Dundee preferred site for battery plant

Battery cell manufacturer AMTE Power has selected Dundee as the preferred site for its first MegaFactory in a boost to the UK’s ambitions to produce home-grown battery cells for a net-zero society. The new factory will directly create up to 215 high skilled on-site jobs and 800 more across the supply chain by producing the high-performance battery cells needed to help electrify vehicles, homes and industries.

AMTE Power remains one of the only companies in the UK currently producing battery cells and the proposed new site at Dundee’s Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) would ensure the business can rapidly scale up to mass manufacturing volumes. The MegaFactory will complement AMTE Power’s existing facility in Thurso, and the company is currently in discussion with Scottish Enterprise to help bring the development forward.
For further information www.amtepower.com

Servo press positions Mursix for growth

Mursix Corporation, a technology-driven manufacturer supplying components to a wide range of industries, has recently acquired a new Minster 600-ton punch press with a servo motor. The investment expands the company’s capabilities and positions Mursix for growth into a more diverse range of industries.

Delivered from Spain, this sophisticated machine joins the Mursix family of Minster presses that range from 22 to 400 tons. The servo motor maximises energy by delivering a higher tonnage than the company has ever been able to provide previously, allowing for more flexibility with speed control and stroke length. The result equates to a better-quality product at a better price, with a bonus of more efficient energy use translating into expanded production capabilities for current and potential customers.

With this advanced press, Mursix will be able to produce more complex parts. The Minster has the ability to produce heavier gauge and thicker materials with increased run speed and consistency, creating more efficient production.

Mursix is known for creating advanced, custom-engineered components, but those on the leadership team are always looking toward the future with the goal of continuously enhancing capabilities for customers.

“Although the last few years have been challenging, we’ve been taking investment in our family business quite seriously,” says Susan Murray Carlock, vice president of business development. “As a business leader, my father had always preached the importance of investing in your people and the capital that prepares the company for tomorrow. My brother and I carry on that legacy today. For companies of our size [$40m revenue, 200 employees], staying on top of industry innovations so that we can be competitive is a must, and requires good people and the latest technology.”
For further information www.mursix.com

Around 100 trainees at VCampus event

The Vollmer VCampus training event for trainees from the cutting tool industry took place for the first time recently. VCampus was organised by sharpening specialist Vollmer which, via the Sieglinde Vollmer Foundation, is dedicated to the development of young people. Approximately 100 trainees were on-site at the company’s Biberach headquarters to gain new motivation, inspiration and knowledge through practical workshops on industry-specific topics. The young learners also had the opportunity to form extensive networks in a relaxed atmosphere.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Major apprenticeship contract

An independent training provider is celebrating winning its largest apprenticeship contract in years after signing a major deal with Lander Tubular Products. In-Comm Training, which operates three technical academies across the Black Country and Shropshire, has become the strategic training partner of this supplier of precision engineered metallic and plastic manipulated pipe assemblies for the automotive, commercial vehicle and off-highway sectors.

The company will recruit some 40 Level 2 apprentices in Lean Manufacturing Operations over the next six months in a bid to develop a future talent pool that can help the manufacturer meet a rapidly growing order book. This new relationship will cover all recruitment and selection, advice on tapping into funding, induction processes and delivery of training, with In-Comm trainers and assessors permanently based at Lander Tubular Products’ in-house academy in Birmingham.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

XYZ Machine Tools to open new showroom

With 19 machine tools under power ready for demonstration the Grand Opening of the new XYZ Machine Tools showroom in Huddersfield will take place on Wednesday 21st September. This will provide an ideal opportunity for anyone considering a machine purchase, with XYZ Machines on show ranging from the entry level KMX 2000 turret mill, through the ProtoTRAK range of bed mills and lathes, as well as Siemens controlled machining and turning centres, including the UMC-5X simultaneous five-axis machining centre and the brand new SS65 twin spindle turning centre. The doors are open between 9 am and 3pm with no requirement for pre-registration. XYZ Machine Tools team of area sales managers and applications engineers will be on-hand to provide demonstrations on any of the machines and to discuss individual machining requirements. Located just off junctions 24 and 25 of the M62 at Innovation 25, Unit 7 Bradley Business Park, Dyson Wood Way, Huddersfield HD2 1GN the XYZ Machine Tools Huddersfield showroom is ideally located for customers along the M62 corridor. In addition to refreshments being served throughout the day a buffet lunch will be available at midday and every visitor will receive a free vernier caliper, delivered after the open day, as a thank you for attending.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com