Located in Milan, Replique Srl will serve as an additional base from which the company can deploy its continually expanding range of manufacturing technologies - including 3D printing, CNC and injection molding - to address customers’ production challenges.

Expanding International Presence

"The foundation of Replique Srl is a strategic milestone in strengthening our platform’s position on a global stage," said Henrike Wonneberger, co-founder and COO of Replique. "With this step, we’re deepening our connection to the Italian market and enhancing our ability to support our customers in the region in realising spare parts and series applications quickly and cost-efficiently."

Renato Marelli, technical sales manager at Replique, from the company’s new office in Italy, says: "Italy’s rich industrial heritage and energy for innovation make this region a truly exciting frontier. By establishing our local presence, we strategically support Italian companies in bringing innovative manufacturing solutions to life."

Growth in Qualified Series Production

Qualified series production is becoming an increasingly important driver of growth. With an average of around 100 parts per order - a fivefold increase compared to the previous year - the platform now delivers regularly to diverse industries, from rail and mechanical engineering to pharma and healthcare. Series applications already account for 65% of the business, alongside engineering services and one-off parts.

Replique’s network of qualified partners now numbers over 350 worldwide and covers all key manufacturing technologies - from 3D printing and CNC machining to casting, forging, and injection molding.

Meet Replique at Formnext 2025

At Formnext 2025 (Hall 12.1, Booth B95), Replique will present its comprehensive platform, covering everything from engineering services and secure digital storage to decentralised, quality-assured production. Visitors can experience how Replique enables industrial companies to stabilise supply chains, reduce costs, and manufacture more sustainably.

replique.io

These complex assemblies, designed and manufactured in-house by Filtronic are engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of the space environment at low Earth orbit, delivering high-reliability performance across a wide range of communication applications.

"This contract highlights the increasing diversification across customers within the space markets and reflects the trust placed in Filtronic’s capability to deliver at scale for the most demanding space applications," said Nat Edington, CEO at Filtronic. "As demand for satellite connectivity continues to grow, this is another milestone in Filtronic’s mission to support the growing satellite market for Non-Terrestrial Networks, Mobile Satellite Services, and Direct-to-Device connectivity."

Manufacturing will take place at Filtronic’s state-of-the-art facilities in the North East of England. The award reinforces Filtronic’s position at the forefront of RF and mmWave innovation and deepens its partnership with a key European customer, marking further business in the rapidly growing LEO constellation sector.

For more information about Filtronic’s range of components and solutions for space and defence applications, visit its website here. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the team on +44 (0)1740 618 800.

filtronic.com

HINVII (High intensity non-visible intelligent illumination) produces a distinctive purple flash to activate high-visibility materials. This makes hi-vis clothing, signs, cones, and machinery glow brightly, dramatically improving visibility at dawn, dusk, or in poor weather, without creating distracting glare for drivers or crews.

The new warning lamp includes multi-programmable flash patterns and operates on 12/24V systems. Its rugged design is IP67 and IP69K rated, ensuring high performance in demanding environments. Built to last, it withstands vibration, water, and dirt, making it ideal for high traffic areas, roadside incidents, and industrial sites, says the company.

Especially relevant for sectors such as waste management, construction, highway maintenance, distribution, recovery, utilities, agriculture, and logistics, the warning lamp is suitable for any vehicle operating in high-risk or variable lighting conditions.

"This patented technology enables fleets to access precision warning lighting which quite literally cuts through the dark," said John Nobbs, UK sales director for Durite. "By enhancing visibility without increasing visual noise, it empowers fleet and emergency service operators to improve crew safety without compromising performance or compliance. Truly, a leap forward in lighting safety."

www.durite.co.uk

MANNOL is addressing this challenge by introducing new screw caps for its containers. With easily identifiable authenticity features and transparent manufacturer details, the brand is sending a clear signal: at MANNOL, product security is a top priority.

Uniform Features for a Global Brand

To make it easier for distributors and end customers to verify authenticity, the new screw caps bear the SCT and MANNOL brand marks, including the motto "Professionals in Lubricants." The top of the cap features a tactile, embossed texture with an iridescent effect that shimmers depending on the light - a detail that is intentionally difficult to copy. The inner seal now reads "Made by SCT," while the "Original Quality" notice and the SCT logo remain.

The caps are produced in a distinctive silver tone that is echoed on the product labels, including in the product names, viscosity grades, and elements of the new vehicle sketches. This allows the security feature to blend seamlessly into the brand's overall visual identity without overshadowing its functional purpose: clear identification and counterfeit prevention. For trade and service partners, this creates clear checkpoints for incoming goods and sales; for end customers, it provides reliable guidance at the point of purchase.

The new caps will be used across all relevant product categories – including engine oils, transmission oils, industrial oils, and operating and service fluids – and are designed for 1-litre, 4-litre, and 5-litre canisters. The introduction of the new container caps begins immediately; the transition will be rolled out gradually worldwide across the specified product categories and container sizes.

"For MANNOL, product security is the highest priority. That is why we are actively combating counterfeiting and continuously investing in measures, such as these newly introduced container caps, to protect our customers from risks and to strengthen their trust in our brand," said Juri Sudheimer, founder and owner of MANNOL/SCT.

MANNOL Container Caps: 

The New Features at a Glance

• Prominent Logo Placement: SCT / MANNOL and "Professionals in Lubricants"
• Difficult-to-Copy Surface: Embossed cap top with an iridescent, colour-shifting effect
• Inner Seal: "Made by SCT" now complements the existing SCT logo and "Original Quality" notice

www.mannol.de

TRADITIONAL GEARBOXES with solid shafts are a well-recognised feature in automotive transmissions, industrial machinery and heavy-duty equipment. Yet these mechanical power generating stalwarts have several drawbacks; including limited flexibility due to rigid design, increased weight and susceptibility to vibration or wear - all of which can lead to higher maintenance costs and decreased efficiency.

Overcoming these shortcomings is where shaft-mounted gearboxes, otherwise known as direct drive gearboxes, come in. Unlike traditional gearboxes with solid shafts, these gearboxes slide over the shaft, so the shaft supports the weight and torque. There are numerous advantages to this design.

The benefits of direct drive gearboxes

First, shaft-mounted gearboxes eliminate the need for extra mounting components like couplings or belts. Not only does this make the designs of the gearboxes less complex, it eases the assembly and alignment process and makes the systems ideal for space-constrained environments. Known for strong performance in tight spaces, shaft-mounted gearboxes efficiently convert high-speed, low-torque motor output into low-speed, high-torque motion, reducing misalignment and maintenance needs.

That’s why shaft-mounted gearboxes are favoured in critical applications like conveyors, mixers and pumps. Nevertheless, despite their advantages, shaft-mounted gearboxes come with their own set of installation challenges and can experience premature failure and operational inefficiencies if they are improperly mounted.

Here are some tips for how installers can prevent these mistakes and, in doing so, get the most efficiency and cost savings.

1. Ensure proper alignment

Many operators make the mistake of bolting the gearbox down to a solid plate or mounting surface. While bolting the gearbox down may seem like a solid solution, bolting down the gearbox prevents it from adjusting to shaft movements, causing misalignment, vibration and damage to components like bearings and gears. Over time, even slight shaft imperfections can lead to premature failure.

Instead, proper alignment is essential for the smooth operation and longevity of a shaft-mounted gearbox. A reaction bracket, torque arm or reaction bolt kit should be used to allow the gearbox to move with the shaft. These flexible mounting solutions help accommodate misalignments, reduce radial loads and minimise wear on the gearbox bearings. In large machinery, such as mixers or conveyors, the reaction bracket helps redistribute torque and protect the gearbox from damage.

Additionally, the anchor point for the reaction device must be strong enough to handle high reactive forces, especially during direct-on-line (DOL) starting, when torque can spike up to three times its nominal rating. Operators should also schedule regular inspections both during the installation and for ongoing maintenance.

2. Choose the right components for the application

Selecting the right components is critical when designing a gearbox system. It’s essential that the shaft and bearings are properly sized to support the gearbox’s weight and torque. The chosen parts must help the system withstand operational loads without premature wear or failure.

For instance, Technidrive recently assisted a customer in the asphalt industry, which faced repeated gearbox failures on its mixers. The issue arose from two gearboxes that were bolted down solidly on misaligned shafts. The bending of the shafts under the weight of the gearboxes caused excessive strain, leading to frequent breakdowns and costly downtime. The system used a 37-kilowatt motor, which contributed significant power and was crucial in ensuring that the gearboxes could handle the torque demands.

To solve the problem, Technidrive designed a new system using a reaction bracket and flexible mounting along with Bonfiglioli hollow bore gearboxes. These are favoured in quarry and mine applications where absolute reliability and low maintenance are key factors.

This solution allowed the gearboxes to shift with the shaft movement, alleviating the stress that was causing premature gearbox failure. As a result, the customer experienced a significant reduction in failures. Whereas the previous system was prone to failures two or three times a year, it has since run smoothly for years without further issues.

3. Consult technical experts

This example shows us that selecting the right gearbox components is only part of the equation - it’s just as important to consult an expert and understand how to best configure these parts to your specific application. This helps avoid installation mistakes - like bolting the gearbox solidly or using incorrectly sized shafts — which cause significant issues further down the line. It’s also why Technidrive leverages over 25 years of experience, providing expert consultation from component selection to installation.

While the advantages of shaft-mounted gearboxes over traditional gearboxes are clear in some applications, their efficiency and longevity utterly depends on proper installation. By seeking expert advice and using the right solutions, such as flexible mounting and precise alignment, costly mistakes can be avoided so operators can ensure long-term system performance, efficiency and cost savings.

David Strain is technical director at Technidrive

For more information:

www.technidrive.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 28 37 518111

This initiative - called IONOMY - unites experts in technology and solutions, including materials, curing, systems integration, software and hardware

The IONOMY ecosystem includes the following partners:

• AkzoNobel Coil and Extrusion Coatings - initiator of IONOMY and a global leader in coil coatings solutions
• PCT Ebeam and Integration - the leading supplier of innovative and reliable ebeam systems for coil lines
• IST METZ  - a leader in UV and LED curing systems
• Globus - a reference in coating systems and machines engineering for coil
• NOVACEL - a global leader in processing and protective films for innovative materials.

While energy-curable products are available for coil coating, AkzoNobel attributes slow adoption to the complexity of transition, with many businesses unsure how to adapt their operations in order to seize the renewable energy-curing opportunity.

"It isn’t just about making a tweak to the process," explained Sebastien Villeneuve, transformation manager, coil coatings, AkzoNobel Coil and Extrusion Coatings. "Energy-curing is a complete reimagining and transformation of how coating lines are designed, operated, and optimised. We see the enormity of the challenge through our customers’ eyes, and this is why we have created the IONOMY ecosystem."

The name IONOMY is derived from ‘ionisation’ and ‘economy’. Ionisation refers to the critical role energy plays in triggering the cold curing process – a cornerstone of the renewable energy curing technology. Economy reflects the significant business benefits of energy curing: lowering energy costs, faster throughput, improved sustainability, and long-term profitability. 

IONOMY is a cross-functional partnership that supports every stage of the energy curing journey - from diagnostics and road mapping to line redesign and long-term optimisation. It is designed to give businesses the tools, expertise, and confidence to adopt energy curing that unlock measurable efficiency and performance gains, while reducing exposure to energy costs volatility and tightening sustainability regulations.

Built on deep experience across adjacent sectors like automotive, wood, and packaging (where energy curing is already well established), AkzoNobel brings these learnings into the complex, high-throughput world of coil coating.

With the IONOMY ecosystem there will be no prescribed architecture or predefined solutions. Whether a customer is a coil coater, steel producer, or new entrant, the IONOMY ecosystem will help shape a path based on their unique needs, constraints and goals to give them access to operationally feasible, and commercially smart transformation that fits each business.

Chris Bradford, market director, coil and packaging coatings, AkzoNobel says that the creation of IONOMY stems from AkzoNobel’s core values: "We’ve been guided by the values of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability to step forward and help our customers unlock change. No one company can deliver this kind of transformation alone, which is why the IONOMY ecosystem is built on collaboration to guide the industry into its next chapter.

"Our aim is to help coil coaters embrace the more efficient and sustainable future that’s within reach," he stated. "Together, we’ll make renewable energy curing not just possible, but practical and profitable for all coil coaters and steel processors who will be free to adapt, innovate and compete on a new level.

"This challenge requires new thinking. It requires us to have the courage to break from old models and seize the energy-curing opportunity. IONOMY is exactly that."

Backed by AkzoNobel’s global network and science-based carbon reduction targets, the launch of the IONOMY ecosystem represents a bold commitment: to help the entire value chain with the challenges of decarbonization, modernisation, and resilient growth.

See Welcome to the IONOMY ecosystem for details on how the IONOMY ecosystem can support reduced energy consumption and waste through renewable electricity use and material efficiency compared to traditional curing methods.

www.akzonobel.com

Builders and other industry professionals have embraced the efficiency and design advantages of technological advances, yet the rising use of drones, digital twinning, augmented and virtual reality, sensors and cameras, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI) brings an environmental cost many are unaware of. At the same time, there are significant financial benefits to embracing equipment designed to be easily disassembled, repaired, replaced, and recycled.

Throwaway electronics have a devastating ecological impact, cause serious health problems among waste pickers in developing countries, and waste staggering amounts of vital and increasingly scarce materials such as rare earth elements, aluminium, copper, and steel. 

Emma Armstrong, sustainable electronics ambassador and group commercial director at In2tec, says that while the industry has made positive changes to its ways of working to protect the environment for future generations, tech is often overlooked.

"Repairing, reusing, and recycling otherwise obsolete technology conserves the materials needed by the construction sector," she said.

"Many devices and appliances are intentionally designed with a limited lifespan - a concept known as built-in obsolescence - encouraging consumers to replace rather than repair them.

"The alternative is modular and easy-to-repair tech that allows companies to extend the life of the product and limits the need to buy increasingly rare, expensive and ecologically damaging replacement products."

In2tec is working to slash the harrowing environmental and societal impact of ewaste by providing innovative solutions to the growing problem of throwaway electronics. The company’s signature ReUSE and ReCYCLE comprise a closed-loop process allowing manufacturers to remove components from existing electronics at the end of their useful life and reuse them, carbon-free.

One example is a ReUSE product used in the manufacture of an extraction fan used in homes, retail, and hospitality, with an annual volume of 200,000 units.

ReUSE makes the PCBA used in the fan a highly recyclable and reusable electronics assembly that can be separated and reused or sold. This returns up to 1.2m LEDs and 200K connectors back into circulation – slashing materials and energy use.

Changing this product to ReUSE saved 6.49 Mt (metric tonnes) of annual CO2 emissions in first-life manufacture, and subsequent builds will achieve greater CO2 savings.

"Meeting environmental obligations is not the only reason to research sustainable technology - the economic benefits can be substantial," Armstrong added.

The UK has several pieces of legislation governing sustainability in the construction industry, including the Climate Change Act 2008, which sets targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the Environment Act 2021, which aims to improve air quality, biodiversity, water, and waste reduction.

Earlier this year, it was announced that England’s circular economy taskforce (CET) will prioritise initiatives to tackle waste within construction and four other key industries. Some studies find that construction is responsible for up to 50% of climate change.

“It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society - the status quo is economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable," said secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Steve Reed.

"Moving to a circular economy is a pivotal moment for British businesses to innovate, grow and lead the world, so we can slash waste and strengthen supply chains."

www.in2tec.com

IF WE are to take some encouragement as business owners here in the UK, it’s that these reforms aim to rewire the system by giving banks more flexibility, encouraging retail investment into UK businesses, and channelling capital into areas of innovation and regional growth.

For UK manufacturing this represents an exciting opportunity. According to a 2024 report by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) in partnership with Oxford Economics - The True Impact of UK Manufacturing, the total impact of manufacturing on UK GDP was £518bn, which equates to 23.1% of total GDP. It also supports 7.3 million jobs across the manufacturing and UK supply chain - 22.4% of the UK’s total.

However, I’m all too aware that we always have an eye on the bottom line, on our own balance sheets and that of our bank accounts, and investing for growth can be a worry, even when the figures add up.

However, I see the Leeds Reforms as the opening of a new chapter for entrepreneurs and business leaders. While the above figures are encouraging, access to capital has long been one of the greatest barriers to growth. But with smarter regulation and more funding routes, business owners nd manufacturers now have more tools than ever to build resilience, expand, and compete on a global stage.

Overcoming traditional obstacles

Commenting on Make UK’s “Executive Summary for 2025”, Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK said that “Manufacturers have demonstrated their resilience over and over again in recent years and, despite the numerous challenges they face, those that remain innovative and are prepared to invest in new technologies, expanding markets and, most crucially, their people will continue to thrive.”

This is interesting because historically, UK manufacturing businesses have faced three consistent challenges when seeking finance. The first is that many have defaulted to traditional bank loans, often unaware of the wider range of financial tools available to them, which has limited their choice of funding. In addition, bureaucracy and regulation have created lengthy processes and requirements that frequently curb ambition. And thirdly, regional imbalances have meant that too much capital is concentrated in London, leaving promising businesses in other parts of the country underserved.

These new reforms tackle these head-on. By freeing up banks from certain EU-era capital rules, lenders will have more freedom to support high-potential businesses. At the same time, government measures to encourage retail investment should increase the overall pool of funds available. 

Importantly, by locating the National Wealth Fund (formerly the UK Infrastructure Bank) in Leeds and focusing reforms outside of the capital, the government is signalling a genuine commitment to regional growth. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the new funding environment is the opportunity to think more strategically about how they finance growth. Too often, businesses overlook tools that could give them flexibility and stability, or even competitive advantage.

Here are some of the key financing options worth considering:

1. Asset finance and hire purchase

Ideal for businesses needing vehicles, equipment, or machinery. Rather than tying up precious working capital, asset finance allows you to spread the cost, align payments with revenue, and preserve liquidity for other investments.

2. Invoice finance

For businesses with long payment cycles, invoice finance can be transformative. By unlocking cash tied up in invoices, you can maintain healthy cash flow without taking on additional debt. This is particularly useful in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and recruitment.

3. Growth and expansion loans

With the reforms encouraging banks to lend more freely, traditional loans remain a strong option - especially now the approval processes should become more streamlined. Used wisely, these can fuel expansion, acquisitions, or large-scale projects.

4. Trade and export finance

For those considering international markets, trade finance can reduce the risk of overseas transactions and support export strategies. This is increasingly important as UK businesses look to expand beyond domestic competition.

5. Green finance

With sustainability high on the agenda, new incentives are emerging for businesses investing in green technologies, energy efficiency, or low-carbon operations. Not only do these funds support compliance, but they can also enhance brand reputation.

Crucially, the new reforms don’t just increase the volume of capital in the system, they also make it easier to access diverse types of finance, tailored to their specific growth stage and sector.

Navigating a new landscape

While the opportunities are expanding, accessing finance still requires strategic thinking, and we advise clients to approach funding as a planned part of their growth strategy, not as a last-minute necessity. 

Businesses must be clear on their objectives, as funding is most effective when aligned to a clear purpose. Are you looking to smooth cash flow, invest in new equipment, expand overseas, or hire staff? Different objectives require different financial structures.

Headline rates can be misleading, so it's just as important to understand the true cost of capital. Businesses should assess the total cost of borrowing - including fees, penalties, and opportunity costs - before committing, to ensure finance enhances profitability, not erode it. 

Relying solely on one type of finance can expose businesses to risk, too. A balanced approach which combines invoice finance for cash flow with asset finance for equipment, for example, offers greater resilience.

Finally, seek expert advice. The range of options is broader than ever, but navigating them can be time-consuming and complex. A finance partner who understands both your sector and the funding landscape will structure the right mix of solutions to support you, and your needs.

The bigger picture

While the immediate benefits will be felt locally and nationally, the longer-term vision is global. UK manufacturers will now be better equipped to scale internationally and penetrate new markets.

By simplifying regulation and expanding the investment pool, the UK is positioning itself as one of the most manufacturing-friendly economies in the world, which is good news for job creation, skills development, and long-term economic strength.

With all finance, however, there’s always risk, hence the need to partner with an advisor that will offer not only advice, but who will lay down all options, including the pros and the cons, and stress-test cash flow for higher inflation, or slower sales, and guard against risk. Also, markets may change, policy may adapt and even a business’ own proposition may come under pressure or become outdated.

But where we sit today, there’s an opportunity to unlock growth by removing barriers and increasing available capital. At Jones and Co, our role is to help navigate this new landscape, structure the right mix of funding, provide clarity on the best options, and ensure businesses are equipped to seize the opportunities ahead.

jonesandcofinance.com

"As automotive brands look to deliver higher performance, longer range electric vehicles at lower costs, it’s clear that electron beam welding has a major role to play. We are seeing the same story play out in other industries - for example in the energy sector where electron beam welding can enhance the production of wind turbine monopiles and nuclear pressure vessels. We are grateful to Innovate UK for this funding. Projects like this open the door for the commercialisation of advanced manufacturing technologies and will help the UK remain at the forefront of electric vehicle production. We look forward to working with Ford moving forwards," said CVE CEO Bob Nicolson.

As part of Innovate UK’s Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge, CVE and Ford demonstrated that electron beam welding can significantly enhance the quality of electric motor stators and the repeatability of associated production processes, paving the way for widespread industrialisation of the technology.

Findings from the project could help boost the UK’s production of electric vehicles (EV) and support the nation’s net-zero carbon goals. Demand for electric vehicles is growing. However, several barriers to widespread adoption remain – mainly around pricing. The production of motor stators is one factor, with components requiring precise engineering to optimise performance, efficiency and durability.

Using CVE’s proprietary technology, the two partners showed that electron beam welding is an effective and reliable joining method for copper hairpin stators and that it:

• Does not require any preparation of the hairpins, such as trimming, as the electron beam does not suffer from reflectivity issues as infrared lasers do.
• Produces welds that are strong, displaying – on average – a tensile strength six times the minimum limit.
• Allows easy outgassing thanks to the use of a vacuum environment, leading to completely pore-free welds in oxygen-free (OF) copper.

"The Ford Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering team are continuously engaged in work to deliver improvements in the quality and efficiency of motor (stator) hairpin weld processes," said Lee Turner, director of EU Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering at Ford.

"Our developments of laser parameters set-up and repair processes have been industry leading but we now see clear opportunity to make significant further progress through the potential adoption of Electron Beam welding. We are grateful to have collaboration partners like CVE to work with as we investigate routes to full scale industrialisation of this technology. Their unparalleled knowledge, experience and expertise are invaluable in the delivery of the project.”

Venn Chesterton, deputy director, Driving the Electric Revolution, at Innovate UK, said the project "has brought together multiple actors within the UK advanced electronic manufacturing ecosystem to develop a truly world class technology, which is going to be used in manufactured at scale in the UK and around the globe".

"This is just one example of the numerous projects backed by Innovate UK which are ensuring that UK manufacturing supply chains will prosper from electrification," he affirmed

camvaceng.com

The West Midlands Manufacturing Festival (WMMF) will debut on 26 February 2026, at the National Metalforming Centre in West Bromwich, giving manufacturers a unique opportunity to connect directly with the next generation of talent.

Designed in partnership with local schools, the one-day festival will bring manufacturers together with local Year 9 students to showcase the innovation, creativity and career opportunities within modern manufacturing.

Manufacturers from the Midlands and surrounding areas are invited along to raise awareness of their company, culture and team. As exhibitors, they will have the chance to meet with potential future apprentices and employees, and demonstrate live technologies or products to an engaged student audience to spark interest in modern manufacturing careers. In doing so, they can start developing their own pipeline of fresh talent to support future growth and succession planning.

"The Midlands has long been a powerhouse of UK manufacturing, but that future is at risk if we don’t act now to engage the next generation," said Angela Lawlor, founder of UK Manufacturing Festivals (UKMF).

"With a widening skills gap and manufacturers across the UK struggling to access and retain new talent, it's never been more important to show young people the exciting and rewarding career paths that manufacturing can offer. By joining our festival, manufacturers can connect directly with local students who could become their future workforce."

Exhibitor slots are still available for manufacturers wanting to attend, starting at just £320. Exhibitors are encouraged to book before 30 November to secure their place.

For more information, please visit https://www.ukmanufacturingfestivals.co.uk/, or email [email protected]