SYS achieves Stratasys ‘Number 1 Parter’ status

A 20% increase in 3D printing hardware sales has helped a UK-based technology specialist claim ‘Number 1 Partner’ status for Stratasys across the EMEA region. SYS Systems, which is part of the Derby-based Carfulan Group, has seen revenues for its additive manufacturing solutions hit over £4m for the first time. This achievement, in combination with ‘outstanding customer service and technical expertise’, led to the prestigious honour from Stratasys, one of the world’s leading industrial 3D printer brands. SYS Systems’ £2.5m Advanced Innovation Centre showcases more than 25 different Stratasys technologies.

More information www.sys-uk.com

Rolls-Royce extension building reaches landmark

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has completed a significant phase in the construction of its extension at Goodwood, West Sussex, with the new building now formally declared weathertight. To mark the occasion, chief executive Chris Brownridge and the board of directors hand-signed the final one of 1745 wooden louvres fitted to the side of the 40,000 m² building.

The new facility will provide increased capacity for bespoke and coach-build operations. Initial fit-out with technologies is already underway within the building. Some areas and equipment will be operational this year, with the overall project remaining on schedule for completion in 2029. At £300m+, the extension represents the largest single investment in the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since it opened in 2003.

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Archer selects Bristol for UK Engineering Hub

Archer has selected Bristol as the home of its UK Engineering Hub, which will support some of the company’s most advanced engineering initiatives across its commercial and defence programmes. With a long history of aerospace innovation and a deep well of talent, Bristol offers the ideal location for Archer’s new facility.

Since Archer’s announcement in December regarding plans for its UK hub, the company has received hundreds of applications and begun hiring engineers to help it deliver the next era of advanced aerospace and defence. This workforce will help drive Archer’s local collaboration with Anduril UK and GKN, initially focused on the joint work of the companies in support of uncrewed vehicle programmes in the UK.

More information www.archer.com

ISOQAR gains UKAS accreditation for AI management

UK certification body ISOQAR has achieved UKAS accreditation to deliver ISO/IEC 42001, the international standard for artificial intelligence (AI) management systems, a significant milestone for UK businesses developing or deploying AI technologies. ISOQAR is now one of the first UK certification bodies to be accredited by UKAS for ISO/IEC 42001, currently the world’s first AI management system standard. The standard, first released in 2023, provides organisations with guidance and structured frameworks to manage the risks, governance and opportunities associated with developing and deploying AI-based products and services.More information www.isoqar.com

Rubix to host smart manufacturing event

Cutting tool, work-holding and associated shop-floor products specialist Rubix Cutting & Machining is holding an open house and Smart Manufacturing Event at its Product Proving Centre in Sandiacre, Nottingham on 18-19 March (09:00-16:00 both days). The Rubix division in Sandiacre was created to combine the company’s cutting tool portfolio with technical consultancy provided by expert, time-served engineers.

For performing live demonstrations of the production solutions that Rubix provides, the facility in Sandiacre operates three Hurco machine tools: a pair of vertical machining centres (a five-axis VMX42Ui and a three-axis VMX30Ti) and a TMX8MYSi multi-axis, driven-tool lathe with Y-axis turret and sub-spindle. Metal-cutting demonstrations conducted at the event will include high-speed slotting, roughing and finishing in titanium and aluminium.More information www.bit.ly/4u2K2HB