News

Exhibiting its marine & defence portfolio in Hall A3, Booth 412

Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, will present innovative solutions for the marine industry that provide more sea time and less downtime at SMM 2026 in Hamburg, Germany. Held between 1st and 4th September, the trade fair and conference brings together members of the maritime industry, and visitors will be able to find Parker at its Booth 412 in Hall A3.

Across commercial and defence shipping, Parker helps customers address key operational challenges: reducing energy losses, lowering maintenance requirements, improving equipment reliability, and supporting compliance planning as maritime fuel and regulatory pathways continue to evolve. Parker will showcase technologies and solutions that help improve reliability and support more efficient maritime operations. Some filtration technologies that will be on display include the NFM-100 membrane, used in the production of blanketing nitrogen in explosive environments, the Online Ferrous Wear Meter, for condition monitoring of oil and a range of core marine products including well-known brands like Racor Filters.

Visitors to Parker’s booth can meet with the company’s experts to discuss reducing vessel downtime, improving operational availability, and lowering energy and maintenance costs across critical onboard systems. They can also explore support for shipyard or integrator milestones, reliability improvements in demanding commercial and defence marine environments, compliance readiness, future fuel flexibility, and practical solutions for newbuild, retrofit, modernization, or service requirements.

For more information, please visit the event landing page or navigate directly to the dedicated marine page: Innovative Marine Solutions for Design Engineers | Parker

KALFRESH has secured leading international technology partner, WELTEC BIOPOWER, to deliver its landmark bioenergy facility at Kalbar, in South-East Queensland, aligning with one of the world’s most experienced and proven providers of anaerobic digestion technology.

The Queensland-based vegetable business has signed an agreement with the German company to design and build the first stage of the bioenergy facility, which will anchor the new Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct. The WELTEC equipment is due to arrive on site in late August, when construction of the first anaerobic digestion (AD) tank will begin.

The partnership marks a significant milestone and will unlock the paddock-to-power potential of Kalfresh’s vertically integrated business, which will turn crop residues, processing offcuts and agricultural waste into several renewable by-products. A by-product, a nutrient-rich digestate, will be returned to farms as a biofertiliser, advancing Kalfresh’s long-term vision of circular agriculture.

Kalfresh CEO, Richard Gorman, said WELTEC BIOPOWER will use its proven stainless-steel tank technology, ensuring durability, corrosion resistance and long operational life. “For us, it was critical to work with a partner that has a track record of delivering reliable, long-term infrastructure,” Mr Gorman said.

“This is proven technology, and we’re building it to last. We have visited many operational bioenergy sites overseas, including those designed and built by WELTEC. They have a reputation for designing efficient, high- quality systems that deliver consistently. “Kalfresh sent a group of Queensland farmers to Germany in April to visit Weltec sites and see the AD technology first-hand.”

WELTEC BIOPOWER was established in 2001 and has planned, delivered and constructed more than 450 specialised stainless steel biogas plants in the US, Japan, Cyprus, the UK and Europe. Dirk Krumdieck, CEO and Head of Sales from WELTEC BIOPOWER, says the agreement reflects the extensive preparatory work and technical planning undertaken by WELTEC and Kalfresh over recent years. „We are excited to be delivering a flagship bioenergy project in Australia that combines Kalfresh’s agricultural innovation with our proven European biogas engineering experience,” Mr Krumdieck said.

The project will be delivered in three stages. The first stage involves the construction of a large digester with a diameter of 31.48 metres and a height of 8.8 metres, along with a digestate storage tank, supported by the newly implemented WELTEC Control system.

It represents a new model for Australian agriculture where farming, food production and energy generation operate side by side in a closed-loop system. At full capacity, the facility could feature 14 digesters which would be capable of producing enough energy to power up to 31,000 homes, or fuel up to 98 million kilometres of truck and bus travel annually. “Recent international events have made it clear there’s a real and immediate need for national fuel and fertiliser security,” said Mr Gorman.

“The introduction of a home-grown, dispatchable source of renewable natural gas to the energy mix comes at an important time. We can help transition Australia’s emitters towards emissions-free operation.“This is a practical, farmer-led solution that works today, and can be repeated in the future in agricultural communities across the country, value-adding what is already produced on-farms.”

The Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct will co-locate advanced food manufacturing on a 40-hectare site fronting the Cunningham Highway and approximately one hour from Brisbane. The Precinct will feature 16 serviced lots, including three occupied by Kalfresh, with access to on-site renewable power and circular waste services.

For more information on the project visit the Kalfresh Bioenergy website

https://www.kalfreshbioenergy.com.au/

Following the UK's departure from the European Union, manufacturers supplying explosion-protected equipment to both Great Britain and the European Union must ensure they understand the differences between the UKEX and ATEX regulatory frameworks. While the technical standards remain closely aligned, the conformity assessment and product marking requirements differ depending on the destination market.

What is UKEX?

UKEX is the conformity marking required for products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). It applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres under the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016, as amended following Brexit.

Although UKEX is based on the same essential health and safety requirements as the ATEX Directive, products destined for Great Britain must follow the UK conformity assessment process where applicable.

ATEX Remains in Force in the European Union

Manufacturers supplying equipment to EU member states must continue to comply with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and apply the CE and Ex markings where required.

The technical standards supporting both UKEX and ATEX are largely harmonised with the IEC 60079 series, meaning the engineering requirements remain familiar to manufacturers. However, the administrative route to market differs.

Key Differences

Manufacturers should be aware of several important distinctions:

• UKEX applies in Great Britain, while ATEX applies across the European Union.
• Products requiring third-party conformity assessment must use an approved UK body for UKEX certification and an EU Notified Body for ATEX certification.
• Technical documentation and declarations of conformity must reference the appropriate legislation for the intended market.
• Separate certificates may be required when placing products on both the GB and EU markets.

Planning for Dual Market Access

Many manufacturers continue to serve customers in both Great Britain and the European Union. Planning certification early can help minimise duplication, reduce costs and avoid delays when launching new explosion-protected equipment.

By understanding the differences between UKEX and ATEX, manufacturers can ensure their products remain compliant while maintaining access to key industrial markets.

Under Japan's Industrial Safety and Health framework, explosion-protected electrical equipment intended for use in hazardous locations must comply with the country's Technical Recommendations issued by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (JNIOSH). In many cases, products require certification against these recommendations before they can be legally placed on the Japanese market.

A Different Route to Compliance

While Japan's technical requirements are closely aligned with the IEC 60079 series used internationally, manufacturers cannot simply rely on existing ATEX or IECEx approvals alone. Certification must demonstrate compliance with the applicable JNIOSH Technical Recommendations, which form the basis of Japan's national approval process for explosion-protected equipment.

The recommendations cover the various recognised methods of explosion protection, including:

• Flameproof enclosures (Ex d)
• Increased safety (Ex e)
• Intrinsic safety (Ex i)
• Pressurisation (Ex p)
• Dust ignition protection (Ex t)
• Non-sparking equipment (Ex n)
• Optical radiation protection (Ex op)

These guidance documents are regularly updated to reflect developments in international standards while maintaining Japan's specific regulatory requirements.

Why It Matters

Japan remains one of the world's largest industrial economies, with significant investment across:

• Oil & gas
• Petrochemicals
• Chemical processing
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Hydrogen technologies
• Energy generation
• Advanced manufacturing

For overseas manufacturers, understanding the country's certification pathway early in the product development process can prevent costly delays when entering the market.

Planning for Market Entry

Manufacturers intending to export explosion-protected equipment into Japan should review certification requirements at an early stage. Working with certification specialists familiar with both IECEx/ATEX and JNIOSH requirements can help streamline approval and ensure products meet the necessary technical and quality standards expected by Japanese regulators.

Although many technical principles are harmonised with international standards, Japan's certification process remains distinct, making regulatory planning an important part of any successful market entry strategy.

As hazardous industries continue to expand across Asia, understanding regional certification requirements is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers seeking to operate in global markets.

Hart Doors, the oldest British manufacturer of industrial high-speed doors and shutters, has invested in a new mobile installation facility.

Chairman Douglas Hart explains: “The focus on the British Isles has been Hart’s very rewarding market but with increasing sales from the north of Scotland to the south of England means a much sharper delivery/installation over a greater geographical area is required. The new facility is outstanding.

“Based in Newcastle UK, we are the most established British manufacturer of high-speed doors and shutters. Founded in 1946, we bring generations of engineering experience and pioneering product expertise to customers worldwide.

“Our innovative products, problem-solving approach and practical experience help companies contain noise, odour and environmental contaminants.

“This spirit of innovation is embedded into our continually evolving product range of Speedor high-speed doors, fire shutters, Terror Screen security rated shutters and specialist doors such as ATEX compliant high-speed doors and shutters,” says Mr Hart.

The installation unit is now operational much to the satisfaction of clients and the installation teams.

www.hartdoors.com

            EXAIR has unveiled a redesigned website that delivers a more streamlined experience for engineers, maintenance professionals, and manufacturers searching for compressed air solutions. Featuring a modern look that reflects EXAIR's updated brand identity, the new website makes it easier than ever to explore products, learn about applications, and find the right solution for virtually any industrial challenge. Built with performance and usability in mind, the site offers faster page loads, improved navigation, and a cleaner interface.

            The redesigned website introduces several customer-focused enhancements that simplify the buying process from research to checkout. A streamlined shopping experience reduces the number of steps required to purchase products, allowing customers to move from product selection to checkout more quickly than ever before. Visitors can also browse new industry-specific pages featuring relevant product recommendations, application examples, and educational resources, making it easier for users to discover solutions designed specifically for their manufacturing environment. The site also offers ample opportunities to connect with EXAIR through catalog requests, newsletter signups, or speaking directly with Application Engineers to get answers for case-by-case manufacturing dilemmas.

            EXAIR.com reinforces EXAIR's commitment to providing customers with the tools and resources needed to solve industrial challenges efficiently. In addition, visitors have access to the application database, videos, CAD models, blogs, an extensive Knowledge Base, and direct support from EXAIR's Application Engineers. Combined with enhanced site performance and an improved user experience, the redesigned website makes finding, selecting, and purchasing EXAIR solutions easier than ever. https://exair.co/190-newsite

PPE has come a long way in recent years. Today's products are lighter, more comfortable and more technically advanced than ever before, yet many maintenance and manufacturing businesses still make decisions based on outdated assumptions.

Here, Clair Weston, Head of Marketing at uvex, highlights five common health and safety myths that could be putting maintenance teams at unnecessary risk.

1. "The more hearing protection, the better."

Many people assume that choosing hearing protection with the highest attenuation offers the greatest level of safety. However, overprotection can create its own risks.

If hearing protection reduces noise too much, workers may struggle to communicate with colleagues, hear warning alarms or approaching vehicles. In busy maintenance environments, where communication is essential, this can increase the risk of accidents.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers to select hearing protection that reduces noise to a safe level while avoiding unnecessary overprotection.

Best practice: Carry out suitable noise assessments and choose hearing protection that matches the actual noise exposure rather than simply selecting the highest SNR rating.

2. "Impact protection gloves are too bulky for maintenance work."

Impact-resistant gloves have traditionally been associated with reduced dexterity, but glove technology has advanced significantly.

Modern impact gloves combine lightweight liners, flexible impact protection and excellent grip with high levels of cut resistance, allowing technicians to protect against knocks and crush injuries while maintaining precision.

Best practice: Choose gloves such as the new uvex Hexarmor Helix® 3014IMP that balance protection with flexibility and dexterity. PPE only protects workers if they're willing to wear it consistently.

3. "Clear lenses are suitable for every job."

Many organisations issue clear safety spectacles as standard without considering whether they're the best option for different environments.

Lens colour can greatly affect visibility, comfort and fatigue. Grey lenses help reduce glare outdoors, amber lenses improve contrast in lower-light conditions, while indoor/outdoor lenses suit employees regularly moving between inside and outside.

Best practice: Match lens technology to the working environment rather than automatically specifying clear lenses for every application. For more information, see uvex’s lens tinting advisor.

4. "Safety footwear has to be uncomfortable."

Many workers still accept sore feet and fatigue as simply part of wearing safety boots, but modern safety footwear has changed dramatically.

Lightweight materials, ergonomic sole designs and cushioning technologies help reduce fatigue throughout the working day, improving both comfort and performance.

Best practice: Treat safety footwear as performance equipment as well as protective equipment, considering comfort and support alongside safety certification.

5. "One size fits all."

One of the most overlooked aspects of PPE is achieving the correct fit. Equipment that is too loose, too tight or poorly adjusted is less likely to provide the protection it was designed to deliver.

Poorly fitting gloves reduce dexterity, eyewear that slips is often removed, and hearing protection that doesn't seal correctly may not provide adequate protection. As today's workforce becomes increasingly diverse, a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer appropriate.

Best practice: Offer PPE in a range of sizes and ensure workers are properly fitted. Well-fitting equipment is more likely to be worn correctly, improving both protection and compliance.

Rethinking PPE selection

Maintenance professionals encounter a wide range of hazards throughout the working day. Selecting the right PPE isn't simply about meeting legislative requirements, it's about providing equipment that workers will wear correctly and consistently.

By challenging outdated assumptions around hearing protection, hand protection, eyewear, safety footwear and PPE fit, organisations can improve compliance while helping to create safer, more productive workplaces.

www.uvex-safety.co.uk