GENERAL NEWS
Bystronic acquires 100 % of Antil
Swiss sheet metal specialist , Bystronic , is increasing its existing 70 % stake in automation expert , Antil S . p . A ., and acquiring the remaining 30 % minority stake . It is therefore strengthening its automation portfolio in accordance with its Strategy 2025 .
“ Flexible manufacturing aligned with automated material handling and data flow is key to the productivity of our customers in the sheet metal processing industry ,” Bystronic told ISMR . “ In the summer of 2018 , Bystronic acquired 70 % of family-owned company Antil S . p . A . in San Giuliano Milanese ( Province of Milan ) in northern Italy . Since then , we have integrated Antil ’ s operations , doubled sales to approximately CHF 40 million at good profitability and increased the
Alex Waser , CEO of Bystronic . Antil automation equipment .
number of employees from 110 to 200 ,” it added .
Since the beginning of the year , the demand for automation solutions for laser cutting systems has grown well above average . Effective at the end of November 2021 , Bystronic acquired the remaining minority stake of 30 % for around CHF 13 million to “ further increase customer proximity and expand the market .”
Antil ’ s portfolio includes loading and unloading laser cutting and punching systems , automated sheet metal storage systems and robot-assisted bending solutions for the gold segment . In Italy , Bystronic also operates its Groupwide competence centre for automation solutions .
Alex Waser , CEO of Bystronic , emphasised : “ Automation is one of the core drivers of growth for both our customers and our own business . With this acquisition , we are strengthening our portfolio in this crucial field and will be able to address our customers ’ needs more effectively . Based on our growth strategy 2025 , we will offer our systems in all market segments and , over the coming months , will leverage Antil ’ s expertise to develop additional automation solutions for the silver and entry-level segment in China .” n
Back to the future
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics will be returning to Farnborough ( UK ) from 8-10 February 2022 . It is a comprehensive annual industrial exhibition in the UK and a major pan-European showcase for new technology in machinery , production equipment , electronic production and assembly , tooling and components as well as subcontract services .
The event will be held at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre , a new £ 35m 20,000m 2 venue offering modern facilities , easy access and free onsite parking . Co-located with Southern Manufacturing & Electronics , AutoAero is a highly specialised event focused on suppliers to the UK ’ s aerospace and automotive engineering sectors . International Sheet Metal Review magazine is a media supporter of the event and will distribute its February issue throughout the show .
“ The show ’ s eagerly-awaited revival comes as engineering firms across the UK are getting back to business and are keen to reinvigorate their order books . Many of the show ’ s regular participants have weathered the turbulent conditions of the last 20 months and are now eager to pitch their stalls . As in previous years , the show features an incredible array of hightech production , mechanical and electronics ’ components ; tooling ; industrial hardware ; business and subcontract services from all over the UK , continental Europe and beyond ,” said the show organiser , European Trade & Exhibition Services ( ETES ).
ETES expects the show to be fully booked by the time it opens and is confident of ‘ coming near 2020 ’ s pre-COVID , recordbreaking attendance of roughly 9,000 people ’. With its wide range of exhibitors , Southern Manufacturing aims to provide answers to ‘ a variety of procurement challenges in one visit ’ – perhaps even more important given the current difficulties of travel and engagement in face-to-face business .
“ Wide-ranging anti-infection precautions , including fresh air ventilation throughout the building , help to make Farnborough International Exhibition a comparatively low-risk environment in which to conduct face-to-face business ,” ETES told ISMR .
In line with government guidelines and on event industry recommendations , COVID-19 status for exhibitors , visitors , contractors and event staff will be validated on arrival at the event .
“ All attendees are kindly asked to respect the space of others , particularly in crowded areas . From 10 December 2021 , face coverings must be worn in indoor settings . Spare
masks will be available from us . Shields will be installed in busy areas involving frequent face-to-face contact . Attendant staff will be provided with face visors / face coverings . Dedicated hand hygiene stations will be located within all high traffic areas throughout the hall . Farnborough International will also ensure a rigorous cleaning regime of all public areas throughout the entire event ,” confirmed the show organiser .
Alongside the trade show and demonstration areas , the free seminar programme will return for 2022 in a socially-distanced format . Subject areas include reducing energy consumption for manufacturers ; new technology ; innovation ; supply chain and business strategy along with an evaluation of current industrial and post- Brexit regulations . n
ISMR February 2022 | sheetmetalplus . com | 9