Latest from Industry Trends
Business Talk: Manufacturing Moves From FormAlloy, Cyngn, Wauseon Machine, and More
Business Talk is a recurring round-up where each installment tracks the latest manufacturing business developments and strategic moves within the industry.
Cyngn Launches Dealer Portal to Support Scaled Growth of Autonomous Vehicle Sales
Move: Cyngn has launched an online dealer portal to streamline access to sales, marketing, and training resources for its expanding dealer network.
Details: The Cyngn Dealer Portal offers authorized dealers a centralized platform to access product pricing, co-marketing materials, technical documentation, and sales tools designed to speed up customer engagement and shorten the sales cycle. The tool supports the growing adoption of Cyngn’s DriveMod autonomous vehicle solutions, including DriveMod Tuggers, which several Motrec dealers across North and Central America are now selling.
Insight: As industrial sectors increasingly turn to automation to address labor shortages and improve efficiency, Cyngn's Dealer Portal empowers its partners to scale faster and sell smarter. The move signals Cyngn's commitment to building a robust, tech-enabled sales ecosystem that drives broader adoption of autonomous industrial vehicles across manufacturing and logistics.
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FormAlloy's X5R 3D Printing System to Support Defense Manufacturing at Neighborhood 91
Move: FormAlloy's X5R Directed Energy Deposition system with a robotic arm will be installed at Neighborhood 91 to advance U.S. defense manufacturing through the Department of Defense's (DoD) Resilient Manufacturing Ecosystem program.
Details: The X5R system, known for handling both wire and powder feedstocks and building meter-scale components, will be deployed outside of FormAlloy's San Diego center for the first time. Funded through the DoD's IBAS program, the system will be operated by HAMR Industries to support propulsion, hypersonics, and maritime defense manufacturing. The installation is scheduled for late fall and will be spotlighted during Neighborhood 91's first Defense Day Open House.
Insight: This move highlights the growing importance of additive manufacturing in national defense and the strategic role of hubs like Neighborhood 91 in accelerating innovation within the U.S. industrial base.
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Wauseon Machine Earns Industry Certifications for Quality and Safety
Move: Wauseon Machine has earned A3 and UL certifications, renewed its ISO certification, and employs TUV certified engineers to reinforce its position as a high-quality automation solutions provider.
Details: Wauseon Machine, a long-time automation and machining company, has achieved several industry-leading certifications, including the A3 certification from the Association for Advancing Automation—an elite designation held by only 42 U.S. integrators. It also obtained UL 508A certification for its electrical panels and renewed its ISO certification, demonstrating process consistency and quality management. Additionally, the company prioritizes hiring TUV-certified engineers, ensuring its systems meet stringent international safety standards.
Insight: These certifications collectively showcase Wauseon Machine's dedication to delivering safe, reliable, and compliant automation systems.
FlowFuse Raises $7.2M to Advance AI-Powered Industrial Data Platform
Move: FlowFuse raised $7.2 million to develop its Pro for Node-RED platform, integrating AI assistance and enterprise features to simplify industrial data workflows.
Details: FlowFuse, used by industry leaders like Siemens and Bosch, connects legacy industrial equipment with modern cloud systems via its low-code Node-RED tool. The new funding, led by Senovo, will speed up the launch of Pro for Node-RED, offering advanced AI-powered development and certified nodes to streamline application building.
Insight: This investment positions FlowFuse to lead in industrial digital transformation by enhancing Node-RED into a full enterprise platform with AI-driven productivity gains. As manufacturers seek flexible, scalable tools, FlowFuse's move could accelerate the adoption of visual programming and AI in industrial automation workflows.
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ACE Marks 150 Years as North America’s Leading Forging Equipment OEM
Move: Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) is celebrating its 150th anniversary, highlighting a legacy of innovation and leadership in forging and metal forming equipment.
Details: Formed through the merger of Ajax Manufacturing, Chambersburg Engineering, and Erie Press Systems, ACE combines over 400 years of collective expertise. Now part of Park-Ohio Holdings, ACE supplies a full range of forging hammers, presses, stretch forming systems, and automation solutions to industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense.
Insight: The milestone shows ACE's continued investment in equipment modernization, training, and lifecycle support over the years. As manufacturers seek ways to extend machine life and reduce downtime, ACE's services and historical equipment knowledge remain an important value in today's industrial landscape.Learn more
