INDUSTRY NEWS
Subcon highlights supply chain solutions
A key UK event for manufacturing supply chains, Subcon, returns to Hall 3A at the NEC in Birmingham( UK) on 3-4 June 2026. The exhibition covers everything from assembly work; CNC machining; metal fabrication; electronics; component parts and more. At its core, Subcon is an event designed for manufacturing buyers, specifiers and key decision-makers to meet and source suppliers across all industry sectors.
“ Bringing together over 200 exhibitors and 6000 visitors, Subcon delivers a vital platform for innovation, collaboration and business development across the UK’ s industrial sectors. The event continues to strengthen its reputation as the go-to event for subcontract manufacturing, supply-chain solutions and engineering excellence in the UK,” the show organiser, Mark Allen Group, explained.
“ Subcon is the UK’ s largest manufacturing supply chain show. It showcases the technologies, partnerships and processes driving the future of British manufacturing. Subcon’ s core sectors cover aerospace, automotive, defence and medical. Exhibitors
are committed to helping OEMs and tier suppliers deliver smarter, more resilient production,” it continued.
“ With 200 + subcontractors, cutting-edge technology, CPD-certified workshops, live demos and industry-leading keynotes, Subcon is where business gets done. In just two years, we’ ve seen an 85 % surge in visitors and a 30 % increase in exhibitors,” confirmed the show organiser.
A major highlight of the show, the Subcon Conference, will once again feature a CPDaccredited programme tackling urgent challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. Subcon has also introduced‘ The
Skills Sprint’, replacing traditional long-form workshops with a high-intensity conference stream.
Subcon’ s VIP Buyers’ Programme is designed for senior manufacturers seeking exclusive networking opportunities. The Manufacturing Solutions Show Awards at Subcon are dedicated to honouring excellence and innovation in the industry. Taking place on Thursday 4 June 2026, the awards are free to attend and are open to all visitors.
ISMR is an international media partner at Subcon; its May issue will be distributed at the event. n
www. subconshow. co. uk /
New servo press makes its mark at GSC
Graham Stamping Company, a progressive metal stamper in the U. S. specialising in custom metal work for the automotive, mining and construction industries, is already reaping the benefits of its second AIDA servo press. The company’ s 400-metric-ton press was recently installed at its Hermitage( PA) facility by AIDA-America, a metal stamping press manufacturer in Dayton, OH( USA). The unitised frame AIDA servo press features die area lights, a forward and reverse tonnage monitor, 2.6 x 1.2m bed and 50spm maximum speed. GSM runs the press almost exclusively in pendulum motion, however, to achieve higher ppm output.
“ As a direct result of Graham’ s new press investment, it received two new automotive part orders with annual volumes of twomillion each. This new work alone will nearly fill its new 400-ton press’ s capacity. Graham Stamping Company would not have been able to quote one of the parts, which is stamped in a 2-out die, without the added capacity of its new press( due to this part’ s
Graham Stamping Company’ s new AIDA servo press.
volume and tonnage requirements). The company’ s other new part is produced in a 3-out die. Graham’ s increased AIDA servo press production is nearly shutting down some of its mechanical presses,” AIDA told ISMR.
The third-generation, family-owned business has provided metal stamping and other added-value processes since 1949. It handles high-complexity parts and offers low- and high-volume progressive stamping, including deep draw and multi-cavity, in addition to compound dies.
AIDA is a supplier of metal stamping presses and metal-forming equipment. AIDA servo and mechanical stamping presses are available in capacities from 35 to 4,000 tons and 1 to 800 strokes per minute. Single press, tandem line, high speed, lamination and cold forging models for single stroke, transfer and progressive die applications provide a range of production capabilities. AIDA also offers material handling and automation systems for complete turnkey solutions produced by a single manufacturer.
Sales, service, engineering and manufacturing locations in over 40 cities across 20 countries support press installations exceeding 80,000 units in over 60 countries. These systems stamp products for the automotive, appliance, electronics, electrical and consumer goods sectors. n
www. grahamstamping. com /
www. aida-global. com
14 | ismr. net | ISMR May 2026