Issue No. 234
6th May 2026

Nine in ten organisations have a critical skills gap

New research from Skill Dynamics reveals that just over nine in ten (92%) of organisations surveyed are operating with at least one critical skills gap, as procurement and supply chain teams face mounting pressure from AI disruption, geopolitical instability and shifting global trade policy. And looking at other key issues, the report highlights that businesses are increasingly aware of the challenges they face, but not yet moving fast enough to meet them. AI and automation simultaneously represent the single biggest skills gap, cited by 47% of respondents. A further 45% either expect significant job displacement or say they don’t yet understand what AI will mean for their workforce.

With best regards

Mark Simms, Editor
editor@machinebuilding.net

EDITORS CHOICE

Everything you need for machine building - all in one place, in one day

For engineers working in machine building and industrial automation, finding the right solution is rarely straightforward. It often means hours of research, multiple supplier conversations and time spent comparing different technologies, approaches and integration strategies. MachineBuilding.North 2026 has been designed to change that.

Nord-Lock expands X-series range to meet growing demand

Nord-Lock has launched seven new sizes in the X-series range, making it possible to secure critical joints for even more applications deployed in extreme operating conditions.

Creating a quiet space for electric vehicles

How can automakers maintain aesthetics and functionality while ensuring that interior components do not disrupt the cabin's serene atmosphere? This question is now at the forefront of the industry. Southco's response is anechoic performance ...

Pre-lubricated stainless steel fasteners reduce costs and minimise downtime

Jos Lavrijsen, Segment Leader at Fabory, discusses the challenges of machine downtime caused by cold welding (galling) and preventive lubrication. He explains how pre-lubricated bolts help reduce total cost of ownership and minimise the risk of ...

CASE STUDIES, NEW PRODUCTS & NEWS

Intertronics launches biodegradable 70/30 IPA cleaning wipes for industry

Intertronics has introduced its Endurawipe Biodegradable 70/30 IPA Wipes, an industrial cleaning wipe made from 100% eucalyptus-derived viscose that breaks down within 12 weeks.

EVENTS & COURSES

MachineBuilding.North 2026 brings together the technologies, expertise and insight shaping modern machine building

MachineBuilding.North 2026 takes place at the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester on Wednesday, 13th May, bringing together hundreds of engineers, machine builders and automation specialists for a highly focused one-day event.

Advertise with FasteningandBonding.net

FasteningandBonding.net provides the perfect platform for suppliers keen to reach out and engage with these engineers at the most important moment of all: the point at which they are expressing their interest in solving a fastening, bonding or assembly related query by visiting our unique, specialist fastening-focused resource.

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