Weak exports and a delayed recovery at home left Italy’s machine tool, robotics and automation sector largely flat in 2025. According to Ucimu, manufacturers are looking to 2026 with guarded optimism, amid geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and renewed hopes for more effective industrial policy support.

With the appointment of Dr Volker Nilles as Chief Executive Officer, Arburg is strengthening its top management team and setting a clear strategic focus on long-term growth, internationalisation and future-oriented transformation at the family-owned company.

South Korea’s DN Solutions has completed its acquisition of German high-end manufacturer Heller. The deal links global scale and digital manufacturing platforms with Heller’s precision engineering heritage.

Mach 2026 will return to the NEC Birmingham from 20 to 24 April with a broad supporting programme alongside the technology on display. Across three lecture theatres, a new Speakers Corner and dedicated tooling seminars, the event will address topics ranging from market trends and additive manufacturing to AI, productivity and practical solutions for the shop floor.

Cutting to manufacturer Tungaloy introduces Gabby, an AI-powered assistant designed to help metalworking professionals quickly identify suitable tooling solutions through natural language interaction.

Machining transparency and workflow stability are the focus of Ency Software’s version 2.9 update for Ency and Ency Robot. The release adds new operation statistics, expanded machining report options and updated license administration, while also improving usability for multi-axis, lathe and cladding operations and resolving more than 180 issues across simulation, toolpath calculation, data import and reporting.

Tool manufacturer HAM uses Knoll’s innovative Aerosol Master 4000 ATS minimum quantity lubrication system to achieve high-quality machining results. The ultra-fine air-oil mixture provides cooling for materials ranging from aluminium to titanium while significantly reducing costs.

The countdown to Grinding Hub 2026 is on. The preview event offered a glimpse of an industry focused on progress — from digitalisation and automation to the debut of Grinding Hub Americas in 2027.

Cutting tool expert Seco has enhanced its ER HP Collet Chuck range for high-speed milling and 5-axis machining. The toolholding system is designed to improve run-out accuracy, process stability and tool life in demanding machining applications.

Cutting tool manufacturer Tungaloy has expanded its lineup of products featuring the DS2000 Series, DLC-coated grades designed for machining non-ferrous metals such as aluminium alloys. The expansion includes inserts with JS-type and JP-type chipbreakers, in addition to AL-type chipbreaker, as well as threading inserts.