UKMC names first female chair

One of manufacturing’s leading champions and business support professionals is the new chair of the UK Metals Council (UKMC). Rachel Eade MBE will become the first woman to take the helm of the organisation, which initially began life 20 years ago as the Metals Forum and today represents more than 11,100 companies and supports more than £200bn of UK GDP. Eade’s focus will also be on maximising innovation in the sector and setting out how it can develop technologies and skills that support the move towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“This very exciting challenge gives me the chance to work with influential trade associations, member companies and academia to shape how we navigate sector issues while still making the most of the opportunities,” explains Eade, who is also currently supply chain lead at Birmingham City University.
For further information www.ukmetalscouncil.org

JCB creates over 150 jobs

JCB has created more than 150 new jobs for apprentices and graduates with an £8m investment in its early careers program. The new recruits started their jobs last week as JCB focuses on training the next generation of manufacturers, engineers and business specialists.

JCB Group HR director Max Jeffery says: “Competition for places on the JCB apprenticeship and graduate schemes is always fierce and this year we had more 2000 applications. We set the bar very high when we recruit people, and many JCB apprentices in recent years have gone on to win national awards, which is testament to the quality of the schemes we run. Our new intake of apprentices and graduates will play a fundamental role in shaping this business in the future.”
For further information, www.jcb.com

MTC signs up 3M

Global science-based technology manufacturer 3M has become the latest company to join the Manufacturing Technology Centre. 3M operates 97 manufacturing and converting facilities in 35 countries. The company employs 2150 people in the UK across 15 locations, including six manufacturing sites producing abrasives, personal safety equipment and adhesive tapes. 3M has been working alongside the MTC since 2018 on a number of different projects and as part of its membership, is expecting to focus on utilising manufacturing technology and application to abrasive and adhesive systems.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

MAN Group creates 50 new jobs

A unique collective of manufacturers is embarking on a major recruitment drive after a string of reshoring wins and new breakthroughs in electrification technology. The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), which comprises eight subcontract manufacturers and a specialist engineering design agency, has more than 50 different vacancies currently up for grabs and is urging people to come forward to make the most of the opportunities.

Roles range from SMT quality technicians and casting experts to technical sales and CNC machine setters, with firms also placing their faith in the future by investing in a host of interns and apprentices. Peter Davies, CEO of James Lister & Sons and co-chair of the MAN Group, says: “Despite all of the economic challenges out of our control, UK manufacturing is really buoyant at the moment and there are lots of opportunities out there for firms who are delivering new innovations and world-class performance.”
For further information www.man-group.co.uk/careers

Demand continues to rise for bow-top railings

Bow-top or hoop-top railings, are an increasingly popular solution for marking property boundaries and dividing open spaces. Proving highly popular for schools, parks and light commercial properties, they are an aesthetically pleasing solution, while their tubular construction ensures a strong and secure fence. Fabricators across the country pride themselves on bow top railing manufacturing, however the bow top itself can be a stumbling block.

Selmach Machinery says an increasing number of customers have been enquiring about solutions for bringing the manufacture of bow-top railings in-house. Many have previously been buying in the bow-top part of the railing and fabricating together the rest of the fencing. By bringing production in-house it enables manufacturers to have a greater control on the whole process, saving costs and negating supply chain issues.

The process is straightforward in principle, taking tubular steel, bending it through 180° and repeating. But what is the most effective production method? According to Selmach, the Curvassi range of bending machines achieve fast and accurate bending in round and square tube, flat bar, round bar, and square bar. Suitable for producing bow-top fencing hoops, the machine are available with either a manual or fully hydraulic vice. These bow-top fencing bending machines are suited to production environments as a 180° bend take just four seconds to complete.

Assorted tooling allows users to handle either solid or hollow tubes for forming into bow tops. These solution costs from £7000 to £12,000 + VAT.
For further information www.selmach.com