Have you ever heard of AI agents? I’m sure you have—the hype just keeps going.
In an in-depth workshop on this topic held on June 8, 2026, we explored what AI agents are all about and how they work.

Our workshop was aimed at participants who already had a basic understanding of AI and wanted to delve deeper into the technical aspects. It was led by Marco Fries from the Zukunftszentrum AI NRW, who gave us a hands-on introduction to the world of (open-source-based) AI agents.

As part of our “Made in Westphalia” series, which we organize in collaboration with the SIHK in Hagen, we visited our member company ERCO GmbH in Lüdenscheid on June 9, 2026. This internationally active family-owned company is known for innovative and energy-efficient architectural lighting based on modern LED technology and has a global presence through its own sales and partner organizations. ERCO is characterized by holistic lighting solutions that combine technological expertise with the highest standards of design and environmental responsibility.

We have signed a new energy supply contract with Scholt Energy for electricity and gas for the years 2028 through 2030 on behalf of NIRO members and customers of byNIRO GmbH. The contract is based on a dynamic procurement model.

Our negotiation team has conducted a comprehensive review of Scholt Energy’s procurement model. The focus was on the future needs of our participating companies, whose energy consumption will continue to evolve as a result of efficiency measures, new technologies, and process optimizations.

CE marking is currently at the top of the list for many of our member companies, as the new EU Machinery Regulation is just around the corner.
That’s why we visited EMC Test NRW GmbH in Dortmund on May 7, 2026 to take an in-depth look at the current requirements for CE marking.

This afternoon, the focus was on the upcoming changes brought about by the new EU Machinery Regulation, which will gradually come into force and will be mandatory from January 20, 2027. It replaces the previous Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

We are delighted to welcome Dolezych GmbH & Co. KG as a new member of Netzwerk Industrie RuhrOst e.V.! The specialist for safe lifting and transportation is now strengthening NIRO.

NIRO has gained a new member: CARL BECHEM GMBH from Hagen enriches the circle of our members as a manufacturer of high-quality specialty lubricants. NIRO extends a warm welcome.