Funding for STEM events

Thousands of underrepresented UK schoolchildren have been given access to high-quality STEM experiences through Drax Foundation funding, in partnership with EngineeringUK. Funding for Engineering UK’s ‘Big Bang at School’ bursaries has now enabled 10 priority schools to host their own STEM events – bringing the magic of the Big Bang to the classroom with an inspiring day of activities. The bursaries, supported by £15,000 of matched funding, gave 3088 pupils the opportunity to engage in STEM activities. The scheme caters to schools serving youngsters underrepresented in the engineering workforce.

More information www.drax.com

Flow expands into fabrication solutions

Flow International Corp, a global developer and manufacturer of high-pressure waterjet cutting systems, is expanding its manufacturing solutions with the launch of Flow Fabrication – a new division dedicated to providing complete metal fabrication solutions. Of particular note, the expansion brings laser cutting and press brakes into Flow’s portfolio. The new product line-up will be officially unveiled at the Fabtech exhibition in Chicago this September, where attendees can see live demonstrations and learn how Flow’s expanded technology portfolio can enhance their manufacturing processes.

More information www.flowwaterjet.com

Oerlikon innovation and production hub

Oerlikon celebrated the ground-breaking of its new global innovation and production centre for thermal spray systems and coating cervices at Campus Reichhold in Aargau, Switzerland.

The facility will bring together approximately 250 skilled employees, currently located at three separate Swiss sites. Notably, the campus will integrate R&D, engineering, production and customer services into a single hub. Operations are expected to commence in Q1 2027. The centre will primarily serve customers in the aerospace, automotive and general industrial markets. Among its features is a unique test rig for aerospace turbine parts.

More information www.oerlikon.com

Recognition for MES specialist

Critical Manufacturing, a specialist in advanced Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and a subsidiary of ASMPT, has been recognised as a Representative Vendor in the May 2025 Gartner Market Guide for MES report. Gartner states this recognition is based on “inquiry volumes, market presence and the ability to cover the core MES use cases and features”.

Francisco Almada Lobo, Critical Manufacturing CEO, says: “In recent years we have been recognized three times as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for MES report and we are now equally proud that this research and advisory firm has listed us as a Representative Vendor in its May 2025 Market Guide for MES.”
More information www.criticalmanufacturing.com

Metelec expands with NI facility

Specialist copper supply chain partner Metelec has announced the launch of a distribution facility in Belfast, offering improved convenience and delivery times for customers across Northern Ireland. Metelec has strengthened its relationship with ARO Logistics to open the operation in its state-of-the-art 36,000 sq ft distribution facility in Newtownabbey, from which deliveries will be made across the country.

One of the UK’s largest distributors of copper bars, busbars, copper profiles and copper components, Metelec has a head office in the West Midlands, as well as operating from another distribution centre in Tullamore, Republic of Ireland. The Newtownabbey centre will shorten delivery times for dozens of customers in Northern Ireland.

More information www.metelec.com