INDUSTRY NEWS
Adrian Haller , MD , Bruderer UK . Above and middle : Bruderer press installations .
Record installation levels for Bruderer UK
Stamping and punching technology specialist , Bruderer UK , has reported its “ biggest pipeline of new machine orders for years .”
The company , which employs 12 people at its factory in Luton , UK , is in the process of installing its seventh new high-speed press in the last 12 months ( a reported 50 % increase on the same period last year ).
Its managing director , Adrian Haller , believes interest is soaring “ thanks to a concerted reshoring drive that is seeing supply chains shorten after the pandemic and domestic manufacturing becoming increasingly competitive with low-cost countries .”
This , he said , has seen customers from the automotive , electrification , aerospace , medical , food and construction sectors engage on a host of turnkey projects that will involve complete production solution lines being installed .
Engineers from Bruderer are in the middle of their reportedly busiest period for over a decade , installing full turnkey , high-speed press lines ( from 25 to 50 tonnes ) including tooling , servo feeders , decoilers , multi-way rewinders , vision systems and press and tool monitoring systems .
“ There ’ s a real resurgence taking place and we need to talk about it more . Orders are up , investment is up and industry is desperately crying out for more workers ,” explained Adrian Haller .
“ UK industry is bouncing back from the shackles of the pandemic . We tend to be a good barometer for the health of the sector and , whilst our refurbishment and repair work has always been strong , this is our biggest year for a long time for new machine installations . All of this is being achieved against a backdrop of rising energy prices and inflation . There ’ s also a big challenge around recruitment and attracting young people and mature workers back into industry ,” he added .
Bruderer high-speed presses include the
BSTA series with a nominal force of 18 to 250 tonnes and a stroke rate range of between 1 to 3000 strokes per minute .
Haller continued : “ There ’ s a real appetite to invest in the latest technology and we must be prepared for this by ensuring we have the capabilities and technical expertise on hand to identify the right solutions for clients : solutions that will deliver cost savings , new capacity and efficiencies . We ’ re responding to the challenge by putting plans in place for further investments in the UK . More news will follow once contracts are signed .
“ There ’ s also [ our presence at ] MACH 2024 to plan and I ’ m delighted to announce we ’ ll be taking our biggest ever presence as part of the new ‘ MMMA ’ Sheet Metalworking Village ,” he concluded . n
www
. bruderer . co . uk
FABTECH 2023 storms to success
FABTECH 2023 , the largest North American event for metalforming , fabricating , welding and finishing , wrapped up at Chicago ’ s McCormick Place with significant milestones for attendance , exhibitors and show floor size .
“ From 11-14 September 2023 , FABTECH welcomed 40,505 attendees from across the globe ( a 26 % year-over-year gain in attendance compared to the 2022 event in Atlanta and a 40 % increase compared to the 2021 event in Chicago ). Representing 80 countries and all 50 states , these industry professionals converged at McCormick Place to explore the latest technology , engage in education sessions , establish new business relationships and foster invaluable networking connections ,” commented SME .
FABTECH 2023 ’ s show floor spanned 825,325 square feet across three exhibit halls , featuring an extensive showcase of over 1,500 suppliers . Among these were 235 new exhibitors unveiling more than 575 new products . The event witnessed a 26 % expansion of the show floor compared to the
2022 edition in Atlanta and 38 % more than the 2021 event in Chicago , accommodating 40 % more exhibitors .
The eight technology pavilions , spread across three halls , explored critical sectors such as 3D / additive manufacturing ; forming and fabricating ; finishing ; METALFORM ; tube / pipe ; robotics and industrial automation ; welding and welding automation .
Special events at FABTECH 2023 included inspiring keynote presentations and FABx Tech Talks , addressing the latest industry trends and challenges . Attendees gained valuable insights into topics ranging from advanced technology and manufacturing processes to business leadership and risk management .
Additional special events featured daily Leadership Exchange Panels offering discussions on advanced manufacturing , robotics , workforce development and capital funding sources . The Women of FABTECH breakfast celebrated the achievements of women in manufacturing ,
and the State of the Industry session offered a comprehensive analysis of the manufacturing landscape .
FABTECH 2023 also presented an extensive educational programme featuring over 180 sessions and workshops across 15 technology tracks . Industry thought leaders and experts guided over 1,000 conference participants through topics such as automation ; smart manufacturing ; welding ; cutting ; lasers ; lean ; workforce development and business management strategies .
FABTECH 2024 is scheduled for 15-17 October 2024 , in Orlando , Florida ( USA ), at the Orange County Convention Centre . FABTECH ’ s five event partners are the American Welding Society ; the Chemical Coaters Association International ; the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International ; the Precision Metalforming Association and SME . n
www
. fabtechexpo . com
20 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2023