HS2 reveals bidders

HS2 Ltd has revealed the train builders vying to deliver Britain’s next generation of state-of-the-art high-speed trains, which will carry tens of thousands of people every day across the UK’s new high-speed network and beyond.

Computer-generated visuals of a high speed train. HS2. For editorial usage only.

Operating at speeds of up to 360 kph, shortlisted bidders for the new train fleet are: Alstom Transport, Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd, Hitachi Rail Europe, Patentes Talgo SLU and Siemens PLC. Each will be invited to tender for the contracts, which will cover the design, build and maintenance of at least 54 trains coming into service from 2026. In total, HS2 will create around 25,000 jobs and 2000 apprenticeships both directly in construction and across the UK-wide supply chain. The first trains will begin to roll off the production line in the early 2020s. Welcoming the shortlist, HS2 Minister Paul Maynard says: “Thousands of skilled British jobs and apprenticeships will be created by HS2, which gets a step closer as we reveal the companies shortlisted to build the high-speed trains.”
For further information www.gov.uk

Walter buys Comara

With the acquisition of its long-standing software partner Comara GmbH, tooling expert Walter is reinforcing its decision to strive for further growth in the digital sector.

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As Walter AG president Mirko Merlo, states: “This is a key strategic step towards expanding our digital portfolio and further developing our company towards Industry 4.0.” Acquiring Comara constitutes the next logical step
in Walter’s development from product to process partner, he adds, and now to digital process partner. Comara will remain an autonomous operation with separate products and its own retail arm.
For further information www.walter-tools.com

Metal powders, parts and machines

LPW Technology Ltd and Magnitude Innovations Ltd are combining their additive manufacturing (AM) experience to support the industrialisation of metal AM.

Ben Ferrar, LPW’s chief operating officer, says: “In partnership, LPW and Magnitude will support their clients with metal powders, design, process and application support, helping manufacturers to overcome production challenges throughout the complete AM value chain. The projects undertaken together will offer a tailored, turnkey solution to the adoption of AM technologies, supporting industrial companies to utilise AM and broaden the knowledge-base of the AM sector.”
For further information www.lpwtechnology.com

EWF and CECIMO join efforts

The EWF and CECIMO have joined efforts to accelerate the adoption and utilisation of leading-edge additive manufacturing (AM) technologies.

This partnership will focus on the development of areas of mutual interest and close collaboration on all relevant EU projects
CECIMO and EWF will henceforth work together to support Europe’s industry through this change by finding mutually relevant opportunities and exchanging information on activities such as qualification and advocacy in AM or on AM-specific EU project proposals. The organisations will also focus on creating joint working groups that will develop relevant activities on areas of mutual interest.
For further information www.cecimo.eu

Coleg Gwent develops CNC capability

As one of the biggest, and most successful colleges in Wales, Coleg Gwent is not resting on its laurels. The college has embarked on an ambitious expansion programme to deliver day-release and full-time apprenticeships in support of the engineering sector in its catchment area. The first phase of this plan is now complete following the arrival of four CNC machines supplied by XYZ Machine Tools.

The four machines, two XYZ CT52 turning centres and two XYZ Mini Mill 560 vertical machining centres, will be used to develop full-time courses to introduce students to automation in the manufacturing process, as well as involving them in initial component design, CADCAM, programming and general machining. Courses are also designed for part-time students already in industry who want to upskill to make their qualifications more relevant to modern industry standards.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com