As Cambridge Atomworks works to create a micro, transportable nuclear fission reactor for use in off-grid applications, the two companies will explore how best to leverage CVE’s expertise in electron beam (EB) welding; including the company’s Ebflow technology, which is proven to dramatically accelerate the production of critical nuclear power components including reactor vessels and internals.

"Building the next generation of nuclear technology in the UK requires us to combine our innovative reactor design with world-class manufacturing capabilities," said Ian Farnan, CEO at Cambridge Atomworks. "Our agreement with CVE is an important step in developing the supply chain and manufacturing approach needed to make our micro-reactor technology a reality. Electron beam welding has the potential to transform how key reactor components are manufactured. As we move towards deployment, we are delighted to be working with CVE to explore what its Ebflow technology can deliver."

Cambridge Atomworks is aiming to have an operational prototype of its ODIN reactor by 2031 and plans to be a trusted global supplier of clean, sustainable energy to off-grid customers by the mid-2030s. The ODIN low-pressure reactor uses solid nuclear fuel and molten salt coolant and is designed as a transportable, standalone power system. Manufactured largely off-site and deployed with minimal supporting infrastructure, potential applications for ODIN include mining operations, remote and island communities, developing markets and other off-grid industrial users where reliable power can otherwise be expensive or logistically difficult to provide.

"Electron beam welding can significantly reduce welding times, improve manufacturing repeatability, reduce distortion and support highly automated production processes in nuclear power projects," explained Chris Punshon, director of R&D and applications at CVE. "The benefits of our Ebflow technology to the manufacture of large-scale nuclear pressure vessels and other pieces of energy infrastructure is already proven. Our work with Cambridge Atomworks will examine how these capabilities can be applied to its ODIN micro-reactor manufacturing strategy while meeting the stringent quality, safety and regulatory requirements of the nuclear sector. 

"This is an exciting opportunity for both companies. Working together at this critical stage of Cambridge Atomworks' programme, we have an opportunity to demonstrate how UK engineering expertise can make a lasting contribution to a competitive global nuclear industry looking to shorten project delivery timescales for both large and small-scale clean energy projects," he added. 

The MoU between CVE and Cambridge Atomworks reflects both companies’ commitment to strengthening the UK’s domestic nuclear supply chain and developing the advanced manufacturing capabilities needed to support the next generation of nuclear energy.

www.camvaceng.com

Building on the success of Technidrive’s 2024 event, the free exhibition will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore practical technologies designed for a range of industries. Experts from Technidrive and its partner organisations will be on hand throughout the event to discuss real application challenges and offer advice on the technologies available to address them.

The event will be held jointly with instrumentation specialist VEGA and will feature its mobile VEGATRUCK. The truck contains a network of connected instruments that visitors will be able to try, while VEGA experts will be available to discuss how instrumentation can support improved process control and reliability.

The key focus of the exhibition will be automation and motor control, with technologies on display including motor control equipment, variable speed drives (VSDs) human-machine interfaces (HMIs)and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from Technidrive partners WEG and Hitachi. Visitors can also explore servo technology, bespoke automation solutions, switchgear and Industry 4.0-ready systems.

The exhibition will showcase electric motor technology, including high-efficiency motors capable of IE4 and IE5 performance, alongside technologies capable of IE6-level performance. Technidrive is also a long-standing partner of Bonfiglioli, which will exhibit products from its extensive range of gearboxes.

Technidrive’s specialists will be on hand to discuss how the right equipment can address industrial challenges. That includes tools like WEG’s Motor Scan technology, an intelligent motor monitoring solution that uses sensors and cloud-based data to support predictive maintenance.

Condition monitoring and bespoke engineering solutions will be another focus of the exhibition, and OMB vibration technology will also be exhibited. Technidrive is the UK’s only distribution partner for OMB Vibrator Motors, which manufactures electric, hydraulic and pneumatic vibrating motors for a range of applications including screens, feeders, separators, hoppers and compactors.

Also on display will be the new Technishield. Technishield is an enclosed VSD solution designed specifically for demanding industrial environments where protection and reliability are essential. Built around the high-performance WEG CFW900 VSD, it is suitable for applications including quarrying, aggregates and mobile crushing, where equipment can be exposed to dust, heat, vibration and other harsh conditions. Technishield is available in bespoke designs from 11kW to 440kW, with tailored finishes and an IP68 potted cooling fan to help protect the drive while maintaining efficient operation. Visitors will also be able to discuss solutions for demanding applications across industries including mining, recycling and foundries.

"Following the success of our previous exhibition, we’re looking forward to bringing customers, partners and industry professionals together again at our facility," said David Strain, technical director at Technidrive. "Automation, motor control, efficiency and condition monitoring are increasingly important in modern industrial operations.

"Technidrive brings technologies from leading manufacturers together into bespoke systems that solve specific customer challenges and deliver long-term value. The exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to see that approach in action and speak directly with our engineers."

Technidrive’s Portadown site is home to the company’s warehouse, engineering and operations teams, providing an ideal environment for demonstrating industrial technologies and discussing applications with engineers and product specialists. The free exhibition will run from 10 am to 8 pm on Thursday 8 October and from 10 am to 3 pm on Friday 9 October.

Register here for free to attend the Automation and Motor Control exhibition and book your slot for the VEGA demo truck, or visit Technidrive’s website for more information on its automation systems.

The drop bar system secures the door leaf against the frame using bolted brackets to resist tampering and forced entry from the outside. Dual drop bar configurations are available for increased protection. 

The new design is more compact and slimmer for a sleeker look and eliminates the need for separate padlocks. For added convenience, multiple locking points can be operated with a single key. 

Designed with versatility and cost efficiency in mind, this steel drop bar can be retrofitted to existing doors without the need for a full door replacement. The drop bar can also be installed on single, double and leaf-and-a-half doorsets.

A wall-mounted support bracket is available on request to safely store the drop bar when not in use, reducing trip hazards, minimising risk of damage to the drop bar and preventing obstruction. 

The drop bar is powder-coated yellow as standard, but both the drop bar and bracket can be colour-matched to existing doors, ensuring a consistent appearance while enhancing protection. 

"We’re excited to launch our new drop bar design to the market, which was released in response to the need for enhanced security within a compact design. The new drop bar system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing and new doorsets, providing enhanced security and appearance. Its slim and compact design offers a sleeker finish without compromising on strength or performance," said Rob Mottram, head of product and compliance at Robust. 

www.robust-uk.com

The appointments recognise the contribution both Ritchie and Kernaghan have made to Technidrive over several years, as the company has expanded from a supplier of motors, gearboxes and drives into a provider of more complete mechanical, electrical and automation solutions.

Ritchie has been with Technidrive for almost 14 years, having joined the business in 2012. He began in internal sales before moving into external sales, where he developed a strong technical understanding of mechanical and electrical drive systems. He later became sales manager and joined Technidrive’s senior management team in 2021.

As sales director, Ritchie will focus on building existing customer relationships, developing new business and expanding Technidrive’s routes to market. This includes supporting growth beyond the company’s home markets in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with further opportunities in Great Britain, Europe and international sales.

"Over the last number of years, we’ve seen more customers looking for complete solutions rather than individual components," said Ritchie. "They want support in bringing motors, gearboxes, controllers and automation together in a way that delivers the right performance for their application.

"To be appointed as a director after 14 years with Technidrive means a lot to me. It is recognition of the work that has gone into helping the business grow, but it also brings a new level of responsibility. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to help shape the next stage of the company’s development."

Kernaghan joined Technidrive almost seven years ago to establish the company’s automation department. His role has since developed from technical selection and systems integration support into wider customer-facing, commercial and strategic responsibilities. He also joined the senior management team in 2021.

As automation director, Kernaghan will focus on continuing to grow Technidrive’s automation business through increased sales, expansion into new markets, development of the automation team and continued investment in technical capability.

"When I joined Technidrive, customers were increasingly asking for a higher level of technical support," said Kernaghan. "It was no longer just about setting up a variable speed drive. Customers wanted to know how it would communicate with a PLC or SCADA system, how different protocols would work together and how the wider system could be integrated.

"This appointment reflects the trust the company has placed in me and gives me an even stronger sense of responsibility for the future of the business. I don’t see it as a point where the hard work stops. If anything, this is the time to find another gear."

Technidrive’s recent growth has been driven by rising demand for industrial automation, bespoke engineering solutions and industrial drive technologies. The company is seeing particular momentum in areas such as Drum Drive solutions, dairy technology, marine winch systems and its jaw crusher unblock system, which is now gaining traction in markets including Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and Indonesia.

The appointments also reflect a wider change in customer expectations. According to Technidrive, original equipment manufacturers are increasingly looking for technical partners that can help solve application challenges, integrate control and drive systems and develop proven solutions that can be taken into new markets.

"Gary and Andrew have both played an important role in Technidrive’s growth and demonstrated the leadership, expertise and customer focus needed to help guide the business forward," added John Coulter, director at Technidrive. "Their complementary experience across sales, automation, supplier relationships, product development and customer support will strengthen our senior management team considerably."

"These promotions also reflect our commitment to developing talent from within and building a strong leadership team around a shared vision. I am confident Gary and Andrew will help ensure our people feel valued, understand the direction of the business and play an active role in Technidrive’s continued success."

www.technidrive.co.uk

ACROSS EUROPE, manufacturers are struggling to recruit talent with the competencies required for modern CNC environments. According to Make UK, 36%t of vacancies in manufacturing are proving hard to fill, compared with 24% across all sectors. Across the EU, the picture is even more stark. The European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning report around 70% of advanced manufacturing firms have difficulty finding employees with the right skills, while the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Manufacturing report nearly two‑thirds of SMEs struggle to fill positions requiring technical expertise.

Europe’s CNC and machine tool sector is undergoing a profound transformation, adjusting processes to new technologies and business models to enhance competitiveness. However, such transformation cannot succeed without a skilled and adaptable workforce. Manufacturers across the EU face two simultaneous challenges: a shortage of technical skills along the production line and immediate labour shortages, meaning critical roles remain unfilled even as demand for advanced machining grows.

Demographic shifts are a key factor. A significant proportion of the European labour force is ageing, with many skilled machinists approaching retirement. According to CECIMO, the European Association of Manufacturing Technologies, across the EU, roughly 20% of the workforce is economically inactive, a pattern that shrinks the labour pool further and is mirrored in multiple member states. Meanwhile, the machine tool sector struggles to attract younger talent, highlighting a structural challenge in replenishing skilled roles.

This challenge has developed over decades, driven by underinvestment in vocational education, an ageing workforce and the rapid integration of digital technologies into machining. In Germany, for example, mechanical engineering employers report shortages of skilled vocational workers, emphasising that even countries with strong education systems face pressures from demographics and sector attractiveness. Today’s CNC professional is expected to combine mechanical understanding with software literacy, data awareness and process optimisation skills, a blend that older training models were never designed to deliver.

The consequences are already visible. Vacancies remain open for months, production schedules are stretched and businesses are forced to rely on overtime or contract labour to maintain output. The impact ripples through supply chains in sectors such as automotive, aerospace and precision engineering.

The adoption of advanced technological solutions is a necessary step for business sustainability and growth. However, their actual utilisation depends on the workforce.

Automation is continuing to spread across European industry rapidly. According to the World Robotics 2025 Report by the International Federation of Robotics, in 2024 around 85,000 industrial robots were installed in Europe. This makes it the second largest region globally for robot deployment in factories, though adoption varies by sector. While automation helps relieve some labour pressures, it cannot fully substitute for skilled operators, programmers and CNC machinists, who remain essential for high-precision tasks.

Why the skills gap matters for European industry

The CNC skills gap is a structural issue with strategic implications. As experienced machinists retire, Europe risks losing decades of tacit knowledge that underpins high-precision manufacturing. Without action, this threatens productivity, delivery performance and the continent’s ability to compete globally. CECIMO surveys indicate that CNC operators and machinists are among the most difficult roles to fill.

At the same time, innovation depends on people. Smart manufacturing, from connected CNC machines to predictive maintenance and data-driven optimisation, only delivers value when employees are equipped to work confidently across both physical and digital systems. The skills gap therefore limits not just capacity but progress.

Automation as a partner to people

Automation and robotics are increasingly central to how manufacturers respond. When deployed thoughtfully, they do not displace workers but extend what manufacturing teams can achieve. By taking on repetitive, ergonomically challenging or highly consistent tasks, automation allows skilled staff to focus on higher-value activities such as programming, quality control, process improvement and continuous optimisation.

Industry feedback reflects this reality. Many workers see automation as a means of strengthening job security and career longevity, particularly in environments where labour shortages place unsustainable pressure on individuals. Rather than removing roles, automation reshapes them into positions that are safer, more skilled and future-facing.

In CNC machine shops where recruitment is most challenging, flexible robotic cells can maintain operational continuity. A single team can supervise multiple machines, supported by robots that handle loading, unloading or secondary operations. With intuitive programming tools and simulation software, these systems are increasingly accessible to SMEs as well as larger manufacturers.

By working closely with customers, Tezmaksan develops solutions such as its CubeBOX system that reflect real operational needs. These automation cells allow human judgement and robotic consistency to operate side by side, extending capacity while preserving expertise.

Just as importantly, Tezmaksan places skills development at the centre of its approach. Through partnerships and training initiatives across Europe, the company supports the upskilling of CNC professionals so they are prepared to work confidently alongside advanced automation. These are not replacement roles but enhanced ones, offering clearer career paths and greater long-term value.

A forward-looking perspective

Europe’s CNC skills challenge is real, but it is also an opportunity. By aligning automation with targeted training and a human-centred mindset, manufacturers can build resilient operations that are less vulnerable to labour shortages and more capable of sustained innovation.

The future of European manufacturing will not be defined by humans versus machines. It will be shaped by how effectively they work together. Companies that embrace automation as a tool for empowerment, redeployment and skills growth will be best positioned to protect productivity and maintain Europe’s legacy of precision engineering.

Hakan Aydogdu is CEO of Tezmaksan

For more information:

www.tezmaksan.com

Tel: 0 (212) 674 60 10

Ilias Avgerinos recently joined Bridgnorth Aluminium (BAL)’s senior leadership team and is already looking to build on a transformational two years that has seen the business return to 24/7 production and capitalise on new investments in the cast house and finishing lines.

The experienced industrialist, who has served in several senior roles at parent company Viohalco Group, believes there are significant opportunities for growth in North America and in new markets, such as electrification, energy and defence, where the firm’s flexibility and technical expertise can add value.

He also feels the domestic market offers untapped potential, with aluminium now classed as a critical material and UK firms showing a desire to shorten supply chains and claim greater control of production.

"This is a very exciting time to be joining Bridgnorth Aluminium, a company I know well after sitting on the board since 2024," explained Avgerinos, who holds a degree in chemical engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. "We are the UK’s only coil aluminium rolling mill and play a critical role in sectors ranging from printing, building and construction, packaging and, increasingly, energy storage. Recent investment has increased our capacity and the ability to explore new markets, and this has seen us grow sales and return to round the clock production in Bridgnorth.

"My role will be to build on the progress we have made since 2024. I have strong commercial and technical knowledge and a track record of introducing new projects at my previous roles at Elvalhalcor and SYMETAL," he continued. "The Viohalco Group is hugely committed to the success of BAL, and we are currently discussing future investments that will strengthen our capability to attract new orders to the UK."

Avgerinos replaces Gerhard Trilling as general manager at Bridgnorth Aluminium, following one of the most challenging periods in the firm’s history. Strategic investments and major process upgrades have brought BAL back to full operational performance within two years and driven an order book that now tops £300m.

"A big part of my focus will be on the 360 people that work at our site on Stourbridge Road. They are the heartbeat of what we do and, if we are going to achieve our expansion plans, we need to retain and develop our committed workforce and attract more talent through our evolving apprenticeship and recruitment programmes," said Avgerinos. "Our leadership team is doing an excellent job and I’m keen to support them by encouraging greater collaboration across different departments, stronger communication within the company and developing more opportunities for professional growth."

Avgerinos will be joined in the senior leadership team by another high-profile hire, with Nikolina Austin recently announced as head of HR at Bridgnorth Aluminium.

The experienced human resource specialist arrives after spending more than a decade at online retailer Amazon and will be responsible for introducing new ‘people-centric’ measures across the business and supporting ongoing recruitment drives.

"Bridgnorth Aluminium has a special place in the heart of this town, with many generations of families proud to work here," she affirmed. "I want us to nurture this unique culture and make it central to our business going forward, supporting people to progress within the company and using it to attract the best talent here. It’s an exciting time to be involved in aluminium in the UK."

www.bridgnorthaluminium.co.uk

Developed to deliver both enhanced power performance and environmental durability, the HR Series introduces a new battery category for engineers designing equipment that must operate reliably in demanding conditions. 

Ultralife developed the HR Series in response to a customer request for a battery that could support their innovative new tool design, delivering higher power capability while maintaining the durability needed in demanding operating environments. Existing cell designs were unable to fully meet these requirements, prompting the development of a new hybrid construction that combines the benefits of these two proven battery technologies.

Traditionally, engineers have needed to choose between the ruggedness of moderate-rate cells and the power and pulse capability of high-rate cells. This made selecting batteries difficult in applications where both advanced performance and extreme durability are critical.

The HR Series addresses these challenges by combining the ruggedness of moderate-rate cell construction with the enhanced performance of a high-rate cell design. The cells deliver higher power and pulsing performance than conventional moderate-rate cells while maintaining the resistance to shock, vibration and other demanding environmental conditions required in many industrial applications.

"The challenge for engineers has often been balancing power requirements with environmental durability," explained Keith Anderson, senior manager, marketing and customer operations at Ultralife Corporation. "We developed the HR series to reduce the compromises by combining the strengths of our moderate-rate and high-rate cell designs. Now, we have a hybrid solution that can meet demanding power requirements while offering exceptional ruggedness and reliability."

The HR Series is particularly well-suited to applications such as measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools, pipeline inspection systems and other sensor-intensive devices operating in harsh environments. By expanding the options available to engineers, the technology provides greater flexibility when designing systems that require both high performance and long-term reliability.

Additional benefits include optimised capacity, a low magnetic signature and the potential to reduce the number of cells required within a battery pack. This can enable more compact battery designs, create space for additional sensors and electronics and improve overall system efficiency.

ultralifecorporation.com

As well as navigating obsolescence, the upgrade will provide additional control functionality, improved motor performance and long-term technical support. Awarded in May 2026, the project is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027.

EES will design, supply and perform the factory acceptance test (FAT) and site acceptance test (SAT) for a replacement excitation control panel and electrical protection relay panel. Both new panels will be retrofitted into the same space as the existing equipment.

The replacement system will provide regulated closed-loop excitation control and include EES’ proprietary automatic power factor correction software. This will help ensure the motor is dispatched optimally to meet the site’s local reactive power demands.

The existing system requires operators to adjust excitation manually, which is not feasible in modern power control systems. The replacement will also provide the gases producer with a technical partner able to support the equipment beyond project delivery.

"The customer has previously struggled with OEM support and needed to know it could depend on its excitation supplier," said Ryan Kavanagh, director at EES.

"Replacing obsolete controls is not just a panel swap. The new system must work safely with existing interfaces and meet the site’s operational requirements. We’ll run in-person design workshops to provide reassurance around the replacement equipment and minimise risk at the interfaces with the existing plant." he continued.

"This is an important milestone for EES as this is our first design contract secured directly with a mainland European customer.” said Tim Burchell, head of operations and projects at EES. “It builds on successful design and commissioning work we have delivered for the same customer in the Netherlands and England."

excitationengineering.co.uk

Based in the UK, Annunziata joins Alva’s Commercial team and will lead the company’s Product Management and Applications Engineering activities. His role will focus on strengthening Alva’s product strategy and ensuring close alignment between product development, application requirements, and customer needs.

Annunziata brings extensive experience across product management, applications, and engineering within industrial motion and automation. His combination of technical and commercial experience will support Alva as the company continues to develop its motor portfolio and strengthen the support it provides to customers across demanding applications.

In his new role, he will work across Alva’s commercial and technical teams, helping translate market and application requirements into product priorities while supporting customers in identifying the right motor solutions for their applications.

"What attracted me to Alva is the combination of groundbreaking technology and a team with the ambition to redefine what electric motors can achieve," said Annunziata. "FiberPrinting is setting a new benchmark for lightweight, high-precision motion systems, and I’m excited to work alongside this talented team to shape a compelling product portfolio, unlock new applications, and accelerate Alva's path to market leadership."

The appointment further strengthens Alva’s commercial organisation and its ability to connect customer and market requirements with product development.

www.alvaindustries.com

Apprentices (existing and qualified), now make up 20% of its entire workforce, as they are so able and respected, they now run the entire manufacturing operation each Friday.

The family run firm, which turns over more than £20m per annum, is about to be thrust into the national spotlight, having been chosen to be at the centre of the UK’s inaugural Vocational Celebration Day. Taking place a week before A Level results are announced, Vocational Celebration Day takes the form of a live YouTube stream, hosted by TV presenter, author, former apprentice and skills campaigner Steph McGovern.

The new initiative, powered by the former Sector Skills Council, Enginuity and awarding organisation EAL, is designed to shine a spotlight on the important contributions of vocational training and skilled trades to the nation's prosperity. Set to be observed every year on the first Thursday of August, the day honours those whose passion, expertise, and dedication in vocational fields form the backbone of the UK’s economy and society.

"Apprentices, both current and qualified, now make up 20% of our production workforce and play an essential role in the future of the business. They provide energy, vigour, new ideas and an ongoing engagement with the local community right on our doorstep," said MD Tom Teagle.

"Our established apprenticeship programme helps us develop the practical skills, engineering knowledge and experience needed to support the company’s sustainable long-term success. We set high standards from the outset, giving our apprentices the skills, confidence and experience needed to take responsibility for machine shop production every Friday.

"As a mainstay for skills provision in our advanced manufacturing operation, our programme is central to shaping the future of our business."

www.enginuity.org