PMI hits near-record high

April saw a further acceleration in the UK manufacturing sector’s rate of expansion. Growth of output and new orders were both among the best seen over the past seven years, leading to a solid increase in employment. The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 60.9 in April, up from 58.9 in March and above the earlier flash estimate of 60.7. The latest reading is the highest since July 1994’s record high (61.0).
Manufacturing production increased for the 11th successive month in April. Underpinning the latest robust expansion of production was a similarly marked improvement in new business intake, while two-thirds (66%) of companies predict that output will be even higher in a year’s time. In fact, the overall degree of confidence currently stands at its highest level in seven years.

For further information www.markiteconomics.com

Virtual portal milling event

Soraluce will to showcase its portal and gantry milling machines live from the company’s factory in Spain at 09:00 UK time on 18 May. This 30-minute virtual event, delivered in English by David Gonzalez, commercial director at Soraluce, and Iñaki Iglesias, senior applications technician, is open to all who register. TW Ward CNC Machinery is the partner and exclusive supplier of Soraluce machine tools in the UK and Ireland.

The event will include practical examples showing the multi-tasking functionality of the machines, which are suitable for milling, turning and grinding. More specifically, attendees will have the opportunity to witness a comprehensive tour of a machine for a major customer from the rail sector. Delegates will be able to ask questions by participating in a live chat.

Register at
https://is.gd/rinusu

XYZ reports strong start to 2021

The year has started on a highly positive note for XYZ Machine Tools, which posted record sales for February and March. April has continued that trend with the figures defying the gloom that the Covid-19 pandemic has wrought, showing year-on-year UK sales growth of over 18%. XYZ achieved an order intake for April of 106 machines.

“We have robust plans in place to help XYZ Machine Tools continue this positive trajectory,” says managing director Nigel Atherton. “These include stepping up our machine orders with suppliers to increase stock levels; new machine introductions; partnering tooling specialist Ceratizit as it opens a new showroom in Sheffield; and opening our own showroom in Huddersfield later this year. The 5000 sq ft Huddersfield facility is located just off the M62 and will serve customers either side of the Pennines with training and demonstrations.”

For further information
www.xyzmachinetools.com

Nuclear AMRC Midlands

Derby’s bid to establish a world-class advanced manufacturing research centre at Infinity Park has moved a step closer, with the submission of a full planning application for the new Nuclear AMRC Midlands building. The Nuclear AMRC will operate the new facility, which will initially create up to 70 high-value jobs, rising to 120 at full capacity. With around 4400 sq m of floor space, Nuclear AMRC Midlands will further extend the centre’s ability to help manufacturers develop and adopt innovative technologies that will deliver maximum impact for the UK’s nuclear supply chain.

For further information
www.namrc.co.uk

New brand positioning for Adira

Adira Metal Forming Solutions, with its more than 60 years of history as a manufacturer and global supplier of engineering solutions, is positioning its brand more ambitiously and competitively, reformulating the company’s marketing and communication organisation and strategy to shore up its position worldwide.

‘Shaping the future’ is the company’s new slogan, with a focus on new technology to mark the change in positioning, which is in line with its mission to satisfy customer needs and provide innovative solutions. To grow its leadership position on the Iberian Peninsula into a multi-continental presence – by leveraging a geographic proximity that channels the competitive advantages of each of its global partners – Adira is now more accessible, more effective and more ambitious. Opening a physical and virtual showroom and designing an augmented reality app are just some of the innovations introduced with the rebranding on the company’s website. Aidra has also decided to study its performance through customer reviews, case studies and white papers, and to provide increasingly more optimised and automated customer service.

As well as being a specialist in the production of hydraulic, electric and hybrid press brakes, along with shears and robotised cells, Adira conducts intensive research and development in large-scale additive manufacturing. The company was acquired by Sonae Capital in 2017 and has since increased its portfolio of services, automation and customised solutions, focusing on digital restructuring and transformation. Adira now embraces the challenges of the future more effectively and successfully.

For further information
www.adira.pt