Amada exhibition attracts 180

Over 180 people from companies across the UK and Ireland attended Amada UK’s three-day exhibition at its technical centre in Kidderminster. This end-of-financial-year event brought many old and new companies to view the latest developments in machine and tooling technology. Orders included 10 press brakes, three HG ATC press brakes with automatic tool changers, and six fibre-laser profiling machines with various automation options.
“It was great to see this number of people here, all of whom have a really positive outlook for the future,” says managing director Alan Parrott. “Our new technology opens up huge opportunities for customers to expand their businesses and, with the after-sales support we offer, they are very comfortable in taking that next investment step with Amada.”
For further information www.amada.co.uk

Taxi plant

The London Taxi Co (LTC) has inaugurated its new £300m vehicle plant in Ansty, Coventry, becoming the UK’s first dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the process. Investment and expansion in the new site and the next-generation London taxi has helped create more than 1000 new jobs, including 200 engineers and 30 apprenticeships. When at full capacity, the plant will be able to build more than 20,000 vehicles per year. The taxi vehicle is using Volvo Car electric powertrain system technologies and components comprising a new EV lightweight platform.
For further information
www.london-taxis.co.uk

Innovation Birmingham

A planning application has been submitted for the development of a 21,527 sqft fabrication and prototyping facility at Innovation Birmingham Campus. Maker Wharf will benefit from a digital prototyping facility and equipment to promote the development of innovative commercial technical and creative products; with flexible office space and additional commercial digital fabrication and manufacturing space arranged over the remaining three floors. The four-storey building will be located adjacent to the campus’ flagship 42,149 sqftiCentrum building.
For further information
www.innovationbham.com

Automation in automotive masterclass

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) is teaming up with the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) to deliver a one-day masterclass focusing on the supply chain and automation within the UK automotive sector. The event will be held on 6 April at Nissan Sport and Leisure in Sunderland. The Government’s recent Industrial Strategy green paper highlighted that the UK makes less use
of robotics and automation than most other countries in Western Europe. The event is free
to attend for MTA and NEAA members, and
£95 + VAT for non-members.
For further information www.mta.org.uk

Sheet metalworking facility opens doors

LVD has opened its new ‘Experience Centre’ (XP Centre) at the company’s corporate headquarters in Gullegem. The 2500 sq m facility is designed to help advance sheet metalworking by connecting visitors to technology, solutions and expertise in an environment that promotes learning and collaboration. It is a complete renovation and expansion of LVD’s demonstration facility. Visitors are invited to bring their sheet-metalworking challenges, discover possibilities for their applications, train on the latest products, and cultivate relationships with LVD experts. The
grand opening is planned for mid-April.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com