Komatsu has shown off its latest excavator, the PC220, with a week long customer and distributor event. The new machine offers a maximum bucket capacity of 1.8 metres squared, and is powered by a 129 kW/173 HP Komatsu engine.


Komatsu has shown off its latest excavator, the PC220, with a week long customer and distributor event. The new machine offers a maximum bucket capacity of 1.8 metres squared, and is powered by a 129 kW/173 HP Komatsu engine.

Smart Manufacturing Solutions Technology Ltd (SMS Technology) is a UK-based technology company dedicated to helping manufacturers digitise, streamline, and strengthen their operational processes. Specialising in configurable manufacturing software solutions, the company enables organisations to improve traceability, quality management, compliance, and operational visibility across complex production environments.

Building on its recent recognition as one of four Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence Colleges across the nation, New College Durham (NCD) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Weardale Lithium aimed at strengthening the North East’s emerging lithium battery and clean energy sector.

By Dave Sample, Advantex Network Solutions.
The North East is one of the UK’s most important automotive and advanced manufacturing regions, built on precision engineering, supply chain discipline and the ability to deliver complex components at scale.

Following its submission to the ONS review of SIC/SOC codes relating to the automotive sector, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has achieved some early success. The ONS has agreed to update the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system to better reflect the technical expertise of roles within the modern automotive workforce.

Accountancy firm Clive Owen has relocated its Newcastle team to an office in the heart of the city centre.

The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) is pleased to announce that Unipres UK has come on board as a Partner Sponsor for the highly anticipated North East Automotive Expo 2026, further strengthening industry backing for the region’s flagship automotive event.

We are pleased to share news from member company Excelpoint, a North East-based provider of enterprise no-code software, which has announced the rebrand of its AI-powered technology platform to Builda, marking the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the company.

A prominent North East law firm has boosted its Teesside presence with a recruitment drive and investment into a permanent new site.

By Carl Wright, Partner, Clive Owen LLP.
The announcement that Nissan is exploring a manufacturing agreement with Chinese automotive giant Chery at its Sunderland plant has understandably attracted significant attention across the automotive sector.