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Winn & Coales International Ltd [WCI] proudly commemorates the 40th anniversary of its Protal™ range of liquid epoxy coatings in 2026. The trusted solution for pipeline protection, Protal’s 100% solids epoxies are suitable for an array of above and below ground corrosion prevention applications. At the time of the product line’s acquisition in 1986, Protal was a well-established range of liquid coatings that was obtained to further strengthen WCI’s portfolio of corrosion resistant tape systems.

In line with the company’s mission of continuous improvement and innovation, WCI’s North American subsidiary responded to market demand in the 1990’s with the development of Protal 7200™—an advanced two-part liquid epoxy coating designed to complement factory-applied FBE coatings. Later, Protal 7300™ (UK) was reformulated to comply with EU and UK REACH regulations and is approved for use in the National Grid Coatings Register in multiple product groups.

WCI Group Chair, Chris Winn, said, “As we commemorate forty years of Protal™, we celebrate a journey defined by innovation and resilience. This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing corrosion prevention technologies and providing solutions bearing a name that our customers know and trust. Our continued investment in research and development ensures we can respond to consumer demand, manufacturing sustainable solutions for an evolving commercial landscape.”

The WCI Group of companies has been creating bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions that provide enduring protection against corrosion for over 95 years. For further information about any of their other products, visit www.denso.net.

In heavy industry, oil & gas, and offshore applications, ensuring continuous power transmission to rotating equipment is not only a technical necessity — it is a strategic requirement for safety and productivity.

Within this context, the SREX690 stands out as an ATEX/IECEx certified slip ring developed by SPM Special Machine Srl, an Italian company specialized in the design and manufacturing of high-performance slip rings for harsh and demanding environments.

A Company Founded on Technical Expertise

SPM Special Machine Srl was founded by Ilir Biba, Saverio Anzelmo and Artur Biba, professionals with extensive experience in the electromechanical sector and in the design of solutions for complex industrial applications.

The founders bring together strong backgrounds in:

• Electrical engineering design
• Industrial mechanical engineering
• Project management for regulated markets such as oil & gas and ATEX/IECEx environments

Their shared vision was to create a company capable of combining:

• High manufacturing quality
• Advanced technical customization
• International regulatory compliance
• Fast decision-making and engineering flexibility

This engineering-driven entrepreneurial approach is clearly reflected in products such as the SREX690.

What Is a Slip Ring and Why It Is Essential

A slip ring is an electromechanical device that enables the continuous transmission of:

• Electrical power
• Control signals
• Analog, digital and fiber optic data

between stationary and rotating parts of a machine, without restricting motion or interrupting operation.

Slip rings are essential components in:

• Cranes and lifting systems
• Rotary tables
• Drilling rigs
• Mining machinery
• Offshore and petrochemical systems

SREX690: Power, Safety and Reliability

The SREX690 is specifically designed for high electrical power applications and potentially explosive atmospheres.

Electrical Performance

• Rated current up to 2000 A
• Rated voltage up to 24 kV
• Customizable configurations: SREX690, SREX691, SREX692, SREX693, SREX694
• High short-circuit current withstand capability up to Icc = 60 kA

Innovation in Sliding Contact Technology

A key innovation introduced by SPM Special Machine concerns the sliding contact system between ring and brush.

Significant R&D investment has led to a contact solution that is:

• Mechanically robust
• Electrically safe
• Capable of withstanding high short-circuit currents

Unlike traditional carbon-graphite sliding contacts, where short-circuit capability is typically limited (Icc approximately 2–3 times the rated current In), the SREX690 provides substantially higher short-circuit resistance, improving overall safety and operational reliability.

These characteristics make it ideal for high-power industrial plants and complex machinery requiring superior material reliability and electrical performance.

ATEX / IECEx Certifications and IP66 Protection

The SREX690 is designed with:

• Ex db protection method
• IP66 enclosure rating
• ATEX certification: II 2G Ex db IIB T5 Gb
• IECEx scheme: Ex db IIB T5 Gb
• Mining certification: I M2 Ex db I Mb

The unit complies with international standard IEC 60079-1, ensuring safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Why Choose the SREX690?

In critical industrial environments, unplanned downtime leads to significant financial losses. A slip ring must guarantee:

✔ Continuous operation

✔ Resistance to dust, moisture and aggressive agents

✔ Long-term electrical stability

✔ Reduced maintenance requirements

✔ Compliance with international regulations

The SREX690 has been engineered specifically to meet these demanding requirements.

SPM’s Approach: Tailor-Made Engineering

One of the key strengths of SPM Special Machine Srl is its customization capability. Each slip ring can be configured according to:

• Number of rings
• Power loads
• Auxiliary circuits
• Installation method
• Specific environmental conditions

This engineering approach ensures perfect integration of the device into the customer’s system.

Conclusion

The SREX690 represents a technologically advanced solution for power transmission in complex and explosion-hazard environments.

High electrical capacity, certified safety, and robust construction make it a strategic choice for industries where reliability and operational continuity are non-negotiable.

If you would like, I can also prepare a more commercial sales-oriented version or a highly technical datasheet-style version suitable for international tenders.

www.spm-slipring.it

The patented Intellistat is the newest innovation in a long line of EXAIR static elimination solutions. The Intellistat was designed to consume minimal compressed air while simultaneously delivering precise blow-off, and exceptional static decay rates. It is rated Class 5 for clean rooms and environments per ISO 14644-1. The Intellistat produces clean, ionized airflow that is essential in removing troubling dust or static charges without compromising production. Made from durable static dissipative polycarbonate, The Intellistat assures its usefulness in applications requiring non-conductivity such as circuit board or electronics manufacturing, as well as blowoff applications like cleaning lenses or removing debris from medical products. It also features LED lights to ensure proper functionality and a lightweight frame for prolonged use.

The Intellistat is a low maintenance solution that is UL listed and CE compliant, adding to a long line of EXAIR static eliminator products including Super Ion Air Knives, Ion Air Cannons, Ion Air Guns, Ionizing Bars, Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle, Ionizing Points and more. https://exair.co/190-iiagpr

EXAIR is offering a special right now on all of their Gen4 Static Eliminators. Learn more at https://exair.co/190-sepromo

In food and beverage manufacturing, downtime is far more than an inconvenience. When production stops, the consequences can include product waste, missed delivery deadlines, lost revenue and damage to brand reputation. With strict hygiene standards, tight margins and high-volume output, even small equipment failures can affect the entire operation.

Preventive maintenance offers a practical way to reduce unplanned stoppages, protect product quality and support sustainability goals. By maintaining equipment before faults occur, manufacturers can create a more reliable and efficient production environment, supported by digital tools such as ShireSystem.

The true cost of downtime
Unlike many sectors, downtime in food and beverage production can lead directly to product loss. If a filling line stops or refrigeration fails, batches of perishable goods can quickly become unusable. This creates financial loss and additional waste that must be disposed of safely.

Production delays can also disrupt supply chains. Supermarkets and distributors rely on consistent delivery schedules, and any interruption can result in penalties or strained relationships. There are compliance risks too. Equipment failures can interrupt cleaning cycles, temperature controls or quality checks, increasing the likelihood of failing audits or breaching safety standards.

Preventive maintenance helps reduce these risks by keeping machinery in optimal working condition.

What preventive maintenance looks like in practice
Preventive maintenance focuses on acting before problems occur. Tasks are scheduled based on time, usage or performance indicators rather than waiting for breakdowns.

In a food and beverage setting, this can include servicing mixers, conveyors and packaging lines, inspecting refrigeration systems, replacing worn components, calibrating monitoring equipment and planning sanitation procedures. Managing these activities in a structured way allows teams to plan around maintenance instead of reacting to failures.

Reducing waste and supporting sustainability
Well-maintained equipment runs more accurately and consistently, helping to reduce waste. Faulty machinery can cause inconsistent filling levels, damaged packaging or contamination risks, all of which lead to rejected products.

Regular maintenance helps keep production within specification, resulting in fewer rejected batches, less rework and better use of ingredients and materials. This protects 

margins while supporting environmental goals by reducing waste and energy consumption.

Improving safety, compliance and planning
Food safety is critical in this sector. Preventive maintenance helps ensure machinery remains clean, functional and compliant with regulatory requirements. Routine checks can identify worn seals, faulty sensors or temperature fluctuations before they affect product quality.

A documented maintenance history also supports audits by providing evidence that equipment is regularly inspected and maintained. Preventive maintenance also improves planning. Instead of reacting to breakdowns, teams can schedule work during quieter production periods or planned shutdowns, reducing disruption.

Building a more resilient operation
In a fast-paced production environment, reliability is essential. Preventive maintenance helps reduce downtime, minimise waste and protect product quality. Supported by structured processes and digital tools, it enables a shift from reactive firefighting to a more controlled approach, helping operations meet demand consistently and maintain high standards.

www.elecosoft.com

The immediate question in readers’ minds is what ‘Hall of Fame’. Even to those who have spent most of their lives in the North East very few can point to any  of the inventions that have made this glorious region of Great Britain a renowned centre for invention defined as something that has never been made before.

What can these be? The development of the lifeboat, the steam locomotive, the electric safety lamp for coal mines, the hydraulic crane, the power grid and hydroelectricity. Looking at the last invention, a day out at Rothbury’s Cragside estate will reinforce how hydroelectricity was used by William Armstrong in 1880 to power incandescent bulbs.

Combined, these inventions place the North East as a leader in innovation, not stopping at the initial concept stage but complete product development.

This leads me to the high speed door. This is another example of fresh thinking. Clearly industry needs buildings and ways into and out of them. “I had just that industrial building where the principal activity of manufacture of roller shutters was carried out,” explains Douglas Hart, chairman of Hart Door Systems.

“I noticed on several occasions the doors into the factory were left open, even on a chilly winter’s day. Clearly energy costs must have been increased as heated air was effectively blown away. There was just one solution -  a door which opened/closed automatically.

“The trusty roller shutter worked extremely well but it was slow, better left open in some people’s minds. I had to come up with a solution which I did after consideration and initial product development,” says Mr Hart.  Welcome to the world of the high-speed door, in the case of Hart, Speedor, now a recognised global brand made by Hart Door Systems in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Hart’s Speedor is designed to open and close rapidly to control temperature, airflow, hygiene, and traffic flow in commercial and industrial buildings.

Speedors are widely used in warehouses, factories, cleanrooms, and logistics sites for example. However this Newcastle gem is in use across the globe in 36 countries, a remarkable success story of an industrial door now promoted as several sub-brands such as Mini, Storm, Smart and Cleanroom.

As an extremely busy company Hart Door Systems has several other brands such as its Firebrand range of fire shutters, Terror Screen security and roller shutters and Typhoon, tropical storm shutters. It’s success can be measured by the fact that Hart has thousands of doors and shutters in action in 36 countries.

WWW. HART DOORS.COM

Ultimo has earned a Gold Stevie Award in the 2026 Customer Service Training Product of the Year category, recognizing its innovative approach to enterprise asset management (EAM) training through the Ultimo Academy.

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are among the world’s top honors for customer service, contact center, business development, and sales professionals. This year’s competition included more than 2,100 nominations from organizations in 41 countries and territories. Winners were selected based on the average scores of 150 industry professionals serving on eight specialized judging committees.

The judging panel praised Ultimo Academy's innovation and real-world impact:

"A game-changing learning experience for EAM that produces measurable business impact," one judge noted, while another called it "an example of excellent execution and a learning platform that drives active enterprise learning."

Judges were particularly impressed by the product’s impact: "These are incredible results, evidenced by your client testimonials. Congratulations on such an amazing training product, which not only aids those using it, but your clients see the results."

The award highlights Ultimo’s focus on making EAM adoption faster and more accessible. Integrated directly within the Ultimo platform, the Ultimo Academy provides a digital, role-based learning environment that allows users to build skills while working in a simulated version of the software.

Unlike traditional classroom or workshop-based training, the Academy offers self-paced, role-specific learning paths for everyone from maintenance technicians to application managers. Lessons combine short instructional modules with hands-on practice in a realistic sandbox environment that mirrors the live system. This learning-by-doing approach helps users gain confidence while reducing the risks typically associated with training in production environments.

The Academy has also delivered measurable impact. Organizations using the program see implementation times reduced by 20 percent compared to traditional training approaches. Built-in analytics allow application managers to track progress and support teams proactively, helping customers reach project milestones more efficiently and with less reliance on external consultants. Since its launch in 2017, the Academy has maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 8.3 out of 10.

Access is built into the Ultimo platform, with no separate accounts or per-user licensing required. Available in five languages, the Academy supports scalable global rollouts and enables organizations to embed training directly into their implementation and adoption strategies.

“The remarkable scores achieved by this year’s Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service winners reflect the extraordinary levels of excellence, innovation, and customer impact they deliver,” said Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards. “We proudly join the judges in congratulating and celebrating these outstanding organizations and professionals on their achievements.”

Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and a full list of winners are available from the Stevie Awards organization. Winners will be recognized at a gala event on March 5 in New York City.

Easily map out flows and processes on the workfloor in straight lines with robust ToughStripe floor tape - and the new applicator from Brady.

The new ToughStripe Floor Tape Applicator from Brady is engineered to increase precision and reduce labor requirements during industrial floor marking projects. Designed for single-person operation, this tool utilizes a heavy-duty plastic and steel construction to ensure durability in warehouse and manufacturing environments.

Precision Meets Ergonomics

The applicator features a patent-pending removable cartridge, allowing you to load tape at a comfortable height before snapping it back into place. Its stable three-wheel design and integrated tightening disc ensure professional, jam-free lines every time.

Clean and Versatile

Forget manual liner removing! The built-in liner rewinder automatically collects spent tape liner as you go. Compatible with tapes from 50mm to 150mm wide, it’s the ultimate tool for 5S lean manufacturing and warehouse safety.

Solo Operation Power

Optimised for single-person use, allowing one person to do the work of a two- or three-person crew. Push handle removes for easy storage while the carrying handle can be used to lift the entire applicator. Built-in utility compartment allows you to keep essential tools like scissors and utility knives at hand.

Streamline your floor marking today with Brady's Toughstripe Tape Applicator!

Watch the short video to find out more 

Brady Corporation

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.brady.co.uk

EXAIR now offers the new Air Cradle Safety Air Gun Mount, a simple but innovative accessory designed to keep safety air guns and similarly sized tools within easy reach at workstations and machine centers. With its strong magnetic loop design, the Air Cradle provides a convenient, highly accessible hang point for safety air guns, helping improve workflow, minimize tool misplacement, and promote a more organized, efficient work environment across manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and other general shop applications.

            The Air Cradle is a magnetic loop that securely holds a safety air gun or other often-used tools in place on any available magnetic surface, ensuring the tool remains at arm’s reach when needed most. Its versatile design allows operators to mount the cradle on equipment such as mills, lathes, cutoff saws, or any metal surface in a busy shop floor. The simplicity and effectiveness of the design mean that workers can instantly return tools to a designated location, reducing time spent searching for misplaced air guns and enhancing overall productivity. Capable of holding up to 10lbs, it’s a handy addition to any workstation.

            Part of EXAIR’s extensive portfolio of useful accessories, the Air Cradle complements the company’s lineup of safety air guns and nozzles by offering a practical storage solution that reinforces proper tool handling and shop organization. Easy to install and use, the Air Cradle reflects EXAIR’s commitment to delivering reliable, quality-engineered solutions that help industrial teams work more safely and efficiently. Air Cradle prices start at $30. https://exair.co/190-cradle

Peli Products (UK) launch the long awaited Peli 9730 LED, the latest addition to the Area lighting range. Designed as portable scene lighting, the 9730 offers incredibly bright, rechargeable light in a compact unit which is easy and quick to deploy.

The 9730 features a powerful 4,800 lumen output on high mode. Switch to low setting (an impressive 1000 lumens) and the unit delivers over 13 hours of runtime. The mast extends to 1 metre and the head can be angled to position the light where required. There are 3 pre-set light levels; high, medium and low and a rear facing light on the back of the head to illuminate the ground area.

Engineered for professional use, this light is a clean, silent-running and cost-effective choice for many sectors including emergency services, industrial maintenance, civil engineering and rail. The 9730 showcases the renowned durability of the Peli brand, featuring a tough, water-resistant body designed to withstand harsh conditions in demanding environments.

Ross Carter, UK Sales Director, commented “The 9730 is a welcome addition to the area lighting range. Eliminating the need for fuel-powered generators, the 9730 not only cuts emissions but also reduces noise and operating costs on site. It’s a cleaner, more sustainable lighting solution that helps teams work responsibly without compromising on performance.”

For more information go to www.peliproducts.co.uk or call 01457 869999 for a demonstration or further details.