New mobile facility for Hart Doors

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Hart Doors, the oldest British manufacturer of industrial high-speed doors and shutters, has invested in a new mobile installation facility.

Chairman Douglas Hart explains: “The focus on the British Isles has been Hart’s very rewarding market but with increasing sales from the north of Scotland to the south of England means a much sharper delivery/installation over a greater geographical area is required. The new facility is outstanding.

“Based in Newcastle UK, we are the most established British manufacturer of high-speed doors and shutters. Founded in 1946, we bring generations of engineering experience and pioneering product expertise to customers worldwide.

“Our innovative products, problem-solving approach and practical experience help companies contain noise, odour and environmental contaminants.

“This spirit of innovation is embedded into our continually evolving product range of Speedor high-speed doors, fire shutters, Terror Screen security rated shutters and specialist doors such as ATEX compliant high-speed doors and shutters,” says Mr Hart.

The installation unit is now operational much to the satisfaction of clients and the installation teams.

www.hartdoors.com

Sigma Advanced Systems Expands Nasmyth's Aerospace Manufacturing Capability with Acquisition of Bromford Precision Solutions

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Sigma Advanced Systems, the parent company of Nasmyth, has acquired UK aerospace manufacturer Bromford Precision Solutions in a strategic move that further strengthens Nasmyth's manufacturing capabilities and reinforces the Group's position within the global aerospace and defence supply chain.

The acquisition expands Nasmyth's expertise across complex aero engine structures, precision machining and critical engine components, creating a broader manufacturing platform capable of supporting leading aerospace OEMs and Tier One suppliers. Bromford's specialist capabilities complement Nasmyth's existing strengths, enabling the Group to offer an even wider range of high value manufacturing solutions across civil aerospace, defence and power generation programmes.

The enlarged Group will be able to support customers with an even broader range of precision manufacturing services, from concept through to production, while delivering increased manufacturing capacity, complementary engineering expertise and enhanced supply chain resilience.

Founded in 1988 and based in Leicestershire, Bromford Precision Solutions is a leading manufacturer of complex aero engine rings, compressor casings, ducts, brackets and lock plates. The company is recognised for its advanced machining expertise and holds approvals from Rolls-Royce and Siemens, bringing valuable capability to the wider Sigma and Nasmyth Group.

The transaction, valued at approximately GBP 11.89 million (INR 153 crore), is expected to complete by the end of July 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

The acquisition forms part of Sigma Advanced Systems' international growth strategy and will see Bromford work alongside Nasmyth within the Group's UK manufacturing operations.

Sunil Kalidindi, Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Advanced Systems, added:

“This acquisition strengthens Sigma's position within one of the world's most demanding aero engine supply chains. Bromford brings precision manufacturing capability that complements our existing businesses, and together we are creating one of the most capable manufacturing platforms for complex aero engine rings, casings and structural components. We look forward to building on Bromford's engineering heritage while continuing to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies and supporting our customers' future programmes.”

The acquisition marks another important milestone in Nasmyth's growth, reinforcing its position as a strategic manufacturing partner to the global aerospace and defence sectors. By combining complementary engineering expertise across the UK and India, the enlarged Group is creating a globally integrated precision manufacturing platform capable of supporting some of the world's most demanding aerospace programmes.

John Rooney, Chief Executive Officer of Nasmyth, said:

“As the aerospace industry continues to increase production and invest in future programmes, customers need manufacturing partners with the scale, expertise and engineering capability to support them over the long term. The addition of Bromford significantly strengthens Nasmyth's capabilities in complex aero engine manufacturing and further enhances the solutions we can provide to customers across the global aerospace and defence sectors. We look forward to welcoming the Bromford team and building on the strengths of both businesses.”

Ross Niner, Managing Director, Bromford Precision Solutions Limited, said:

 “Joining the Sigma group is a significant step for Bromford. Over more than three decades, we have built a strong reputation for delivering the highest standards of precision engineering to the world's leading aerospace and power generation companies. With Sigma's investment and global manufacturing network, we have an opportunity to accelerate our growth and expand our capabilities while continuing to deliver for our customers.”

Representatives from Nasmyth and Sigma Advanced Systems will be exhibiting at Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20–24 July. Customers, partners and members of the media are invited to meet the team to discuss the Group's expanded capabilities following the acquisition of Bromford Precision Solutions and learn how the combined business is supporting the next generation of global aerospace and defence programmes.

For more information, visit www.nasmyth.com.

Coloring book for future motor engineers

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Menzel Elektromotoren makes its case for a career in electric motor engineering even to the youngest generation. The Berlin-based company takes an original approach and is the first industrial manufacturer to publish a coloring book about its work. Children of preschool and elementary-school age can explore how large industrial motors are built.

“The coloring book is meant to bring children joy and spark curiosity about technology along the way,” says Anja Leipold, head of marketing at Menzel. “We already partner with schools in our region to raise awareness of motor technology and attract young people to apprenticeship programs. Our industry is vital to every branch of manufacturing and the economy. It’s never too early to get the next generation interested in what we do. Who better than a motor manufacturer to show what goes into building, testing, servicing and repairing electric motors?”

The coloring book portrays a varied line of work at the intersection of skilled trades, electrical and mechanical engineering and industrial production. The illustrations are based on photographs from the shopfloor and depict the manufacture of large electric motors in precise detail.

Menzel takes talent development seriously. The family-run business, now in the third generation and approaching its centennial in 2027, trains young people as 

electrical machine and drive systems technicians every year. Employees tend to stay for the long term, and family members frequently follow – possibly the strongest endorsement any employer can earn.

For more images and background, visit https://www.menzel-motors.com/article/first-coloring-book-on-electric-motor-manufacturing/.

Hoist & Winch supports plant maintenance programme with eight-hoist package

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Maintaining critical equipment across a large industrial processing facility requires lifting systems tailored to the specific demands of each application area. For a UK dockside seed-crush and refinery plant, Hoist & Winch Ltd delivered a turnkey package of eight high-quality electric chain and wire rope hoists to support vital site-wide maintenance operations. Installed as part of a multi-year plant improvement programme, the high-performance hoists serve a variety of maintenance functions across indoor and outdoor process areas, including a quayside pump station, an ATEX-rated mineral oil extraction zone and several general production locations.

Following close customer consultation, Hoist & Winch specified and supplied equipment from three renowned European manufacturers, selecting individual hoist designs according to each location’s operational requirements.

One of the most demanding applications involved the maintenance of process water pumps situated below sea level at the dockside. To support lifting operations, Hoist & Winch supplied two GIS electric chain hoists, each offering 6-ton safe working load (Swl). Capacity, reliability, travel performance and hook coverage were all key considerations during equipment selection.

The GIS hoists feature two-speed motion, cross-travel limit switches and remote radio control. Given their exposed quayside location, the hoists were also supplied with weather-resistant canvas covers and galvanised steel parking enclosures for protection when not in use.

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Elsewhere on site, maintenance activities within the mineral oil extraction area required a lifting solution suitable for operation in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Hoist & Winch specified an Italkrane YY series 2-ton Swl electric chain hoist certified for ATEX applications up to Zone 1 II B T4.

The hoist incorporates flameproof electrical protection, anti-corrosion finishes and anti-sparking components, including brass trolley wheels, load hook and anti-tip devices. A low-headroom design, two-speed operation, cross-travel limit switches and radio control functionality further enhance its suitability for lifting vessel hoods and other equipment during maintenance procedures. A Hoist & Winch CompEx-certified engineer undertook the installation of all ATEX electrical connections.

For the indoor and outdoor process plant locations, Hoist & Winch supplied Stahl ST series electric chain hoists with 3.2-ton Swl. These units provide maintenance teams with a reliable means of lifting equipment between ground level and elevated work areas.

A separate maintenance location required significantly higher lifting capacity, leading Hoist & Winch to specify a Stahl SH series wire rope hoist with 9-ton Swl. Here, low-headroom configuration was essential to maximise available lifting height while accommodating larger process plant components. Across locations, the hoists were again supplied with two-speed operation, cross-travel limit switches and radio control systems to improve operational control and positioning accuracy.

Electrical power distribution was tailored to suit the constraints of each installation area. In general process locations, festoon cable C-track systems were mounted alongside runway beams. For the dockside and ATEX installations, however, specialised festoon trolley arrangements running along the bottom flange of the hoist runway beams were employed to accommodate beam configurations and site clearance/access requirements.

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Following installation, Hoist & Winch conducted comprehensive testing and certification of every lifting system. All hoist and runway beam installations underwent LOLER inspection, dynamic load testing and 125% proof-load testing before entering service. The company issued LOLER Thorough Examination reports for all installed systems.

“Every area of this facility presented its own technical challenges, from dockside lifting operations and ATEX requirements to low-headroom maintenance applications,” says Hoist & Winch Director Andy Allen. “By selecting the most appropriate hoist technology for each location, we were able to provide the customer with a safe, reliable and long-term lifting solution that supports efficient maintenance across the entire plant.”

Hoist & Winch completed its work on site by delivering operator training, covering safe use of the equipment, operating controls, limit switches, emergency stop functions, routine inspections, lubrication requirements and annual certification obligations.

Visit www.hoistandwinch.co.uk for further information and to view recent case studies.