FFJournal Magazine

Brunk Industries plans to invest $31.7 million to expand operations in Freeport, Pennsylvania. The state is investing over $4.1 million through its industrial development fund in the project, which will create 64 new jobs over the next four years and retain 11 existing, full-time positions. Brunk Industries will build a new 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on 20 acres.

AIDA-America and HMS Products will exhibit advanced, industry-leading servo press, feed line, and transfer system technology in booth S18000 at FABTECH 2026. Two AIDA servo presses, a Dallas servo feed line, and multiple HMS transfer system components will be on display at this year’s show, to be held October 21st through 23rd at Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada. AIDA-America and Dallas Industries will partner with Pax Products, Inc.

Nucor Corporation will invest $59 million to expand its Vulcraft Indiana manufacturing facility in St. Joe, Indiana, adding capabilities to produce steel grating products. The investment is expected to create 20 new full-time jobs, adding to the more than 300 teammates currently employed at the facility.

Ajax Metal Forming Solutions has officially announced the promotion of Don Wellman to Senior Vice President. The advancement expands Wellman’s leadership responsibilities across the entirety of the organization as Ajax continues to grow their capabilities, capacity, and presence across three locations. Don has spent more than 28 years with Ajax, beginning his career on the production floor before moving through roles in estimating and purchasing and eventually into sales nearly 20 years ago.

Details People Details Written by: web Published: 11 August 2026 © 2026 FFJournal. All Rights Reserved.

After years of success serving as a Business Development Leader, Aaron Peets is taking on expanded responsibilities with his promotion to Mountain Regional Director at Beckhoff USA. Peets reports to Jake Schieffer, Vice President of Sales, Beckhoff USA and will absorb part of Regional Director, Joe Martin’s territory. Martin will continue to lead the Southwest Region at Beckhoff USA as part of a phased retirement plan that ensures smooth transitions for his teams and customers.

BuySteel.com is officially open for business. The new online storefront gives contractors, manufacturers, fabricators, and maintenance teams a way to get real and immediate quotes and place actual orders for metal without waiting on a phone call or an emailed spreadsheet. BuySteel.com covers most types of metal — carbon steel, stainless, aluminum, and more — across a variety of sheet and plate. Buyers can search by shape, grade, and size, get pricing on the spot, and check out online.

BLM GROUP USA announces the promotion of Matthew Irwin to Product Manager – Tube and Wire Forming Products. In his new role, Irwin will lead product strategy and development for the tube and wire business, collaborating closely with customers and internal teams to drive application solutions and support business growth. Irwin joined BLM GROUP USA in 2018 as an Applications Engineer.

Geoffrey Sauer has been appointed CEO & President of Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA). In his new role, he will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the company's U.S. subsidiary. His key priorities include further developing the existing trade fair portfolio while expanding new, sustainable event formats and business models. In his new leadership role, Tom Mitchell will work alongside Geoffrey Sauer to drive growth in North America.

TRUMPF, a German high-tech company, and Cutlite, an Italian manufacturer of 2D laser machines, are joining forces and entering a strategic partnership. To this end, TRUMPF is acquiring the business of Cutlite Penta S.p.A. from its ultimate parent company, El.En. S.p.A. With this step, TRUMPF is expanding its offerings for customers in the field of customized, large-format, very high-power laser cutting and oversize tube machines.