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Production, logistics and administration buildings are being built Kuppenheim/Schiltach. On 17 December, instrumentation manufacturer VEGA Grieshaber KG officially began construction of a new production facility in Kuppenheim. This major project marks a milestone in the company’s growth strategy and sustainable development. The builder is Grieshaber Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG. With the new location, VEGA is expanding its production capacity and strengthening its global logistics. Schiltach will continue to be the company’s headquarters. There, the space available for further growth has been exhausted. The project is being implemented as part of the “Ober-Hardrain” development plan and will give a significant economic boost to the entire region. “We’re creating additional capacity in order to remain competitive in the long term and offer our customers worldwide the quality that VEGA stands for. We’re deliberately investing in sustainable structures and in the future of our company in Germany,” emphasises managing

PHOS4green pilot plant now in Weimar Glatt Ingenieurtechnik using a containerized plant for heavy metal removal from sewage sludge ash as part of phosphorus recovery trials. Phosphorus is a plant nutrient that is essential for human nutrition. However, because natural deposits are limited, phosphorus recycling for sewage sludge will become mandatory from 2029. Glatt provides proven technology for this purpose – PHOS4green – which has been expanded to include heavy metal depletion as a crucial process step. “Our plant is ready for your sewage sludge ash,” says Jan Kirchhof, Head of Sales at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik, inviting experts to pilot tests at the Glatt Technology Center in Weimar. Of particular interest are sewage sludge ashes with elevated heavy metal content which, thanks to PHOS4green technology at the new demonstration plant, can be converted into fertilizer granules for the agricultural industry that meet all compliance requirements. Shaping the future of fertilizer production PHOS4green

New sensor-supported method for rapid and user-friendly testing of fresh concrete sedimentation stability, developed at IWB Stuttgart by Franz Ludwig GmbH, addresses challenges with modern concretes Challenges with Modern Concretes Modern concretes are becoming increasingly complex to meet current demands like slender structures and filigree components. The use of highly effective superplasticizers makes these concretes not only more performant but also more susceptible to environmental factors and segregation. Maintaining the desired fresh and hardened concrete properties is becoming increasingly problematic. To date, quick and user-friendly methods for on-site testing of concrete sedimentation stability are lacking. Therefore, it is crucial to examine these concretes for their tendency to segregate before placement. Developing a Novel Testing Method At the Institute for Construction Materials (IWB) at the University of Stuttgart, a sensor-based testing method is being developed to specifically examine soft concretes for sedimentation stability. Initial preliminary tests have already successfully confirmed the basic principle of the testing. The testing device,

WEMO-techniek provides high-performance pneumatic transport systems designed to centralize sample collection for the bulk solids industry, enhancing efficiency across the food, feed, and chemical sectors. Automated vacuum technology for dry solids The system utilizes a powerful blower to generate a vacuum, moving individual samples through dedicated lines to a central cyclone. This design allows for the safe collection of free-flowing dry solids from multiple points in the production process. Optimized integration and modular design Engineered for industrial versatility, the equipment connects directly to MES systems for full automation. Its modular construction supports various process layouts, catering to aggregates, chemicals, and recycling applications. Key features of the pneumatic transport solution * Centralized collection at a single reception point * Capability for transport lines reaching up to 70 meters * Seamless integration with automatic packaging machines * Fully expandable architecture for diverse requirements Efficiency in sample reception and testing By automating the transfer from the production line to the laboratory or collection station,

Industry meeting place with a top-class supporting programme SOLIDS Dortmund, trade fair for granules, powders and bulk solids technologies, takes place on the 18th and 19th of March 2026. Here visitors will find efficient solutions for processing, handling, storing, transporting and analysing bulk solids. This year there is also a special reason to celebrate: 20 years of SOLIDS Dortmund. The anniversary edition’s motto is ‘Ideas that move. Solutions that stay.’ Exhibiting companies will present the entire spectrum of mechanical process engineering: from conveying, dosing and screening technology to crushing, mixing and storage technology to dust extraction, filtration and process automation solutions for fine to coarse-grained materials. The RECYCLING-TECHNIK Dortmund, trade fair for recycling technologies, will take place in parallel to SOLIDS Dortmund and is focusing on machinery, plants and components for recycling and environmentally friendly disposal. The close interconnection between the bulk solids and recycling

Are you looking for a reliable analyzer for dry and free-flowing particles? Then watch the video about the NEXOPART CPA 2-1 and its Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA) technology. The NEXOPART CPA 2-1 laboratory device provides quick, reliable and fully automated measurement results on the size distribution and shape of your bulk materials such as fertilizers, blasting abrasives, sand, coal, food products, plastics, seeds, ceramics and glass. How you benefit: You are not only provided with extensive and detailed information about the shape and size of your product, but you also get precise evaluation with the help of the NEXOPART CpaServ software and a plethora of parameters immediately and digitally. The NEXOPART CPA 2-1 is based on the dynamic image analysis (DIA) method in accordance with ISO 13322-2. You can rely on reliable and computer-aided digital-optical image processing. Your material samples are automatically dosed via a feed chute. After arriving in the measurement channel, an LED lighting array and a digital line scan camera operate using the backlight method. The built-in line scan camera scans the free-flowing bulk materials

The requirements for modern bagging solutions in the food and animal feed industry continue to increase. With the BVP Pneumatic Packer Full-Line, Greif-Velox offers a fully automated solution specifically designed to meet these demands. In addition to high hygiene standards, flexibility with changing bag formats, reproducible dosing accuracy, and high system availability are key factors. At the heart of the line is the pneumatic BVP packer, which is particularly suitable for fine, dusty, or poorly flowing products. By pneumatically conveying and compacting the product inside the bag, a uniform fill level is achieved while ensuring low-dust filling – a decisive advantage for sensitive food and feed applications. The pneumatic packer is complemented by a range of automated functions that ensure a stable and efficient overall process: Integrated Full-Line with Intelligent Automation - Low-dust filling for clean production environments - Automatic filling spout dedusting for product-clean changeovers - Precise weighing for consistent quality of every bag - Fully automatic bag centering for changing bag formats - Automatic height adjustment for a uniform pallet pattern - Pneumatic turbo gripper

A new solution for the sustainable recycling of textile waste. Hosokawa Alpine is setting standards in textile shredding, making it possible to reuse textile scraps efficiently and sustainably. Textile recycling and the new EU directive In response to the new EU directive on the separate collection of used textiles, Hosokawa Alpine provides efficient processing that recovers valuable fibers for the circular economy. Efficient process chain for the circular economy Since January 1, 2025, an EU directive has mandated the separate collection of used textiles. To process these volumes economically, the Augsburg specialist for mechanical process engineering developed a specialized system. The process starts with shredding textile bales, followed by pneumatic transport for defibering. A downstream classifier separates the material into clean fibers and residue. Optimization through proven crushing technology * Performance increase of up to 50% due to special rotor design * Robust construction with a solid, durable cast housing * High throughput of up to 400 kg of textiles per hour * Integrated water cooling and pneumatic suction as options The Rotoplex

Foeth announces the acquisition of the Italian equipment dealer Intimac, strengthening its position as the European market leader in refurbished process, formulation and packaging machines Machines for the pharmaceutical, chemical, recycling and food and feed industries. Following this acquisition, Foeth offers machines for the entire pharmaceutical value chain: from production to formulation and packaging of medicines. Foeth is determined to challenge the industry to increasingly operate circularly. Selling around 1,000 machines annually No matter how the world changes, industry will always need to mix, grind, dry and package raw materials into end products. These machines can therefore often be reused, even across different industries. Since 1908, Foeth gives such process and packaging machines a second life with new end-users. With its entrepreneurial and pragmatic approach, rooted in family values, Foeth has grown into the European leading player, holding more than 2,800 machines in stock and selling around 1,000 annually. Giving used equipment a second life Foeth observes a growing supply of used, redundant machines in the Netherlands and

RETTAR’s 3DPro2300 3D Radar Scanner masters high-dust silos. ATEX/TÜV certified, it penetrates dense dust to deliver zero-blind-spot inventory management. In heavy industries such as cement production, power generation, and metallurgy, the precise management of limestone powder—a critical raw material—is essential for operational stability and cost efficiency. However, traditional measurement methods like manual dipping or heavy-hammer level gauges often fail in the face of modern automation requirements. To address the industry pain point of inaccurate data in high-dust environments, RETTAR has introduced the 3DPro2300 Radar Scanner, a game-changing solution designed for high-precision, real-time, and autonomous inventory monitoring. The ”Black Box” of High-Density Dust * Limestone powder silos present some of the most unforgiving environments for industrial instrumentation. * Extreme Dust Concentrations: During feeding and discharging, fine particles create thick clouds that obstruct optical and ultrasonic signals, leading to total sensor failure. * Signal Interference & Absorption: Conventional radar

The water content of road salt affects its shelf life, flowability, and reliability in use. Moisture measurement helps to prevent problems at an early stage. Moisture determines winter service operations In winter service operations, every minute counts. When road salt no longer flows freely, problems occur at the worst possible time, during active deployment. In many cases, the cause is not the spreading technology itself but the material. The water content of road salt is a critical quality factor that is often underestimated in practice. Even small amounts of moisture can impair entire systems and lead to avoidable operational failures. Why road salt is particularly sensitive to moisture Road salt is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. Critical conditions include fluctuating temperatures, high moisture and extended storage periods. Even salt that appears free-flowing on the surface can already have an elevated water content inside. This directly affects storage stability, flow behaviour and dosing accuracy and usually remains undetected without measurement. Typical consequences of excessive

Hygienic design for safe drum handling from Bolz Intec In hygienically sensitive production and logistics areas, the safe, clean, and ergonomic handling of drums poses a particular challenge. With its drum rollers and drum trolleys, Bolz Intec offers a practical solution that has been specially developed for use in hygienic environments. Hygienic design without dead spaces The drum rollers and drum trolleys feature a hygienic design without dead spaces, which enables easy and reliable cleaning. The open construction prevents dirt deposits and minimizes hygienic risks. This makes the systems ideal for use in hygienic production environments and clean areas. Stainless steel drum rollers for heavy loads Made of sturdy 1.4301 (AISI 304) stainless steel, the drum rollers meet the highest requirements for corrosion resistance, robustness, and hygiene. The design is rated for loads up to approx. 300 kg and enables the safe transport of drums with a diameter of 400 to 710 mm. An electropolished surface is available

Betzigau, January 2026 – UWT GmbH is strengthening its technical management level: At the beginning of 2026, Bernhard Schönmetzler assumed the position of Head of Technical Department. In this role, he supports Andreas Haug, Managing Director, in the area With this appointment, UWT is deliberately focusing on continuity, in-depth technical expertise and a long-term approach to technical management. Internal appointment with technical expertise Bernhard Schönmetzler has been part of the company since 2018. Most recently, he served as Manager of Approvals, where he significantly shaped this area both technically and organizationally. In this role, he was responsible for complex national and international approval processes and systematically expanded and developed his team. His many years of experience, particularly in the regulatory environment, form a key foundation for his new responsibilities. As Head of Technical Department, he also remains closely involved with the topic of approvals. Clear responsibilities and close coordination In his new role, Bernhard Schönmetzler is gradually taking on expanded leadership responsibilities. Coordination with Managing Director Andreas Haug is close and continuous. Existing

Kalenborn presents innovative solutions for protecting industrial plants against material loss. Custom-fit linings increase service life, conserve resources, and sustainably reduce CO2 emissions. Wear Protection as a Key to Sustainable Production Wear refers to the progressive loss of material on surfaces caused by contact and movement. In industry, bulk materials such as ores, sand, or biomass lead to continuous abrasion. Kalenborn offers targeted measures to improve the resistance of components against friction and impact. This secures material flow and prevents costly downtime. Diverse Materials for Individual Requirements Every wear problem is unique and requires a specific solution. Kalenborn relies on a wide range of materials that are precisely matched to the respective load: * Mineral materials such as fused basalt * High-strength ceramics for extreme temperatures * Metallic solutions against heavy impact wear * Wear-resistant concrete and technical plastics Efficiency via Combination and Professional Installation Experts often combine different materials to achieve an optimal result. In addition to material selection, the fastening method

A leading pet litter manufacturer has successfully reduced waste and costs by implementing Vortex Titan Slide and Maintenance Gates to capture and reclaim valuable bentonite dust within their production cycle. Material Recovery System Reduces Operational Costs The California facility faced significant financial losses as bentonite dust, essential for litter clumping, was being routed to scrap. By installing an integrated recovery system, the firm now returns this dust to silos. Advanced Engineering for Abrasive Bentonite Handling * Vortex Titan Slide Gates feature hard polymer seals for durability. * Maintenance gates allow for safe downstream service without leaks. * Live-loaded seals compensate for wear to ensure a dust-tight seal. * Narrow profiles allow for easy installation in tight factory spaces. Sustainable Manufacturing Through Efficient Dust Control The project has slashed raw material purchasing costs while advancing the company’s sustainability goals. By turning scrap into a resource, the plant has achieved a more circular and efficient manufacturing process.

According to a recent study by Deutsche Messe Technology Academy and Moxa, unplanned downtime is one of the biggest challenges facing industry. Downtime as a major cost factor in industry A recent study by the Deutsche Messe Technology Academy in cooperation with automation specialist Moxa provides insights into the reality of industrial production in Germany: 94 percent of the companies surveyed report at least one unplanned shutdown per month, with an average downtime of 3.3 hours. The effects are serious: according to the study, even one hour of production downtime can cause costs in the millions—especially in highly automated processes. The economic consequences range from missed delivery dates and increased personnel deployment to damage to the company’s reputation among customers. The study cites the following causes of unplanned downtime as particularly common: Main causes of production downtime * Failure of machine components or IT systems * Lack of transparency regarding the condition of the equipment * Difficulties and delays in procuring spare parts The consequences are well known: inefficiency,

CADFEM invites everyone interested in simulation to attend the CADFEM World Conference from October 20 to 22, 2026, in Darmstadt, Germany. For over 40 years, the CADFEM Conference has been one of the largest and most renowned events for simulation and digital engineering. In 2026, the international specialist for leading software from Ansys (part of Synopsys), CADFEM, expects over 1,000 participants from all over the world to attend the event from October 20 to 22 at the darmstadtium Science and Congress Center in Darmstadt, Germany. The conference is a unique platform for discussing trends, technologies, and innovations in simulation and digital engineering. More information about the event and the program will be available in February 2026.

Muller Beltex is Europe’s specialist in elevator buckets, with Columbus, Starco and Super Starco models in pressed steel, stainless steel, HDP, polyurethane or nylon. Muller Beltex provides premium elevator buckets in steel and plastic to enhance bulk handling performance. Their diverse range focuses on durability, efficiency, and customized fit for every industrial application. Elevator buckets for every application Muller Beltex supplies various steel elevator buckets, including Columbus, Euro-Norm, and Jet types. These are available in mild steel or stainless steel, offering robust performance for heavy-duty applications. For lighter materials or specialized needs, the company offers plastic buckets like Starco and Super Starco. Made from HDPE, Nylon, or Polyurethane, these provide excellent wear resistance and reduce overall belt load. Custom solutions for maximum throughput and efficiency Choosing the right bucket is crucial for maximizing elevator capacity. Muller Beltex assists customers in selecting the ideal shape and material to minimize product damage while increasing the total system throughput. Below you will

The new XTI rupture disc from Bormann & Neupert by BS&B is manufactured without weld seams, setting new standards in leak-tightness for high-pressure applications. Maximum leak-tightness for critical processes In critical high-pressure applications – such as demanding process media like hydrogen, in hydraulic systems, or in aerospace – the tightness of all components is a vital prerequisite for safe operation. With the new XTI rupture disc, Bormann & Neupert by BS&B offers a pressure relief solution that meets the highest requirements for leak-tightness, reliability, and compactness. Innovative weld-free design for safety Machined from solid material, the rupture disc functions entirely without welded joints, thus avoiding potential weak points that can arise from the joining process. The integrated design of the XTI completely eliminates separation points, guaranteeing absolute tightness and high process reliability for plant operators. This also makes weld testing and documentation unnecessary, simplifying the technical approval of systems. Focus on increased safety and precision Its design also makes the XTI particularly

MoistTech identifies moisture variation as a primary cause of production slowdowns. Advanced real-time monitoring now allows manufacturers to ensure consistency, reduce waste, and maximize overall throughput. Inconsistent moisture levels are a silent profit killer in industrial manufacturing. When moisture fluctuates, it forces operators to pause production or deal with batches that fail quality standards. The Hidden Costs of Manual Sampling Traditional moisture testing relies on manual sampling and laboratory ovens, a process that can take hours. By the time results are ready, thousands of pounds of product may already be out of spec, leading to significant material waste and energy loss. Real-Time Sensors Drive Production Efficiency MoistTech’s Near-Infrared (NIR) technology provides non-contact, continuous measurement directly on the production line. This allows for immediate adjustments to dryers and mixers, ensuring that every batch meets the precise moisture requirements without the need for manual intervention. Key Benefits of NIR Technology * Precise moisture control reduces energy consumption. * Real-time data prevents expensive product recalls. *

The 2026 conference “Belt Conveyors and Their Components” is the networking event of the year for manufacturers, users, and operators. Essen – On May 19 and 20, 2026, the bulk material handling industry will gather at the Haus der Technik (HDT) in Essen for the 22nd specialist conference “Belt Conveyors and Their Components.” This well-established event is regarded as the most important networking meeting of the year for manufacturers, users, and operators of belt conveyor systems. Experts from industry and research are expected to exchange views on the latest developments and proven solutions in belt conveyor technology. Program and Networking Specialist presentations by renowned experts will address current topics related to continuous conveying systems. As usual, the lecture program will be complemented by an attractive supporting program: a joint dinner at the end of the first day and an exclusive technical excursion will provide ample opportunity for informal exchange and networking. In a relaxed atmosphere, participants can make contacts and share experiences directly with speakers and

Fluid bed spray agglomeration of powder as a perfect alternative to direct compression of powder mixtures: No segregation. Good flowability. Good dosing accuracy. Adjusted tablet properties. In the production of tablets, direct compression of the powder mixture is often not possible. Weak cohesive forces between powder particles often result in insufficient tablet strength. Also, due to flow-inhibiting adhesive forces, fine powders exhibit poor flowability, which can result in inadequate dosing accuracy when filling the dies. If highly potent active ingredients are present as fine powders, dust formation makes safe powder handling difficult. If different particle sizes are combined in a powder mixture, segregation processes can counteract a trouble-free tableting process with consistent product quality. Consequently, the powder properties are decisive for the success of tabletting and the tablet properties that can be achieved. Spray agglomeration of powder based on fluid bed technology solves all these problems. By spraying a binder solution onto powder particles, they can be glued together, thus increasing particle size and reducing fines content.

The new Depaq machine from ATS Dutch Machinery combines speed, capacity and reliability, and an extremely short delivery time. Speed, capacity and reliability The plastics processing industry places high demands on continuity, capacity and delivery reliability. With the introduction of the new Depaq machine, ATS Dutch Machinery is responding specifically to these requirements - with a machine that not only impresses with its top performance, but is also available for immediate delivery. Immediate use in critical production environments The Depaq is characterized by an extremely short delivery time. While the industry usually has to wait months for delivery, this machine is available immediately. This makes it particularly attractive for production companies that suffer from capacity bottlenecks or have to compensate for unexpected downtimes of existing systems. Thanks to an optimized assembly line in the Netherlands, the Depaq can be integrated into existing processes and made ready for operation in record time, also for critical production environments Dutch quality at a competitive

At this critical stage of the process, the pellets are still moist and mechanically fragile, making gentle and controlled handling essential. The Poeth Z-Conveyor is ideally suited for conveying pellets directly from the pellet press to the cooler. At this critical stage of the process, the pellets are still moist and mechanically fragile, making gentle and controlled handling essential. Thanks to its well-engineered Z-design and carefully controlled conveying principle, pellet breakage, abrasion, and fines generation are minimized. The conveyor ensures reliable operation while preserving pellet integrity, thereby reducing product losses and improving overall process efficiency. We invite you to test the Poeth Z-Conveyor with your own products in our dedicated test facility, where performance can be evaluated under realistic process conditions.

The race to build better batteries is no longer about if we innovate—it’s about how fast we can learn, test, and scale without blowing things up (sometimes literally). This is exactly where PerMix steps in. Silicon Anode Battery R&D Silicon anodes promise dramatically higher energy density than traditional graphite. The catch is that silicon is… temperamental. It expands, contracts, reacts, oxidizes, agglomerates, and generally behaves like a brilliant but unruly lab partner. Getting repeatable, scalable data from silicon anode research demands mixing and drying technology that can keep up with the chemistry. PerMix vacuum plow mixers and dryers are engineered specifically for this moment in battery R&D. Vacuum Plow Mixers for Anode Research Silicon anode formulations are sensitive to oxygen, moisture, heat history, and shear. Traditional lab mixers often struggle to replicate real-world processing conditions, leaving researchers with beautiful data that falls apart at pilot scale. Vacuum plow mixers solve this problem by combining controlled high-intensity mixing with precise environmental control. Under vacuum, oxygen is removed. Volatiles are captured. Oxidation