ZURICH, Switzerland, Mar 3, 2025 – ABB has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Siemens’ Wiring Accessories business in China to broaden ABB’s market reach and complement its regional customer offering within smart buildings. Generating over $150 million in revenue in 2024, the business adds a comprehensive product portfolio, a robust distribution network across 230 cities, and 350 skilled employees. The transaction was announced on May 17, 2024, and the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The business will be margin accretive to ABB and expand ABB’s portfolio with wiring accessories, smart home systems, smart door locks, and further peripheral home automation products, which will continue with the Siemens brand under terms of a licensing agreement. ABB is positioned to deliver integrated solutions that improve energy efficiency, modernize buildings, and reduce carbon emissions by expanding its product range and distribution network.
Mike Mustapha, president of ABB Electrification’s smart building division said, “This acquisition strengthens ABB’s position and commitment to growth in China’s wiring accessories market, complementing our smart buildings technologies portfolio and enabling us to meet evolving customer needs by creating safer, smarter and more sustainable buildings. We are perfectly positioned to offer a full range of wiring accessories, home and building automation, energy distribution and management solutions, to address major local challenges such as rapid urbanization, energy transition, electrification of buildings, decarbonization and advancing AI and digitalization.”
Source: ABB
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader specializing in electrification and automation, aiming to enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. Founded in 1988 through the merger of Sweden’s ASEA and Switzerland’s Brown, Boveri & Cie (BBC), ABB has more than 140 years of history. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the company operates in over 100 countries and employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide. ABB’s offerings include products and services in electrification, robotics, automation, and motion, serving industries such as utilities, transportation, and infrastructure. In 2023, ABB reported revenues of $32.2 billion.
The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) has strengthened its offer to its 200-strong membership base with a high-profile industrial appointment. Maurice Spooner, who has over forty years’ experience in manufacturing, has joined as the organization’s sheet metal specialist and will help companies involved in pressings and roll-formed products to navigate an increasingly complex business landscape.
It is vital when considering the ongoing issues around the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the possibility of rising energy prices again. The former Sertec Group and Lear Corporation expert is also keen to explore opportunities for diversification and new technology.
Maurice Spooner
“2025 promises to be a very interesting year for our members and the CBM will have an important role to make sure their voices are heard and the challenges they are facing are understood by the powers that be,” explained Maurice.
“Sheet metal is our biggest sector of membership, and it will be my role to support these firms by helping with issues they face and ensuring they are aware of the full range of services we offer.”
He continued: “I’m keen to visit as many as I can and have already been to three companies in my first few weeks. It’s great going inside factories, meeting the management teams and listening to what they need to be successful – both at home and abroad.”
“There are plenty of challenges to navigate, but there are also significant opportunities for our members – we really do have some wonderful companies, innovating and producing components that help make the world go round.”
Maurice Spooner started his career on the shop floor in 1981 and has been self-taught throughout, progressing to new model introduction engineer, into project management, and then commercial manager.
This has predominantly been spent in the automotive sector working for Triplex Safety Glass, ITW Profit, Metal Pressings Group, and QFS.
Two of his most significant achievements have been supporting the relocation of Lear Corporation’s manufacturing facility to the Black Country with zero quality defects and overseeing the introduction of the Discovery model at Sertec Group, involving 190+ different part numbers.
“The CBM offers so many different services, from an active health and safety best practice forum to technical support from industry specialists and a wide range of energy services,” continued Maurice.
“One of my key roles will be making our sheet metal members fully aware of all the different things they can tap into and encouraging them to support our lobbying by adding their voice to the work we are doing in Whitehall and with influential local MPs like Sarah Coombs.”
Steve Morley, President of the CBM, added his support: “Maurice is a hugely experienced manufacturing specialist who understands what it is like at the coalface.
“He will be a massive asset to our members and has the ability and contacts to bring more OEMs and tier 1s into the conversation, so we can ensure that the downstream supply chain is better connected and represented.”
About The Confederation of British Metalforming
The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), established in 1998, is the UK’s leading trade association for fasteners, forgings, pressings, cold-rolled, and sheet-metal products manufacturers. Headquartered at the National Metalforming Centre in West Bromwich, West Midlands, CBM serves aerospace, automotive, construction, defense, engineering, nuclear, offshore, and white goods industries. The organization offers its members a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and skill development through tailored workshops and courses. CBM also represents the collective voice of metal forming manufacturers at the highest levels to influence legislation and raise industry profiles. Additionally, the association identifies business opportunities, facilitates partnerships with research centers like the Advanced Forming Research Centre, and monitors funding availability to support member companies. Specific financial details, such as annual revenue, are not publicly disclosed. CBM represents over 200 manufacturing companies across the UK covering sheet metal, fasteners, forging, cold head forging, and cold rolled sections. Together, they employ 70,000 people and boast a combined turnover of £26 billion.
Graeme Bell, New Global Business Development Manager
Filtermist Ltd. has appointed Graeme Bell as its new global business development manager. The filtration expert will drive new opportunities in the APAC region – particularly in India and China.
His role will involve increasing sales of the firm’s latest oil mist collectors and ancillary equipment in the countries it already serves in this area, developing new products specifically for these markets, and recruiting new distributors to the Filtermist network.
Graeme has already visited customers in China, Korea, and India before being part of the Filtermist delegation that exhibited at the IMTEX exhibition, which was organized by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) in Bangalore.
“There is massive untapped potential in the APAC region, and this is something I have been brought in to explore,” explained Graeme, who has more than 30 years’ experience working in mist extraction and air pollution control.
“The market is going to expand dramatically over the next five years. We’re seeing a lot of opportunities in automotive, aerospace and electronics – India, in particular, is becoming a really important manufacturing hub for the Asia Pacific region.”
“Demand for our products and solutions is growing rapidly in this region, and we need additional resources on the ground to help educate and showcase some of our latest oil mist filtration technologies to new clients.”
“As well as opportunities with local manufacturers, Western companies and blue-chip businesses all have health and safety protocols which they need to follow globally.”
He went on to add: “Our established sales teams are doing a great job. My role is to support them in their ongoing activity, whilst adding the right new distributors to our network.”
Established in 1969, Filtermist has sold its UK-manufactured oil mist collectors into the APAC region for over 35 years. Customers include precision engineers in automotive and aerospace, medical device manufacture and electronics, and companies that produce food and drink.
Johanna Morris, Filtermist’s global commercial sales director, concluded: “Graeme is an important hire for our business and brings with him extensive industry experience at a senior level.”
“This is the first time that we have had a dedicated Global Business Development Manager looking after the whole APAC region and demonstrates both our commitment to existing customers and to increasing our market share in this part of the world.”
Source: Filtermist
About Filtermist
Filtermist, established in 1969 in Shropshire, UK, specializes in manufacturing oil mist collectors and filtration equipment. The products are designed to remove oil mist, coolant mist, fumes, and steam from manufacturing environments, ensuring cleaner and safer workplaces. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, food production, medical device manufacturing, and general engineering. Headquarters in Telford, Shropshire, Filtermist operates globally, providing services in over 60 countries. As of December 2023, Filtermist Limited reported a turnover of £30.1 million, with net assets totaling £7.1 million. The company employs approx. 250 staff members. In 2019, Filtermist was acquired by Absolent Air Care Group, a Swedish air cleaning equipment manufacturer, further enhancing its global reach and product offerings.
LÉVIS, Québec, Feb 28, 2025 – Creaform, a business of AMETEK, Inc. and global provider of automated and portable 3D measurement solutions, announced the release of Scan-to-CAD Pro, a new application module integrated within the Creaform Metrology Suite. It has been specifically designed to streamline and enhance reverse engineering workflows with a more concise approach.
Initially launched in 2014, Creaform’s Scan-to-CAD software module is a popular 3D scan data processing software that creates a simple, easy-to-use bridge between the 3D scan acquisition and the CAD or rapid prototyping (3D printing) software. Now available in two versions, both the standard Scan-to-CAD module and the new Scan-to-CAD Pro module come ready with advanced algorithms to extract information from meshes, flexible alignment, optimized mesh editing tools, and selection capabilities. The new addition offers professionals another option to ensure it aligns well with their reverse engineering workflow.
With new features, including 2D sketching and 3D modeling tools, the new Scan-to-CAD Pro acts like a seamless gateway between 3D scanning and CAD software, such as SolidWorks. Scan-to-CAD Pro accelerates the transformation of 3D scan data into a detailed CAD model. In some instances, it allows the entire process to be completed within a single software module. This tool makes it easier to extract features and create CAD models from 3D scan data. As a result, manufacturers can save time and improve product design for an exact fit right from the start. There’s no need for lengthy design revisions, especially with complex geometries. With Scan-to-CAD Pro and the adaptability of Creaform’s 3D scanners, companies can streamline the process between 3D scanning and CAD software, speeding up their path to market.
“Before, users struggled to turn raw scan data to a usable CAD file,” explained David Robichaud, product manager at Creaform. “Now, Scan-to-CAD Pro offers the most intuitive reverse engineering toolkit for mechanical engineers and designers. Scan-to-CAD Pro democratizes reverse engineering processes for businesses and users who do not want to invest time and resources in advanced CAD software. It’s truly a market game changer.” Designed to get the most out of the Creaform scanners, the new Scan-to-CAD Pro application module provides a user experience that only Creaform can offer. “As 3D scanning pioneers with over 20 years of experience, an exceptional customer service and constant innovation,” explains Fanny Truchon, President of Creaform, “we have become a recognized powerhouse in reverse engineering and offer a complete 360° 3D solution second to none.”
Source: Creaform
About Creaform
Founded in 2002, Creaform specializes in developing and manufacturing portable 3D measurement technologies and engineering services. Their product lineup includes 3D scanners, portable coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), automated quality control solutions, and optical coordinate measuring systems. The tools serve applications like 3D scanning, reverse engineering, quality control, non-destructive testing, product development, and numerical simulation. Creaform’s solutions are utilized across multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer products, heavy industries, manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, and research and education. Creaform operates in over 85 countries through 14 local offices and a network of more than 125 distributors. In 2013, AMETEK, a global industrial technology provider, acquired the company. As of 2023, Creaform employs approximately 527 individuals.
Metal Powder Works and K-Tig Merge in A$10Mill Deal
SEWICKLEY, PA, Feb 28, 2025 – Metal Powder Works (MPW) has merged with K-Tig Advanced Welding Systems that will see the two companies operate under the Metal Powder Works name. With both companies owning their own IP and holding several patents between them, the merger highlights their unique advanced manufacturing solutions for industry.
Metal Powder Works was established in 2017 to create an efficient and affordable method for producing metal powder. The DirectPowder process marks the first significant change in metal powder production in over 50 years. Since its market launch in 2022, this pioneering technology has successfully produced consistent, high-yield metal powders. These include aluminum and conductive copper, particularly suited for defense applications.
Similar to MPW’s technological advantages, K-Tig’s welding system takes advantage of automation to provide accuracy, speed and cost-savings for a wide array of customers, including those in defense markets. K-Tig was born out Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). Coincidentally, MPW CEO John Barnes was the program director for CSIRO’s high-performance metals from 2011 to 2015, supporting the commercialization of many advanced manufacturing solutions, including the early evolution of K-Tig’s technology.
MPW Merges with K-Tig in A$10Mill Deal
The coincidence of the alignment of the two companies is not lost on Barnes who noted, “Our motto when I was at CSIRO was “ore to more” and this new MPW is definitely more. This merger just makes sense when considering the demand for unique manufacturing solutions. Whether it be an expanded portfolio of metal alloys offered by MPW, or automated welding solutions provided by K-Tig, the advanced manufacturing industry is looking for these types of products to stay competitive in the global market.”
Source: Metal Powder Works Ltd.
About Metal Powder Works Ltd.
Metal Powder Works (MPW), founded in 2017 by aerospace and defense industry veterans John E. Barnes and Chris Aldridge, is headquartered in Sewickley, PA. The company specializes in producing metal powders for advanced manufacturing applications through its patented DirectPowder process. MPW serves industries such as aerospace, defense, and additive manufacturing, offering materials including aluminum, copper, bronze, titanium, and zirconium alloys. In 2025, MPW raised A$10 million and merged with an Australian advanced manufacturing company, indicating its growth and commitment to expanding its capabilities. MPW’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships position it as a key player in the metal powder manufacturing sector.
About K-Tig Advanced Welding Systems
K-TIG Limited, established in 2009, is an Australian company headquartered in Mile End, South Australia, specializing in advanced Keyhole Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding technology. Their welding systems enhance productivity by enabling full-penetration, single-pass welds on materials up to 16 mm thick, operating at speeds twice that of traditional plasma welding. Serving industries such as aerospace, defense, oil and gas, nuclear, and maritime, K-TIG’s technology is trusted by customers in over 20 countries. In the fiscal year ending June 2022, the company reported revenues of $3.7 million. K-TIG’s systems are designed for versatility, seamlessly integrating with various welding automation equipment, and are particularly effective with corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, nickel, and titanium alloys. This positions K-TIG as a transformative force in the welding industry, delivering high-quality results with increased efficiency.
Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE), which is approaching its 25th anniversary in business later this year, has installed two additional single-chamber Chemcut etching machines and a state-of-the-art UCE developer for creating quicker and cleaner imaging. ACE has completed a £350,000 investment drive in a capacity boost to enhance its market position.
This means 325,000 sheets can be produced every year at its Hortonwood facility, a 30% boost in throughput. Importantly, it gives it greater flexibility over product lines and increased accuracy.
Company leaders are focused on increasing market share in electrification, aerospace, medical, and filters. They seek growth opportunities domestically and in the 30 countries where they operate.
Single Chamber Machine
Chris Ball, executive director at Advanced Chemical Etching, commented: “There’s been so much global uncertainty outside of manufacturing’s control, but we’ve decided to press on with investment in new technology that makes us quicker and gives us scope to take on additional work.”
“The two single chamber Chemcut etching machines mean we now have eight on our shopfloor and the developer is a massive upgrade on our previous equipment. These additions will be used on existing orders and new contracts we have in the pipeline, ranging from busbars for electrification to critical components for airplanes and titanium parts that are used to save lives.”
He continued: “At our peak last year we could probably process 1000 sheets every day. Now that figure is comfortably 1300, which gives us plenty of space to grow and increase revenues.”
All parts are developed and manufactured at the company’s main site in Hortonwood and at its dedicated sister business, ACE Forming Limited, in Kingswinford.
Developer
Ian Whateley, managing director, went on to add: “We are definitely seeing a lot more sectors looking to employ just-in-time supply, which means that we have to make sure the products we supply are right first time. In fact, we’re currently recording 99.97% RFT – way above the industry average.”
“This is even more impressive when you consider we send parts to customers in 30 countries across the world, including Denmark, Luxembourg, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand and the US.”
“Etching is still not understood by a lot of manufacturing and a big drive for us is educating clients on how they can embrace this engineering discipline. In a lot of applications, we can deliver the same level of performance at a fraction of the cost.”
About Advanced Chemical Etching
Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE), founded in March 2000, is a UK company focusing on precision photo-etched metal parts. ACE is headquartered in Telford, Shropshire, UK. With over 20 years in the industry, ACE supports various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, communications, electronics, medical, precision engineering, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. Their production range is broad, creating items from simple washers to detailed precision components. The parts are used in applications such as battery interconnects, fuel cell bi-polar plates, battery grids, cooling plates, and heating elements. ACE is known for its innovative etching techniques, including unique chemistries for titanium and aluminum. The company holds quality certifications like ISO:9001, AS:9100 for aerospace, and ISO:14001 for environmental standards. ACE currently employs 70 people in Telford. The company has a global reach, supplying precision components to customers in more than 35 countries. ACE has experienced significant financial growth, with net assets reported at £4.48 million as of March 31, 2024.
ANDOVER, MA, Feb 25, 2025 – Aras has announced that Tokamak Energy has chosen Aras Innovator SaaS as its enterprise PLM solution. Following an extensive evaluation, the company selected Aras for its flexible architecture, cost-effective licensing model, and comprehensive functionality available from day one.
“Flexibility and self-sufficiency were key factors in our decision, supported by Aras’ low-code functionality,” said Martin Tsang, transformation lead at Tokamak Energy. “The rapidly evolving nature of our work in fusion technology development requires a PLM platform that can quickly adapt to new opportunities and markets. Aras allows our team to independently develop functionality and expand our capabilities without the additional costs typically associated with modular PLM systems.”
The selection marks Tokamak Energy’s first enterprise-wide PLM implementation beyond CAD data management and will be delivered under a software-as-a-service (SaaS) agreement. “We are proud to partner with Tokamak Energy in their groundbreaking work,” said Roque Martin, CEO of Aras. “Our flexible platform and unique business model eliminate the traditional barriers to PLM adoption, empowering innovative companies like Tokamak Energy to focus on their core mission – developing commercial fusion energy solutions.”
The initial implementation will focus on connecting with the current design and drawing control systems. It will also build a change management system to support a targeted ISO certification. In the next phase, Tokamak Energy plans to use Aras Innovator’s features to develop a comprehensive digital thread. This thread will link complex fusion technology simulations with design updates.
Tsang says, “PLM will enable us to establish a digital thread, enhancing our ability to connect complex fusion technology simulation to design iterations. The flexibility will also enable us to adapt and customize our processes to reflect the complexity and developmental stage of our technologies.”
The platform will be necessary for Tokamak Energy’s efforts to commercialize high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. It will streamline design and manufacturing information and maintain the traceability needed for customer and regulatory compliance.
Source: Aras
About Tokamak Energy
Tokamak Energy, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, is a private company headquartered in Milton Park, Oxfordshire, UK. Specializing in the development of compact spherical tokamaks and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets, the company aims to deliver commercially viable fusion energy solutions. Serving industries focused on clean energy and advanced scientific research, Tokamak Energy has achieved significant milestones, including operating the ST40 tokamak, that reached plasma temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius in 2022. In addition to its fusion energy endeavors, the company collaborates on projects utilizing HTS magnet technology for various applications, such as silent marine propulsion systems. As of 2024, Tokamak Energy employs over 260 individuals. The company has raised substantial funding, including $250 million by 2022, to support its innovative research and development efforts.
About Aras
Aras Corp., founded in 2000 by Peter Schroer, provides product lifecycle management (PLM) and digital thread solutions. Headquartered in Andover, MA, with additional offices in Japan, Germany, France, the UK, and Italy, Aras offers the Aras Innovator platform—a low-code solution designed to enhance product development processes across various industries. Aras empowers organizations to manage complex product lifecycles by serving sectors such as aerospace and defense, automotive, high-tech electronics, industrial manufacturing, energy, life sciences, shipbuilding, and medical devices. The company’s technology enables the delivery of flexible solutions built on a digital thread backbone, connecting users across disciplines to critical product data and processes throughout the lifecycle and extended supply chain. As of 2021, Aras employs over 500 professionals and serves approximately 350 customers.
BURNTWOOD, UK, Feb 25, 2025 – Lesters has customers across automotive, engineering, medical and retail tapping into the company’s ecosystem that takes them from the core box range and specialist design through to supply chain services and an enhanced innovation and R&D offer.
Utilization of two state-of-the-art TCY large format casemakers has transformed production speeds and capacity at its 60,000 sq ft facility on Mount Road and this has been supplemented by the recruitment of eight new people across sales, design and manufacturing.
Edward Scobie
The latest hire is Edward Scobie, joining the company as the operations manager. He will provide a pivotal link between production and the general manager, with the remit to drive productivity improvements, maintain top quality standards and unlock more capacity by leveraging real time data.
Billy Hutchinson, managing director of Lesters, commented: “There were lots of challenges in 2024, many of them outside our control and driven by external pressures.”
Billy Hutchinson. Source: LinkedIn
“Despite the volatile outlook, we’ve continued to expand and are confident that we’ll hit £25m by the end of the next financial year – a successful completion of our four-year growth plan.” He continued: “A big part of this has been our fantastic Lesters team, who go above and beyond to ensure our customers receive timely packaging solutions that meet their exact requirements.”
“We’ve also looked at how we can create a complete ecosystem for our clients, which means they have access to design support and core packaging, right through to supply chain solutions and stock management through Lesters Logistics.”
Greg Burton. Source: LinkedIn
Another key development for the business has been Greg Burton’s transition from design manager to design innovation lead. This is a natural transition and will see him strengthen his role as the conduit between the sales team and customers by spending more time on the road visiting clients’ warehouses and facilities. It is anticipated that this new position will give him more opportunity to explore supply chains, getting to know how they operate and what they need in terms of packaging and how design innovation could reduce their costs.
Billy went on to add: “You can’t stand still in our industry and that is why we’re always looking to innovate and attempting to do things differently.”
“2025 will be no different. One really exciting development will be working towards the BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard mark. This provides a framework to manage product safety, integrity, legality, quality and operational controls for food and food ingredient manufacturing.”
“It’s a lengthy process to achieve the mark, and our efforts, led by Project Manager Cerianne Dixon and Business Support Manager Richard Shorthouse, are still ongoing. However, we’re confident that by the summer we’ll have achieved the Standard, opening up new markets for us in the process.”
About Lesters Packaging
Lesters Packaging, established in 1983, specializes in designing and producing heavy-duty corrugated cardboard packaging solutions. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including retail, industrial, electronics, aerospace, automotive parts, logistics and fulfillment, and the grower’s market. Their product offerings include octabin boxes, pick bins, bike boxes, pallet boxes, die-cut boxes, removal boxes, corrugated cartons, shuttle packs, heavy-duty packaging, retail-ready packaging, and extra-large cardboard boxes. Headquartered in the West Midlands, UK, Lesters Packaging operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, providing bespoke packaging solutions to businesses of all sizes. While specific annual revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, the company’s longstanding presence and extensive industry expertise underscore its commitment to delivering high-quality, customized packaging solutions.
GREEN BAY, WI, Feb 25, 2025 – BW Converting has announced the launch of the BB816+ high-performance mail inserter. The new addition to the 800 series platform of servo-driven, easier-to-operate mail inserters is built for direct mail, transactional mail, and specialized applications such as vote by mail, offering top levels of integrity and adaptability for customized solutions.
The BB816+ is the next-gen successor to the trusted BB700 mail-inserting workhorse. The BB816+ introduces advancements in ease of use, speed of changeover, mail product control, and automation, further solidifying BW Converting and its W+D brand as an innovator with knowledge of the performance characteristics of the envelope.
The BB816+ is a future-proof inserting investment due to the new 800 series platform’s modular scalability capabilities. The BB816+ can be configured to smaller floor spaces and
to change market demands. It also offers interchangeability with BW Converting’s flagship inserter, the W+D BB820+, a 20,000-piece-per-hour machine model.
The BB816+ operates at up to 16,000 pieces per hour across the widest format range of any high-performance inserter, including envelope sizes from US #7 (3 ¾ inches by 6 ½ inches) up to 10 inches by 13 inches (C6 up to B4). The flexible system can handle product thicknesses up to 6/10 inch (15 mm).
Significant features include:
Dual Lug Chain: Enhances product control at high speeds.
Upgraded Insertion Module: Features an optimized insert pusher assembly for improved performance.
Advanced Envelope Feeder: Ensures reliable feeding of various envelope types.
Size-Dependent Linear Speed Control: Maintains seamless operation across different envelope dimensions.
BW Converting’s Patented W+D Auto Mismatch Recovery Technology: Handles multiple personalized products with minimal or no operator intervention.
BW Converting equipped the BB816+ with a BSC4.0 human-machine interface (HMI), featuring an intuitive wide-screen interface with onboard operator support and EasySet for rapid job changeovers. Online operator support boosts ease of use, make-ready, and error recovery, making it ideal for less skilled or newly trained operators. Enhanced periphery options, including SL2 mobile autoloaders and OC4 vertical stacker with PT4 Tray Assist, provide further automation to maximize efficiency and throughput.
“With the development of the BB800 family, BW Converting is reacting to the changes in the mailing markets,” said Eric Royal, director of sales-mail at BW Converting. “The BB800 platform with the BB820, BB820+ and now with the BB816+, enables us to now compete down-market with a smaller footprint, new high-speed input options and new 4-color inkjet solutions while offering speed, intelligence and user-friendliness with newly introduced automation. One BB816+ inserter will do more types of work and work that other inserters can’t do. We are confident that one new BB816+ will replace two to three Flowmaster inserters or three to four swing arm inserters; capabilities now allow a new economic business model for mailers. Moving forward, it’s about doing more with less for mailers.”
The first BB816+ machines ordered will start delivering in February 2025.
About BW CONVERTING
BW Converting Solutions, a division of the $3.6 billion Barry-Wehmiller Corporation, specializes in designing and manufacturing precision machinery for tissue, hygiene, print, packaging, mailing, and textiles. Formed as an alliance, it unites brands including Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler+Dünnebier (W+D), Baldwin Technology Co., Hudson-Sharp, STAX Technologies, and Northern Engraving and Machine. These brands offer advanced converting and packaging machinery tailored to industrial applications. With a global presence, BW Converting Solutions operates production facilities in WI, Italy, Serbia, Germany, and England. BW Converting Solutions employs over 1,580 team members worldwide.
About BARRY-WEHMILLER
Barry-Wehmiller is a leader in manufacturing, engineering, and automation solutions, serving industries such as packaging, paper converting, automation, and industrial equipment. Established in 1885, the company has been in business for over 135 years and has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Through its divisions, including BW Packaging, BW Converting Solutions, and BW Design Group, Barry-Wehmiller provides machinery and services for food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, tissue and hygiene, and industrial goods sectors. With an emphasis on people-centric leadership, the company employs over 12,000 team members worldwide. Barry-Wehmiller generates approximately $3.6 billion in annual revenue and has expanded its global presence through acquisitions and organic growth. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, the company continues to drive innovation while fostering a culture of leadership and sustainability in the industries it serves.
MUNICH, Germany, Feb 24, 2025 – Siemens AG has appointed Christiane Ribeiro Guimarães Höfer as the new global head of communications at Siemens AG. She will report to Roland Busch, president and CEO of Siemens AG, effective March 1. Ribeiro succeeds Lynette Jackson, who has held the role since October 2021 and has decided to leave the company to pursue a new opportunity.
“I would like to thank Lynette for her strong contribution to Siemens, protecting and building our reputation and leading the function across the enterprise for the last three and a half years. I wish her personally and professionally all the best,” said Roland Busch, president and CEO of Siemens AG.
Christiane Ribeiro. Image: Siemens
“We are very pleased to appoint Christiane Ribeiro as Siemens’ new global head of communications,” said Roland Busch. “Having been with Siemens for almost 25 years, she brings a deep understanding of our company, our culture, and our global footprint. Her leadership across multiple regions and her pivotal role in positioning Siemens as a leading technology company over the last years make her uniquely suited for this role. As we continue to transform and shape the industries of the future, her expertise and passion will be invaluable in strengthening our brand and engaging stakeholders around the world.”
“Together with my colleagues, I look forward to supporting the continued growth of Siemens through high-impact communications. It is a privilege to tell the amazing stories of our customers and partners, our people, and the impact our technology has on the world. I am excited to do this with outstanding teams around the globe,” said Christiane Ribeiro.
Christiane Ribeiro is currently head of CEO communications, strategic messaging, and thought leadership. She also leads communications for the newly launched “ONE Tech Company”, a company program for accelerated growth. She joined Siemens Brazil in 2001 and has held roles including head of communications and government relations for Siemens Australia and New Zealand, head of innovation communications, and communications business partner to Roland Busch as chief technology officer and deputy CEO.
Source: Siemens AG
About Siemens AG
Siemens AG, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a technology powerhouse with a history dating back to 1847. The company operates in sectors including industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare, offering products and services that range from industrial automation and digitalization solutions to energy-efficient technologies and medical diagnostics equipment. In the fiscal year 2023, Siemens reported revenues of €77.8 billion and a net income of €8.5 billion. The company employs over 300,000 individuals worldwide, with approximately 87,000 based in Germany. Siemens is recognized as a leading industrial manufacturing entity in Europe and holds a significant position in the global industrial automation and software market.
