Delkia expands operations and adds jobs

A new engineering production facility is set to open this month and create around 20 new jobs near St Helens as specialist engineering and technology company Delkia expands its operations into Merseyside. Delkia, which specialises in safety-related and mission-critical systems for the defence and nuclear sectors, is expanding its production capabilities to keep pace with a growing order book. The new ‘Power and Propulsion Centre of Excellence’ at Haydock boasts 16,000 ft² of manufacturing space and will specialise in the large-scale production, testing and assembly of power and propulsion systems for defence customers.

More information www.delkia.co.uk

Digital Twin Centre opens in Belfast 

The UK Digital Twin Centre has officially opened in Belfast, marking a major milestone in the UK’s digital innovation landscape. Delivered by Digital Catapult and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal and Innovate UK, the project is set to drive the next wave of industrial transformation by accelerating the adoption of digital twin technology across critical UK sectors – projected to reach £62m in GVA for the economy over the next decade. Programmes delivered by the UK Digital Twin Centre will help businesses across the country to demystify, demonstrate and deploy digital twins. More information www.bit.ly/3ROZuFC

Pre-Met presses on with QSP purchase

A UK metal pressings and stamping specialist has set its sights on growth after sealing its latest strategic acquisition. Pre-Met, which operates from a 50,000 ft² factory in Redditch, has purchased nearby Quality Springs & Pressings (QSP) in a deal that will boost market share in the automotive, construction, environmental and transport markets – and help the business move toward its targeted revenue milestone of £10m.

All 16 employees are being retained to take the total workforce to 60, with the transfer of production machinery and equipment to the company’s Studley Road site completing over the next three months. The acquisition broadens the group’s capacity to include more wire form and spring manufacturing expertise, additional presses, as well as embedding new robot and manual welding capabilities.

More information www.metalpressingsandstampings.co.uk

Manufacturing for the future

High precision, automation and digital technology – this is what the future of metalworking looks like. During its ‘Technology Days’ event in Chemnitz, Starrag showcased some of the crucial building blocks of this ambition and highlighted machine developments such as the Heckert H100 compact machining centre.

A sneak preview of the new large machine series was displayed alongside perfectly co-ordinated peripherals. The event also offered the 200+ visitors a glimpse of the newly designed production hall, where precision-critical components for a wide range of StarragTornos Group machines are manufactured in a highly automated process with micron-level accuracy.

More information www.starrag.com

HBK Porto celebrates new site in style

Following a major two-year expansion plan, global test and measurement specialist HBK celebrated the official opening of its new Porto site in Portugal last month with a host of presentations and local music. This new chapter for HBK was marked by the raising of the Portuguese and British flags, accompanied by a rendition of the national anthems, performed by a group from the Vila do Conde Conservatory. Upon arrival, guests and staff enjoyed a reception, followed by opening speeches from HBK Plant Manager Luís Rodrigues and Director of Optical business Luís Ferreira.

More information www.hbkworld.com