Renishaw supports Brunel at FS

In its 20th year of participation at the Formula Student (FS) competition, Brunel University London’s race team was supported by Renishaw.

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) expertise was contributed by Renishaw engineers to help Brunel Racing create a manifold part for the team’s BR-XX car, which was used to compete at FS-UK in Silverstone and FS-ATA in Italy, both in July.
Matthew Crouch, a mechanical engineering student and one of the managers of the Brunel Racing team, says: “Renishaw’s expertise and advice on how to design a part for the additive manufacturing process was invaluable. To design for AM, both overhangs could not be more than 55° from the vertical axis, and each part required smooth transitions of cross sectional thickness. AM proved itself to be a much more suitable manufacturing method than a traditional approach. The final part performs better in the car due to its increased strength, and we also had the benefit of reduced post processing.”
For further information www.renishaw.com

Asset finance aids CNC lathe purchase

The purchase of a CNC turning centre by GWR Fasteners, a manufacturer of special fasteners and precision components, has been funded by Close Brothers Asset Finance. Having recently moved into new premises in Oswestry after outgrowing its former location, the new machine will enable GWR Fasteners to both ramp up production and offer new products.

“Here at Close Brothers, we’ve been partnering with GWR Fasteners since they established their firm over a decade ago,” says Simon Parker, regional sales manager for Close Brothers Asset Finance – Manufacturing Division. “We funded their very first CNC machine and we’re delighted that they selected us as their funding partner for the Miyano BNE-51SY6 eight-axis CNC turning centre with bar feed. Despite the considerable cost of the machine, the bespoke finance package we compiled will have a negligible impact on GWR Fasteners’ cash flow, which is always a key consideration in this type of deal.”
Jude Robinson, who founded GWR Fasteners with her partner, Gary, adds: “The purchase of the new CNC machine is a strong statement of our ambitions and it wasn’t a decision we took lightly. Having worked with Close Brothers Asset Finance since we started out, we were able to negotiate a deal that worked for both firms, and we’re delighted with the outcome.”
For further information www.closeassetfinance.co.uk

Heathrow signs UK Steel Charter

Heathrow has become the latest signatory to the UK Steel Charter, signalling its continued support for this vital strategic industry and maximising the opportunities for UK steel producers to supply the project.

The announcement follows public sector support from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and the Scottish and Welsh Governments. John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s chief executive says: “Heathrow expansion is an opportunity to deliver an economic boost for all the nations and regions of the UK, and supporting the steel industry is key to achieving that.”
For further information www.makeuk.org/about/uk-steel

MTC apprentice wins award

Olivia Burton, a first-year apprentice at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), has been honoured with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training’s Business Administration Apprentice of the Year Award.

Burton, aged 19, is on the MTC’s three-year business administration apprenticeship at the Coventry-based MTC.
“This award shows that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” she says. “I love my job and progressing in my career, so it gives me a great sense of achievement. I’d 100% recommend the MTC business admin apprenticeship to anyone looking for a business-related apprenticeship, particularly as the scheme is structured to rotate us around various departments within the MTC. This gives us so much experience and a very good understanding of the business as a whole.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Promotion at In-Comm

In-Comm Training, a West Midlands training provider, has appointed a new director as it looks to capitalise on recent investment and a record year of performance.

The company, which supported more than 2500 people with apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities in 2018, has promoted Chris Reeves to operations director, overseeing the further expansion of its academies in Aldridge, Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury. As a former member of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Reeves joins directors Colin Mills, Geoff Jones and Bekki Phillips on the senior management team.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk