The quality and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products is critical to the industry and its users. To ensure quality stays intact, nitrogen is often used for packaging purposes and other processes inside the manufacturing facilities. Because nitrogen is an inert gas, it is often used to exclude or push oxygen out of certain areas, including packages and containers.
Pharmaceutical companies use a method called nitrogen blanketing to protect processes that are used to make their products. Nitrogen blanketing strategies are implemented during production, storage, transportation, and final packaging. Nitrogen blanketing involves adding nitrogen liquid or gas to fill the area between the fill line of a process storage vessel’s content and the top of that vessel. The nitrogen displaces the oxygen inside, which helps ensure that oxygen and moisture don’t contaminate the product or cause a potentially explosive situation due to excess oxygen.
The level of oxygen inside Manufacturing Facilities where nitrogen is used must be monitored because the same nitrogen used for oxygen displacement to preserve the valuable contents of the vessel could become deadly to the employees working in the room. Nitrogen leaks can cause the air in the room to become oxygen-deficient, which could cause employees to suffocate.
Nitrogen-Blanketing-SPA2 Application.
In the above application, an Oxygen Monitor is utilized in conjunction with a Moore Industries SPA2 Programmable Limit Alarm Trip to help avoid this potentially dangerous situation. The Oxygen Monitor provides the oxygen level input to the SPA2 from the inside of the room where the process is occurring.
The SPA2 provides two or four independent and individually configurable alarm relay outputs, one of which can be designated to shut off the flow of nitrogen supply when the Oxygen Monitor detects low oxygen in the room; which could be caused by a nitrogen leak in the Process Storage Tank. An E-stop can also be wired in series so that operators can shut off the nitrogen supply manually. The other SPA2 relays can be used to alert employees by being wired to audible and visual warnings. The optional AO analog output on the SPA2 transmits the real-time Oxygen Monitor readings to a PLC/BPCS host system.
@MII_Worldwide #PAuto #Pharma
WIKA has expanded its footprint in North Africa with a new subsidiary in Casablanca, Morocco. The measurement technology manufacturer has been supporting its existing customers across the Maghreb region from this location, while also driving its sales activities since early December (2025).
“The opening of the subsidiary in Morocco marks an important milestone in our regional growth strategy,” says Marcel Frei, Senior Vice President South Europe at WIKA. “Our local presence enables us to offer customers even more flexible, personalised support and to strengthen collaboration with regional partners. All of this increases WIKA’s visibility in North Africa – and helps us to unlock new market potential.”
Anritsu's new Radio RF Conformance Test System ME7873NR has achieved PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) certification for the first time* in test cases related to non-terrestrial networks (NR NTN) utilising 5G technology, using Samsung’s NR NTN modem chipset.
3GPP Release 17 introduces "NR NTN", which includes Non-Terrestrial Networks into the 5G New Radio (NR) standards. With this advance, 5G devices can connect to satellites using the same protocols as terrestrial base stations, paving the way for global 5G coverage beyond traditional infrastructure.
The PTCRB definition of NR NTN testing signifies the formal commencement of the NTN device certification process. Going forward, NR NTN is expected to be actively adopted by network operators worldwide to enhance service quality and expand coverage. Anritsu will contribute to the proliferation of NTN devices by providing certification test systems.
Product Overview.
The ME7873NR is a 3GPP-compliant 5G RF conformance test platform certified by both the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB). It supports Frequency Range 1 (FR1, Sub-6 GHz) out-of-the-box, and combining it with an OTA (CATR) chamber** adds support for Frequency Range 2 (FR2, mmWave).
* For PTCRB certification test cases related to NR NTN (Anritsu survey, December 2025)
** OTA (CATR) Chamber - Compact Antenna Test Range. A 3GPP-compliant CATR anechoic chamber designed to block external radio waves and prevent internal reflections to accurately measure wireless device performance via over-the-air transmission and reception.
@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR #TandM #Communications
SmartRay is showcasing its fully automated JOSY weld inspection system at the EY’s European Industrial AI Innovation Hub* at the Skyloop in Stuttgart (D). The live demonstration features JOSY hardware with Tool Path Generation software created in partnership with Wandelbots and Grid Dynamics. This close-loop workflow can boost efficiency, eliminates manual errors, and reduces scrap for automotive manufacturers.
Visitors discover how they can transform their operations with automated, AI-generated inspection paths directly from CAD. This includes instant feasibility checks and cycle time estimation, faster commissioning and reduced manual programming, and seamless data flow from part design to final production. All with 100% accuracy in fault detection.
Bernd Lorösch, Vice President Business Unit JOSY at SmartRay, commented: “We’re proud to present a perfect example of close loop-controlled production processes in the European Industrial AI Innovation Hub, boosting efficiency of our customers’ processes – by a high level of AI based automation from CAD model until the end of production.”
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| LtoR: Dr. Adrian Reisch, Industrial AI Leader, EY; Bernd Lorösch, VP Business Unit JOSY, SmartRay; Jan Niklas Mülheims, Senior Consultant, EY; and Henning Steil, Director Business Consulting at launch of the SmartRay in Stuttgart. |
AES Cleanroom Technology has appointed Kristie Matevish as Vice President of Human Resources. Matevish will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Chris Miller and serve as a member of the company's Senior Leadership Team.
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| Kristie Matevish |
Her appointment comes as AES continues to experience significant growth and expand its capabilities to meet increasing demand across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, and advanced technology sectors.
"As AES continues to grow, investing in our people and culture is essential," said Chris Miller, CEO of AES Cleanroom Technology. "Kristie's experience developing talent and strengthening culture makes her the right leader to help us scale effectively while maintaining the values and commitment to excellence that define AES."
"I'm excited to join AES at such a pivotal time in the company's growth," said Matevish. "The opportunity to build on a strong foundation and help shape the future of the organisation—while supporting the talented people who make it all possible—is exactly the kind of challenge I'm passionate about."
Matevish will be based at AES's corporate offices in Montgomeryville, PA. Her appointment reflects the company's continued investment in leadership to support its next phase of growth.
The SCD43 CO₂ sensor, has been launched by Sensirion. Designed for a wide range of applications, the SCD43 delivers precise and reliable measurements, supporting energy-efficient operation, environmental monitoring, and user comfort.
The SCD43 achieves a best-in-class accuracy of ±(30 ppm + 3% m.v.) and meets stringent building standards, including ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1-2022 Draft Addendum d, California Title 24, RESET® Grade B, and WELL v2. It features an extended range up to 5,000 ppm, single-shot operation, and integrated SHT4x humidity and temperature sensing for on-chip compensation.
Built on Sensirion’s proven SCD4x platform, it uses photoacoustic NDIR technology in a compact, fully encapsulated 10.1 × 10.1 × 6.5 mm³ package, SMD solderable and tape-and-reel ready.
The sensor is robust, long-lasting, and easy to integrate, with on-chip self-calibration, long-term drift compensation, multiple power modes, and a digital I²C interface. Its small footprint and reliable performance make it suitable for a variety of designs and environments.
The SCD43 is particularly suited for commercial or residential HVAC systems, wall-mounted thermostats, air purifiers, and indoor air quality monitors, providing accurate CO₂ measurements to maintain energy efficiency, comfort, and healthy indoor environments.
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@sensirion #Environment #PAuto
A new production optimisation solution designed specifically for U.S. small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), addressing urgent challenges in the manufacturing sector is being unveiled by Siemens..
The U.S. industrial sector is projected to face 1.9 million unfilled jobs by 2032, according to Deloitte and equipment failures to cause up to 20% production losses. SMBs are under signicant pressure from workforce shortages, costly downtime, rising operating costs, supply chain disruptions and the complexities of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies.
"Small- and medium-sized manufacturers are the backbone of our economy and they are dealing with a different set of challenges compared to enterprise-scale manufacturers,” said Chris Stevens, president, Siemens Digital Industries, U.S. “Among these are transparency to performance, workforce readiness, technology integration, cybersecurity, and productivity.”
Siemens has made this digital transformation journey accessible through a three-month free trial, followed by an affordable annual subscription. This comprehensive package includes technical support, self-paced training, and the invaluable expertise of Siemens’ robust network of trusted partners across the U.S.
Siemens’ partners, including PROLIM, are instrumental in delivering the SMB Production Optimization Starter Pack to market, providing localized support, hands-on implementation assistance, and tailored guidance to ensure a truly seamless and supported digital transformation.
"PROLIM is thrilled to join forces with Siemens to deliver agile, digital solutions tailored for SMBs facing real production and workforce challenges. Combining the capabilities from Siemens Industrial Edge and PROLIM’s deep domain knowledge makes Industry 4.0 affordable, scalable, and results-driven, helping SMBs excel and remain competitive in today’s fast-changing market,” said Prabhu Patil, founder and CEO of PROLIM.
The SMB Production Optimization Starter Pack revolutionizes traditional production monitoring by providing real-time insights and flexible dashboards and reporting, empowering manufacturers to evolve from reactive problem-solving to proactive operational excellence. This integrated, modular solution is agile, flexible and scalable, and is designed for easy implementation without specialized IT skills or complex infrastructure changes.
"Our approach is fundamentally different," said Bettina Rotermund, head of strategy of Siemens Xcelerator." This package specifically addresses the unique needs of SMBs, who require simpler, more targeted solutions to master their digitalization journey. This isn't just about technology, it's about making digital transformation easy, delivering results quickly, and scaling operations.”
@Siemens @SiemensUSA @siemenssoftware #PAuto #USA
Seeq has been named a Front Runner within the inaugural Industrial AI: Advanced Analytics Solution Selection Matrix (SSM) by LNS Research. The company was recognised as a market leader for its category-leading product innovation, human-centered approach, partner-friendly architecture, and exceptional customer focus.
Seeq received high marks for its comprehensive data connectivity, quality, cleansing, conditioning, and contextualisation tools; support of different analytics levels; enablement of robust machine learning modeling; diversity of use cases supported; and more. The report also highlights Seeq’s focus on championing subject matter experts within end-user organisations, keeping humans central to all decision-making and amplifying their domain expertise with industrial analytics and AI capabilities.*
Seeq’s deep customer understanding and responsiveness was also emphasised. According to LNS Research, “a defining strength of Seeq is its customer-centric product roadmap strategy. In addition to actively listening and collaborating with its user base, many Seeq employees across departments come from industry, enabling Seeq to align its roadmap with identified gaps and industry needs. A key example is the introduction of its AI Assistant and extensive training resources, aimed at addressing the relatively steep learning curve highlighted by customers. Another recent example is the release of the GxP-ready Seeq for Pharma Analytics & AI Suite, developed specifically in response to customer requirements for validated environments.”
LNS Research underscored Seeq’s customer-driven roadmap further, stating: “Seeq’s dedicated focus on meeting the specific needs of process experts has earned it a loyal user base and following—a rarity in industrial software. Engineers incorporating Seeq into their day-to-day work report improved productivity and find it less incentivised to revert to traditional spreadsheet-based analysis. This stickiness has been a strategic asset for the company, with power users effectively serving as its champions and playing a key role in Seeq’s sustained leadership in this category.”
“We are honoured to be recognised by LNS Research for our leadership in the industrial analytics and AI market,” said Dr. Lisa Graham, CEO of Seeq. “This recognition validates the progress we’re making alongside key partners to generate measurable value from industrial analytics and AI for manufacturing organisations around the globe.”
LNS Research used the "3P Evaluation Model" covering vendors' Product, Potential, and Presence to assess their ability to serve the Industrial AI: Advanced Analytics market.
"This accomplishment represents another significant milestone in Seeq’s ongoing leadership in the industrial analytics and AI market. It builds on a series of prestigious honours, including being named a Leader in the 2025 Verdantix Green Quadrant for Industrial AI Analytics, the 2025 Frost & Sullivan Customer Value Leader for the Global Advanced Industrial Analytics Market, and earning the 2025 IoT Analytics Innovation Award from the IoT Breakthrough Awards. These achievements continue to reinforce Seeq’s reputation for innovation, value, and industry excellence."
Enables next-generation applications with high-speed interface testing up to 80 Gbit/s.
Anritsu's test solution for the latest USB4®* Version 2.0 (USB4 v2) communication standard has been certified by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).
As of December 2025, USB4 v2 is the most advanced USB standard, delivering data transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbit/s — twice that of USB4 v1 (40 Gbit/s). This supports next-generation applications, such as high-resolution video transmission, external GPUs, high-speed storage, and VR/AR devices.
Furthermore, the specification significantly improves communication performance and reliability. By introducing innovations including Pulse Amplitude Modulation 3-level (PAM3) signaling to improve bandwidth efficiency, the Frequency Variation Profile to enhance the stability of link training — a signal quality and initialization procedure — and a new TS2.CLKSW training sequence incorporating clock switching.
Current demand for evaluation and certification testing is driven primarily by semiconductor manufacturers producing USB4 v2 control ICs. Looking ahead, adoption is expected to expand to test houses for test equipment deployment and, in the long term, to consumer product manufacturers of USB4 v2 hubs, docking stations, and cables.
The MP1900A is a high-performance Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT) supporting receiver tests for multiple high-speed interfaces, including PCIe, USB, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, and 400 GbE/800 GbE.
It combines industry-leading PPG technology for high-quality waveforms with a high-sensitivity error detector, precision jitter sources (SJ, RJ, SSC, BUJ), and noise sources (CM-I, DM-I). The MP1900A also supports link training and LTSSM analysis for comprehensive high-speed device evaluation.
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| Bram van der Klooster and Esther Vervoort launch OTT |
Through this partnership with ISA, we will continue to offer the same great training to customers in Europe and elsewhere around the world as was offered under the inestimable expertese of Pieter van der Klooster for the last fifteen if not more years. Indeed, OTT as an independent company is led by his two children by Esther Vervoort and Bram van der Klooster. Thus it builds on the training experience that has helped over ten thousand engineers in the past years. It is also located conveniently for much of the continent in Eindhoven (NL).
This transition is an organisational and administrative change, not a change in the training content or experience for customers. Existing and future training offerings remain strictly aligned with ISA standards and content which are recognised internationally throughout Europe and the world.
@ISA_Automation @automation_com #OTT #PAuto #Cybersecurity #Europe
Comprehensive portfolio allows engineers to explore solutions within an immersive 3D landscape.
The launch of a 3D Industrial Applications Tool designed to provide customers with an immersive and intuitive way to navigate through realistic industrial settings and see TE's products in action within the various environments has been announced.
The platform is consolidated around nine focus applications:
With approximately 53 industrial applications and more than 120 different product cards, users can easily find TE products in action and access 3D representations, images, videos and links to web pages.
@ttiinc @TEConnectivity #PAuto #TandM
When machines communicate with each other, robots perform precise movements or wind turbines feed electricity into the grid, it is often powerful connections in the background that make everything possible: such as EPIC® connectors from LAPP.
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| Powerful single-pole connector significantly simplifies assembly, packaging, &unlocking. |
Applications with extreme currents
With a current carrying capacity of up to 660 A, the EPIC® POWERLOCK is one of the most powerful single-pole connectors in its segment. This system was recently redesigned by LAPP. The round connector is now available in the new POWERLOCK version, which significantly simplifies assembly, assembly, and unlocking.
The core feature is the newly developed mechanism with a fully integrated slider, which allows release without the need for special tools. This makes handling easier and prevents improper disconnection of the plug connection.
The contacts inside have also been redesigned: instead of different variants – depending on the conductor cross-section – the new POWERLOCK uses a single cone-shaped axial screw contact that automatically fans out the strands when inserted. This allows diameters from 35 to 240 mm² to be reliably connected. The combination of mechanical and color coding minimises the risk of incorrect connections and enables clear assignment of the conductors.
With its high current-carrying capacity, IP-protected design, and reliable locking mechanism, EPIC® POWERLOCK is particularly suitable for industrial distribution systems, test benches, and mobile power supply solutions.
Resilient solutions for powerful motors.
LAPP presents a circular connector with the EPIC® M23 Power Quickflex, that combines high electrical resilience with an innovative tool-free locking system. This connector sets new standards in connection technology for servo motors, automation technology, and demanding industrial applications.
Thanks to integrated Quickflex technology, the EPIC® M23 Power offers maximum flexibility. Variable pole configurations and modular interchangeable inserts enable easy adaptation to different power requirements and device configurations. This not only facilitates quick conversion in the field, but also offers new possibilities in system planning – especially for applications that require high current carrying capacity in limited space. The robust design of the connector, combined with its high vibration and temperature resistance, makes it ideal for drive and automation solutions, robotics systems, and mobile machines.
For lightning-fast communication
With the new EPIC® ClickConnect technology, LAPP offers a compelling solution for the increasing demands and accelerated installation and maintenance processes in industrial production. The push-pull solution for M12 patch cords and cord sets relies on a completely tool-free locking system and opens up a new dimension in efficiency, safety, and reliability for users in automation, mechanical engineering, and industrial communication.
The focus is on tool-free locking based on a mechanical locking mechanism. The connection locks automatically with a simple push-fit. The resulting haptic and acoustic feedback ensures a reproducibly secure connection. Unlocking is just as easy by pulling on the integrated release element. The system thus significantly reduces installation times and is optimised for use in compact installation environments where conventional screw or clamping mechanisms are only accessible to a limited extent.
Thanks to its ease of use and minimised susceptibility to errors, EPIC® ClickConnect is particularly suitable for applications where maintenance intervals are short and production downtimes are critical.
CADENAS is now the newest member of the Eplan Partner Network. CADENAS Managing Director Terry Jonen and Eplan Managing Director Haluk Menderes signed the new technology partnership agreement in November 2025. The stated goal of the cooperation is the expanded provision of technical device data via the Eplan Data Portal, which will be implemented using a direct interface between the Data Portal and the CADENAS platform 3Dfindit.
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| Haluk Menderes, Eplan and CADENAS MD Terry Jonen at SPS 2025. |
Speaking about the newly sealed deal, CADENAS Managing Director Terry Jonen says, “With the planned connection of 3Dfindit to the Eplan Data Portal, we’re making it easier for engineers to access precise, up-to-date product data and are thereby increasing the added value for our common customers.”
Comprehensive digital device data is indispensable for design engineers. It accelerates project planning and increases efficiency in engineering, making invaluable contributions to greater data consistency. To achieve this, the companies will be developing an interface to the CADENAS portal that users will be able to access via the Eplan Data Portal, meaning directly via the Eplan cloud. Eplan and CADENAS will be working closely together to design the interface, and both companies will be engaging in continued dialogue with component manufacturers.
The advantages for users at a glance:
Now that the agreement has been signed, the technical implementation is getting started. In the coming months, both partners will set up technical working groups to define the specific measures with a view to gradually expanding the cooperation. The goal is to validate added value for common customers along the value chain. This involves various topics and industries for instance the energy sector. For Eplan users, this will mean increased depth of data and data consistency.
Double the industry’s average predicted growth is expected by Anglia Components as the company emerges from the challenging times of recent years. Founded in 1972, Anglia expects 10% growth in 2026, reckons CEO Steve Rawlins, twice the mid-range prediction of industry association Electronic Components Supply Network (ECSN).
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| Steve Rawlins |
Despite the challenges of the post-Covid years, Anglia has introduced several new initiatives which are driving the business forward. Semiconductor giant, STMicroelectronics (ST) encouraged Anglia to extend its Anglia Live e-commerce platform to cover the EU as well as the Britain and Ireland, and that business is building steadily, expanding Anglia’s available market and customer base hugely. Anglia has also introduced a customer loyalty scheme, free-sampling service and various eco initiatives, all in the last two years.
“We have been able to grow because we have always kept solid financial foundations”, concludes Rawlins. “Every company needs prudent fiscal acumen, and with the long-standing and continued support of HSBC, Anglia is expertly positioned to support customers in the UK and across Europe for many years to come.”
Available with hardware and network licensing options.
XJTAG® has launched the XJLink-PF20 Test Controller, the latest addition to the XJLink-PF series. Following the success of the XJLink-PF40, released earlier this year, the XJLink-PF20 brings the same dependability and robustness to a new 4-TAP two-port configuration, offering both functional and JTAG boundary scan testing with the XJTAG testing suite’s long established power and control. This new configuration offers engineers even more choice across electronics development and production.
Enhanced signal integrity is provided by 20 dedicated ground pins, allowing the XJTAG testing suite to run at-speed even in the noisy and imperfect environments that engineers face every day. The fully configurable pin-out of the XJLink-PF20 allows you to assign JTAG TAPs and general purpose I/O in whatever way you need across the two provided connectors. Tolerant and flexible, users can set up their testing faster and spend less time on adapters and cabling.
The XJTAG suite of tools has been helping engineers bring complex software, firmware and hardware products to fruition for decades with its powerful suite of test and programming tools. The XJLink-PF20 fits easily into existing systems and is compatible with all parts of the XJTAG suite. XJLink-PF20 is supported by XJTAG version 4.2 and later. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to the latest features that XJTAG testing has to offer, or are new to the combination of programming, functional testing and JTAG boundary scan, the XJLink-PF20 is the powerful test controller you need.
@XJTAG #PAuto #TandM
The natural medicine manufacturer Salus has successfully migrated to Körber’s new NextGen PAS-X MES at its headquarters in Bruckmühl (D) and at its subsidiary Schoenenberger in Magstadt (D). Körber's PAS-X MES ensures precise, recipe-driven digital weighing and dispensing for the production of medicinal teas, tonics, cosmetics, and spices.
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| Salus' HQ |
“To minimise risks and ensure the continuity of our production, we decided to migrate to the new NextGen PAS-X MES,” says Florian Müller, Project Manager at Salus. “Together with Körber, we formed a cross-functional team of internal specialists, Körber’s migration and ERP experts, and Kubernetes service provider SVA to guarantee a smooth implementation.”
Körber supports PAS-X migration projects with a structured migration approach, expert services and smart automation tools that reduce complexity, accelerate timelines and ensure compliance throughout the project.
By adopting a fully standardised PAS-X MES system, Salus has significantly reduced maintenance costs while increasing system flexibility. The IT infrastructure is now state-of-the-art, offering maximum cyber security. The ERP system is fully integrated with the MES through a dedicated interface.
In the next phase, additional level-2 interfaces will be implemented to connect further systems, ensuring seamless data exchange with PAS-X MES and supporting continued digitalisation of Salus’ production processes.
Traditional MES solutions often operate in silos, limiting visibility across OT and IT. According to Rockwell’s 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, 21% of manufacturing leaders cite integration challenges as a top internal obstacle. Rockwell’s elastic MES eliminates these barriers with a single, unified platform that connects the manufacturing lifecycle - from materials and inventory to production and tooling. Embedded analytics, AI-driven insights and connected worker technology keep production agile, visible and optimised.
“Legacy MES systems, while foundational, have become barriers to agility in an era defined by rapid change,” said Lorenzo Veronesi, associate research director, IDC, a manufacturing research service. “This future lies in modern, flexible and scalable MES platforms that enable manufacturers to reconfigure processes on demand, integrate seamlessly across the digital thread, and accelerate innovation. This evolution marks a critical step in moving the industry toward a truly adaptive, future-ready operations.”
“Our elastic MES strategy and investments drive a fundamental shift in how manufacturers connect and optimise their operations,” said Anthony Murphy, vice president of product management, Rockwell Automation. “DIY and disparate systems increase cost, risk and complexity. Rockwell’s elastic MES unifies critical applications across OT and IT on a cloud-native, resilient architecture that grows with our customers.”
Rockwell’s Elastic MES Solutions.
Their MES portfolio includes the following elastic qualities:
"Plex gives us flexibility to grow our digital infrastructure at our own pace,” says David Rudofsky, chief financial officer, Wonton Food Inc. “We selected what worked for us initially and there are various capabilities we can consider for future expansion, like material tracking and production efficiency. For industries like food and beverage, Rockwell’s purpose-built MES offerings simplify compliance for SQF and customer audits and reduce implementation time by eliminating the need for heavy customisation. Our operations benefit from a secure and connected foundation that encourages continuous improvement."
Operational Impact and Business Outcomes.
Manufacturers worldwide are already realising the benefits of Rockwell’s MES solutions:
In short Rockwell’s MES portfolio delivers intelligent guidance, predictive insights and operational agility, helping manufacturers streamline production and evolve toward autonomous operations.
Robustness and ease of use are also benefits of the Han® interface: it is guaranteed to withstand up to 500 mating cycles, which no other comparable product can offer. The locking mechanism is intuitive.
The colours red for positive and black for negative, as well as additional colour options of blue and orange, make Han® S connections easily identifiable. In addition, the housings feature a double locking system and numerous coding options, including the use of five different mating profiles.
HIMA Group has further strengthened its presence in China with the relocation to its new Shanghai office. The facility was officially inaugurated on 5 December (2025) during a special ceremony followed by a Safety Symposium attended by customers, partners, and government representatives. The opening marks a significant step in HIMA’s strategic expansion, underscoring the company’s dedication to supporting China’s fast-growing industries with functional safety solutions.
The new Shanghai workspace provides a modern hub for customer engagement, technical collaboration, and innovation-driven projects across China. Its new Customer Solutions Center supports a broader range of trainings and testing needs, while the new multi-functional meeting area enhances professional communication with customers. The upgraded office environment also improves employee comfort and efficiency, fostering greater creativity and productivity.
“This new office is more than just a space—it's a statement of how vital the Chinese market is to us,” said Dr. Michael Löbig, CFO of HIMA Group. The new Shanghai workspace provides a modern hub for customer engagement, technical collaboration, and innovation-driven projects across China.
“Our new office is a place in China, for China—and a hub from which excellence from China reaches the world”, noted Yao Zhou, General Manager China.
China remains the world’s largest chemical producer, and HIMA plays a significant role in supporting safer and more secure operations.
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| Jörg de la Motte |
Opening the Safety Symposium, Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group emphasized China’s importance for HIMA: “China remains one of our most important regions, and we are proud that our solutions help make plants safer while creating added value through the digitalization of functional safety.”
More than 100 participants joined the celebrations and symposium, which featured a symbolic joint paper-plane takeoff to mark the launch of new ideas and partnerships. The choice of an aircraft—recognized as the safest mode of travel—underscores HIMA’s strong commitment to safety. At the same time, the concept of flying toward the ‘Cloud’ reflects the event’s central theme and aligns seamlessly with the symposium’s motto: ‘Smart Solutions for the Digitalized Process Industry.’
External speakers from China Huanqiu, Sino-German intelligent manufacturing standardization Council, and BASF SIS expert shared their perspectives and practice with HIMA’s digitalization solutions. The keynote speech by HIMA experts elaborates on the company’s latest innovations and industry-leading best practices, incorporating cyber security, streamlined engineering, Advanced Physical Layer (APL), and HIMA Smart Solutions.
In line with HIMA's sustainability strategy, the materials used for the event, are green, environmentally friendly, and recyclable. At six booths HIMA showcased cutting-edge technologies in functional safety, including Digital Lifecycle Management, APL, SafeHMI, Digital Engineering, Cybersecurity, Turbine Machinery Control (TMC Solution), and HIPPS.
The relocation follows another recent milestone: the opening of the HIMA Zhanjiang Service Center in Guangdong province in 2024, supporting customers in southeast China, including the BASF Verbund site.
Optical Gaging Products (OGP®) has appointed Panos T. Angelopoulos as President, Global Sales, succeeding R. Stephen Flynn, who is retiring after 31 years with the company.
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| Panos T. Angelopoulos |
He joins OGP from RAMPF Group, Inc., headquartered in Grafenberg, Germany, where he served as Business Unit Manager. Before that, Panos was President, CEO, and owner of Cleveland Polymer Technologies, which joined the RAMPF Group in 2017. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Management & Finance, both from the New York Institute of Technology in New York, NY.
Keith E. Polidor, the company’s 3rd generation President and Chief Executive Officer, remarked, “Having Panos join as OGP President, Global Sales, ensures that we will continue to grow and innovate optical and multisensor solutions to meet the world's precision measurement needs, and to be our customers’ first choice to solve their challenging dimensional metrology requirements. Under Panos’ leadership, OGP will remain steadfast in delivering leading innovation and unparalleled service, driven by the dedication of our employees and the support of our partners.”
Panos begins his tenure with OGP at a pivotal time in the company’s 80-year history, as OGP’s tradition of technological advancements continues with the next evolution of SmartScope – SmartScope M-Series – featuring the patented IntelliCentric-M optical system, delivering unparalleled accuracy and repeatability to the world’s leading manufacturers.
@OGP_QVI @mepaxIntPR #Metrology #Vision
Cut cost and complexity of automotive wiring harness and zonal architecture applications.
The MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connectors have been introduced by Molex. These, the newest additions to its award-winning MX-DaSH family of data-signal hybrid connectors unify power, signal and high-speed data connectivity in a single connector system. These Modular connectors utilise multiple, versatile cartridges incorporated into a single housing system to simplify wiring and harness architecture while improving automotive design flexibility, adaptability and scalability across multiple vehicle models and applications.
“MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connectors solve some of the biggest pain points in today’s automotive design processes, caused by constant and rapid change in electrical and electronic requirements,” said Scott Whicker, SVP, president, Transportation Innovative Solutions, Molex. “Our cartridge-based design makes it easy to mix-and-match functions and reconfigure wire harnesses or modules to help achieve faster development cycles and reduced costs.”
Purpose-built for zonal architectures.
Each MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connector is based on an unsealed, cartridge-based hybrid connectivity platform that consolidates multiple connectors and connection types into a single connector. By reducing the total number of unique parts, this new connectivity system offers unparalleled freedom to meet specific automotive design challenges and accelerate upgrades, as well as slash design and tooling time.
This “building block” approach optimises vehicle harnesses, which can result in significant weight, size and cost savings. Purpose-built for zonal architectures, MX-DaSH Modular connectors are ideally suited for high-content connection points, including instrument panel-to-body harness connections, seat power and signal connections, and electrical/electronic architecture components. Wiring and module engineers can also change cartridges within the housing, making it easier to add new features or swap out pins and cartridges to meet architecture needs.
Global reach and adoption by OEMs.
Localised manufacturing and compatibility with industry-standard terminals is driving adoption of MX-DaSH Modular connectors worldwide while decreasing global supply chain challenges.
The MX-DaSH Modular connector’s adherence to USCAR2 performance specifications for automotive electrical connector systems is also key, along with USCAR49 performance specifications for miniature automotive coaxial connectors.
As the largest automotive market and hotbed for innovation in electrified vehicles (EVs) and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), China is a major proving ground for next-generation automotive technologies, including Molex connectivity solutions. A regional version of the MX-DaSH Modular connector will be included in MY26 cars in China to address the unique cost, packaging and expedited time-to-market requirements of Chinese automotive OEMs.
In addition, the new modular, cartridge-based connectors are being deployed by other automotive manufacturers in North America and Europe with new designs for MY28 vehicles expected to include MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire and Wire-to-Board Connectors.
Automation friendly, reliability focused.
The MX-DaSH Modular connector’s automation-friendly design lends itself to precise automated assembly operations, improving manufacturing efficiency and quality while lowering labor costs. Moreover, inclusion of positive-locking features, blade stabilisation and vibration resistance help boost overall reliability by protecting against inadvertent disconnection in demanding automotive environments. Robust engineering support, extensive quality control and a full range of versatile and customisable solutions reinforce the role Molex plays as a unique resource for improving vehicle wiring performance and reliability.
Molex MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connectors are available now, offering unprecedented design freedom and flexibility to accommodate the rapid rise in data, power and high-speed signal requirements in today’s vehicles. Maximum pin count for the connectors is 70 circuits, with maximum circuit count per cartridge as follows: 26 circuits for 0.50mm (CTX50) cartridges, 14 circuits for 1.20mm cartridges, 4 circuits for 2.80mm cartridges, and 3 circuits for 4.80 and 6.30mm cartridges.
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