INDUSTRY NEWS
BEP acquires Plating Solutions in the UK
BEP Surface Technologies , a leading electroplating and surface finishing specialist in the UK , has announced the acquisition of consultancy , Plating Solutions , to accelerate its growth and innovation strategy .
“ Based in Huddersfield , Plating Solutions is a specialised metal finishing plant design and equipment consultancy launched 20 years ago by industry luminary , John Torr . The business boasts a raft of UK and international clients and is a chemical stockist for plating solutions ,” it explained .
For an undisclosed sum , the strategic acquisition marks BEP ’ s significant expansion and positions it as a forerunner in the UK ’ s metal plating and specialty chemicals trading . It enhances BEP ’ s capabilities to serve diverse industries . Established more than half a century ago , BEP operates in the engineering and manufacturing ; plastics : defence ; energy ; power generation and nuclear sectors , offering solutions to contemporary challenges in industries including EV battery production . The deal will allow for the eventual retirement of Torr , who will take a consultant ’ s role and lead a team of commercial staff and chemical engineers .
( L-R ) Andrew McClusky , Managing Director , BEP Surface Technologies , and John Torr .
Commenting on the acquisition , Andrew McClusky , Managing Director , BEP Surface Technologies , said : “ We are thrilled to welcome John Torr and the Plating Solutions ’ clients into the BEP family . John ’ s unparalleled expertise and dedication to advancing surface technologies perfectly align with our mission to drive innovation and excellence in engineering .”
This acquisition marks another significant milestone for BEP , which recently launched BEP Solutions to accelerate international R & D partnerships to solve global challenges in surface coating .
“ Our recently launched innovation arm , BEP Solutions , will benefit from Jon Torr ’ s deep understanding of process chemistry and commitment to excellence , which have earned him recognition as a leader in the field ,” added BEP .
BEP has a strong track record of collaborating with international governments , academia and businesses to address challenges within existing and emerging sectors . This includes developing a novel graphene-impregnated copper coating in partnership with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre ( GEIC ) in Manchester ; chill roll process optimisation for a leading global food packaging manufacturer ; surface coatings research for a major defence supplier and driving research into the development of copper-coated containers for global nuclear waste management organisations .
BEP Surface Technologies specialises in electroplating , metal finishing and coating . Based in Radcliffe , Manchester , the 54-yearold company works with hard chrome , nickel and copper . BEP is certified ‘ Fit For Nuclear ’ and holds ISO 9001 , 14001 and 45001 . n
https
:// solutions . bep-st . com /
LAMIERA gears up for 2025
From 6-9 May 2025 , Fieramilano Rho in Milan ( Italy ) will host the twenty-third edition of LAMIERA , the international exhibition dedicated to sheet metal forming and cutting machine tools and innovative technologies related to the sector . Promoted by UCIMU- SISTEMI PER PRODURRE ( the Italian machine tools , robots and automation systems manufacturers ’ association ) and organised by CEU-CENTRO ESPOSIZIONI UCIMU , LAMIERA is the only trade show in Italy exclusively dedicated to the metal forming sector .
Machinery ; equipment for processing sheet metal , tubes , profiles , wires and structural metal fabrication ; presses ; moulds and dies ; moulding ; surface treatments and finishing ; parts ; components ; accessories ; tooling ; fastener materials ; technical and industrial subcontracting form the heart of the exhibition . LAMIERA will showcase the latest sheet metal technologies . The event will also highlight various technological themes relating to machine tools .
There will be six exhibition areas . FABBRICA FUTURA will be dedicated to software and technologies for connectivity , data management and automation and to digital systems and robotics applied to sheet metal processing . SALDATECH will offer an overview of the wide and diversified world of welding , one of the most important sheetmetal joining technologies . FASTENER INDUSTRY will showcase screws , bolts , fastening and clamping systems .
WORLD OF HEAT AND SURFACE TREATMENTS will host machines , systems , accessories and consumables focused on pre- and post-production treatments , for ferrous and non-ferrous materials . METROLOGY & TESTING will be centred on testing , measurement and qualitycontrol systems and machines . BLECH ITALY SERVICE focuses on technical subcontracting and services for the sector ’ s industry .
In addition , starting this year , LAMIERA will propose a Revamping & Retrofitting area focused on machines and equipment that have been adequately renewed and equipped with new functionalities to meet the needs of a market that is complementary to that of ‘ new machinery ’. The LAMIALAMIERA area of the trade show will offer a comprehensive meeting
programme covering relevant topics for the sector as well as educational initiatives .
“ International and domestic market trends are expected to grow for the entire three-year period from 2025-2027 , and the availability of Transition 5.0 and 4.0 tax incentives throughout 2025 will certainly favour all operators who decide to exhibit at LAMIERA , which is hosted in the world ’ s third largest consumer market ,” commented Alfredo Mariotti , General Manager , UCIMU .
In 2023 , over a total floor space of 40,000 square metres , LAMIERA attracted approximately 400 exhibiting companies ( of which 27 % were from outside Italy ), representing 22 countries . n
www . lamiera . net
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