NASA link-up

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry is developing a partnership with the North American Space Agency (NASA), as US space scientists look to use MTC-developed technology in future space missions.

The link-up comes after work done by the MTC for the European Space Agency (ESA). MTC is home to the ESA’s additive manufacturing (AM) benchmarking centre. US scientists from five NASA centres, including the Kennedy Space Centre, have visited the MTC and are particularly interested in teaming up on projects involving the manufacture of complex and high-stress components through AM.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Dowty takes off

Dowty Propellers, a manufacturer of aircraft propeller systems for both civil and military applications, has broken ground on its new manufacturing facility at Gloucester Business Park.

The facility in Hucclecote includes manufacturing space and office accommodation. Dowty says that the factory will be its new business headquarters, as well as the production and repair facility for employees who are currently working out of interim facilities in the Gloucestershire area.
For further information http://dowty.com/

Princess Royal Training Award

Jane Gilham and Warren Page, head of human resources and apprentice manager at transmission technology specialist Xtrac, were invited to attend a prize-giving award ceremony at St James’s Palace recently, following the announcement in August that the company had attained the Princess Royal Training Awards standard.

Page stepped up to receive the award from The Princess Royal. Each of the 90 applications was assessed against three Hallmarks of Excellence by the Awards Commission, which includes The Princess Royal and seven leading figures from the business and training community.
For further information www.xtrac.com

AVL and Comau join forces

AVL List GmbH, an engineering, simulation and testing technology specialist for powertrain systems, and Comau SpA, which develops automation products and systems, have joined forces to offer modular and flexible solutions for the electric vehicle market.

As of 1 January 2019, AVL and Comau will have an open co-operation in the simulation, design, assembly and testing of powertrain components for electric as well as traditional vehicles. The initial focus of the partnership will be on assembly systems and end-of-line testing for automotive batteries.
For further information www.comau.com

Order intake surpasses £53m mark

In the UK, Trumpf has recorded an order intake of £53.3 million in 2017/18, with a preliminary operating profit of £951,239.

“We continued to see a high number of new customers in the past 12 months, while existing customers purchased more complex solutions with several taking their first steps into the digital revolution of machine tools,” explains managing director Lee Moakes.
“Trumpf is now providing its most comprehensive package ever to ensure customers get the best return on their investment,” he adds. “Moreover, we continue to grow our support team, increasing technical service capacity by more than 10% this year. As a result, we will be prepared for the further growth of Trumpf and its customers.” With the current order intake and the forecasted outlook into 2019, recruitment at the company is set to continue.
For further information www.uk.trumpf.com