On Thursday 7th May 2026, the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) were pleased to attend the official opening of the new Fronius UK Technical Competence Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Catcliffe, Rotherham.
ALFED’s Membership Account Executive, Sophie Allen, and Marketing and Communications Executive, Emily Foster, joined industry leaders, partners, and customers to celebrate the launch of this state-of-the-art welding technology facility, strategically located in South Yorkshire.
The day began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by networking over breakfast, before opening the doors to a full programme of live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and technical insights. Visitors explored the latest in welding innovation, including advanced MIG/MAG systems such as the TPS/i and Fortis, the Fronius Mobile Cobot Welding System, and a wide range of TIG, multiprocess, and MMA equipment. Attendees also experienced the Ignis Battery for off-grid welding and took part in the interactive Welding Simulator Showdown.
Throughout the event, Fronius’ Sales, Service, and Application Engineering teams showcased the centre’s capabilities, highlighting its role in delivering bespoke welding trials, technical training, servicing, and rapid troubleshooting support. Experts from Fronius Solar & Energy were also on hand to discuss energy optimisation and sustainable solutions for manufacturers.
The new facility represents a significant investment in the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector. Positioned at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Park, the centre strengthens Fronius UK’s ability to support customers with faster response times, improved access to expertise, and enhanced service capabilities. It complements existing Fronius sites in Milton Keynes and Kilmarnock, further expanding the company’s nationwide network.
By establishing a presence in South Yorkshire, Fronius aims to work more closely with fabricators, engineers, and manufacturers, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term performance in welding technology.
Daniel Kastner, Managing Director of Fronius UK, commented: “We truly love what we do here, and it was fantastic to see the whole team bringing that passion to life for our customers at the opening. A great turnout, energising conversations, and genuine excitement about the local service we can now provide through our growing network of Fronius sites across the UK. I’m proud of what we’ve built already in recent years, and this is only just the beginning.”
Also commenting on the event, Sophie Allen, Membership Account Executive of ALFED said:
“It was a pleasure to attend the opening of Fronius UK’s new Technical Competence Centre and to see first-hand the scale of investment being made in advanced manufacturing in the region. Facilities like this play a vital role in supporting UK industry, offering practical, hands-on solutions and fostering collaboration across the supply chain. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this centre will have on manufacturers, including those within the aluminium sector.”
The opening event reflected Fronius’ wider mission to be closer to its customers, providing high-quality, responsive support while addressing real-world manufacturing challenges. With its focus on innovation, training, and sustainability, the new centre is set to become a key hub for welding excellence in the UK.
To learn more about Fronius, please visit: www.fronius.com/en-gb/uk
