Is Mercedes Set to Source Battery Cells From Samsung SDI Soon?
Samsung SDI is in advanced negotiations with Mercedes‑Benz to supply prismatic battery cells for the automaker’s MMA platform, targeting compact EV models slated for a 2028 market launch. The talks cover a potential multi‑GWh order and the establishment of a dedicated European production line, with Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic under consideration. If finalized, this would be Samsung SDI’s first supply of cells to Mercedes, shifting the German brand away from its current reliance on Chinese supplier CATL. The partnership could also alleviate recent supply disruptions from the Automotive Cells Company joint venture.
Spinnova Prepares to Restart Woodspin Demo Factory Production
Spinnova is restarting trial runs at its Woodspin demonstration factory to boost production efficiency using technology proven at pilot scale. The 1,000‑tonne‑per‑year facility, opened in May 2023, aims to resume full‑scale operations by 2026 pending trial outcomes. The company now fully...
Siemens Mixes Drinks Tech in Canning Plant
Siemens Digital Industries has equipped DrinkPAK’s Texas canning plant with integrated automation, energy‑efficient infrastructure, and recipe‑based production controls. The solution also includes automated guided vehicles and a flexible financing platform that links capital costs to performance metrics. Siemens says the...
CH Robinson Says Air Cargo Capacity Lower than Schedules Indicate
CH Robinson warns that usable air‑cargo capacity is tighter than scheduled figures suggest, as longer routings, fuel‑saving measures and selective cancellations bite into lift, especially on Europe‑bound services from Asia impacted by Middle‑East airspace closures. Global air‑cargo capacity is down...
Will Europe Miss Out on Middle Corridor Opportunities?
The Middle Corridor, stretching from China through Central Asia to Europe, is gaining traction as a standalone market rather than merely a transit route. Beijing and Arab investors are pouring capital into warehouses, terminals, and new intermodal links, while European...
Data Centre Expansion to Drive European Logistics Demand
Savills’ latest research highlights that the rapid expansion of data centres is already generating measurable demand for logistics real estate in Europe, with early signals coming from Dublin and Houston. The study notes a surge in warehouse inquiries and distribution‑space...
Europe Is Desperate for More Energy. Can Norway Come to the Rescue?
Europe’s energy security is under renewed pressure as the war in Iran drives oil prices higher, echoing the 2022 Russian‑Ukraine crisis. The continent has turned to Norway, its largest Western European oil producer, for a reliable supply of oil and...
Chery to Expand Its Vehicle Production Capacity in Europe
Chinese automaker Chery announced the launch of its Omoda and Jaecoo brands in France and confirmed plans to expand European production. The company already operates a joint‑venture plant in Barcelona that aims to output 200,000 vehicles a year by 2029....
Premier Energies Secures 1.6GW Solar Cell and Module Supply Orders
Premier Energies secured supply contracts for 1.6 GW of solar cells and modules valued at roughly $276 million, with deliveries slated for 2027‑28. The orders come from undisclosed IPPs and EPC contractors and signal a strategic shift from PERC to TOPCon technology....
CargoBeamer Launches New Transalpine Intermodal Connection
CargoBeamer has launched a new trans‑Alpine intermodal service linking Stuttgart to Milan, operating four weekly round trips with a plan to increase to five. The route accommodates both craneable and non‑craneable semi‑trailers, including refrigerated and waste‑transport units. It replaces the...
Hong Kong Celebrates Its Recognition as World’s Busiest Cargo Airport
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) confirmed it handled 5.07 million tonnes of freight in 2024, retaining its title as the world’s busiest cargo hub for the ninth time since 2010. The Airport Authority Hong Kong highlighted ongoing capacity upgrades, including UPS’s...
Rail Baltica Enters a Key Phase in Kaunas
Lithuanian rail manager LTG Infra has launched design work on the Kaunas Node, a pivotal and technically demanding segment of the Rail Baltica corridor linking Poland to Latvia. The project must reconcile the European standard gauge (1,435 mm) with the legacy Baltic...
China Turns to Central Asia as US Blockade in Hormuz Chokes Global Energy Flows
China is turning to Central Asia for energy as the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts Middle‑East shipments. Vice‑Premier Ding Xuexiang will visit Turkmenistan, attend the groundbreaking of phase four of the Galkynysh gas field, and co‑chair a bilateral cooperation meeting....
US-Sanctioned Tanker Tests Trump Blockade With Hormuz Exit
A US‑sanctioned tanker, the Rich Starry, successfully navigated out of the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman, directly testing President Donald Trump’s newly announced naval blockade. The vessel, previously blacklisted for aiding Iran’s evasion of energy sanctions, altered...
New Sections of the Franz-Josefs Line Enter the Modernization Phase
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has begun a phased modernization of the historic Franz‑Josefs Line between Vienna and Gmünd, suspending service on key sections from April 2026. The first phase covers the northern stretch from České Velenice to Sigmundsherberg, followed by...
Algeciras-Bobadilla Line Closed ‘at Least Until August’
The Algeciras‑Bobadilla rail corridor, the sole rail link to Spain’s largest container port, has been out of service since February after severe storm damage. The line’s collapse isolates the port from the national network, forcing cargo to shift to trucks...
MSC Hits 1,000 Boxships
Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) became the first container carrier to operate 1,000 ships after the delivery of the 11,480‑teu MSC Migsan. The privately held line now runs a 7.3 million‑TEU fleet that is 57% larger than Maersk, the nearest rival, and roughly...
Western Australia Buys Gasoil for Strategic Reserve
Western Australia purchased 4 million litres (25,157 barrels) of gasoil from Cambridge Gulf to build a state‑run strategic reserve stored in Wyndham, Kimberley. The initiative creates an independent fuel stockpile separate from the national reserve, addressing supply gaps in remote areas...
Philippines Seeks US Extension to Buy Russian Oil
The Philippines has asked the United States to extend a waiver that lets Manila purchase Russian oil, a permission that lapsed on April 11. Energy Secretary Sharon Garín said the government remains optimistic about the extension while also scouting alternative supplies...
Hull Assembly Starts for Asso.subsea’s New Cable Layer as Keel Is Laid
China Merchants Heavy Industry held the keel‑laying ceremony for Asso.subsea’s new shallow‑water cable‑laying vessel, Althea, on April 9 in Shenzhen, marking the start of hull assembly. The 12,000‑ton ship features up to three carousel cable divisions, a hybrid diesel‑battery power plant,...
U.S. Army Opens New 155mm Artillery Shell Facility in Kansas
The U.S. Army and contractor Day & Zimmermann inaugurated a new Load, Assemble, and Pack facility in Parsons, Kansas, backed by a $36 million Army investment. The plant will produce up to 12,000 M795 155 mm artillery shells each month, contributing to...
Hormuz Day 46: Blockades and Backchannels
Pakistan’s prime minister announced a second round of US‑Iran talks as the US naval blockade of Iranian ports entered its second day, marking the 46th day of the Hormuz crisis. President Trump confirmed Tehran had reached out for a deal,...
‘Silver Tsunami’ Drives Surge in Shipping Claims
The Nordic Association of Marine Insurers' 2025 NoMIS report shows ocean hull claim costs are 33% above pre‑pandemic levels, marking a third year of rising losses. An ageing global fleet—dubbed a ‘silver tsunami’—is driving a surge in machinery and fire...
Prolonged Hormuz Crisis Could Trigger Agrifood Catastrophe, UN Warns
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization warned that a prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could spark a global agrifood catastrophe. Disruptions to fertilizer and energy exports would drive up food prices and compress crop yields. FAO chief...
Download SJ Denim’s Spring 2026 Issue
The denim industry is undergoing a pivotal shift as trade tensions push sourcing closer to home, while new technologies and luxury fiber blends reshape manufacturing. 2026 marks the United States' 250th anniversary, prompting domestic brands to balance patriotic storytelling with...
C-DoT to Commercialise Indigenously-Developed 5G Radio Network
India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C‑DoT) has completed an indigenously developed 5G radio that operates in both non‑standalone and standalone modes, partnering with VVDN Technologies and WiSig Networks. The consortium is set to begin field trials in Ambala after...
China Quietly Profits From US AI Boom Despite Washington’s Tech Curbs: Research
The United States is embarking on a $2 trillion data‑centre build‑out to fuel its artificial‑intelligence surge, with three‑quarters of the cost tied to hardware such as semiconductors and servers. While Taiwan and South Korea dominate advanced chip exports, China is quietly...
Werner Pumps Invests In Advanced Machining To Strengthen Local Manufacturing Capability
Werner Pumps has bolstered its South African manufacturing base by installing a new 5‑axis CNC machine. The advanced machining tool enables the company to produce complex components in‑house, cutting lead times and reducing dependence on imported parts. MD Sebastian Werner...
Red Cat & HADDY Accelerate USV Production Through Robotic 3D Printing
Red Cat Holdings’ maritime unit, Blue Ops, has partnered with HADDY to embed large‑scale robotic 3D printing into its USV production line in Valdosta, Georgia. The AI‑driven robotic systems are expected to double output of the company’s 5‑meter and 7‑meter...
Qantas Slashes Domestic Flights Amid Fuel Crisis
Qantas announced a significant reduction in its domestic flight schedule, blaming soaring jet‑fuel prices that have been amplified by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The airline said the cost pressure makes several routes financially unsustainable, prompting cuts across major city...
Bangladesh in Ship Recycling Pole Position but Supply Remains Weak
Bangladeshi ship‑recycling yards have seized the pricing lead, offering $490‑495 for container vessels as stable exchange rates lift steel‑plate costs. The sector, however, is hampered by a shortage of scrap candidates and lingering OFAC‑sanctioned VLCCs that remain outside port limits....
Leaders and Visionaries in Shipping – Captain Gianluigi Aponte
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is on the cusp of operating a fleet of 1,000 vessels, roughly 10 million TEUs, marking a historic scale for the privately held carrier. Founder and Group Chairman Gianluigi Aponte grew MSC from a single ship in...
Australia, United States Outline Joint Steps to Secure Critical Minerals Supply Chains
Australia and the United States have formalized a bilateral framework to secure critical‑minerals and rare‑earth supply chains, committing at least $1 billion each in financing within six months. The partnership establishes a Critical Minerals Supply Security Response Group to pinpoint vulnerabilities...
Russian Drone Attack on Ukrainian Port Damages Panama-Flagged Vessel, Officials Say
Russian drones attacked Ukraine’s Izmail port in the Odesa region on April 14, damaging a civilian Panama‑flagged vessel and destroying a workshop building, two buses, seven cars and an ambulance. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said multiple strikes hit critical...
New Rules Hinder Foreign Firms From Moving Supply Chains From China
China has enacted an 18‑point regulatory package aimed at preventing foreign firms from shifting supply chains out of the country. The rules, signed by Premier Li Qiang on April 7, empower regulators to interrogate staff, audit records, and even bar individuals...
Augmented Reality Digitalizes and Optimizes Processes for Frontline Workers
Augmented reality (AR) is moving from a niche visualization tool to a core production aid for frontline workers in manufacturing. By projecting step‑by‑step instructions, live sensor data and quality metrics onto smart glasses or tablets, AR turns static paperwork into...
The End of Programming? Natural Language Interfaces in Industrial Robotics
Researchers from Huawei Noah’s Ark Lab, Technical University of Darmstadt, and ETH Zurich have introduced a framework that integrates large language models with the Robot Operating System, enabling robots to understand and act on natural‑language commands. The system translates spoken...
Yunex Traffic UK Consolidates UK Operations in New Facility
Yunex Traffic UK has secured a up‑to‑20‑year lease for a purpose‑built facility at Bournemouth Airport’s Aviation Business Park, slated to open in 2026. The site will bring together manufacturing, research and development, and office functions for roughly 500 employees under...
Iran Oil Hoard at Sea Shields China’s Refiners From US Blockade
A stockpile of about 38 million barrels of Iranian crude sits on tankers in Asia, with over a third anchored near China’s Yellow Sea. Chinese independent refiners—known as “teapots”—have built near‑record on‑shore inventories in Shandong, giving them roughly two‑and‑a‑half months of...
XCharge Opens First European Assembly Plant in Spain
XCharge inaugurated a 3,000 m² assembly plant in Silla, Valencia, Spain, its first European manufacturing hub. The facility will assemble high‑power EV chargers such as the 400 kW C7 and the GridLink battery‑integrated solution, currently sold in North America. By localising production,...
A. Merceur (BOXtoBOX Conseil) : « Maintenir Un Niveau D’exigence Fort Sur La Thématique Des Achats Responsables »
Facing a tough economic climate, French professional sports clubs are tightening budgets and seeking cost efficiencies. BoxtoBox Conseil, founded by Antoine Merceur, provides outsourced procurement services that cover everything from supplier sourcing to contract management and responsible purchasing policies. The...
Helium: The Invisible Gas that Powers AI, and Why It’s in Short Supply – Podcast
Helium, essential for MRI, particle accelerators, deep‑sea diving and AI hardware, faces a tightening global supply. The Guardian podcast highlights how the gas powers cooling systems in AI data centers and why production bottlenecks have resurfaced. Historically fragile supply chains...
Space Industrial Base Studies: How the US, UK, ESA, Canada, and Japan Are Assessing Their Competitive Position in Space
A new wave of formal assessments from the United States, United Kingdom, European Space Agency, Canada and Japan reveals common weaknesses in their space industrial bases. All five reports flag workforce shortages, fragile supply chains and a mismatch between ambitious...
DryFlow Magnetics Ramps up Manufacturing for Waterless Iron Ore Tech
DryFlow Magnetics, an Adelaide‑based industrial tech firm, has secured an additional seed‑funding round following a $10 million AUD (~$6.6 million USD) raise in December 2025. The capital will fund manufacturing and installation of its first commercial pilot plant at a South Australian...
Guard Leaders Tell Congress the Air Force Needs 100 New Fighters a Year
National Guard adjutants general from 22 states sent a letter to Congress urging multiyear funding for the Air Force to acquire 72 to 100 new fighter jets per year, focusing on the F‑35A Lightning II and F‑15EX Eagle II. The...
ACM CRC Backs Manufacturing Project to Develop Smart Surfboard Fins Aimed at Reducing Shark Attack Risks
The Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC is funding a research initiative to create smart composite surfboard fins that embed miniaturised sensors, electromagnetic deterrents and illumination directly into the fin structure. Led by Gowing Bros in partnership with UNSW Sydney and the...
MODEX 2026: Automha and Comau Showcase Integrated Logistics Automation Technologies
At MODEX 2026, Automha and Comau unveiled a 360° integrated logistics automation portfolio that spans inbound handling, intelligent storage, ASRS, order preparation and synchronized shipping. Automha introduced NOVA AI, an AI‑driven assistant embedded in its warehouse management system that delivers...
Sprintex Secures Bangladesh Distribution Deal for Jet Blowers
Sprintex (ASX:SIX) signed an exclusive three‑year distribution agreement with Kingsley Engineering Service Corp to sell its G‑Series jet blowers in Bangladesh’s wastewater aeration market. The deal starts with an initial order of about AU$71,000 (≈US$47,000) and sets minimum purchases of...
MODEX 2026: Locus Robotics Launches Locus Array
Locus Robotics unveiled Locus Array at MODEX 2026, a fully autonomous fulfillment system that merges mobile robots, an integrated picking arm, and AI‑driven perception. Early adopters such as DHL Supply Chain report up to 90% labor reduction and 24/7 high‑density...
Market Retrospective: The Pakistan Army’s Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) Program Circa 2007-2026
Between 2007 and 2026 the Pakistan Army moved from sporadic MRAP imports to a structured, HIT‑centric wheeled‑vehicle strategy. Early purchases relied on U.S. MaxxPro and Turkish Kirpi units with no technology transfer. A 2024 memorandum of understanding between Thailand’s Chaiseri...