FANUC’s Oliver Selby is new BARA chair

FANUC UK’s head of sales Oliver Selby is the new chair ofthe British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA). Taking over from current chair George Thompson, Selby will enjoy supportin his new role fromvice-chair Rosie Davies, the managing director of Reeco Automation. With more than 20 years’ experience, Selby is a long-standing and vocal supporter of the UK automation sector, and of manufacturing more widely. In his role as chair, he plans to advance the association’s activities, supporting BARA’s aim to increase automation uptake while placing members’ needs firmly front and centre.

More information www.fanuc.eu

Princess Royal visits Sheffield Forgemasters

The Princess Royal saw how Sheffield Forgemasters is investing in state-of-the-art facilities
and delivering next-generation skills as she greeted 75 apprentices recently. Her Royal
Highness was given a tour of the Brightside Lane facilities, seeing heavy forging operations,
meeting employees from all levels of the 675 strong workforce and receiving a briefing on
the recapitalisation taking place across the site. She follows in the footsteps of Queen
Victoria, King George V, Queen Elizabeth II and the then Prince of Wales (now King Charles
III), who all visited the Brightside Lane site.
More information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

HNC receives funding boost

Halifax Numerical Controls (HNC) has received a funding boost having secured a six-figure
loan from Finance For Enterprise (FFE). HNC engineers have extensive experience in all
aspects of advanced machine tool design, build and support. The team has a particularly
high level of expertise in CNC and PLC automation systems.
The new funding will aid working capital and future growth for the company, which makes
machine tools to order all around the world. Current large projects in progress include two
for Mid-West Innovators in the US and two for Hilzinger in Germany. Another machine is
currently undergoing build in Taiwan.
More information www.hncl.co.uk

In-house exhibition at World Machinery

Machine tool supplier World Machinery is hosting an in-house exhibition on 6-7 November
2024 at its UK headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The company will showcase its latest
innovations in laser cutters, tube lasers, all-electric press brakes and automation, among
other technologies. World Machinery’s friendly and professional staff will be on hand to
discuss the optimal solutions to existing challenges and new projects. The company can also
offer flexible and affordable finance agreements. The exhibition will be open from 10:00 to
15:00 both days. Confirmation of attendance is kindly requested.
More information www.worldmc.co.uk

Heller becomes AMRC member

At the recent AMB 2024 exhibition in Stuttgart, Matthew Farnsworth, commercial director
at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) announced
that machining centre manufacturer Heller had become its latest Tier 1 member. The
German-owned machine tool company has numerous factories, including one in Redditch.
As part of the agreement, a Heller F 6000 five-axis horizontal mill-turn centre will take its
place at the AMRC’s facility in Rotherham in June 2025. The machine will further the
development of aerospace-related applications, especially those involving the machining of
titanium structural and aero engine components.
More information https://uk.heller.biz