News Plastech
Interplas UK 2026 will take place on 2–4 June at the NEC Birmingham. The event will bring together more than 500 exhibitors, with a programme covering, among other topics, solutions for the circular economy, automation and AI applications in plastics processing.
3DForce implemented a 6-axis Dobot CR10A cobot, purchased via the RBTX platform with igus support, to automate the installation of O-rings on fittings. The workstation was also equipped with a vision system, increasing process autonomy and repeatability.
Hasco Group has opened a distribution and logistics centre in the Stryków area. The facility is intended to increase the operational capacity of Procefar and improve the distribution of Hasco-Lek pharmaceutical products, including through automated order picking.
At Plast 2026, ENGEL will present solutions covering injection moulding machines, automation, digital assistants and AI-based systems. The exhibit will also include automated production cells for thermoplastic composites and PP packaging.
At FIP 2026 in Lyon, Netstal will present an integrated production solution for the serial production of autoinjector housings for GLP-1 drugs. The core of the system will be the new fully electric Elion MED injection molding machine with a clamping force of 1200 kN.
From 1 June 2026, Artur Metzler will assume the role of Managing Director of Arburg Polska. Having been with the company since 2005, the sales and service expert is expected to continue the company’s development in the Polish market for injection moulding machines and automation solutions.
At FIP 2026 in Lyon, ENGEL will present solutions for more energy-efficient and flexible injection moulding production. The company will showcase, among others, the tie-bar-less victory electric 220, the all-electric WINTEC e-win 1800, inject AI systems and the clearmelt process.
KHS is developing a holistic line strategy for the beverage and food industries, addressing cost pressure, the shortage of skilled workers and growing regulatory requirements. The company emphasizes flexibility, automation and solutions that reduce material consumption.
TMA Automation, part of the ENGEL Group, has launched a new facility in Gdańsk, directly adjacent to the airport. The investment includes a 1,500 sq m production hall and 800 sq m of office space, and is intended to enable the company to deliver larger automation projects, further develop its engineering capabilities and expand into foreign markets.
ENGEL Polska announced a change in the managing director position. After 16 years, Piotr Nachiło stepped down and was succeeded by Benjamin Lettner.
KHS has expanded the functions of its ConnectApp Guide application supporting machine servicing and maintenance in beverage plants. The new features include dynamic, usage-based maintenance intervals and the integration of bills of materials.
Sumitomo Demag has announced its participation in Fakuma 2026. At a joint stand with partners, the company will present two fully electric IntElect injection moulding machines for consumer and packaging applications.
At Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai, the PiFA association expanded its presence in Asia and highlighted the importance of a fact-based debate on plastics. The event also showed the rapid pace of implementation of automation, AI, and circular economy solutions.
At Equiplast 2026, ENGEL Spain is presenting four integrated injection moulding applications for the Spanish market, covering the production of decorated parts, caps, thin-wall packaging and large mouldings. The exhibits are accompanied by a presentation of digital process support systems and AI-based tools.
At Kuteno 2026, Wittmann will present the compact FlexCell plus automation cell and the S-Max granulator for in-line recycling. Both solutions are intended to support savings in space, material, energy and time in injection molding processing.
Krones has introduced the Robobox SynFlow system, which uses delta robots to distribute containers upstream of the packer. The solution is designed to stabilise lane feeding, reduce manual interventions and lower the line footprint.
GEA introduces the PowerPak 5000 thermoformer for mid-range food packaging applications. The machine is intended to support multiple packaging formats, offer scalable automation, and provide readiness for connectivity and condition monitoring.
At Interplas 2026 in Birmingham, the ENGEL Group will present solutions for series plastics processing, including all-electric injection moulding machines, digital process assistance systems, as well as automation concepts and in-mould surface finishing.
Interpack 2026 announces the continuation and expansion of the interpack TV Live format, produced in the trade fair TV studio and online. The programme is set to include talks, analyses and panels on market developments, regulation and technological solutions for the processing and packaging industry.
Kontron eSystems has started up five new injection molding cells in Leipzig supplied by Wittmann, including two lines with an IMD process. The investment is intended to support the production of wall box housings with demanding surface requirements and short cycle times.
At Plastpol 2026 in Kielce, the ENGEL Group will present integrated injection moulding solutions supported by digital systems. The company highlights process stabilisation, scrap reduction and improved OEE enabled by data analysis and real-time control functions.
From April 20–26, Haitian will hold the Three-City Open Week, combining visits in Ningbo, its presence at Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai, and showcases at the Medical Application Technology Center in Suzhou. The format is intended to show how manufacturing, solutions and application know-how are connected.
Omron and Dassault Systèmes have announced a collaboration aimed at integrating virtual and physical environments in manufacturing through IT/OT convergence. The partnership combines Dassault Systèmes’ 3D solution with Omron’s Sysmac automation platform.
At Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai, Arburg presented the Asian premiere of its all-electric Allrounder Trend injection moulding machines featuring the new Gestica lite control system. The booth also showcased automated production cells and solutions for digitalisation and the smart factory.
The circular economy is influencing the design of transport packaging, with growing importance of reusable solutions and those made from recyclate. Eurotec Move is a container developed to meet requirements for automation, identification and a long service life.
At Chinaplas 2026, Haitian International will present the new MA5/Ultra injection molding machine based on the MA5 platform. The company points to higher precision, faster system response, lower energy consumption and expanded digital functions.
At Chinaplas 2026, Haitian will present X-Injection, an AI solution for injection molding process setup, optimization, and monitoring. The system is intended to support fast mold start-up, defect diagnosis, and early warning of process deviations.
At Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai, the Reifenhäuser Group will present new generations of blown and flat film lines and solutions for monomaterial packaging. Highlights include higher output, advanced automation and Kdesign blown film cooling technologies.
At Hannover Messe (20–24 April 2026), Dassault Systèmes will present applications of industrial AI, virtual twins and virtual assistants in automation. At booth H74 (Hall 14), the company will showcase solutions for designing and optimizing production systems in a virtual environment.
Haitian International has announced it will present solutions for intelligent manufacturing at Chinaplas 2026. The company will show, among others, the premiere of the MA2500V/1000 Ultra, applications for home appliances, automotive and drones, as well as the X-Injection Molding Cloud platform.
Wittmann Group is changing its management structure, consolidating the injection molding machines division and the automation and auxiliary equipment division under the joint leadership of the owners effective May 1, 2026. Rainer Weingraber will leave the group at the end of April.
igus is developing the RBTX platform into a service hub for automation and is presenting new solutions in mobile and humanoid robotics. New developments include the autonomous ReBeL Pallet Mover, new humanoids on RBTX.com, and AI-based control systems under development.
Igus allocated EUR 124.4 million to investments in automation, infrastructure and the development of subsidiaries. The company increased sales in 2025, is expanding local production and has prepared 227 new products from its motion plastics range.
At Elmia Polymer 2026, the Wittmann Group will present an integrated production cell for manufacturing polypropylene plant pots. The demonstration will focus on material, energy and cost efficiency, including the processing of both virgin material and recyclate.
Kistler Instrument Corporation and FimmTech have entered into a strategic partnership that integrates cavity pressure sensors and process monitoring with hands-on injection molding training. The aim is to improve process stability, repeatability and molded part quality.
Dr. Boy, together with AWI Maskin AB, will present a compact automated injection moulding solution at Elmia Polymer 2026 in Sweden. A Boy 35 E injection moulding machine with an igus handling system will be operating at the stand.