Industrial Manufacturing

Shenzhen – – September 18, 2026 -- InkSonic launched the Spark F13, a 13-inch direct-to-film printer aimed at small apparel businesses and independent creators, the company announced. The device becomes available starting September 15, 2026 through InkSonic's website, with a waitlist open for early access and launch offers.

Automated maintenance targets printhead downtime for small shops

The Spark F13 includes an automated maintenance routine designed to keep the printhead clean with minimal manual intervention, which InkSonic says significantly reduces downtime. An intelligent ink-level monitoring system alerts operators before supplies run out, addressing a common production delay for small-batch printers.

Ottawa, ON -- Claigan Environmental will run two identical webinars on September 23, 2026, to help manufacturers budget for restricted materials compliance requirements taking effect in 2027.

Two sessions scheduled same day due to expected demand

Claigan will hold back-to-back one-hour sessions at 10am and 2pm on September 23, each including a question-and-answer segment. The company cited anticipated demand as the reason for scheduling duplicate webinars rather than a single event.

Horsham, Pa. – September 18, 2026 -- Augmentir has launched two conversational AI interfaces, Augie Command Center and Augie Procedure Studio, that let manufacturing staff build workflows, procedures, and AI agents by describing them in plain language rather than navigating software menus. The company unveiled the tools at IMTS 2026, positioning them as a replacement for traditional software navigation on factory floors.

Command Center Lets Frontline Leaders Deploy AI Agents Through Conversation

Augie Command Center allows users to analyze live operational data, build dashboards, schedule work, and create Industrial AI Agents without report builders, SQL, or coding. The system generates charts, insights, and recommended actions conversationally, then chains workflows, procedures, training, and integrations into a single deployed response rather than requiring separate tools for each step.

Dallas – September 18, 2026 -- Treon Inc. unveiled Treon IQ, an industrial AI engine that diagnoses equipment issues and recommends maintenance actions automatically, eliminating manual dashboard analysis for plant operators.

Treon IQ turns raw asset data into continuous operational briefings for maintenance teams

The new capability extends Treon's Connect Prescriptive Maintenance cloud platform by combining proprietary anomaly detection, deep-learning diagnostic models, and selected large language models into one framework. It pulls data from real-time and historical asset intelligence alongside CMMS and ERP systems to detect issues, explain root causes, and generate prioritized action lists.

Fairmont, W.Va. – September 18, 2026 -- Kibar Americas has begun production at a newly opened aluminum manufacturing facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, marking the Chicago-headquartered company's first domestic manufacturing footprint after acquiring the site earlier this year.

Fairmont plant starts output for HVAC, packaging, automotive and industrial sectors

The facility, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by government officials, customers, suppliers and community leaders, is now producing aluminum products across four end markets: HVAC, packaging, automotive and industrial applications.

Monterrey – September 17, 2026 -- Nemak, S.A.B. de C.V. has commenced a tender offer and consent solicitation to purchase any and all of its outstanding 2.250% Senior Notes due 2028, offering holders full par value of €1,000 per €1,000 principal amount plus accrued interest.

Tender offer targets full redemption of 2028 notes

The offer covers Notes issued under Regulation S (ISIN XS2362994068) and Rule 144A (ISIN XS2362996519). The Tender Offer expires at 11:00 a.m. New York time (5:00 p.m. CET) on September 22, 2026, with settlement expected September 24, 2026.

London – September 17, 2026 -- Echion Technologies and Energy Tech Solution (ETS) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop batteries built on Echion's XNO® niobium-based anode material, targeting mining, rail, maritime and datacenter customers that require high-intensity power performance.

ETS becomes first total battery solution provider in Echion's partner network

Seoul-based ETS, which also operates in Chungju, South Korea, and Detroit, will cover production line design, cell assembly equipment and Korea-based cell design R&D for XNO®. The company builds battery manufacturing equipment for startups and gigafactories and acts as a contract cell manufacturer for next-generation battery developers across Asia, Europe and North America.

London – September 17, 2026 -- Fastmarkets has confirmed ongoing stakeholder engagement with Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Development Center (NIDC) to further develop its ferrous scrap price indices in the Kingdom, as the country builds out its steel and recycling infrastructure under Vision 2030.

Fastmarkets launched its first Saudi scrap benchmark in August 2025

The price reporting agency introduced its steel scrap HMS 1&2 index, domestic composite, delivered Saudi Arabia, riyals/tonne (code MB-STE-0939), in August 2025 following consultation with local market participants, including NIDC.

Shanghai – September 17, 2026 -- DongCheng Company held separate global online product launch events in August for its three power tool brands -- DongCheng, DCA and DCK -- unveiling new lineups spanning construction, metalworking, woodworking and home renovation applications.

Three brands livestream distinct product launches worldwide

Each event was broadcast live through the company's official Facebook page and YouTube channel, combining real-world product demonstrations with 3D virtual scenes. Gu Zhiping, Chairman of DongCheng Company, opened each session, with product engineers and managers leading technical presentations.

DongCheng brand targets professional segment with new tool series

DongCheng, which has over 30 years in the professional power tool industry, launched a new series under the theme "Unmatched Power, Ironclad Quality," covering impact wrenches, rotary hammers, angle grinders and drills.

New York – – September 17, 2026 -- KPS Capital Partners, LP has signed a definitive agreement to sell its portfolio company Metra to Warsaw-listed Grupa Kęty S.A. for €645 million, with closing expected in the first quarter of 2027 pending customary approvals.

Metra operates nine plants and 1,400 employees across Europe and North America

Metra, headquartered in Rodengo Saiano, Italy, is a vertically integrated manufacturer of extruded aluminum profiles offering painting, oxidation, machining, welding and assembly services. Its products serve rail, industrial and building & construction end-markets. The company runs nine global manufacturing facilities with roughly 1,400 employees.