Jon Hughes
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Automation sentiment is shifting across Europe. New research shows 84 percent of employees view robotics positively, as collaborative robots (cobots) become central to workforce and productivity strategies.
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ABB will sell its global robotics division to Japan’s SoftBank Group for $5.4 billion. The transaction, expected to close in 2026, marks one of the largest robotics takeovers in history and signals ABB’s strategic exit from advanced automation manufacturing.
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LOCTITE has launched a new adhesive portfolio for e-Mobility repair. The range includes thermal gap fillers, gasketing, threadlockers, and retaining compounds engineered to meet EV battery and e-Drive repair demands. By supporting circular repair practices, LOCTITE aims to extend vehicle lifespan and reduce environmental impact across the automotive aftermarket.
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Amcor has secured the RECOUP Award for Best Plastic Product. The company’s reusable polypropylene cup and lid range combines reusability, recyclability, and customisable design offering a sustainable yet practical solution for foodservice operators.
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SBM Offshore and Cognite are scaling AI collaboration. The companies will deploy Cognite’s industrial AI platform across SBM’s Brazilian FPSO fleet, standardising data and accelerating digital transformation. The expansion builds on 18 months of groundwork to unify asset lifecycle datasets and embed AI into floating production operations.
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SECO has launched six new AI edge applications. Designed for industrial safety, voice security, and human–machine interaction, the tools cover use cases from speaker verification to predictive maintenance for tunnelling.
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Amcor will showcase new healthcare packaging at CPHI 2025. The company will present rigid and flexible solutions designed to improve patient usability and meet growing sustainability demands.
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UK manufacturing faces a structural skills crisis undermining competitiveness. A 42% collapse in apprenticeships and delayed government reforms risk leaving companies unable to meet net zero deadlines or adopt critical industrial technologies.
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Winvic Construction has started building a 915,000 sq ft warehouse. The project at Panattoni Park Swindon is part of a multi-phase redevelopment and follows the demolition of Honda’s former car plant, targeting Net Zero Carbon in Construction and BREEAM Excellent certification.
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PPMA Total 2025 proved to be a highly successful one for Autopack, the leading independent integrator of packaging lines.
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