced composite material kits to the aerospace and high-performance manufacturing sectors, has secured a landmark contract renewal and expansion with a long-standing Tier One customer.

The newly signed long term agreement extends Velocity’s supply of structural composite material kits for the Airbus A350 programme, covering the A350900 and, for the first time, expanding into the A3501000 variant. The scope also includes additional new material kits across both aircraft types. The contract runs through to 2035 further cementing Velocity’s role as a trusted partner in one of the world’s most significant wide-body aircraft programmes.

Based on current Airbus build rate projections, the contract has an estimated potential value of up to $54 million. Revenue is expected to reach approximately $2.5 million in FY2026, with $1.0 million of that representing new business. This new work will replace

contracts with other customers that are naturally concluding, ensuring Velocity’s overall revenue trajectory remains aligned with its existing growth expectations.

All kits will be produced at Velocity’s advanced Burnley facility, where the company has been manufacturing A350-900 kits since 2017. Supply of the expanded packages is scheduled to begin in early 2026 following completion of the standard qualification and transfer process. Velocity already has approvals in place and a proven transfer track record, giving customers confidence in a seamless transition.

Jon Bridges, Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Composites, commented; “This renewal and expansion represents a major milestone for Velocity. It reflects the strength of our relationship with our customer and the confidence they have in our people, technology, and operational excellence. We

Airbus A350 in flight. Velocity Composites’ expanded long-term contract includes structural composite material kits for both the A350-900 and A350-1000 variants

are delighted to expand into the A350-1000 for the first time and to be supplying all remaining kitted material for both variants. With build rates expected to rise, this long-term contract secures a substantial revenue stream and positions us to support one of the aerospace industry’s most important programmes.”

James Eastbury, Chief Customer Officer at Velocity Composites, added: “This award is a clear demonstration of the trust we’ve built with our customer over many years. Our integrated approach to material kitting—combining engineering expertise, digital traceability, and lean supply chain management—enables customers to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase throughput. These are critical drivers in the high-precision world of

aerospace manufacturing, and we’re proud to be delivering measurable value.”

The announcement reinforces Velocity’s reputation as a strategic partner capable of combining deep technical integration with long-term reliability. As aerospace manufacturers continue to focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain resilience, Velocity’s advanced service model offers customers a proven solution to reduce cost, complexity, and risk.

With this agreement, Velocity strengthens its customer partnership and reaffirms its role as a key enabler of the global aerospace industry’s most ambitious programmes.

For more information, please visit: www.velocity-composites.com

Velocity Composites in Major Tier One Contract Renewal

CLOUD, AI, AND THE BANDWIDTH BOTTLENECK: THE HIDDEN

INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGE

IN SMART MANUFACTURING

RICHARD ASPINALL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - ENTERPRISE EUROPE

Manufacturers continue to press ahead with digital transformation, continuing to invest heavily in the internet of things, whilst implementing and integrating newer technologies such as cloud services and artificial intelligence.

The promise of more efficient production is alluring, sharpened by broader market pressures, from increased regulation to fragile supply chains. Yet beneath the surface lies a less visible obstacle that threatens to undermine progress: a bandwidth bottleneck in network infrastructure.

The future of smart manufacturing won’t be determined by who has the most robots or AI algorithms. It will be determined by who builds a secure, unified and resilient network fabric capable of enabling those innovations at scale.

Manufacturers can’t rely on siloed solutions. They need one global, secure networking platform that

can keep plants running, protect against disruption and bridge edge, cloud and core environments –let’s discuss why this is the case, and how network infrastructure is key to competitiveness.

Real-time manufacturing needs a real-time network

The factory floors of today have completely transformed as compared to those of the previous generation. No longer made up solely of heavy machinery and manual labour, they are now complex digital environments where smart sensors, robotics, digital twins and remote operations operate side by side. Each of these tools generate vast quantities of data, all of which must be collected and transmitted reliably and securely across sites and systems for monitoring and analysis.

Röchling Automotive’s 40 globally distributed sites required a high performance, secure, and highly reliable network to ensure consistent operation,

where downtime could cost millions per day. This is just one example of the critical nature of connectivity. Industrial machines can produce gigabytes of data daily, with a modern smart factory potentially relying on hundreds of such systems. For manufacturers, having network systems that can scale and adapt to meet these requirements is necessary.

If data cannot move quickly enough to support predictive maintenance, real-time analytics or safety monitoring, operations grind to a halt. The ability to sustain these capabilities ultimately depends on the resilience of the underlying network.

The cloud is evolving and so are its demands

As with many sectors, the initial wave of cloud adoption saw mass enthusiasm for offloading as much as possible to public providers. However, this approach has since matured, with manufacturers adopting multi cloud and hybrid strategies, weighing up which workloads belong in the cloud and which should remain closer to operations.

According to a recent Cloud Trends report, organisations are shifting away from public cloud, often due to cost, performance or sovereignty issues. In Europe, GDPR and initiatives like GAIA-X amplify the need for sovereignty-aware strategies.

A growing trend is the rise of so-called “AI factories” at the edge. Siemens and NVIDIA, for example, expanded their partnership recently to build “industrial metaverse” digital twin factories, including a FREYR Gigafactory project. These efforts demand deterministic, low-latency networking; if synchronisation lags, the digital twin loses predictive value.

This is driving repatriation of certain workloads back into private or on-premise environments, mainly citing their reasons as cost, control or security. All these factors create a more complex IT ecosystem that demands seamless connectivity between onpremises systems, edge deployments and the cloud environment chosen by the manufacturer. Many legacy networks weren’t initially designed to handle this level of interoperability.

Incompatibility, latency, and bandwidth limitations all present risks that could undermine even the most carefully laid out plans.

The infrastructure gap is a competitive risk

While discussions around manufacturing innovation often focus on robotics or AI, the less visible

infrastructure challenge carries just as much weight. Without the right digital backbone, the potential of these technologies cannot be realised.

In 2025 alone, UK and European manufacturers are projected to lose more than £80 billion due to downtime, according to research from IDS-INDATA. In an environment where margins are squeezed by energy volatility and supply chain risk, every minute of downtime is EBITDA at risk.

AI-driven processes, automated quality control, and robotics-enabled production lines all share a common dependency: a reliable and secure network. If the network falters individual processes or even entire operations are jeopardised. It is not tools which pose the biggest challenge, but the invisible fabric that supports them.

This is why the gap between infrastructure and capability is more than a technical issue, but a competitive risk. Manufacturers that are unable to modernise their connectivity will inevitably find themselves at a disadvantage compared to those that can. They may face longer downtime and missed opportunities, losing any competitive advantage despite large scale initiatives to gain one.

Closing the gap

The key to modern manufacturing transformation is connectivity. Manufacturers must think beyond applications and cloud strategies and address the fundamental role of network infrastructure in enabling any transformation initiative. Investment in low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity is the foundation of performance.

Manufacturers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can work together to design systems that can meet the ever-increasing demands of smart factories. System requirements, levels of security and scalability must all be considered from the outset, rather than treated as afterthoughts.

The next phase of digital transformation in manufacturing will not simply be about adopting more AI or shifting more workloads to the cloud. It will be about creating an infrastructure that can sustain these advances by removing the bandwidth bottlenecks that hold progress back. Those who recognise this reality and act accordingly will be best placed to harness the full potential of digital technologies, while those who ignore it risk being left behind.

www.gtt.net

Offer consistent product quality at the point of use for a wide range of applications, guide rails position the IBC and the mixer is raise and lowered into the IBC with a push button operated electrical actuator.

IBC & Drum Mixing stations

Fixed or mobile mixing stations are supplied complete with a control panel and safety interlocks.

Standard IBC mixing stations can be adapted to integrate with systems on site including pumps, valves, weighing and measuring instrumentation and controls to meet specific site requirements.

Offer consistent product quality at the point of use for a wide range of applications, guide rails position the IBC and the mixer is raise and lowered into the IBC with a push button operated electrical actuator.

IBC & Drum Mixing stations

Fixed or mobile mixing stations are supplied complete with a control panel and safety interlocks.

Standard IBC mixing stations can be adapted to integrate with systems on site including pumps, valves, weighing and measuring instrumentation and controls to meet specific site requirements.

Offer consistent product quality at the point of use for a wide range of applications, guide rails position the IBC and the mixer is raise and lowered into the IBC with a

actuator.

Fixed or mobile mixing stations are supplied complete with a control panel and safety interlocks.

Standard IBC mixing stations can be adapted to integrate with systems on site including pumps, valves, weighing and measuring instrumentation and controls to meet specific site requirements.

HOW AUTOMATION IS HELPING THE ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY TO LEAP INTO THE FUTURE

BY JAKOB ÁSMUNDSSON, CEO, DTE

Aluminium is a critical metal for the industries changing the world, from electric vehicles to solar energy. The aluminium sector is also battling a number of headwinds, ranging from high energy costs and thinner margins to scrap utilisation and pressures to reduce carbon emissions. To secure its future, the industry needs to embrace innovations and measurement is an area ripe for change.

Previously, metal samples needed to be handled by human operators and cooled before being analysed. This exposed operators to hazards and was less than ideal from an operations standpoint, prone to contamination and errors. Now, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is fuelling an industry transformation by revolutionising how metals are analysed. LIBS fires a high-energy laser pulse at the sample surface of liquid aluminium. The pulse vaporises a microscopic quantity of metal, creating a high-temperature plasma plume from which a unique emission spectrum is generated for every element present.

LIBS makes it possible for molten metal to be rapidly analysed, with data being collected in real time to inform process operations. Data from LIBS can

be used to prevent overprocessing and associated wasted energy, along with detecting critical safety incidents such as tap-outs. Laser measurement tools have benefits reaching beyond measurement to overall operations and finished products, as DTE’s partnership with Ramboll demonstrates.

By partnering with global leaders in engineering and consulting, DTE is enhancing process control for aluminium producers by combining its Molten Metal Analysers with world-class expertise in industrial automation and equipment integration. The industry now has a complete solution for real-time chemical composition analysis, allowing aluminium producers to optimise their processes with precise, in-situ data. Industrial 4.0 is all about the convergence of data, systems integration and automation, and DTE is helping aluminium producers to achieve just that and stay at the forefront of innovation.

LIBS is far more than just a measurement tool, and when integrated with wider systems and processes, it acts as part of a nervous system for aluminium operations. At a time when aluminium producers are battling headwinds, using the insights gained from a melt to optimise processes, save energy, and lower emissions is a real competitive advantage in a volatile world. The new era of aluminium production is here, and measurement is taking centre stage as an innovation transforming the industry for the better.

CAMOZZI AUTOMATION EXPANDS TRAINING PORTFOLIO

WITH ADVANCED PNEUMATICS AND SAFETY IN PNEUMATICS COURSES

Camozzi Automation Ltd, a leading name in fluid power and automation technologies, has announced the expansion of its industry-recognised training portfolio with the introduction of two new specialist courses: Advanced Pneumatics/Electro-Pneumatics and Safety in Pneumatics/Energy Saving.

Launching in 2026, these new courses build on the success of the company’s long-running Introduction to Pneumatics programme — already a favourite among engineers, technicians, and maintenance professionals across multiple industries.

Designed to equip delegates with both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience, the new courses aim to support companies striving for improved efficiency, reliability, and workplace safety in their pneumatic systems.

A Growing Commitment to Skills Development

Delivered at Camozzi Automation’s UK headquarters in Nuneaton, the enhanced training portfolio offers:

1. Introduction to Pneumatics – £525 per delegate (two-day course)

2. Advanced Pneumatics/Electro-Pneumatics – £595 per delegate (two-day course)

3. Safety in Pneumatics/Energy Saving – £450 per delegate (one-day course)

A £150 deposit per delegate secures a place, and discounts are available for multiple or multi-course bookings.

Advanced Pneumatics/Electro-Pneumatics: NextLevel Expertise

This comprehensive two-day course integrates mechanical and electrical principles, helping delegates gain a deeper understanding of modern pneumatic systems. Topics include:

• Circuit sequencing and cascade design

• Logic valves and time delay circuits

• Basic electrical theory and solenoid valve control

• Introduction to PLCs, ladder logic, and Fieldbus technology

Safety in Pneumatics/Energy Saving: Protecting People and Systems

Focusing on the twin goals of safety and sustainability, this one-day course highlights how safe design and energy-conscious operation can deliver rapid ROI. Topics include:

• Guard interlocking and emergency stop circuits

• Risk assessment best practice

• Pneumatic safety products and safe working procedures

• Air system optimisation and energy-saving techniques

Delegates will learn how implementing the course’s recommended techniques can help systems operate more safely and efficiently — often allowing the course to pay for itself within weeks.

Delivered by Industry Expert Steve Partington

All courses are led by Steve Partington, a respected figure in the pneumatics industry with more than 45 years of experience spanning R&D, applications engineering, and technical leadership.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to share the lessons I’ve learned over decades in pneumatics,” says Steve. “These courses give delegates practical, usable skills that deliver real value to their organisations.”

Spaces for the 2026 courses are limited. To register interest or enquire about group discounts, contact training@camozzi.co.uk or visit www.camozzi.co.uk/camozzi-pneumatics-training

CAMOZZI TRAINING ACADEMY

Camozzi Automation Ltd 024 7637 4114 training@camozzi.co.uk www.camozzi.co.uk store.camozzi.co.uk DEVELOP SKILLS. SAVE ENERGY. IMPROVE SAFETY.

Hands-on learning in a dedicated training facility

Blend of theory and practical application

Learn techniques that save time, money, and energy

Certification awarded upon successful course completion

STRONG CUSTOMER DEMAND ENABLES DEXORY TO SECURE $165M IN FUNDING, ACCELERATING GLOBAL EXPANSION AND AI-POWERED CAPABILITIES

Dexory, the leading provider of real-time warehouse intelligence, visibility and autonomous solutions, today announced it has raised $165 million. This milestone reflects the value customers derive from the solution, resulting in strong growth since the company’s Series B in 2024. Eurazeo, through its Growth team, led the $100M Series C round, with participation from LTS Growth and Endeavor Catalyst, alongside existing investors DTCP, Atomico, Lakestar, Elaia, Latitude Ventures, Wave-X and others. In addition, Bootstrap Europe expanded the existing growth debt facility.

Since its Series B, Dexory has expanded the reach of its AI-enabled data-intelligence platform, DexoryView, across Europe, North America, and APAC, and established its North American headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. This global footprint enables the company’s autonomous robots to capture and deliver the largest pool of live warehouse data and insights, driving significant improvements in efficiency, visibility, and scalability for its customers. Today, the platform is used by logistics leaders such as GXO, Maersk and DHL; manufacturers including Stellantis and GE Appliances; and by customers across pharmaceuticals, retail and eCommerce.

The new funding will accelerate Dexory’s product roadmap and expand access to its technology, removing key bottlenecks in warehouse transformation. In a market often stuck in pilots

and overpromises, Dexory delivers immediate value. Customers gain live visibility and dependable, scalable insights without long lead times or operational disruption.

“This new round allows us to bring forward transformational capabilities that our customers are asking for,” said Andrei Danescu, CEO and Co-Founder of Dexory. “By combining full-stack engineering with zero customer complexity, we are building advanced agentic systems powered by the industry’s richest set of real-world logistics data. This will help warehouses and supply chains shift from systems of record to true systems of action.”

As the industry looks for partners who can deliver innovative and reliable systems, this funding will enable Dexory to help warehouses self-optimise, anticipate challenges, and coordinate tasks seamlessly between people, machinery, and systems. It will also support new approaches to deploying large-scale distributed intelligence for legacy industries, opening the door to the next generation of resilient and adaptive supply chains.

Dexory will also strengthen its commercial teams and expand across multiple international markets as well as serving new sectors. This growth is underpinned by intelligence grounded in real operational data, including more than half a billion warehouse location scans. As a result, Dexory’s AI is reliable and immediately impactful for smarter decision-making across customer operations.

“We are excited to back Dexory as they continue to scale the impact of their platform and grow their global footprint,” said Raluca Ragab, Partner at Eurazeo. “Dexory’s extraordinary combination of robotic and software engineering strength bridges the constraints of the physical supply chain with the power of AI-optimised intelligence, harnessing operational data at scale and turning it into actionable insights. We see a vast global market ahead, and Dexory is uniquely positioned to help the industry leap into the future.”

TE CONNECTIVITY INSTALLATION COMPONENTS AND OTHER PRODUCTS

OVERVIEW OF HIGH-QUALITY ELECTRO-TECHNICAL ACCESSORIES.

Electro-technical accessories, such as connectors or heat-shrink tubes, determine the life cycle of numerous installations. They are particularly important when installed in vehicle, industrial automation or heavy machinery cabling systems. It is good to check, then, what distinguishes TE Connectivity products among other solutions.

This article presents the range of products supplied by TE Connectivity, a manufacturer that specialises in producing connectors, installation accessories and electro-mechanical components. Selected products from this range can be used in numerous applications, and they are featured in several sections of our catalogue. Obviously, we are not presenting the full assortment of this supplier here, but only its relatively small part.

This article covers the following issues:

• Types and applications of heat-shrink components

• Creating installations using rail-mounted connectorsand blocks

• Most popular types of connectors

• Power relays included in the TE Connectivity product range

Heat-shrink tubes and profiles

The range of heat-shrink tubes and profiles offered by TE Connectivity includes a few hundred items. It results from the variations concerning several parameters. One of those is the tube diameter that can range from 1.2 mm to 101.6 mm (before shrinking at a ratio of 1:2, 1:3 or even 1:4). This diverse range alone suggests that these products are designed for numerous electro-technical applications, i.e. in the field of electronic engineering, commercial electric engineering, and also industry and power generation, such as creating power supply lines for buildings. For the latter, i.e. high-current installations with largediameter cables, profiles with enhanced mechanical strength that is ensured, in the case of TE Connectivity products, by cross-linked elastomers, are the most common choice. Such components are divided into two main product categories: profiles and breakout boots. Profiles come with several functions, as they stiffen and reinforce the areas of straight or angular wire routing, and seal any reduction points, e.g. where a cable is inserted into a connector, pipe or conduit without a gland. Break-out boots ensure the continuity of the outer sheath in locations where a power or control cable is opened and separated into individual conductors (from 2 to 4), so that they eliminate the risk of contaminants and moisture

penetrating the cable, which in turn could lead, for example, to the hydrolysis of the inner insulation layers.

202K163-25_86-0

A profile coated with adhesive may become a sealing gland.

RNF3000-12_4-2-STK

Tubes

202K232-25/225-0

Profiles

462W023-25_225-0

Break-out boots

Note that the products presented here include heat-shrink elements that are additionally coated with adhesive (on the inside), which melts under the influence of the shrinking temperature to ensure tight and firm adhesion to the surface covered. It is particularly important when securing not only electric cables, but also pipes and hoses used to transport various liquids. The majority of TE Connectivity heat-shrink accessories is made of polyolefine that is resistant to exposure to numerous substances, such as oil, petrol or grease. Note also that small-diameter heat-shrink tubes are available in numerous colour versions to facilitate consistent labelling of power supply and signal lines, not only in three-phase systems.

Glands and other accessories

1SNG601190R0000

Polyamide gland ensuring IP68 degree of protection.

The TE Connectivity product range encompasses various mechanical installation components. These include glands made of plastic (polyamide), (nickelplated) brass or stainless steel. Their sizes are adjusted to lines and pipes with diameters ranging from 2 mm to 55 mm. They ensure a high degree of protection (IP68), i.e. full dust tightness and water resistance, also to pressurised water jets. Gland seals and nuts are available in sets or individually, which facilitates the selection of optimum solutions for each typical application. Additional products for those cabling accessories include caps with diameters ranging from 4 mm to 44.2 mm, as well as thread adapters. Moreover, TE Connectivity offers multi-circuit cable conduits.

DIN rail-mounted connectors

Connectors and distribution blocks mounted on DIN rails (TS32 or TS35) ensure optimum organisation of

distribution cabinets (and fuse boxes) and enhance all system retrofitting operations. They are used in power supply, signal and control circuits, mostly in industrial conditions. The TE Connectivity products related to this field of application are gathered in the Entrelec (SNK) family of solutions.

1SNK712021R0000

Rail-mounted connectors (2 and 3 terminals)

1SNK506214R0000

Rail-mounted connectors (4 and 6 terminals)

1SNL317510R0000

Distribution blocks

The majority of products included in this range are single-circuit components. Their enclosures are made of polyamide with the UL94V-0 flammability class. It is a diverse product range that comprises connectors with screwed and spring-loaded terminals designed to ensure minimum resistance and necessary mechanical strength (vibrations, shocks, jerking) when connecting conductors in the form of solid and stranded wires. TE Connectivity has strived to ensure the highest possible level of installation convenience, as the company estimates that using their products enables installers to save even 90% of installation time in comparison with solutions offered by competitive brands. Their symmetrical shape greatly reduces the likelihood of mistake during fixing and connecting operations. As the majority of connectors are 5.2 mm–8 mm wide, they facilitate creating complex systems even in relatively small enclosures. The TE Connectivity product range also includes distribution blocks mounted on rails or panels, as well as housings with built-in terminals for power line distribution. A high-current cable entry is located in the upper part of the enclosure, while the lower section comes with minor circuit leads (up to 24 in total), e.g. to be mounted in flats or rooms. The distribution blocks come in single or triple versions.

Connectors

Another extensive range of electric installation accessories offered by TE Connectivity includes common-use connectors and cable terminals. It encompasses all popular product types, i.e. mostly insulated flat connectors (width from 2.8 mm to 6.3 mm) and ring terminals. The former are used in almost every field related to electric system installation, in particular for creating connections in machinery, as they are characterised by very low resistance, resistance to vibrations and, simultaneously, short mounting time. The company offers products crimped on conductors with crosssections from 0.3 mm2 to 6 mm2, which makes them suitable both for making both signal and power supply connections. Therefore this product range is addressed not only to technicians working in machinery parks, but also to manufacturers of

electronic equipment, radio and TV devices and white goods. These products are also suitable for applications in such fields as the automotive industry, for servicing and retrofitting circuits in passenger and cargo vehicles.

9-160463-2

Less typical connector model with leads.

342145-1

Ring terminals

2-520409-2

Flat connectors

165085

Other terminals

Another popular product type includes ring terminals designed to be fastened on cables with cross-sections from 0.1 mm2 to 10.5 mm2. Here, too, a wide range of applications can be mentioned in which power supply connections predominate. These connectors are commonly used in renewable energy installations, primarily to create energy storage facilities, i.e. to connect batteries into high-capacity and highcurrent-efficiency power banks. They are also used in a similar manner in automotive applications to short various components to ground. They are universally applied to connect protective wires to enclosures and other metal components in network installations, as well as earthing fences, boxes, etc. Obviously, TE Connectivity also offers other models of terminals and connectors, such as spade, pin or angular variants, as well as components with leads, etc. These products are also available in a form of sets.

High-current relays

ECK200AAAPA

Coil leads are designed in a form of wires.

Note again that the products presented in this article constitute only a part of the TE Connectivity assortment. The company also offers a wide range of connectors and passive elements. Another range of solutions offered by this manufacturer includes the ECK series of power relays. They are designed for such application areas as renewable energy systems (inverter switching, energy storage), electric vehicle charging stations and even electric forklifts. They contain hermetically sealed SPST-NO contacts closed by applying voltage from 9 V to 36 V DC. As these components can withstand currents up to 150 A, 200 A or even 250 A (depending on the model), their leads are designed as screwed connections. Their nominal voltage reaches 1 kV DC. The manufacturer has also provided for a relatively wide tolerance for instantaneous currents, which may reach up to 1000 A, thus making these elements suitable for motor operation control applications.

www.tme.eu

UNINTERRUPTIBLE IPC SOLUTION FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

DIN RAIL BUNDLE WITH AC/DC POWER SUPPLY, DC UPS AND EMBEDDED INDUSTRIAL PC

Bicker Elektronik GmbH, Donauwoerth/Germany, presents a robust and fail-safe DIN rail bundle designed for control and automation tasks in industrial environments. The flexible DIN rail solution combines three perfectly matched components: the Delta DRL-24V120W1EN AC/DC power supply, the Bicker UPSI-2406DP1 DC UPS with integrated Li-ion battery pack, and the GIGAIPC QBiX-DREHLA6412H-A1 DIN rail industrial PC. Together, these components ensure a reliable and uninterrupted 24V DC power supply as well as high computing performance for continuous operation in harsh industrial conditions.

Compact 24V power supply for control cabinets

The space-saving DRL-24V120W1EN DIN rail power supply from Delta Electronics delivers 120 W nominal output (24V / 5A) with an efficiency of up to 91%. With a compact width of just 30 mm, it saves valuable space

on the DIN rail  and simplifies integration into control cabinets. The wide input range of 90–264 VAC enables global use, while the operating temperature range of –40°C to +70°C ensures high reliability. Comprehensive protection features against short circuit, overvoltage and overtemperature guarantee safe operation. The power supply is certified according to IEC/EN/ UL 62368-1 and IEC/EN/UL 61010-1. Electromagnetic compatibility meets the industrial standards EN 61000-6-4 Class B (emission) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity).

Intelligent DC UPS with integrated Li-Ion battery pack

The Bicker UPSI-2406DP1 protects critical systems against power failures, voltage dips and transients. Delivering 24V / 4A (96W), the UPS automatically switches to battery operation in the event of a mains failure. Certified to IEC/UL/CSA 61010-1 / -2-201, the compact DC UPS is designed for operation from 0°C

Bicker DIN rail IPC bundle consisting of (from left to right): Delta DRL-24V120W1EN AC/DC power supply, Bicker UPSI-2406DP1 DC UPS with integrated Li-ion battery pack, and GIGAIPC QBiX-DR-EHLA6412H-A1 DIN rail industrial PC.

to +50°C. The intelligent power-sharing function dynamically distributes input power between load and battery charging, while the battery management system with Smart Battery Lock prevents unwanted discharge and enhances operational safety. With the freely available cross-platform UPS management software „UPScom“, all parameters can be configured, system status monitored, and controlled system shutdowns or automatic reboots of connected IPCs initiated during power outages.

Compact DIN rail Industrial PC

The GIGAIPC QBiX-DR-EHLA6412H-A1 is a powerful DIN rail industrial PC for 24/7 continuous operation in demanding industrial environments. Based on the Intel® Celeron® J6412 processor (4 cores, up to 2.6 GHz, 10 W TDP), it supports up to 32 GB DDR4 RAM. The system provides 2× Intel® Gigabit LAN, 4× USB, 4× COM, HDMI 2.0 and VGA, GPIO (8 bit) and three M.2 slots as well as a SIM slot for 4G/5G. With fanless passive cooling, 9–36 V DC wide-range input, DIN rail mounting and a rugged aluminum chassis, the IPC ensures reliable, maintenance-free operation from 0°C to +50°C. The QBiX-DR-EHLA6412H-A1 is ideal for control, monitoring and edge-computing tasks in modern Industry 4.0 applications. Bicker Elektronik also offers matching DDR4 SO-DIMM modules and M.2 SSDs with extended temperature ranges.

Integrated complete solution with system advantage

The Bicker DIN rail IPC bundle combines power supply, UPS protection, and an industrial PC into a single integrated solution. It ensures safe AC/DC power supply, protects critical systems from power outages, and simultaneously provides high-performance computing capacity:

• Reliable 24V DC power supply with UPS buffering

High reliability during voltage fluctuations and blackouts

Powerful IPC computing performance for DIN-rail mounting

Fanless and energy-efficient operation

Compact designs for space-saving control cabinet layouts

Minimized wiring and integration effort

• Compliance with industrial standards

The bundle offers a practical, ready-to-use complete solution for modern production and process automation.

www.bicker.de

INNOVATION IN MOTION: BESPOKE ENGINEERING THAT DELIVERS RESULTS

DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR DRIED FRUIT PROCESSING, OUR TAILORED AGITATOR SYSTEM

INCREASED EFFICIENCY, IMPROVED WORKFLOW AND DELIVERED MEASURABLE OPERATIONAL SAVINGS.

At Concept Engineering our wealth of knowledge and understanding of processes enables us to design, build and install bespoke, innovative and effective solutions.

We handle projects for companies across an array of industry sectors and have experience and expertise in the food, fish, manufacturing, medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

We pride ourselves in delivering first class service and maintain clear lines of communication with clients through conception, manufacture and post installation.

Formed in 2008 our operating has expanded continuously since then to a team 20 strong staff headed up by Managing Director Steve Larkin. Our manufacturing capability is supported by an in-house team of Design Engineers and CNC Programmers using CAD and Solid Works.

The business recently moved into new premises in Hull and major investment has been made in technology including CNC machines to deliver the finest precision close limit sheet metal work.

In March 2021 we achieved BS EN 1090 accreditation covering the fabricated structural steelwork products and assures the appropriate controls are in place at every stage of the manufacturing process from procurement of raw materials to final inspection and testing.

Our customer for this project is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of speciality nuts, dried fruit and confectionery to independent retailers, manufacturers and multiples.

The company needed a system which would break up 25kg blocks of raisins and feed them into the production line. They were unable to source a readymade solution and had to rely on using staff to manually break up the blocks.

Concept Engineering was approached to see if a solution was possible.

After analysing the production system Concept’s engineers designed and built a robust solution which met the standards and specification required. It was designed to provide a range of flexibility in product sizes and improve efficiency.

Concept Engineering were able to provide a full solution including agitator and conveyor system designed specifically for the client’s dried fruit process.

The Concept agitator system allowed the client to process a 25kg block of raisins every seven seconds. The new system has speed up production and produced significant savings in labour costs.

www.conceptengineering.co.uk

New solution to Dried Fruit Breaking Launched in the UK

The Concept agitator system processes a 25kg block of raisins every seven seconds and can feed them into any production line

The new machine was developed after one of the UK’s leading suppliers of speciality nuts, dried fruit and confectionery required a bespoke solution to improve e ciency.

Concept Engineering of Hull were approached and they designed what is believed to be the only machine of its kind capable of breaking blocks of dried fruit without causing damage.

The Concept Fruit Breaker features an agitator to break up solid blocks of dried fruit, a task that previously had to be carried out manually.

2-6 GB Business Park, Wiltshire Road, Hull, HU4 6PA. 01482 351267

A QUARTER-CENTURY OF INNOVATION: ENGINEERING THE FUTURE OF GAS ANALYSIS

Generation. Each and Every Gas,” the range provides dedicated, portable solutions for traditional SF6, new alternatives like C4-FN and C5-FK fluoronitriles, and Clean Air. Most notably, the comprehensive ‘QU4D’ analyser can handle all insulating gases in a single, field-ready device. This empowers operators and engineers to maintain compliance, detect leaks, and ensure performance across their entire fleet, seamlessly bridging the gap between old and new technologies.

For any company in the technology sector, a 25-year anniversary is a significant milestone. It represents not only longevity and resilience but also a deep-seated expertise forged through decades of partnership with industry. As Cambridge Sensotec celebrates a quartercentury of advancing excellence in gas analysis, this milestone is not just a reflection on a successful past, but a launchpad for a future defined by innovation and responsiveness to the evolving needs of engineers and operations leaders. Today, this commitment is demonstrated by its solutions to the industry’s most pressing needs, from the market-leading Rapidox 6100 range to the launch of the pioneering Rapidox 1100-OPT-MAX analyser.

First, in the electrical power industry, the transition away from the potent greenhouse gas SF6 is no longer a future prospect but an urgent reality. Regulatory pressures are mounting, and utilities must navigate a complex shift whilst maintaining grid stability and operational performance. This requires versatile tools that can manage both legacy SF6-filled assets and the new generation of greener alternatives. Answering this call, Cambridge Sensotec’s versatile Rapidox 6100 range of zero-emission analysers is engineered for precisely this challenge. Under the principle of “Every

Simultaneously, the company is redefining the standards of precision process control with the introduction of the Rapidox 1100-OPT-MAX, the world’s first truly full-scale optical oxygen analyser. This breakthrough instrument uses dual optical sensors working in tandem to deliver unprecedented accuracy and stability across the entire measurement spectrum, from trace levels of 0.1ppm right up to 100% oxygen. By eliminating the sensor drift and limited lifespan associated with traditional electrochemical sensors, this technology offers a dramatically lower lifetime cost of ownership and enhanced reliability in critical applications, from inert gas blanketing to advanced manufacturing and laboratory environments.

As Cambridge Sensotec marks its 25th year, these innovations are more than just new products; they are a testament to a legacy of listening to industry and a future dedicated to engineering the solutions that drive it forward.

www.cambridge-sensotec.co.uk

Twenty five years on, Cambridge Sensotec has become the trusted name in gas analysis worldwide.

Our Rapidox analysers – along with a comprehensive range of accessories, calibration and servicing – deliver the precision and durability engineers demand across multiple gases, including Oxygen, C02, Helium, SF6, clean-air alternatives, and more.

With bespoke OEM solutions and global support, we keep operations safe, efficient and emission-aware.

Rapidox

SF6 6100

Multi-gas

Pumpback Analyser

Rapidox 6100

C4-FN & C5-FK

Pumpback Analyser

Rapidox 6100 CLEAN AIR Pumpback Analyser

Analyser

Oxygen analysis at its most precise.

l Two cutting-edge optical gas sensors.

l Fast response.

l Industrial-grade reliability.

Rapidox 6100 QU D

Multi-gas

Pumpback Analyser

cambridge-sensotec.co.uk

STAINLESS STEEL TORQUE LIMITERS AND SHAFT COUPLINGS SECURE DRIVES IN THE PACKAGING AND PROCESS INDUSTRY

In the packaging and process industries, drive systems must operate reliably despite abrasive media, dust, corrosion, fluctuating loads and unpredictable disturbances. To ensure safe operation of conveying systems, dosing equipment and machinery for processing powders, granulates and liquids, robust solutions for power transmission and overload protection are essential. Stainless steel torque limiters (safety couplings) and shaft couplings fulfil these requirements by combining reliable torque transmission with high mechanical durability.

Conveyors, mixers, pumps and agitators form the backbone of production lines—from beverage filling systems to powder and granulate handling. These machines require continuous operation while being protected from overload, misalignment and abrasive wear. CIP/SIP processes and chemical exposure demand corrosion-resistant, hygienic and lowmaintenance components. Stainless steel provides these benefits thanks to its resistance to chemicals, moisture and temperature variations.

Couplings in these environments must compensate axial, radial and angular misalignment while withstanding shock loads, vibrations and frequent load changes. They also support safety functions such as overload release and emergency shutdowns. ENEMAC stainless steel couplings combine long-term mechanical stability with hygiene compliance, making

them suitable for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic production.

Torque limiters disconnect the drive when a defined torque is exceeded, protecting against damage from blockages or foreign objects in screw conveyors, mixers or dosing systems. Typical uses include discharge screws beneath silos or filling systems experiencing torque spikes. ENEMAC torque limiters feature backlash-free design and 360° synchronous re-engagement for fast restart after faults.

Shaft couplings ensure precise and reliable power transmission between motors, gearboxes and driven components, even under misalignment. Elastomer couplings provide damping for dynamic equipment, while metal bellows couplings offer hygienic, backlash-free precision for filling and dosing systems. Stainless steel designs withstand aggressive cleaning agents and harsh environments.

www.enemac.de | www.enemac.eu info@enemac.de

FOUR PREDICTIONS FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT IN 2026

BY BEREND BOOMS, HEAD OF EAM INSIGHTS, ULTIMO

The asset maintenance landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. As I speak with operations leaders, facility managers, and maintenance professionals across industries, one thing becomes crystal clear: we are standing at the threshold of a new era. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability imperatives, workforce evolution, and enterprisewide data integration is reshaping how organizations manage their most critical assets.

Based on my conversations with industry leaders and analysis of emerging trends, here are four predictions that will define asset maintenance in 2026 and beyond.

1. AI Becomes the New Norm

The predictive maintenance market is experiencing explosive growth. Valued at $7.85 billion in 2022, the global predictive maintenance market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 29.5

percent from 2023 to 2030. But 2026 will mark a critical inflection point where AI shifts from a futurefacing ambition to a standard operating procedure.

Advanced machine learning algorithms will soon predict equipment failures 6 to 12 months in advance with accuracy rates exceeding 85 percent. When implemented properly, IoT-powered predictive maintenance can achieve prediction accuracies above 90 percent, and this precision will only improve as more data becomes available.

The integration of IoT sensors, digital twins, and AI will create a comprehensive asset health monitoring ecosystem. This shift from time-based to conditionbased maintenance strategies will reduce costs by 20 to 30 percent, while real-time optimization adjusts schedules based on actual usage patterns rather than arbitrary calendar intervals.

What distinguishes 2026 is that AI will extend far beyond predictive maintenance. It will influence procurement decisions, optimize spare parts management, recommend replacement versus repair strategies, and even predict the financial impact of maintenance decisions on overall business performance.

2. Agentic AI and Skills Transformation

The maintenance workforce is evolving rapidly, and technology is augmenting human capabilities. The global augmented reality market size was estimated at $83.65 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 37.9 percent from 2025 to 2030.

Augmented reality (AR) will guide technicians through complex repairs and inspections. A junior technician wearing AR glasses will have access to the same expertise as a 20-year veteran, with step-by-step visual instructions, real-time remote expert guidance, and instant access to technical documentation.

As experienced maintenance professionals retire, they take decades of institutional knowledge that cannot be easily replaced. Agentic AI systems offer a pathway to democratize this expertise before it disappears. By capturing the diagnostic patterns and troubleshooting logic of retiring professionals, these systems create a baseline understanding accessible to all technicians regardless of experience level.

This addresses the fundamental inequity of knowledge distribution. Junior technicians gain immediate access to expert-level guidance, while mid-career professionals can handle situations that previously required decades of experience. The result is a more resilient maintenance organization where capability is embedded in systems that ensure every technician can perform at a consistently high level.

Hybrid human-AI teams will become the norm, with AI handling routine data analysis, anomaly detection, and pattern recognition while human expertise focuses on strategic decisions, complex problem-solving, and relationship management.

3. Sustainability and ESG Compliance Integration

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are now central to operational strategy and asset management decisions. ESG-focused institutional investment is seen soaring 84 percent to $33.9 trillion in 2026, representing 21.5 percent of assets under management.

In 2026, leading enterprise asset management (EAM) platforms will track carbon footprint and energy efficiency metrics in real-time at the asset level. By 2026, all ESG data will need to be digitally tagged, enhancing data comparability and accessibility.

Circular economy principles will guide asset lifecycle decisions. Environmental impact, carbon emissions, and the availability of sustainable replacement parts will play a major role in repair-or-replace decisions. Green maintenance practices will transform from niceto-have differentiators into competitive necessities.

Forward-thinking organizations will use their asset management systems to generate automated sustainability reports that demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements while showcasing environmental stewardship to investors and customers.

4. Integrated Enterprise Ecosystems and Data Democratization

The era of siloed systems is ending. In 2026, EAM platforms will connect seamlessly with enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain, and financial systems to enable enterprise-wide intelligence.

Real-time asset performance data will inform procurement strategies, determining optimal reorder points for critical spare parts. Production scheduling will adjust automatically based on equipment availability and condition. Financial planning will incorporate predictive maintenance forecasts to model capital expenditure requirements with unprecedented accuracy.

Self-service analytics will empower non-technical users to generate insights from maintenance data without requiring specialized training. Operations managers, financial analysts, and executive leaders will all access the same underlying data, each viewing it through lenses relevant to their responsibilities.

This data democratization represents a fundamental shift in how organizations approach asset management. Maintenance data will become a core component of enterprise-wide business intelligence.

Transformed Asset Maintenance Strategies

These predictions paint a picture of an asset maintenance landscape that is more intelligent, sustainable, integrated, and human-centered than ever before. But transformation requires strategic planning, the right technology foundation, and a clear understanding of where your organization stands today.

www.ultimo.com

SNAP-ON INDUSTRIAL UNVEILS NEW PRODUCT RANGE INSPIRED BY CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Snap-on Industrial held its third annual INSIGHT event at the Red Bull Technology Campus, an opportunity for the world-leading productivity solutions company to connect with its customers and preview new products that have been developed in direct response to feedback gathered at previous Insight events.

Snap-on Industrial has been in partnership with Red Bull Powertrains for the last four years, making the prestigious MK-7 event space a natural choice for this day-long event. Invited guests from the military, rail, aviation, and energy industries came together to take part in interactive product demonstrations, tour the Red Bull factory, and hear from their cross-industry peers during two in-depth panel discussions.

Celebrating its 105th anniversary this year, Snapon Industrial has earned a reputation for relentless innovation. The company now has more than 4,300

live patents and is passionate about forging close relationships with its customers, gathering valuable insights from these interactions so it can continue to create new tools and industrial solutions that meet the needs of engineers today and tomorrow.

Richard Packham, Director - UK & Europe for Snapon Industrial, said: “Now in its third year, our annual INSIGHT Event has become a highlight of our calendar, providing a unique opportunity to spend time with our customers, showcase our current and upcoming product range, and gather feedback that will shape our products and solutions as we move forward. There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to share our new prototypes with the people who inspired their creation; several of the products being previewed today have been developed on the back of questions and comments we received at last year’s event.”

Torque Control

Launched on 1st October 2025, the Control Tech+™ Electronic Torque Wrenches represent the next generation of digital torque wrenches. Reflecting the shift towards digital being seen across the torque industry, Snap-on Industrial’s expanded product range means there’s now a solution for every client, no matter their scope or scale.

Engineered with the aerospace and natural resources industries in mind, the Control Tech+™ Electronic Torque Wrenches are Bluetooth enabled for easy monitoring and reporting; runs on rechargeable batteries; and has earned an IP64 rating thanks to being virtually waterproof as well as dust and gas resistant.

Power Tools

Making their debut at INSIGHT 2025, two power tool prototypes and two new drills were previewed at the event, with guests encouraged to get hands-on and try the new technology for themselves.

The industrial drill has been crafted based on customer feedback. It is robust; is designed so that engineers can reduce repetitive strain injuries by keeping their wrist and arm in-line; and can achieve speeds of up to 6000 rpm. Accuracy is enhanced by limiting the drill to 10% speed at start while the higher rpm available means users can work more efficiently, drilling more holes per battery charge.

The upgraded 14V angle or collet drill is ideal for use in tight spaces, especially for those working in aviation, thanks to the flexible angles that can be achieved. It can now also reach higher speeds, be adapted with

interchangeable heads, and has a larger battery size that takes just one hour to fully charge.

Early prototypes still in development included a new rivet shaver and temporary fastener tool. Both were tested by the guests and the feedback provided will shape their continued development ahead of next year’s event.

Hand Tools

Ever since Snap-on Industrial pioneered the idea of taking five handles of different configurations and ten sockets of varying dimensions and fashioning them to “Snap-on” to one another interchangeably, it has been known for its inventive and practical approach to hand tool development.

Intelligently designed to be in tune with an engineer’s instincts, each tool has a distinctive ridging to improve grip, provide a consistent user experience, and limit the amount of force required. Its pliers are the perfect example with a serration talon grip that offers 57% more pulling power when clamping compared to its closest competitors.

Snap-on Level 5 Tool Control

Empowering organisations to have complete visibility of their tool inventory, Automated Tool Control, a subset of the Level5 program of Tool Control, has empowered organisations to have complete visibility of their tool inventory for the past 15 years. Subject to continuous development and improvements, this dynamic system allows users to unlock the power of data and move at the speed of work.

The L5 Connect customisable software is secure, intuitive, and built to address everyday issues, using cameras, RFID tags, and barcodes to track when tools are removed and returned and when they require repair or calibration.

These insights flow into downloadable reports that can help organisations ensure their tool inventory is fit for purpose, have a full audit trail of each tool if they go missing or are damaged, and restrict access to authorised users.

L5 Connect is compatible with the Level5 Tool Control series; ATC Box, ATC Locker, ATC Portal, and the ATC FlexHub, an asset management storage solution for items in varied sizes developed based on feedback received at the first INSIGHT event in 2023.

ECONOMIC TAILOR-MADE PUMP

MOTORS FOR LONDON WATER SUPPLY

Menzel Great Britain has completed its biggest project to date, providing 10 seven-ton electric motors to the UK water utility company Thames Water, which serves 16 million customers across London and the Thames Valley.

This strategic motor replacement is crucial to extend the lifespan of a key water treatment plant by 10 years and secure the water supply to the Greater London area. Menzel won the contract for its economic, wellthought-out concept. The high-lift pump station at the Coppermills Water Treatment Works had experienced repeated failures, mainly due to the age of the existing equipment.

As Thames Water is planning to build a new station in about 10 years, the utility company put out a tender for an economic drive solution to ensure reliable operation of the existing pumps in the interim. Other OEMs suggested costly variable-frequency drives (VFDs), which would have required major building reconstruction to accommodate control systems and transformers. Menzel proposed slip ring motors that are compatible with the existing installation and use the electric infrastructure and starting equipment already in place. The state-of-the-art motors are superior to the original motors with nearly 5 % increased efficiency, greater ease of maintenance and an expected lifespan of at least 25 years.

The motor engineers worked closely with the project team of Thames Water’s contractor MWH Treatment.

Menzel Elektromotoren is uniquely qualified in customizing large slip ring motors and always considers the customer and the application needs in its designs. The company established a British subsidiary in 2009.

Their design also takes account of anticipated future extreme outdoor summer temperatures. The project came in under budget and was completed on schedule. Compared to the proposed VFDs, Menzel’s concept saved Thames Water hundreds of thousands of pounds, took much less time and is more environmentally friendly.

The German manufacturer Menzel Elektromotoren has great expertise in building and customizing large-scale slip ring motors. These particular 10 slip ring motors utilized the existing pump pedestals, ensuring minimal site work and disruption. Menzel even tailored the terminal boxes to match the existing installation to make the cabling as easy and cost-efficient as possible. Menzel’s modular motor families accommodate various mounting types, cooling types and accessories. The 10 new motors have a shaft height of 500 mm and are designed for vertical mounting on the pumps. Six of the motors feature the cooling type IC 81W (air-to-water heat exchanger) and four IC 611 (air-to-air heat exchanger). They provide IP55 ingress protection, operate at 3300 V and, between the different models, provide outputs of 746 kW or 343 kW and rated torques of 12075 Nm or 5551 Nm.

This project earned Menzel a place in the finals for the 2025 AEMT Awards of the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades.

More information: www.menzel-motors.com/reference/ ten-3300-kv-replacement-motors/

TOWER AEROSPACE INC. STORY

History and operating philosophy:

Tower Aerospace Inc. began operations in Canada 48 years ago; servicing National, International Markets, providing Private, Commercial , Corporate, Government , Military Aircraft Support; based on Commercial and National Emergency Response to provide a best-in-class hassle free direct delivery service to the customer. Success in 1986 being the only heavy jet approved support operator in Canada and providing National Military approved support as well the Company grew into manufacturing of our own airborne products. The goal for this day: to provide the best researched, verified quality assurance support operation , to offer an elevated level of secured, mission specific service to various National and International customers. Aircraft on the Ground cost incredible amounts of stagnant debt, immediate cash flow impact and become a dead weight to the operator. The only answer is solid proven support. Failure to deliver certified components to immediately go on the aircraft to ensure immediate certified flight authorization, failure to achieve that critical search, find, inspect and delivery process along with “critical approved documentation” failure is not an option. Operators must fly; stagnant operations are a financial failure and are not an option.

Quality Assurance:

Today the Company has reached equivalency to world senior levels of quality assurance meeting FAA, Transport Canada, EASA , other International local state , provincial airborne rules, and regulations. Quality Assurance is a main rail in the operations of the Company. always safety-first policy. The privilege has been ours at keeping an ongoing progressive level of safety qualification at the highest world standards of airworthiness.

Manufacturing:

In 1987 Tower Aerospace advanced into Auxiliary Fuel Systems, Emergency Response Support , Advanced Wildfire Technology , Advanced Water- Fluid Delivery systems for Helicopters and Fixed Wing Aircraft.

In addition, the Tower engineering division manufactured and extensively test flew certified advanced wildfire airborne water bombing equipment for the Bell and MD line of Helicopters.

After 38 years of creative manufacturing airborne certified equipment including extensive research , development and intensive long term flight testing of our advanced products, our systems have been sold and distributed to many Countries proving long term operations with limited down time.

With certified modifications they are multipurpose capable , can relate to several world Helicopter types and large “specific service providing” operations such as World Hydro Support Operations in the wild. Notwithstanding Wildfire Initial Attack Support. Today wildfires are a proven disastrous threat across the world. Tower Aerospace has over forty years of experience in first hand advanced materials product design on wildfire advanced products including stress testing, testing new material manufacturing and certification of installed airborne equipment. Failure is not an option.

World Distribution - Emergency Response:

Over the 48 years Tower Aerospace has made its mark across Canada and Internationally in Emergency Response Distribution with our products , Support Services, serving Military, Commercial, Government, State, Provincial Airborne Operators with Emergency Response research and delivery of urgently required support certified products. Tower specializes in research , delivery of engineering with full quality control traceability , verification of all products , services sold and successfully delivered. We go to extensive lengths with no barriers to verify and trace to OEM and to prove authenticity of every shipment passing through our doors. Our database , research libraries are extensive, and traceability is as precise as possible, each time addressing each shipment. Delays and inappropriate or missing documents are not an option.

Constantly our staff Confirm Mandatory Product Safety processing to ensure the safety of the Aircraft, Crew, Passengers, and Valuable Cargo. Since the beginning of the Company, traceability and confirmation of product truly have been our hallmark. The same philosophy applies to our company support products and services. Technical, precise engineering reports, including various provable product test reports and in some isolated cases, confirming “claimed authentic scientific test reports.” Availability of the above scientific verification is subject to security issues surrounding product development, regulatory certified documentation, and proprietary ownership “classified or restricted category information.”

Company Ownership: Working Policy:

Tower Aerospace is privately owned and run, always paying strict attention to the future of the industry. Every airborne environment has its own specific methods of operations. Tower staff are trained to respect, always respond, support, blend with the individual and unique environment in total harmony. The total working environment brought forward by our customers is paramount to success. We blend our

support as a working arm of the customer. The future for Tower Aerospace and its affiliates is harbored in the mutual and agreed relations with our customers. Ethical behavior, honesty in open discussion and intent is paramount. The Company has earned the respect and security clearances in several Countries. Tower Aerospace is a Male/Female, Veteran owned and operated Company. Most of our staff and Principles were chosen for their ability and understanding of “flight” as Certified, qualified Pilots and Engineering history. Wherever , whenever possible we do what we say and mean. Failure is not an option. Staff are articulate and precise in daily operations. What goes up must safely come down.

Company growth and expansion: secured communication:

The Company is open to investor enquiries regarding partnering, possible ongoing ownership and eventual takeover:

Further information can be requested from Senior Owners. Contact Tower Aerospace: direct all communication to the President - S.G. McLeod –Founder. You will receive a secure response as soon as possible. Please mark all enquiries “Confidential.” With total respect, all response will be in “Private Confidential Mode”, and Tower staff will respect it as our own privacy,

Potential Growth Opportunities:

Tower Aerospace and its affiliates have a long , respected, firsthand business case and international mindset supporting all aspects of the Aviation and Aerospace Industries. Over the past forty-five years all the groundwork has been laid and paid for to prove the Tower Name worldwide. Notwithstanding learning all the hard lessons in creating and building a multipurpose organization in one of the most difficult and advanced lead industries in the world; the science and geophysical advanced technology Aerospace Industry. Our future is creative, constantly challenging, productive, and open for anyone interested in the future of Air Travel and Space. The Company is poised , has the history to support advancing to Space Technology; the dedicated international direction of the Human Journey in Space to begin Human Habitation.

Finally, the business we chose 48 years ago includes offering advanced problem-solving processing and research activities, on every level of flight support. The gateway to Space.

All interested parties are invited to contact Tower Aerospace directly in a confidential manner.

www.toweraerospace.com

MAINTAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE

WELL ENGINEERED INDUSTRIAL CHAIN BENEFITS.

Using a well-engineered industrial chain, is of paramount importance in industrial processes. These chains play a crucial role in various sectors of manufacturing. In this article, we look at the significance of well-engineered chains, their functions, benefits, and the consequences of neglecting them.

1. **Efficiency and Productivity**: Industrial chains are the backbone of production lines. Well-engineered chains, as supplied by Köbo UK Ltd, ensure the movement of materials, products, and equipment. They minimize downtime, enhance production efficiency, and boost productivity.

2. **Safety**: Safety is a paramount concern in any industrial setting. Well-designed industrial chains, like the ISO9001 Chains supplied by Köbo UK Ltd, are less likely to fail unexpectedly, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Properly engineered chains also mitigate the chances of chain-related accidents, such as chain derailing or snapping, which can have severe consequences.

3. **Durability**: Industrial chains are exposed to extreme conditions, including high temperatures, heavy loads, and corrosive environments. A wellengineered chain is constructed to withstand these conditions, ensuring a longer lifespan. This durability translates into cost savings as it reduces the frequency of chain replacement and maintenance.

4. **Cost Savings**: While investing in high-quality industrial chains may seem expensive initially, it pays off in the long run. The reduced need for repairs and replacements, as well as increased operational efficiency, results in significant cost savings over time. In contrast, using inferior chains can lead to frequent breakdowns, expensive repairs, and higher operational costs.

5. **Precision and Accuracy**: Industrial processes often require precision and accuracy. Well-engineered chains provide the required consistency in movement and positioning, ensuring that products meet the desired specifications.

6. **Customization**: Industrial chains can be tailored to specific requirements. Well-engineered chains can be designed to accommodate various load capacities, speeds, and operating conditions.

7. **Environmental Impact**: Sustainable manufacturing practices are becoming increasingly important. Well-engineered chains can be designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce emissions. They contribute to greener operations by running more efficiently which aligns with environmental regulations and corporate social responsibility goals.

8. **Reduced Downtime**: Downtime can be a significant cost factor in industrial processes. Wellengineered chains are less prone to unexpected failures, reducing the frequency and duration of downtime. This, in turn, improves overall production continuity and customer satisfaction.

9. **Global Supply Chain Reliability**: In today’s interconnected world, supply chains often span across countries and continents. Well-engineered industrial chains ensure the reliability of these global supply chains.

10. **Quality Control**: Quality control is a critical aspect of industrial processes, particularly in sectors like automotive and aerospace. A wellengineered chain contributes to consistent quality by maintaining precise movement and positioning, crucial for the assembly of intricate components.

In conclusion, the importance of using industrial chains, in processes cannot be overstated. These chains serve as the lifeline of various industries, contributing to efficiency, safety, cost savings, and environmental responsibility. Neglecting the quality of industrial chains can lead to catastrophic consequences, including accidents, downtime, and financial losses. Therefore, investing in wellengineered industrial chains is not just a matter of choice but a strategic imperative for any organization aiming for long-term success.

NEGLECTING THE QUALITY OF INDUSTRIAL CHAINS CAN LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING ACCIDENTS, DOWNTIME, AND

FINANCIAL

For further information, please visit www.kobo.co.uk

LOSSES.

HOW AUTOMATION CAN BOLSTER THE UK’S SOVEREIGN AUTOMATION DEFENCE CAPABILITIES

BY OLIVER SELBY, HEAD OF SALES, FANUC UK

World military expenditure has increased by almost 10% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $2,718 billion . And the UK is no exception, having committed to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 as part of a NATO agreement. With multiple countries striving to shore up sovereign defence capabilities, prices are likely to increase. How can the UK ensure it doesn’t get left behind?

Automation remains the fastest and most efficient route to increasing production capacity. And as a leading robot manufacturer, with a longstanding British presence, FANUC is perfectly placed to provide domestic automation capabilities. By supporting not only prime and tier defence companies, but also increasing automation capacity within wider manufacturing facilities, we can bolster the full UK sovereign supply chain.

Cyber resilience as standard

It must be acknowledged that FANUC is a Japaneseowned company. However, there are defence programmes of work currently underway that involve both the British and Japanese governments, underlining the mutual trust and support between the two nations.

Linked to this issue of mutual international trust is cybersecurity. Setting mandatory cybersecurity requirements for hardware and software products with a digital element, the EU’s new Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) comes into effect from September 2026. All UK machine providers will be affected and it will alter how equipment is risk assessed and CE marked.

The new FANUC R50iA controller – based on the latest CNC hardware, FS500 – is already fully CRA compliant, making it easier for our customers to complete their risk assessment. Going forward, all our robots will feature this new controller as standard, while our oIder controllers are currently undergoing validation to ensure they also meet the new standards.

Reliability meets innovation

Equipment longevity and avoiding obsolescence are also key drivers in defence and aerospace projects, not least because they often involve multiple stakeholders

and layers of complex engineering and compliance requirements. FANUC provides lifetime support on our products, assuring spare parts availability and local service support worldwide.

Yet innovation is equally crucial. We work closely with manufacturers, as well as organisations at the cutting edge of R&D (including universities, R&D/training institutes and High Value Manufacturing Catapults), to ensure we can respond swiftly to changing customer demands.

A prime example of this is Project Compass (Composites at Speed and Scale), an £80m investment which includes an aerospace manufacturing R&D project delivered by a consortium of companies including our system integrator partner Loop Technology, Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Three FANUC M-2000iA/1700L six-axis industrial robots are being employed as part of the project, as well as an M-2000iA 1200L and a 900L model.

We also supported Airbus with its in-house robotics strategy, developing an industrial drilling robot (the M-800iA/60) to meet the company’s specific requirement.

Reducing project risk

Engaging regularly with prime manufacturers and their first tier suppliers is crucial to success in the defence and aerospace sectors. Keeping the supply chain tight helps to reduce financial risks, technical risks and security risks, as well as speed up project delivery. We look forward to seeing the results of our increased focus on bolstering the UK’s defence capabilities with domestic automation solutions, and the security benefits this can deliver for all.

Witness the future of precision engineering at FANUC’s brand-new machinery event, taking place 2729 January 2026 at FANUC UK, Ansty Park, Coventry. To register your interest in attending ‘The Future of Precision Engineering’, go to https://ukopenhouse. fanuc.eu/#whats-on

www.fanuc-academy.uk

Automation has a name.

COMPACT ULTRASONIC SENSOR FROM BAUMER WITH 3M SENSING RANGE

18 mm flat NexSonic UF300 ultrasonic sensor from Baumer 3-meter sensing range is ideal for applica-tions in intralogistics. Image: Baumer

At SPS 2025, Baumer is premiering further evidence of technological leadership as a sensor expert. In Nuremberg, Baumer presents the first compact ultrasonic sensor featuring a sensing range of 3 meters. But there is even more to that: new UF300 sets more standards that are best-in-class. With the shortest blind range of a mere 50 mm and only 18 mm installation depth there is maximum design freedom. An-other outstanding characteristic is the unrivalled short response time up to 56 ms.

Behind those top values is the NexSonic technology developed by Baumer for maximized ultrasonic sensor performance. NexSonic is based on an ultrasonic processor (ASIC) developed by Baumer and own patented sensor element. In NexSonic ultrasonic sensors, the piezo element with ASIC directly connects to the membrane. The result: shorter signal path and improved electromagnetic compatibility. The compact evaluation electronics boosts signal processing time and reliability. More benefits of the NexSonic technology are the adaptive sonic cone, ideal for detecting objects through narrow openings, and smart filter functions. These can suppress interfering objects.

UF300 with NexSonic technology is the latest member to the next generation of Baumer ultrasonic sensors. Available as both measuring and switching variant, UF300 adds on the Toolbox as a product family with maximum range. Extremely versatile in use, the sensor cuts down on the number of product variants in production and warehousing. The Toolbox of ultrasonic sensors comprises the six sensor families UF200, UF300, U300, U500, UR12 and UR18 in different designs and sizes. UF300 and UF200 are ideal for front mount. Particularly compact U300 (cubic) and UR12 (cylindrical) fit even tightest installation space. U500 (cubic) and UR18 (cylindrical) are extremely robust.

Intralogistics is a preferred application field for new UF300. Here, the sensors play to their strength by the unique combination of form factor and long sensing range of up to 3 m, even on irregular objects or materials that are difficult to detect. UF300 ultrasonic sensor is ideal for tasks like pallet detection - particularly on long fork arms - and for monitoring pallet stacks and gates in cold stores. Another application field are the packaging and electronics industries.

UF300 will be available in December 2025.

Baumer Group

The Baumer Group is one of the world’s leading experts for high performing sensors and sensor systems in industrial automation. The unrivalled broad product portfolio, measuring precision and smart sensor functionalities provide intelligent solutions for digitalized production. With around 2,800 employees and 39 development centers, production sites and sales units in 19 countries, the Swiss family-owned Group is always close to the customers. As an innovation leader for more than 70 years, Baumer has been creating decisive market advantages and measurable added value with consistently high quality standards. For more information, visit www.baumer.com

Industry-defined

Mechanical Integrity Training

Developed and verified ‘for industry, by industry’, EEMUA 231 Mechanical Integrity courses are for i n dustrial engineers at every career stage – with reality built - in to aid efficient hands-on work with primary containment and prevent loss of hazardous substances, including with pressure systems

• Satisfy industry requirements at each competency level – Awareness, Basic application, Practitioner, Leader

• Covering: *Legislative environment *Industry good practice *WSE *Equipment design *Operational considerations *Audit

*Asset condition *Test techniques *Inspection roles, process & reports *Postponement *Responses to findings

*ALARP *Record keeping *Feedback *User responsibilities & competencies *Operating Limits *Decision Making

• Certificated up to 5 years – CPD-approved.

• Flexible delivery to suit Learners and companies – Blended, Live online, Classroom, E-learning, or In-house.

• Courses throughout each year available to all – free or discounted to EEMUA Members and Associates

Mechanical Integrity Practitioner Certificate (MIPC®) – part-time, blended, live online learning – on-site or on-call – 1:1s and Mentor Support –workbook builds from day-1 for immediate application on-site of EEMUA 177, 231 and 232 guidance, and the PSSR ACOP – certificated for 5 years via exam and portfolio assessment –in-depth learning for 27 weeks, flexible 4 hours per week – CPD of 110 hours The MIPC course adapts to the engineering needs of each Learner, company and site/s via a 2-hour induction (to fit work schedules ahead of the course) – learning on the next course starts 2 March 2026

Asset Integrity Leadership Certificate – blended, live online – for new and experienced Leaders –flexible learning 3 hours per week – 55 hours CPD – certificated – next course starts 2 March 2026.

EEMUA 231 Mechanical Integrity Basics – blended, online learning – at Basic application competency level – flexible 4 hours of learning per week for 3 weeks – 12 hours of CPD – certificated via exam – next course starts 2 February 2026

EEMUA 231 Mechanical Integrity e-learning –set at the Awareness level – with 1 hour of CPD –immediately available – on-demand.

EEMUA Pressure Systems Seminar – Birmingham, UK – 23 April 2026

online-learning@eemua.org

+44 (0)20 7488 0801

www.eemua.org

• Gain or renew your 5-year Certificates of Competence*

• Courses for each career stage based on EEMUA 159

• English, Dutch, German and French language options

• Free or discounted for EEMUA Members and Associates

TankAssessor courses*

19-22 January 2026 – in English – live online

9-12 February 2026 – in Dutch – live online

27-30 April 2026 – in German – Hannover, DE

1-4 June 2026 – in French – Paris, FR

Tank Integrity Manager course

8-12 June 2026 – in English – Antwerp, BE

In-house courses

By arrangement for your choice of: time, language, location.

TankInspector courses*

16-18 February 2026 – in English – live online

23-25 February 2026 – in Dutch – live online

16-18 March 2026 – in French – live online

TankBasics courses

9 March - 30 April 2026 – in English – blended, live online

Storage Tanks e-learning On-demand – in English or Dutch

Also... Alarms Systems & Controls Seminar Manchester, UK – 26 March 2026

More choices, information and registration at www.eemua.org

MOBILE-FIRST MEANS PEOPLE-FIRST: RETHINKING INDUSTRIAL RESPONSE

When an alarm goes off in a plant, the first responder is rarely sitting in a control room. It’s far more often an engineer on the move, a technician between tasks, or a shift lead covering multiple lines. Industrial operations don’t stand still - and neither do the people who keep them running. That’s why a mobile-first alerting and workflow solution like SIGNL4 has become essential.

For many organizations, the real value isn’t just speedit’s adoption. Teams need a system that’s intuitive and visually clear, especially when processes change. As Victor Kaupe, Project Management Logistics EMEA at BASF Coatings, explains:

“SIGNL4 is a highly intuitive, seamless mobile control system for intralogistics processes. We were looking for an attractive visualization that enables a smooth change management within the teams. Changing process is always a challenge but the greatest sceptics soon became the greatest fans of SIGNL4.”

This reflects a core reality: technology works only when people embrace it. SIGNL4 turns SCADA, MES, or automation alarms into actionable mobile alerts, enriched with context and routed intelligently. The moment an alert fires, the right person receives it on their phone, taps for details, collaborates with colleagues directly in the alert thread, and acknowledges or escalates - all without returning to a desk.

For many plants, SIGNL4 becomes part of the operational fabric. As Simon Strass, Project Manager Digitization at BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, puts it:

“We really enjoy working with SIGNL4 and it has become a set part of our automation workflow at our Dillingen facility.”

This is where mobility shows its impact. Downtime, quality deviations, or equipment failures require immediate action. Delivering alerts directly to mobile devices shortens response times and ensures accountability. You see who is on call, who responded, and what was done - creating clarity in moments that matter.

The mobile channel becomes more than a notification path; it becomes the lifeline of the operation. It enables ownership, transparency, and faster decision-making, even when teams are distributed or constantly moving.

In short: when every minute counts, mobility is not convenience - it’s capability. And when your alerting system bridges automation environments into a mobile workflow, you stop chasing alarms and start meeting them. With SIGNL4, the desk stays emptybut the response never waits.

MIDLANDS ELECTRIC MOTOR SPECIALIST CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF SUCCESS

Alpha Electrics, based in Leicester, has grown year on year and employs 14 people.

The family-owned business specialises in electric motors used in the aerospace, automotive, precision engineering and food sectors servicing around three thousand every year.

Rajesh Patel, sales director, Alpha Electrics said: “We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved particularly in recent years, which has been a challenging time for everyone, especially small businesses. We have helped thousands of businesses including blue chip companies in a range of industries, such as aerospace, packaging and food with a strong customer base in the Midlands and across the UK. As well as our core business of repair, maintenance and service of industrial electric motors and drives, we are expanding our service into facilities

A MIDLANDS COMPANY IS CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF SUPPLYING AND REPAIRING ELECTRIC SERVER MOTORS TO BUSINESSES ACROSS THE UK. www.alphaelectrics.com

management focusing on London and the south east. By continuing to diversify, I’m confident we can keep growing the business with its success being enjoyed by future generations of our family continuing to deliver for our customers.”

Mirza Safi, maintenance manager, Everest Ices Ltd said: “We’ve been working with the team of specialist engineers at Alpha Electrics for more than 20 years. By helping to maintain our existing equipment, we haven’t had to spend money on replacement machinery. They’re always available to provide a solution when we have technical issues with our equipment enabling us to keep the business up and running. It’s like having your own in-house testing, maintenance and procurement division.”

For more information, visit www.alphaelectrics.com or follow on LinkedIn.

OKI PRO10 SERIES LABEL PRINTER WITH DX-LABELER

DRIVING SMART FACTORY AUTOMATION

OKI has unveiled its new Smart Factory inline labelling solution, combining the compact Pro1040 desktop printer with the DX-Labeler stacker and robotic arm.

First presented at LABEL EXPO Barcelona 2025, the solution advances Industry 4.0 goals by transforming manual print-room processes into a fully automated, ERP/MES-integrated factory workflow.

Powered by OKI LED dry-toner technology, the Pro10 printer delivers durable, weather-proof, grease proof, alcohol resistant and GHS-compliant labels with 1,200 dpi resolution, ensuring 100% barcode and QR readability. Its ability to merge data and colour forms onto blank media allows short-run, multi-SKU printing without reliance on pre-printed stock—ideal for industries with high throughput (≥5,000 labels/ day) and strict compliance such as food, beverage, pharma, chemicals and electronics, home appliances, or logistics.

The DX-Labeler stacker and robotic arm introduces true smart manufacturing capability: automatically picking, placing and applying labels with precision, reducing human error and accelerating changeovers. For system integrators and engineering managers, it offers seamless factory-line integration, scalable deployment, and optimised throughput.

Compact and modular, the OKI Pro10 label printer with DX-Labeler empowers manufacturers and OEMs to achieve agile, cost-effective system labelling, unlocking faster migration to smart, automated, multi-colour labelling environments. www.oki.com

PATENTED DESIGNS

UNIQUE 5 YEAR WARRANTY

It starts with design and we have Patented Designs for high performance.

On our complete range of servo gearboxes and rack and pinion products.

UNMATCHED 2-3 WEEK LEAD TIME

On our standard range of planetary and spiral bevel gearboxes and rack and pinion solutions.

ON-TIME DELIVERY OR IT’S FREE!

Guaranteed delivery - another industry rst for Apex Dynamics. FREE PRODUCT if we are late on what we acknowledged as the delivery date.

ATEX AS STANDARD

LARGEST RANGE OF REPLACEMENTS

We have the largest range of drop-in replacements and ratios of any major planetary gearbox manufacturer

Apex has achieved Category II 2 GD c T6 classi cation on our standard gearbox ranges, to the latest ATEX DIRECTIVE 2014/34/EU .

Call NOW for a quote on 0121

Patented Designs

5 Year Warranty

5 Year Warranty 2-3 Week Lead Time

2-3 Week Lead Time

Guaranteed Delivery

Largest Range of Drop-In Replacements

Guaranteed Delivery ATEX as Standard Patented Designs

GETTING BATTERY DESIGN RIGHT IN ROBOTICS PROJECTS

BY MARK RUTHERFORD, CEO OF ALEXANDER BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES, A UK MANUFACTURER OF CUSTOM LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACKS FOR OEMS. HELPING ROBOTICS AND INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURERS TAKE BATTERY

SYSTEMS FROM CONCEPT TO PRODUCTION

When a robot stops, everything around it tends to stop too. The battery pack isn’t usually the first thing people think about, yet it’s often the part that determines whether the machine performs as it should. When it’s designed around the real duty cycle and tested properly, it works quietly in the background, keeping operations running as planned. When it isn’t, problems appear quickly - shorter run times, heat build-up or premature wear that can halt operations altogether. Consistent performance and reliable operation are the result of design decisions made early, based on how the robot will actually operate day to day.

The first step is to define how the robot will really work in service: how long it runs for, how often it charges and the environment it operates in. A unit

working in a clean warehouse faces very different demands to one that spends its days on a loading dock or outdoors. Those early decisions shape everything that follows - from electrical design to how the pack is assembled and validated. Leaving these details open too long is one of the most common causes of redesigns, delivery slips and added cost.

Without clear checkpoints, assumptions multiply and time disappears. To avoid drift and late redesigns, development needs to follow defined stages. The first, Scope Freeze, is where the technical requirements, compliance planning and project timelines are agreed so that everyone is working to the same expectations. The second is working towards Design Freeze, when the detailed design has been reviewed and validated –drawings, test plans and documentation are finalised, so the pack is ready for a prototype build. The final stage is to validate costs, including the bill of materials, 3rd party supplier quotes, tooling, and commercial plan in order to reach Cost Freeze before moving to production. Taking this step-by-step approach

keeps teams aligned, prevents scope creep and gives customers confidence that progress is controlled and measurable.

Once the application of the end-product is fully understood, chemistry choice becomes the next key decision. Lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells are stable and long-lasting, making them a reliable option for robots that operate continuously. Nickel-manganesecobalt (NMC) offers higher energy density where space is limited, which suits compact autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and drones. Lithium-titanate (LTO) performs well for fleets that need very fast charging or work in colder environments. There’s no universal answer; the right chemistry is the one that balances energy, cost and weight in line with the duty cycle. An experienced battery design and manufacturing partner will help an OEM’s project team to weigh up the pros and cons for different chemistries and will guide the right decision based on each product’s specific requirements.

It’s also worth deciding early how much usable capacity the pack should retain after a shift. Too little and the robot may fail to complete its route; too much adds unnecessary cost and weight. A good rule of thumb is to design for around 80 per cent of original capacity at end-of-life, as this aligns with common industry definitions of usable battery life and keeps performance consistent over time. Having these realistic conversations early prevents costly field issues and builds shared understanding across the project team.

Developing a custom pack always involves an element of one-off engineering. Drawings, simulations, prototypes, test engineering and certification, together known as non-recurring engineering (NRE), are what turn an idea into a manufacturable product. Planning for this work up front shortens development overall

and helps avoid costly redesigns. It also means cost, safety and performance targets can be validated together, rather than discovered late in the project. It’s what turns a one-off prototype into a product that can be built consistently and safely at scale.

Regulation is now an equally important consideration. From 18 February 2027, industrial, EV and lighttransport batteries above 2 kWh must carry a digital passport accessible via a QR code. Larger robot packs will fall within scope first, while smaller systems may follow as the rules develop. Building traceability into the design - linking cell batches, process data, firmware versions and serial numbers - means the information needed for the passport already exists, rather than having to be recreated later.

Although it may sound bureaucratic, the benefit goes beyond compliance. A clear data record allows maintenance teams to trace faults quickly, gives customers the evidence they need during audits and simplifies recycling at the end of service life. It also protects OEMs if safety or performance questions arise years down the line, because the details are already documented.

Battery design rarely gets the spotlight, but it’s what underpins reliability. Getting the fundamentals agreed early, planning the engineering work properly and thinking ahead to new regulations makes the difference between a programme that runs smoothly and one that constantly needs attention. Reliability isn’t luck, it’s the result of disciplined design. With that groundwork in place, the battery becomes the most dependable part of the robot - the one nobody has to think about at all.

Will your next robot battery be built that way from the start?

www.alexandertechnologies.com

We are DEHN UK.

As one of the UK’s market leaders in surge and lightning protection, PPE, and technical services, DEHN is staffed by dozens of electrotechnical experts with decades of combined industry experience. Being part of the global DEHN Group also means we are backed by an organisation with over a century of operational experience, and with more than 4,000 products at our disposal, we can confidently provide a solution to any electrotechnical requirement or challenge.

It doesn’t stop with our products, however. Within DEHN UK is a specialist technical team, offering a wide range of engineering services to make your life easier. From Lightning Risk Assessments and Earthing Designs, to Isolated and Non-Isolated Lightning Protection Systems, our team is fully equipped to support you and your project needs.

DEHN UK also offers CIBSE-accredited CPD training focused on surge and lightning protection, helping professionals stay up-to-date in the latest standards such as BS7671 and BS EN IEC 62305. These sessions are designed to upskill attendees through in-depth seminars that can be delivered either on-site or virtually. Additionally, we provide training for our in-house risk assessment software, DEHNrisk, where participants get a hands-on, interactive learning experience, and leave with the ability to conduct their own professional risk assessments.

Whatever your electrotechnical needs might be, DEHN UK have the solution for you.

THE HIDDEN COST OF TOLERANCE: WHY MANUFACTURING

EXCELLENCE REQUIRES UNCOMFORTABLE DECISIONS

BY JOE GLEAVE, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, COOLKIT

Most manufacturers talk about operational excellence as if it’s a destination - a certification achieved, a system implemented, a target hit. This fundamentally misunderstands what excellence demands.

Real operational transformation isn’t about adding processes on top of existing foundations. It’s about acknowledging when those foundations cannot support the weight of ambition and having the conviction to rebuild them entirely.

The danger of reliance

Manufacturing has a quiet addiction: dependence on systemic, tacit knowledge that is difficult to pass on and develop the rest of the team’s capabilities.

The operator who knows exactly how to coax performance from a temperamental machine. The supervisor whose mental map of workflow bottlenecks exists nowhere else. The unwritten rules that keep production moving.

This feels like competence, but it is fragility dressed up as expertise. When your operation runs on

unspoken knowledge, you’re operating a daily negotiation with chaos.

Every absence becomes a crisis. Every scale-up attempt reveals new points of failure. You cannot replicate what you cannot articulate, and you cannot improve what you cannot measure.

The uncomfortable truth is that moving from craftbased to process-based manufacturing requires making explicit what has always been implicit.

It means telling experienced people that their hardwon knowledge needs to be captured, standardised, and – yes - made replaceable.

Start at the beginning

Here’s what nobody tells you about culture changewe all wish it started with inspiration, but in truth, it begins with boundary-setting.

You cannot build a high-performance culture when the previous culture tolerated everything. The first task is definition.

What is acceptable? What isn’t? At what point does repeated underperformance become a disciplinary matter rather than a coaching opportunity?

Setting these parameters inevitably means some people choose to leave. Others are asked to leave. Your retention data temporarily looks worse even as your operation strengthens. This is the cost of transformation that award entries rarely discuss.

But here’s what emerges on the other side - a calmer organisation.

When everyone understands the boundaries within which they operate, anxiety decreases as accountability increases. The chaos disappears because you’ve created an environment where people can perform consistently.

Investment timing

Investing in improvements before problems are visible is one of the biggest challenges in business transformation.

After our company suffered a major fire and faced big disruptions, we still managed to reach £21 million in turnover both years. It might seem reasonable to assume our current setup was enough - but that’s the mistake.

The systems that support £21 million in business won’t be enough to support £50 million. It’s crucial to expand your capacity before demand grows.

Even while we remained profitable during the disruption, we increased our press bed capacity, invested in CNC technology, added water jet cutting and reorganised our facility layouts. Some saw this as excessive investment, but it was the bare minimum for achieving our long-term goals.

The key lesson here is that strong foundations must come before growth. If you wait until your business is big to create big infrastructure, you’ll never reach your goals - something critical will fail first.

The compounding returns of daily discipline

Transformation is built on daily discipline. Every morning, supervisors run team reviews then meet with operations management. By 9:15am, every issue is understood, every escalation is addressed and the entire business is aligned. This daily rhythm has been running for eighteen months.

This is not glamorous work, and it doesn’t produce dramatic overnight results. It does, however, prevent problems from metastasising and means that people don’t spend three months storing up frustrations for an engagement meeting.

When you combine this daily rhythm with continuous improvement expectations - where every operations team member is expected to improve - you create

compound returns.

One per cent better every month is 12% better every year and that is the key to achieving exponential growth.

The real measure

We’ve reduced lead times by 60% in the last 18 months. We’ve increased box body production eight-fold. We’ve achieved profitability despite a significantly higher fixed cost base following facility expansion.

These numbers matter, but they’re lagging indicators. They tell you what happened, not if you’re building something sustainable.

The real measures are different. We ask ourselves if customers were to visit unannounced, would they see operations running exactly as we describe them?

Can we absorb a 20% growth spike without systemic breakdown? Would our best operators choose to stay if offered more money elsewhere? Are problems surfaced immediately or hidden until they become crises?

The answers to these questions reveal whether you’ve built a system or just achieved temporary results through heroic effort.

The mission beyond market position

The mission is to build an operation that could stand as an example of manufacturing excellence in any sector – one that would be recognised as world-class in the sectors we provide solutions for.

In a competitive industry without the protection of patents, sustainable advantage comes from doing the fundamentals better than anyone else.

The businesses that thrive are those with the operational discipline to integrate new technologies early and the consistency to earn trust on the most complex, high-stakes projects.

The work continues

The metrics have followed our work, but CoolKit, like any business, is never going to be ‘finished’. The beauty of operations is in the continuous improvement and incremental gains.

Every day, the operations team arrives with two responsibilities: execute today’s plan and improve tomorrow’s capability.

This is not a project with an end date. Never being satisfied with current performance while being proud of the trajectory is the essence of operational excellence.

www.coolkit.co.uk

• Innovative solutions

• Premium perforation

• Custom processing

• Finishing operations

• Technical advice

Explore the full potential of perforated metal

With the world’s leading manufacturer of perforated metal as your partner, you gain access to unique expertise and premium perforation solutions.

Strengthen your competitiveness and enhance your customer offerings with innovative services and large-scale production capacity from RMIG Solutions. Whatever your plans and requirements, we provide tailor-made solutions that maximise your return on investment.

Due to it’s functionality and durability, perforated metal is the preferred choice across a wide range of sectors, such as manufacturing, processing, safety and architecture. You are invited to explore the potential at rmigsolutions.com

RMIG Ltd · Phone +44 1925 839610 · info.uk@rmig.com · rmigsolutions.co.uk

NULOGY POWERS SMARTER MANUFACTURING COMPLIANCE WITH AUDITCOMPLY ACQUISITION

Nulogy, the leading provider of purpose-built software for external manufacturing and contract packing operations has acquired AuditComply, adding a powerful quality and supplier management solution to its growing software portfolio.

AuditComply is an all-in-one compliance platform, developed to optimise processes, deliver actionable insights and drive digital transformation with its innovative EHS, QMS and supplier compliance management (SCM) software. Already delivering to clients including Sysco, Bushmills Whiskey, McCloskey International and Autoliv, AuditComply’s optimisation, customisation and scalability offer a new level of quality, compliance and risk management to organisations worldwide.

Optimisation from paper to digital performance

Manufacturers don’t need systems that force them to change how they work, they need a platform that understands their processes and makes them better –and that’s where AuditComply excels. Taking existing work practices, whether they’re in Excel, Word, or still on paper, AuditComply mirrors them digitally, optimising what is done already and making them faster, more accurate and more actionable.

Customised for every client

The rigidity of traditional compliance platforms can be a big frustration for many manufacturers. Updating

workflows, changing templates or adapting to new standards often require interventions from suppliers and result in extra costs. AuditComply changes this model. Its platform is centred around a powerful template builder that allows companies to create, modify and deploy their own workflows. Whether ISO 9001, BRCGS or internal GMP protocols, users can replicate any framework and customise scoring, grading and reporting to suit their needs.

Scalability to grow with each business

AuditComply has been created to effectively deal with the dynamic nature of manufacturing and can scale easily to manage all types of changes such as supplier updates, new site openings and acquisitions. For example, its asset tree allows organisations to map their entire structure, from plants and departments to suppliers and production lines. Each can have its own templates, access controls and document libraries.

This scalability is why companies use AuditComply to manage thousands of suppliers and global field operations. From tracking supplier certifications and managing expiry dates to scoring performance, everything is centralised and visible.

Combined capabilities

AuditComply brings real innovation to Nulogy’s customers in the form of robust quality, compliance and risk management functionality. Adding these capabilities to Nulogy’s Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) cements its position as the leading provider of purpose-built software, and will ensure it continues to be trusted by leading brands and manufacturing companies worldwide.

www.nulogy.com

SQUIRREL CAGE MOTORS | SLIP RING MOTORS | DC MOTORS

Motors up to 25 MW and 13.8 kV

• Low voltage slip-ring and squirrel cage motors up to 3,000 kW

• Medium voltage slip-ring and squirrel cage motors up to 15,000 kW

• Direct current motors up to 2,000 kW

• Frequency converter-proof drives

• In-house load test facility up to 13.800 V, 2.300 kVA, 120 Hz

Customized special designs

• Custom designs for special applications and operating conditions

• Optimized motor design for higher efficiency

• Mechanically and electrically interchangeable motors

• Commissioning worldwide

MENZEL Great Britain Ltd. | UK Branch Office Martin Rooney | Tel.: +44 1664 500 844 martin.rooney@menzelgb.co.uk

menzel-motors.com