BRIGHTON, MI—Promess Inc., a manufacturer of servo controlled assembly presses, torque test systems and monitoring equipment, has turned its manufacturing expertise to the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

Just when you think there's nothing new under the sun with a particular technology, a company will invariably put a new spin on things. A good example is the new Torque Press 520 from Schmidt Technology.

When an assembly press supplier meets with a manufacturer to discuss its next purchase, both parties focus on one question: Which type and model of press is best for the current application? Mike Brieschke, vice president of sales at Aries Engineering Corp., recalls how two such meetings in 2006 with automotive OEMs led the supplier to ask itself another question: Which type of press is best for the future of assembly?