GENERAL NEWS
Athader invests for growth and innovation
Athader, a company specialising in the development of highly automated and digitalised engineering solutions for metal coil processing lines, is in the final phase of a three-year innovation process that will allow it to“ achieve a new level of excellence in its business,” it told ISMR.
This process has been supported by a series of investments, valued at approximately € 4- million, allocated to R & D, facility expansion and the creation of test bench spaces, as well as the acquisition of MP MACHINING, S. L.
“ MP MACHINING, S. L., specialises in the manufacture of industrial machinery and the machining of large parts for various sectors. Its main clients are companies from the Bradbury Group, Leveltek, Arcelor Mittal and other companies, mainly in the Basque Country,” said Athader.
This structural growth reflects the vision of the Gipuzkoa-based firm led by the second generation of the family, siblings Harkaitz and Maider Luengo, who aspire to develop“ innovative equipment with an ever-increasing level of automation.” The goal, confirmed the company, is for its solutions to enable its clients to optimise processes and reduce production costs.
Athader supplies slitting; cut-to-length; levelling; combined slitting and cut-to-length; and multiblanking lines. It also provides coil and sheet packaging systems, inspection and recoiling lines, and special lines. n
https:// athader. com /
FABTECH breaks its exhibit floor record
FABTECH 2025, a key event in North America for metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing, took place from 8-11 September 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL( USA). The event brought together a reported 42,000 manufacturing professionals. Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker, toured the floor with leaders from FMA and SME to meet Illinoisbased manufacturing companies.
“ FABTECH opened with its largest exhibit floor in event history. Spanning more than 850,000 net square feet, the event showcased 1,700 suppliers and attracted professionals seeking the latest technologies to boost productivity, strengthen supply chains and address workforce challenges. Over 800 new products debuted across the exhibit halls,” said the event organisers.
“ This isn’ t just the largest FABTECH; it’ s the most essential,” added Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH Group Director, SME.“ The record-breaking size of our show floor reflects the industry’ s incredible drive for innovation— from automation that enhances workforce productivity to the smart technologies that are powering next-generation supply chains.”
Event highlights
The show floor was organised into seven technology-focused pavilions: Automation; Welding; Finishing; Forming & Fabricating;
Stamping and Press Automation; Tube & Pipe; and the new Job Shop Pavilion. These zones offered attendees direct access to the latest technology, live equipment demonstrations and solutions tailored to their needs. Event highlights included:
■ A Milestone 10th Anniversary for Women of FABTECH: This programme celebrated a decade of advancing women in manufacturing. This year’ s keynote speaker was leadership strategist and author, Dr. Amber Selking, who shared insights on teamwork, resilience and performance excellence.
■ Keynotes: A dynamic line-up of speakers including Pro Football Hall
of Famer Emmitt Smith; performance coach Alan Stein Jr.; NASCAR industry innovator Andy Papathanassiou, and reshoring expert, Harry Moser.
■ Emerging Leaders Programme: Returning after a successful launch, this programme provided specialised content and networking to support early-career professionals and cultivate the next generation of manufacturing leaders.
■ Education Programme: Over 200 sessions across 13 tracks offered deep dives into topics like automation integration, workforce development, operational excellence and more.
■ Networking: Attendees connected with peers and partners at events like the FABTECH Industry Night Party.
The five FABTECH 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
12 | ismr. net | ISMR October 2025