Strong end to 2023 at UR

Universal Robots, the Danish collaborative robot (cobot) company, has reported Q4 revenue of $103m, up 21% on Q4 2022. The quarter was the company’s largest revenue quarter to date.In 2023, Universal Robots experienced strong demand for the first of its heavypayload cobots, the UR20, particularly for palletising and welding applications. In November, the business launched the second model in its new series of cobots, the UR30, which will make new automation possibilities available to customers. The UR20 and UR30 together represented 30% of Q4 revenue.

For further information www.universal-robots.com

CMZ turns over £110m

Spanish lathe builder CMZ says it exceeded all forecasts by achieving a turnover of £110m in the 2023 financial year. Equating to 549 machines delivered at an average delivery rate of 2.52 lathes per day, this historic milestone means the company has beaten all the goals set by its 2021-2023 strategic plan. This plan set out CMZ’s ambition to reach £100m turnover by the end of 2024. Hence, not only has the company beaten this goal by 10%, it has also achieved it a year ahead of schedule. Some 75% of the 549 machines delivered were exported to other countries.

For further information www.cmz.com

UK demand for VERICUT drives changes

Due to continued expansion of the VERICUT user base and increasing demand for CGTech’s CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation products, the software company has restructured its UK sales operations and expanded its technical support division.Jonathan Hollinworth, formerly UK technical support engineer, moves into a sales position delivering technical sales to existing and prospective customers in the north of England and Scotland.CGTech has also appointed two new technical support engineers: James Williams and Paul Goodson. Bothhave already completed intensive initial training.

For further information www.cgtech.co.uk

New CEO at Sheffield Forgemasters

The board of directors at Sheffield Forgemasters has appointed a new CEO as David Bond plans to step down.Gary Nutter will take full responsibility in March, bringing with himsignificant experience of global business leadership. Nutter most recently served as CEO and director of aerospace engineering group RLC Aerospace Ltd, following careers at Kongsberg Marine Ltd and Rolls-Royce Plc.He will join a strong and experienced board of directors to deliver the recapitalisation programme, which is now taking physical shape as Sheffield Forgemasters preparesits site for new, large-scale manufacturing facilities.

For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Big Bang Fair returns in June

The Big Bang Fair – the UK’s largest celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for young people – is set to return this summer. Run by EngineeringUK, the annual fair is designed to ignite a passion for STEM and showcase career possibilities in these sectors. Taking place on 19-21 June 2024 at the Birmingham NEC, the fair will welcome students aged 10 to 13 from across the UK. Schools and home educators can register for free tickets to attend.

A diverse range of employers will come together at the 2024 fair to bring engineering and tech careers to life – from sectors that include aerospace, rail, automotive and energy. This gives young people the opportunity to meet STEM professionals, as well as join exciting live shows and inspiring career panels. Almost 16,000 young people attended the fair last year, along with 2300 teachers.

For further information www.thebigbang.org.uk