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Mechanical Engineering Faculty Member Earns CAREER Award 

Manufacturing resurgence in the U.S. will be strengthened by a skilled workforce, and RIT faculty-researcher Rui Liu will lead a collaborative effort throughout the Finger Lakes region to support these efforts.  

Liu was recently awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER award to further the advanced manufacturing workforce. The five-year proposal begins this fall and will consist of a comprehensive training initiative that bridges traditional manufacturing training programs with modern concepts of engineering product design and processes.   

Each discipline—traditional training (sometimes referred to as apprentice programs) and engineering education—brings specific skill sets to the advanced manufacturing industry. Liu means to build a bridge between the two that had not been done as extensively before to achieve a more efficient training model that delivers broader learning outcomes, and cultivates a highly skilled, stable workforce for the industry’s long-term growth.  

“What would be the best way to train individuals and what is the best way to use their knowledge?” said Liu, an associate professor of mechanical engineering in RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering. “This is an exciting opportunity and a fairly new research direction. This new generation learns differently, and at the same time, in talking to industry leaders, they know what they need in the workplace. What is the best way for technology and people to grow together?” 

The NSF receives thousands of proposals yearly, and only 14-20 percent across all directorates of the U.S. agency are funded. RIT has  seventeen NSF CAREER award winners working at the university. 

Manufacturing represents 12 percent of the U.S. total Gross Domestic Product, and nearly 9 percent of the workforce is employed in a variety of manufacturing settings, according to the National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing. Projected estimates suggest that by 2030, if the skills shortage is not addressed, there could be more than 2 million unfilled manufacturing jobs.  

As part of the project, Liu will deliver a broad manufacturing workforce plan, augmented by modern learning strategies to better understand the cognitive learning required to ensure professional level competencies by a next-generation workforce. The project aims to gain a fresh perspective on the significance of experiential knowledge in manufacturing applications and proposes an innovative experiential learning approach to enhance knowledge transfer in product design and manufacturing education. 

“This project seeks to advance a fundamental understanding of situated cognition and embodied cognition within manufacturing contexts and proposes an innovative experiential learning approach to enhance knowledge transfer in product design and manufacturing education,” said Liu. He also emphasized that the project, supported by the NSF’s focus on undergraduate STEM education, would add to foundational research about learning processes overall, and impact learning outcomes for undergraduate students who will make up the workforce.  

Liu’s current efforts build on previous research based in Rochester with its historical connection to a changeable manufacturing industry. Working with the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association as well as Monroe Community College, he discovered specific need areas. Those include improving inefficiencies in current training programs, and the need to move manufacturing education theory toward more practical experiences, including building opportunities for those in technical roles-- whether it is furthering educational opportunities or advanced responsibilities. Another focus will be on ensuring critical institutional knowledge from retiring workers is retained and becomes a baseline of common knowledge and practice in advanced manufacturing.  

This new work entails bringing together representatives from the K-12, community college, university, and business communities. All have been impacted by changes in manufacturing operations. Early collaborations among these groups are underway, including an industry workshop called Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturing Education, where local industry and educational leaders discuss specific programming and training needs and work together to adapt curricula. Liu has also conducted several informational programs such as ManufactuRIT a summer camp for middle school students. 

“What I am trying to do is build a more collaborative effort, for example a pathway program, in such a way to promote some very good students who want to increase their learning so we will get a perfect workforce that has both hands-on experience and very good conceptual knowledge. That is our ideal destination.” 

For more information, visit rit.edu/news. 

International Accreditation Service (IAS) Celebrates 50 Years with Gala, Dinner Event 

The International Accreditation Service (IAS) held its 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala and Dinner on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Brea, California. Technical experts from 15 countries attended this milestone event which honored IAS’s legacy of trust, integrity, and leadership in accreditation services around the world. 

Since 1975, IAS has become a globally recognized accreditation body, serving government agencies, commercial businesses, and public entities across a wide range of sectors. The 50th Anniversary Gala brought together key stakeholders, accreditation professionals, industry partners, and honored guests to celebrate five decades of service and progress. 

The evening included a formal dinner, commemorative program, keynote remarks, and reflections on IAS’s evolution and impact across the accreditation landscape. A commemorative publication documenting the 50-year legacy of the organization was released as well as video documenting the legacy.  

“This milestone is not just a celebration of our past, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence in the years to come. We looked forward to honoring our dedicated staff, valued clients, and partners who have helped shape IAS into the respected organization it is today,” said Raj Nathan, President of IAS. 

For more information, visit www.iasonline.org. 

Gov. Whitmer, Ford Motor Company, MEDC Announce Expansion of Hands-On Learning for Michigan K-12 Students for Future Skilled Trades Careers 

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and leaders with Ford Motor Company and Ford Philanthropy, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) unveiled plans to invest a combined total of $1.54 million to install and equip new state-of-the-art high-tech learning labs in partnership with the Detroit Public Schools Community District, Marshall Public Schools and surrounding Battle Creek, Michigan schools.  

In 2026, 12 Ford Future Builders Labs — also known as Innovation Labs, Fabrication Labs or Digital Fabrication Labs — will be created in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in Detroit, Marshall and surrounding Battle Creek, Michigan schools in a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the MEDC’s Talent Action Team.  

The announcement was among the highlights of the inaugural Ford Pro Accelerate Summit at the newly restored Michigan Central Station in Detroit.  

The event, organized by Ford Motor Company, promotes skilled trades and the “essential economy” by connecting industry leaders, manufacturing experts, and talent with opportunities to learn about new tools and technologies for manufacturing, quality control, and maintenance, with insights into topics like automation, electrification, and AI, focusing on developing the workforce of the future for the automotive industry. Ford CEO Jim Farley hosted the annual conference, which was attended by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and CEOs and top-ranked executives from many of Michigan’s leading companies. 

“This truly is a unique and powerful partnership with state government, private industry and education leaders all rowing in the same direction to drive Michigan forward in this vital segment of our state and national economy,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Let’s keep working together to bring advanced manufacturing and critical supply chains home as we create economic opportunities for hardworking Michiganders and inspire the next generation of innovators and creators in every region to build a brighter future for Michigan.” 

The initiative is projected to benefit nearly 7,300 kindergarten through 12th-grade students and 75 teachers in Michigan who will gain knowledge and skills needed in a variety of careers, including the skilled trades, advanced manufacturing and the auto industry.  

“The Ford Future Builders Labs will help transform how students learn," said Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy. "It's about moving beyond textbooks to hands-on learning, blending academic knowledge with vital practical skills like 3D printing and coding. This 'learning by doing' approach not only builds technical expertise but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing our young people for the dynamic jobs of tomorrow.”     

Ford Future Builders Labs aim to help: 

• Schools modernize their classrooms with tools, such as 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers, that support learning in mechatronics, robotics and advanced manufacturing. 
• Teachers facilitate learning experiences that develops critical skills necessary for the 21st century. 
• Students engage in hands-on learning by designing, building and testing solutions to real-world challenges. 

Introducing career awareness lessons at an early age to elementary and middle schoolers helps students understand the diverse array of career paths available in advanced technology and sustainable energy, such as semiconductors, aerospace, defense, mobility and electric vehicles.  

By incorporating interactive and age-appropriate activities, these lessons can spark early interest and provide a foundation for more specialized learning in high school and beyond.  

“Michigan is a global leader and hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation,” said Amy Rencher, MEDC Senior Vice President, Small Business & Talent. “We have proven over generations that we create some of the world’s best and brightest engineers and technicians right here in Michigan, and MEDC is proud to make this investment to continue that tradition." 

The Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) Mobility Career Pathway Pilot is strategically designed to meet the emerging workforce needs of Michigan’s rapidly growing mobility and advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly electric vehicle production, battery technology, aerospace and sustainable transportation infrastructure. 

The funding from Ford Philanthropy and the MEDC will help DPSCD expand its Mobility Career Pathway, piloted at Western International High School in fall 2024, by developing a full K-12 pipeline through the integration of high-tech Ford Future Builders Labs into two K-8 schools. 

“For the past two years, the DPSCD Foundation has worked alongside Ford Philanthropy and Michigan Central to design a pathway that connects Detroit students to the future of mobility,” said DPSCD Foundation President and CEO Kerrie Mitchell Campbell-Mabins. “Today’s announcement is the realization of that vision — bringing world-class resources directly into our schools to prepare students for the opportunities of tomorrow. By reaching students earlier and sparking interest in emerging industries, this work builds a stronger foundation that will carry into high school and beyond, further supporting the District’s bold redesign efforts.” 

The expansion of the DPSCD Mobility Career Pathway and Ford Future Builders Labs into grades K-8 also addresses long-standing gaps in Detroit’s academic and social-emotional learning ecosystem. Within DPSCD, approximately 83% of students are economically disadvantaged, and more than 90% are Black or Latino — groups historically underrepresented in STEM careers and disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities in education.  

Only 15.3% of Detroit third graders scored proficient or above in math on the 2025 M-STEP assessment, compared with 40.2% statewide, underscoring early disparities in STEM achievement. Science scores are similarly concerning: Just 10.5% of Detroit fifth graders and 12.8% of eighth graders demonstrated proficiency, compared with over 30% of their peers across Michigan. 

The elementary and middle school Ford Future Builders Labs expansion will introduce students to age-appropriate, hands-on experiences in design thinking, digital fabrication and sustainable engineering. These experiences align with Michigan’s K-12 academic standards in science, mathematics and computer science, while also building foundational skills in communication, problem-solving and collaboration.  

“This expansion reflects the very work we are driving every day at DPSCD,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District. “Through our Blueprint 2027 priorities—Student Success and Exceptional Talent—we are intentionally building a diverse, locally rooted and globally competitive talent pipeline. By equipping students with industry-aligned technical skills, certifications and work-based learning experiences, we’re creating real, high-wage career pathways. Today’s announcement underscores the power of intentional collaboration to widen access and opportunity, and it validates our district’s commitment to ensuring every student can rise to meet Michigan’s workforce needs.” 

Industry leaders for the Mobility Career Pathway Program at Western International High School include Ford Motor Co., Ford Philanthropy, Michigan Central, University of Michigan, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Schoolcraft College, MichAuto, DTE Energy, Kettering University, CEC Detroit, University of Detroit Mercy, Urban Neighborhood Initiatives and 826michigan. 

In Marshall, the public school district, in partnership with MEDC, Ford Motor Company, and Ford Philanthropy, will receive six Ford Future Builders Labs. These labs are scheduled to debut in elementary, middle and high school buildings in 2026.  

The labs will implement programming that introduces age-appropriate manufacturing concepts and skills, including at the:

• Elementary level (grades K-5): Nearly 1,100 students will engage in hands-on activities with simple machines, basic electronics and introductory design thinking. The focus will be on sparking curiosity, building confidence through making and introducing manufacturing career awareness through age-appropriate storytelling and role models. 
• Middle school level (grades 6-8): Nearly 550 students will advance to more complex projects involving digital fabrication, introductory robotics, basic programming and collaborative problem-solving. Industry mentors will introduce specific manufacturing processes and career pathways through project challenges that mirror real-world manufacturing problems. 
• High school level (grades 9-12): Approximately 800-plus students at Marshall High School will engage with advanced manufacturing equipment, including CNC machines, industrial robotics and quality control processes. Programming will enhance opportunities for industry-relevant projects and dual enrollment courses in partnership with Kellogg Community College.  

“This is an incredible opportunity for our district and will better prepare our students for job opportunities that will allow a student to stay and live in the area post-education,” said Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Rebecca Jones. “We are excited to partner with Ford, Ford Philanthropy and the MEDC on the endeavor of creating the future talent pipeline for our region, as well as supporting the other manufacturers in the area, such as Kellogg, DENSO, Magna and others. Through the use of these labs, we will be able to raise awareness of the increasingly vital and exciting career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, allowing our young people to live and work in the community they have grown up in.” 

For more information, visit  www.MichiganBusiness.org.  

Wieland Returns to Minebea Intec as CSO 

Minebea Intec, a leading global manufacturer of industrial weighing and inspection technologies, is setting the course for further international growth: With the return of Frank Wieland as Chief Sales Officer (CSO), the company is sending a clear signal to strengthen its global sales activities. 

"Our markets are global, and we want to consistently expand our position in all regions," emphasizes Dr Karl Sommer, CEO and COO at Minebea Intec. "With his many years of experience in international sales, his industry expertise in weighing and inspection technology and his excellent network, Frank Wieland has the ideal qualifications for this." 

 For almost twenty years, Frank Wieland has shaped the successful development of Minebea Intec in various roles - most recently as CSO. Now he is once again taking on this key role in the management team. In this role, he is responsible for sales, marketing, product management and service and will focus in particular on the further expansion of international business. The aim is to strengthen the company's presence in growth regions - such as Asia - and to serve customers worldwide even better. "It's about successfully placing our new generation of products on the market and expanding our market position in the face of global competition," explains Wieland. "In addition, efficient sales structures, proximity to our customers and local support are key factors for further growth." 

The personnel change follows the retirement of Peter Grimley from the position of CSO. Grimley will remain with Minebea Intec as Vice Chairman and in this role will focus on specialized topics and support the Board in an advisory capacity. 

With the return of Frank Wieland, Minebea Intec emphasizes its commitment to providing the best possible support to customers and partners worldwide - through strong sales teams, regional presence and innovative solutions that increase precision, efficiency and safety in industrial processes. 

For more information, visit https://www.minebea-intec.com/en/. 

The Manufacturing Institute Names Amatrol Official Partner of FAME USA  

The Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)3 workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced Amatrol as an official sponsor of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education USA. 

FAME USA, an initiative of the MI, is the premier American model of manufacturing skills training, developing highly skilled, professional and sought-after talent to meet the unique needs and challenges of modern manufacturing. Amatrol is a globally recognized leader in technical education, providing critical certification, training equipment and continuing education materials to educational institutions and manufacturers—and is the exclusive FAME Training Equipment and Content sponsor for the Advanced manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance and Smart Manufacturing space. The new partnership brings two industry-leading institutions together to advance workforce readiness and upskilling as the sector embraces artificial intelligence and the Manufacturing 4.0 revolution. 

“The Manufacturing Institute’s mission is building and strengthening the manufacturing workforce, and FAME USA is a key part of fulfilling that mission. Manufacturers will need to fill 3.8 million jobs by 2033, and half of those are expected to go unfilled because we don’t have the people with the right skills,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee.  

Lee continued, “Through the partnership with Amatrol, we’re creating a clear pathway for FAME USA chapters to access top-tier training resources—whether ensuring new chapters start with great equipment from day one, or giving existing chapters the opportunity to strengthen and expand their training programs as needs evolve.”  

The MI and Amatrol both recognize the great need in today’s U.S. advanced manufacturing sector for highly skilled technicians and the potential for FAME USA to play a major role in filling this need. This partnership allows both organizations to leverage their strengths to bolster high-skilled manufacturing training across the U.S.  

“Most importantly, this will allow us to work more cohesively with instructors throughout the FAME initiative and help them be more successful,” said Amatrol President Paul Perkins. 

Under this partnership, Amatrol will continue its Diamond Sponsorship of the FAME National Conference while extending its support to the MI’s Workforce Summit as a Gold Sponsor.   

FAME USA, originally created by Toyota, is an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute. It provides a global-best apprenticeship-style training program where students earn while they learn, gaining top-tier technical expertise by integrating core manufacturing competencies, professional practices, and authentic hands-on experience. 

For more information, visit https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/. 

Brecht Joins Ascential Technologies, Test & Measurement Systems Division for the Americas 

Ascential Technologies, a leading global provider of automated diagnostic, inspection, assembly and test systems and services across a wide range of industries, has hired Chelsie Brecht as director of Marketing AMER for its Test & Measurement Systems (T&M) division. In this role, Brecht will focus on developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies across the Americas, supporting the T&M division’s growth and innovation goals. She will oversee campaign planning, brand positioning and the integration of digital channels to reach new audiences and deepen engagement with existing customers. 

Brecht brings extensive experience in digital marketing leadership and creative strategy. Most recently, she served as senior manager of corporate marketing at Cepton, Inc., where she spearheaded integrated marketing strategies that elevated brand awareness and accelerated business growth. Her background includes leading successful product launches and implementing performance analytics that achieved measurable results across digital channels. 

“Chelsie brings the perfect combination of strategic vision and hands-on digital expertise,” said Erin Dillard, CCO of Ascential Technologies’ Test & Measurement Systems division. "Her proven brand storytelling abilities, data-driven decision making and creative direction, coupled with her high energy and can-do attitude, makes her an ideal fit for our growing team." 

Prior to Cepton, Brecht held digital marketing leadership positions at MotorCity Casino Hotel (part of Ilitch Companies) and Got It Digital Media, where she managed multimillion dollar marketing budgets and developed comprehensive digital strategies. Her background spans digital strategy development, brand management and integrated campaign creation across web, social media, SEO and emerging digital platforms. Throughout her career, Brecht has translated marketing strategy into measurable results across diverse industries, while developing campaigns that align with business objectives and drive sustainable growth. 

Brecht holds a Bachelor of Science in communication studies from Grand Valley State University, where she graduated with honors and also earned a minor in business management. Additionally, she studied business management at Mahidol University in Thailand. 

For more information, visit www.ascentialtech.com. 

July 2025 US Cutting Tool Orders Total $216.2M, Up 9.8% From July 2024 

Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $216.2 million in July 2025. Orders increased 4.9% from June 2025 and 9.8% from July 2024. Year-to-date shipments totaled $1.45 billion, down 2.9% from the same period in 2024. 

“The latest trend is showing some modest growth compared to the previous months, which coincides with the activity of most shops,” said Jack Burley, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group. “They still have orders to fill and are not indicating any signs of slowing down. However, areas of concern remain for automotive, construction, and agricultural companies, where sales and tariffs are hitting hardest, causing delays for investment. More importantly, the tariff costs are settling in for most of the imported tools and raw materials, which may be stabilizing prices for now.” 

Eli Lustgarten, president of ESL Consultants, said: 

“Current data suggests that the worst is over for the cutting tool sector, but businesses appear to be adopting a wait-and-see attitude. The outlook seems relatively flat, with a positive bias for the second half of the year and into 2026. End-market demand, which had been driven by aerospace, automotive, and heavy equipment, can now count only on the aerospace sector. The auto sector faces supply chain issues related to trade as well as the expiration of the EV incentives. Slower domestic economic growth and the effect of inflation on consumers indicate a slowing of auto production. The heavy equipment market appears flat, with possible positive trends in the construction sector because of reduced inventories, a slight pickup in trucks, and a possible improvement in mining. However, the outlook for the agricultural sector continues to deteriorate because of record yields and crops, rising carryovers, and declining prices, which have translated into a new round of layoffs.” 

For more information, visit amtonline.org. 

Caracol Acquires Weber’s Additive Manufacturing Assets 

Caracol announces the acquisition of IP and robotic machine configuration assets from the additive division of Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a German leader in extrusion technology with over 100 years’ industrial machinery excellence. This strategic acquisition serves two main purposes for Caracol: first, to integrate Weber’s additive technology into its product portfolio, creating the most comprehensive LFAM ecosystem on the market, and addressing a wide range of international customer needs. Second, it reinforces Caracol’s commitment to accelerating the global adoption and industrialization of LFAM technologies across diverse manufacturing sectors, expanding Caracol's reach in the DACH region. 

Customers and partners looking to work with Weber’s additive solutions can expect Caracol’s full commitment to continued support and development, gaining access to Caracol’s global field and service network – spanning over 55 countries. Backed by Caracol’s holistic approach and deep application expertise, all products will benefit from the same quality service and after-sales support the company is known for, helping businesses scale their production operations with LFAM. Weber will remain a key partner for the development of its extrusion technology and support product development on Caracol’s extended portfolio. 

This deal is part of Caracol’s broader investment strategy in Europe, leveraging Weber’s strong foundation in the DACH region to ensure the continent’s top industrial players have access to leading technologies and services. At a time of increasing demand for resilient, localized production, this move reinforces Caracol’s dedication to supporting and strengthening Europe’s industrial value chains.  

“This agreement combines heritage with innovation, by two companies united by shared values: progressiveness, engineering excellence, and a customer-centric mindset,” says Francesco De Stefano, CEO and Co-founder of Caracol. “It allows us to strengthen the technological roadmap of two best-in-class technologies, ensuring each can best fit specific customer’s industrial needs. On the one hand, Caracol’s expertise of the full turnkey technological ecosystem, process, and deep vertical application know-how. On the other, Weber’s core expertise on extrusion and machinery manufacturing.”  

De Stefano continues “Thanks to the partnership with Weber, Caracol clients will be able to access Heron platforms with a broader level of customization and configurations to satisfy their specific industrial needs. This means also additional options when it comes to automation – such as Siemens control or ABB robots”. 

“We chose to sign this deal with Caracol following the evaluation of several proposals from players in the sector,” comment Dr. Markus Weber and Ludwig Weber, Managing Directors of Hans Weber. “Our choice was based on the fact that they are a leader in the large format AM market, which has built a global network of support, have know-how on key applications and industry verticals, and have a value proposition that is complementary with ours. This is why we believe they are the best company to continue guiding our customers in the implementation of LFAM tech and continue the legacy we started.” 

Caracol’s acquisition of Weber’s assets is rooted in a shared vision from both companies of the future of industrial production. Caracol is committed to preserving and building upon the legacy that Weber established in the additive sector and upholding the core values that define both company’s technological developments – quality and reliability – pushing the boundaries further for robotic advanced manufacturing. 

For more information, visit www.caracol-am.com or www.hansweber.de. 

Tescan Acquires FemtoInnovations, Launches Laser Technology Business Unit  

Tescan Group announced the acquisition of FemtoInnovations, a leading innovator in ultrafast laser technologies, and the creation of a dedicated Laser Technology Business Unit (LT BU) headquartered at the University of Connecticut (UConn) Tech Park. The new unit expands Tescan’s correlative and multimodal portfolio for semiconductor, biomedical device manufacturing, and advanced research markets.  

FemtoInnovations brings to TESCAN a unique and disruptive laser platform — technology already proven in demanding workflows and attracting strong interest from leading global players across semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and high-tech industries.  

 “Bringing FemtoInnovations into the Tescan family is a strategic step that strengthens our ability to deliver end-to-end workflows. By combining ultrafast laser micromachining with our leading imaging and analysis platforms, we’re enabling customers to move faster from problem to insight across failure analysis, sample preparation, R&D, and advanced manufacturing,” said Jean-Charles Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Tescan Group.   

Tescan will unveil the portfolio at ISTFA 2025 (Pasadena, CA) in November.  

“Our team has always been driven by the pursuit of innovation and the development of disruptive laser processing technologies. By combining our ultrafast laser systems with Tescan's leading imaging and analysis platforms, we are creating a powerful new dimension of integrated workflows. This partnership will accelerate discovery and redefine what's possible for our customers. We are excited to combine forces and contribute to Tescan's legacy of excellence and innovation,” said Sina Shahbazmohamadi, Co-Founder, FemtoInnovations.  

The Laser Technology BU will be headquartered at the University of Connecticut Tech Park (UConn), tapping into its research ecosystem, talent and infrastructure. It will work in close synergy with Tescan’s Electron Microscopy and Micro-CT business units to deliver integrated workflows beginning in 2026.  

A new FLAME Center (FemtoInnovations Laser Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering) will be established at the Innovation Partnership Building of UConn Tech Park to fast-track R&D, applications and workflow development.  

From a strategy standpoint, the decision centered on three things: the caliber of the FemtoInnovations team, the maturity of its ultrafast-laser platform for real-world workflows, and a clear cultural fit with customer-driven problem solving.  

“We are constantly looking for partners who not only bring deep engineering discipline but also an unmatched innovation power. FemtoInnovations' disruptive laser processing technologies and their ability to create a platform that’s ready for real-world use is exactly the kind of strategic fit that raises the bar for our customers. We’re pleased to welcome the team into the Tescan family,” said Bruno Janssens, Chief Strategy Officer, Tescan Group, who led the strategic evaluation of the FemtoInnovations transaction and will support the integration of the new Laser Business Unit into the Tescan organization.  

“We are excited about this unique industry-academia partnership that will allow talent development, innovation, and industrialization of advanced laser technologies with applications in semiconductors and biomedical devices,” said Dr. Emmanouil Anagnostou, Executive Director of the UConn Tech Park.  

For more information, visit www.tescan.com. 

September 2025 Gaps Progress Report Released by America Makes and ANSI Additive Manufacturing Standards Collaborative 

America Makes and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) announced the release of the September 2025 Gaps Progress Report. This report details efforts over the last six months by standards developing organizations (SDOs) and other stakeholders in addressing the gaps identified in the Standardization Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing, Version 3.0, published by the America Makes and ANSI Additive Manufacturing Standardization Collaborative (AMSC). The progress report provides updates on standards, research, and conformity assessment activities against 28 previously identified gaps. It also captures suggested modifications to existing gaps and identifies additional gaps to be considered for future roadmaps. 

The report is not a consensus document, but rather is intended to serve as a “living document” that will be maintained and periodically re-published as standards development work continues or until the AMSC undertakes a next version of its standardization roadmap. 

Published in July 2023, the Version 3.0 roadmap identified 141 standardization gaps and corresponding recommendations across the additive manufacturing (AM) lifecycle areas of design, precursor materials, process control, post-processing, finished material properties, qualification and certification, nondestructive evaluation, maintenance and repair, and data. Of the 141 gaps, 54 are identified as high priority, 64 as medium priority, and 23 as low priority. In 91 cases, additional pre-standardization research and development activities are needed. 

The AMSC serves as a cross-sector coordinating body that works to accelerate the development of industry-wide AM standards and specifications consistent with stakeholder needs to facilitate AM industry growth. Approximately 300 individuals from 150 public- and private-sector organizations supported the development of the Version 3.0 roadmap, including representatives of U.S. federal government agencies and national laboratories, SDOs, industry, academia, and others.  

The next gaps progress report is expected to be issued in April 2026.  

For more information, visit www.ansi.org/amsc or www.americamakes.us. 

MI’s Heroes MAKE America Spotlights Johnson & Johnson Support for Servicemembers at Fort Bragg “Military to Manufacturing” Career Fair 

The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative showcased Johnson & Johnson at its “Military to Manufacturing” Career Fair at Fort Bragg.  

National manufacturing leaders opened the career fair with a special presentation from Johnson & Johnson, highlighting the health care company’s recent announcement to increase its presence in North Carolina with a manufacturing facility in Wilson. Leaders from Johnson & Johnson inspired veterans to start their second careers in manufacturing—and recruit veterans to join their team.  

Attendees of the career fair heard from MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee, MI Board Chair and National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons, Johnson & Johnson Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations & Risk Officer and NAM Board Chair Kathy Wengel, Johnson & Johnson Wilson plant manager and U.S. Army veteran Pete Goodridge and North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs General Counsel Jimmie Bellamy. 

Lee drew a connection between veterans’ work experience in the military and the qualities manufacturers look for to staff their teams. “Everyone here who’s served their country has demonstrated the leadership, discipline, problem-solving, teamwork, technical expertise and work ethic to thrive in manufacturing. Heroes MAKE America is designed to be the bridge between the military and manufacturers. Right here at Fort Bragg, through a partnership with the Department of Defense, we offer a SkillBridge training program in logistics—which provides integrated certifications and training specifically designed for veterans to help them hit the ground running as manufacturers. We are passionate about doing our part to thank our nation’s heroes by easing their transition and offering them a pathway to rewarding civilian careers.” 

Timmons emphasized the importance of workforce development for manufacturers who are investing in new facilities. “Back in March, I was with Kathy as Johnson & Johnson broke ground on its new 500,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina. For these investments to live up to their promise, we need top-notch talent to work inside these facilities and keep the lines running. We have over 400,000 open jobs—and we hope you’ll help fill some of them. These employers are committed to strengthening their operations with ‘Army Strong’ veterans.”  

Wengel reinforced J&J’s commitment to the military community for the past 125 years. “There is no better community that understands how to serve a greater purpose and instill and live by strong values than the military. Members of the military-connected community have exceptional leadership and technical skills that make for successful careers. J&J is proud to support Heroes MAKE America and this incredible work to create a bridge for talented servicemembers and veterans interested in pursuing manufacturing careers.” 

The career fair connected more than 150 servicemembers with more than 25 employers, including Johnson & Johnson, Brooksource, Coca-Cola Consolidated, CBRE, Caterpillar and other area manufacturers. Since 2018, HMA has helped over 1,400 members of the military community find work in manufacturing. 

The MI’s Heroes MAKE America initiative connects transitioning servicemembers with career opportunities and job training in manufacturing. Johnson & Johnson has a long and proud history of supporting military servicemembers, dating back to the Spanish–American War in 1898 when the company held positions for employees and paid their salaries while they served. As the proud health care sponsor of HMA since 2021, Johnson & Johnson has helped expand in-person and virtual training programs and hosts HMA participants at various J&J facilities across the country.  

For mor information, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.  

Amtivo Appoints Plumb OBE as CEO 

Amtivo Group announced the appointment of Caroline Plumb OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Caroline succeeds Mike Tims, who has served as CEO since 2017 and will become Chairman of the Amtivo Board. Under Mike’s leadership, Amtivo has grown from 48 to over 600 employees, and transformed into a leading global certification and assurance platform which is well-positioned for its next phase of growth. Mike and Caroline will work closely to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued strategic momentum. 

Caroline brings extensive leadership experience in scaling and transforming professional services organizations. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Gravita, a private equity-backed accounting services group, where she successfully delivered both organic and acquisitive growth. 

Previously, Caroline founded and led two successful, venture-backed technology companies. She has also served as a Prime Minister’s Business Ambassador and was awarded an OBE in 2016 for services to business and charity. She holds a First-Class degree in Engineering, Economics & Management from the University of Oxford and in 2024 was elected an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, Oxford. 

Commenting on the appointment, Mike Tims, outgoing CEO and incoming Chairman, said: 

“Caroline is an exceptional leader with a proven track record in driving growth and transformation. Her strategic insight and energy make her the ideal person to lead Amtivo into its next phase of development.” 

Caroline Plumb added: 

“Amtivo is a business with huge potential, a strong international footprint, and a talented team committed to supporting SMEs globally. I’m thrilled to be joining at this exciting time and look forward to working with colleagues, customers, and partners to build on the company’s impressive growth journey.” 

Charterhouse, which invested in Amtivo in 2022, welcomed the leadership transition. Stephan Morgan, Partner at Charterhouse, said: 

“We are incredibly grateful to Mike for his outstanding leadership in building Amtivo into a global certification and assurance leader. As he steps into the role of Chairman, we’re pleased to see the continuity and strategic clarity that will bring. At the same time, we’re delighted to welcome Caroline. Her entrepreneurial energy and proven ability to scale professional services businesses make her an excellent choice to lead Amtivo into its next phase. We look forward to supporting her and the team as the company continues to grow and innovate.” 

For more information, visit amtivo.com. 

Workforce Doubled, Two New Directors Appointed at Expanding NDT Firm 

A Stafford firm has doubled the workforce and appointed two new directors, who have spent a combined 30 years working there, as part of expansion plans due to continued success. 

PTS Group, a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) company based at Common Road Industrial Estate, has grown employee numbers from 16 to 32 and also increased the number of vans in the fleet from six to 21 in the last few years. 

The company, which works with businesses in the oil and gas, construction, nuclear and renewable energy sectors, as well as many more industries, has also appointed brothers Adam and Mark Bates as new directors. 

Mark, who has been with the company for more than 16 years, became the new NDT director in June. He said, “I am thrilled to become a director of PTS, it is a great company that has guided me over the years and helped me progress in my career. They have provided many opportunities over the years, I have been here to progress not only professionally, but personally too, including providing funding for me to complete a BSc in Non-Destructive Testing at Northampton University. As a director, I’m looking forward to the next steps and helping to guide others who are just entering the exciting profession.” 

He now shares an office with his brother Adam who has been with PTS Group for more than 13 years and has also completed the BSc in Non-Destructive Testing with funding provided by PTS. 

He was appointed new Quality Director at the end of 2024 and said, “We are experiencing a period of exciting growth right now as our name is more well recognized and our reputation leads people to want to work with us. 

“We have customers who ask us to assist them with their NDT requirements as they enter into different industry sectors as part of their expansion too, and that’s a real honor as we know they only want to work with us and know we are flexible and accommodating to different needs, but will always do things to the highest standards.”  

Adam and Mark join current Managing Director Ed Roe, and Technical Director Steve Baldwin, whose dad started the firm in 1995. 

Ed added, “We simply needed to increase the workforce to cope with demand. We’ve added new engineers, NDT technicians, supervisors and admin staff. 

“The expansion has been through organic growth and repeat business mainly, but we’ve also expanded the number of industries we now cater for and the types of NDT we can carry out, such as magnetic permeability testing, ultrasonic inspection, radiography, weld inspection and procedures, hardness, paint and much more. We do these for companies across the UK and Europe and so these new staff are vital to help us cope with the increasing workload.” 

Steve added, “Not only that, we are also in the process of expanding what services we can offer even more and branching out into other industries. Third party testing is robust and a certain way to ensure companies are compliant with all the certification their products need to have, no matter what it is they are making. This is a very exciting time for our business and we’re looking forward to even more expansion in the near future.” 

For more information, visit www.ptsgroup.co.uk. 

ISO, GHG Protocol Announce Strategic Partnership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting 

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) - a joint initiative of World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) - have announced a landmark partnership to harmonize their existing portfolios of greenhouse gas (GHG) standards and to co-develop new standards for GHG emissions accounting and reporting.  

Under the agreement, ISO and GHG Protocol will combine their leading GHG standards into harmonized co-branded international standards. This includes standards from the ISO 1406X family of standards, alongside the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting, Scope 2 and Scope 3 Standards.   

In addition, as a coherent approach across the full spectrum of carbon accounting activities is essential, the organizations will work on a joint product carbon footprint standard – reflecting the increase in companies seeking to access more granular data from across their value chain to guide decarbonization decisions.  

The harmonized portfolio will represent a major step towards a more common global language for emissions accounting – simplifying processes for companies, increasing consistency for policymakers, and reducing measurement and reporting burdens for all users. The agreement marks a significant milestone in climate-related standardization efforts and aligns with recent calls for harmonization by the B7 community (which is tasked with consolidating the interests of the business community and developing actionable recommendations to the G7 leadership) and the ISSB’s global baseline for sustainability-related disclosures.  

“ISO is proud to announce this landmark partnership with GHG Protocol, which drives forward an ambition that enables co-creation, resulting in a harmonized portfolio of standards. Both ISO and GHG Protocol have a shared vision to efficiently advance climate action and simplify the task for all stakeholders. This is a new era for the carbon accounting landscape and both organizations are thrilled to be working together,” Sergio Mujica, ISO Secretary General said.  

“We are very pleased to announce this historic agreement that leverages the respective strengths of both organizations. Harmonizing corporate, product and project-level GHG accounting standards is key. With users top of mind, this partnership establishes a new mechanism for long-term collaboration, demonstrating our commitment to reducing complexity in the field of international standards and allowing the development of the core frameworks needed to enable meaningful climate action across stakeholder groups,” Geraldine Matchett, Steering Committee Chair of GHG Protocol, said.  

One of the barriers to effective climate action is the fragmentation of standards and policies. This new partnership, which includes a common approach and portfolio of dual-logo standards covering corporate, product and project accounting, addresses that challenge by aligning the existing portfolio of GHG standards and providing a shared platform for future co-development.  

Both ISO and GHG Protocol standards have been widely adopted by organizations around the world. The ISO 1406X family of standards is used by governments in legislation and regulation and forms the foundation for GHG reporting and verification frameworks in many industries. GHG Protocol standards are relied upon by leading sustainability and disclosure initiatives.  

By combining standards from the ISO 1406X series and the GHG Protocol suite of standards, the partnership will bring technical rigor, policy relevance and practical usability into one set of standards. It allows both organizations to use their collective reach and credibility to accelerate global uptake and drive meaningful emissions reductions.  

"The ISSB welcomes this development which will augment the globally accepted baseline for greenhouse gas accounting. Consistent, comparable carbon data is essential for investors globally enabling informed capital allocation decisions,” Emmanuel Faber, Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), said.  

"This partnership is a timely and critical step toward greater climate accountability. A unified set of standards for GHG emissions reporting will help raise ambition, enable credible net-zero pathways, and build trust across borders. As countries prepare for COP30, clarity and consistency in carbon accounting are essential to accelerating progress on the Paris Agreement goals,” Dan Ioschpe, COP30 High-Level Champion, said.  

"Investors need consistent, reliable data to deploy capital effectively in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Together ISO and GHG Protocol can provide coherent protocols as the basis for disclosure regimes globally, offering the credibility and simplicity the market needs,” Clara Barby, Senior Partner at Just Climate, said.   

Experts from both organizations will now collaborate through an integrated technical process, with the goal of delivering cohesive standards that meets the needs of all users, and support robust, science-based decarbonization across regions, sectors and economies.  

For more information, visit www.iso.org or www.ghgprotocol.org.  

Kassow Robots Names Rieger Chief Sales Officer  

Kassow Robots, a subsidiary of Bosch Rexroth, has appointed Christoph Rieger as Chief Sales Officer (CSO). He has also joined the company’s board of directors alongside founder and CEO Kristian Kassow and CFO Yulia Bakir. The leadership change took effect on August 1. 

Rieger brings many years of international leadership and technical experience in factory automation. In his career at Bosch and Bosch Rexroth, he has held senior roles in sales, service and product management. Most recently, he served as Sales Director for Assembly Technology at Bosch Rexroth, where he oversaw global coordination of factory automation sales and supported customers in adopting next-generation technologies such as electromobility. 

In his new role, Rieger will lead Kassow Robots’ international sales organization and will be responsible for sales, marketing and service. His appointment underscores Kassow Robots’ commitment to expanding its global presence and building on its momentum in the North American market. 

“Christoph’s in-depth expertise in automation technology and his proven leadership at Bosch Rexroth are invaluable as Kassow Robots continues to grow,” said Kristian Kassow, founder and CEO of Kassow Robots. “His experience will allow us to strengthen our customer relationships worldwide and further accelerate our strategy in collaborative robotics.” 

For more information, visit kassowrobots.com. 

LUCID Vision Labs Expands Headquarters to New Facility  

LUCID Vision Labs, Inc., announced the relocation of its headquarters from Richmond, BC, to a significantly larger, state-of-the-art facility in Burnaby, British Columbia. This strategic expansion supports the company’s continued growth and its commitment to meet the increasing demand across its global customer base. 

The new facility offers expanded manufacturing capacity, enhanced operational efficiency, and ample space for future scalability. It reinforces LUCID’s long-term commitment to innovation, product excellence, and delivering high-performance vision technologies to customers worldwide. 

"This expansion marks a major milestone for our team," said Rod Barman, Founder and President of LUCID Vision Labs. "Our new Burnaby facility not only strengthens our manufacturing capabilities but also demonstrates our confidence in future growth and the rising demand for our machine vision cameras." 

With the move now complete, LUCID’s new Burnaby facility is fully operational and serves as the company’s primary headquarters and main production hub, positioning it for continued growth and innovation in the years ahead. 

For more information, visit www.thinklucid.com. 

Machinery Orders Dip Against Stronger Year-Over-Year Gains 

New orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $387.3 million in July 2025. This was a 9.5% decrease from June 2025 but a 20.1% increase from July 2024. Machinery orders placed through July 2025 totaled $2.91 billion, a 14.4% increase over the first seven months of 2024. 

The value of orders in July 2025 is nearly 20% above what would be expected in July of an average year. This strong July increased the year-over-year total for the first time since April 2025. Despite the strong trends in the value of orders, the number of units being ordered shows continued flatness, as the number of units ordered in July 2025 was more than 13% behind an average July. In the absence of widespread inflation among machine tools, this trend underscores the continued importance of automation in current buying trends. 

Machinery orders from contract machine shops in July 2025 decreased nearly 14% from June and rose just under 10% from July 2024, showing a significant softening relative to the overall market. While this trend is not uncommon, it shows the first signs of weakness in orders from the largest customer segment, which has otherwise shown signs of recovery for much of 2025. 

New orders of machinery from agricultural equipment manufacturers have been on a declining trend since April 2025. Machinery investment from this sector, as well as from its supply chain, could see a sudden uptick in the coming months after John Deere announced additional investments in U.S. operations over the next decade. 

Despite widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will reduce rates at its September meeting, the latest forecasts continue to anticipate slowing industrial activity in the second half of the year, which could cause a softening in capital equipment purchases. AMT’s 2025 MTForecast conference, which will be held Oct. 15-17 in Schaumburg, Illinois, will explore the probability of a downturn and what industries may still be areas of opportunity into 2026. 

For more information, visit amtonline.org.