Bountiful orders

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the German machine-tool industry’s order bookings increased by 24% in comparison with the preceding year’s equivalent period.

Domestic orders were up by 48%, while orders from abroad rose by 13%. For 2017, there was an overall plus of 8%: domestic orders climbed by 10%, and orders from abroad were up 7%. According to the VDW, the Eurozone nations constituted the driving forces. In particular, following EMO 2017 in Hanover, orders veritably soared: +41% in October, +67% in November and +37% in December.
For further information www.vdw.de

MTC to triple apprenticeship places

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) near Coventry says that it will be more than trebling its apprentice intake over the next two years; planning to provide training to 300 apprentices per year by 2020.

Record-breaking attendances have been witnessed at the MTC’s latest apprenticeship open evenings, inspiring future talent to take up a career within the world of advanced manufacturing and engineering. The news comes as The Department of Education confirmed that the MTC has now been approved to become a provider and placed on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP).
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Geo Kingsbury targets Middle East

Geo Kingsbury is establishing a subsidiary in Dubai, Geo Kingsbury Middle East LLC, to service the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region.

Until now, the agency agreements between Geo Kingsbury and its machine-tool principals covered the UK and Ireland. New contracts have been signed to allow the wholly-owned daughter company, which will be a separate legal entity, to carry out similar activities in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. The machines that will be marketed have been drawn from three divisions: Large Prismatic Machines, Milling Turning Grinding and Additive Manufacturing.
For further information www.geokingsbury.com

Soraluce set for XXL series open house

For those tasked with the milling, boring and turning of large components, Soraluce will stage its XXL series open house on 6-9 March in Bergara, Spain.

The company will also be showcasing multi-tasking technology applied to heavy-duty components, whereby a single machine offers several cutting processes, including turning, milling, boring, drilling and tapping. Soraluce provides a range of multi-tasking capabilities thanks to its design of turning heads and mill-turn tables.
The company says that it has pioneered many of the technologies that drive the machine tool sector today, such as the patented DAS systems (Dynamics Active Stabiliser), modular quill and RAM balance systems. At the open house Soraluce will stage a series of live demonstrations involving heavy-duty milling and boring.
For further information www.soraluce.com/en

Funding available for overseas trade shows

The EIA and MTA have received confirmation of government funding for UK engineering companies to exhibit at overseas trade shows.

Eligible UK SME companies could receive grants of between £1500 and £2500 towards the cost of exhibiting, depending on the location of the show. The 2018-19 programme covers engineering shows in China, Germany, India, Oman, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States and Vietnam. Together, the EIA and MTA have also negotiated special rates for a UK group in India and Russia, and are working with the Genesis Initiative for a trade visit to Finland alongside a member of the Royal family to coincide with subcontracting show, Alihankinta.
For further information www.eia.co.uk