Machine tool orders continue to climb

In the second quarter of 2022, order intake in the German machine tool industry rose by 24% compared with the same period last year. In this context, orders from Germany manufacturers increased by 27% and those from abroad by 23%. In the first half of 2022, orders increased by 34% overall. Domestic orders contributed to this with a 35% increase and foreign orders with a 33% increase. The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) reports that Germany’s two lead export markets, China and the USA, remain strong.
For further information www.vdw.de

Okuma reaches major milestone

In August 2022, Okuma Corporation cleared a major hurdle, having sold 10,000 units of its MCR double-column machining centre. Okuma attributes this great success since the MCR’s introduction in the 1960s to its systematic advancement and growing interest from new industries, such as semiconductor, electronics and renewable energy. Whether it is a shortage of skilled workers or the goal of climate neutrality, with the intelligent double-column machining centres from Okuma, numerous companies worldwide are now able to respond successfully to current and future challenges, states the company.
For further information www.okuma.eu

Major plans for investment

Sheffield Forgemasters is marking one year since its acquisition by the Ministry of Defence. The company, which provides components for the UK defence programme, has embarked on a recapitalisation programme with up to £400m to be invested over 10 years and key changes already taking place across its 64-acre site. The project has already seen a new 13,000 tonne forging press arrive from Japan and the purchase of two vertical turning lathes from Germany. Additionally, the company has engaged in many tender processes for new cranes and furnaces for the 13,000 tonne forging line, alongside 17 new machining centres.
For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Mazak celebrates 35 years of UK production

Yamazaki Mazak celebrated 35 years of UK manufacturing by hosting a fun-filled day for its employees and their families at Drayton Manor Theme Park. The celebration was the first time in three years where colleagues and their families could once again come together communally. Over 750 guests enjoyed complimentary use of the theme park, as well as a private lunch, while younger visitors had the chance to meet Drayton Manor’s own Rory the Lion. Since commencing production at Worcester in 1987, the site has produced over 30,000 machine tools.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Cti becomes new AMRC partner

Castings Technology International (Cti) has become a new partner of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), recognising the ‘synergy’ between the two organisations and the value it will bring to its customers. Sitting alongside the AMRC on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, Cti provides advanced casting expertise and manufacturing capabilities, including computer process modelling, design for casting manufacture, rapid manufacture of precision castings, additive processes and materials research.

Cti’s managing director Richard Cook says: “Once a subsidiary of the AMRC, we’re is delighted to become a member of this world-leading cluster of research groups. There is a great deal of synergy in what we do, in particular the ability to signpost clients from pure R&D towards the exploitation of newly developed technology and vice versa for those with mature products who are seeking R&D support.”
For further information www.amrc.co.uk