EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Sumitomo invests in EEW Offshore Wind

Sumitomo Corporation last month reached an investment and business operation participation agreement with EEW Offshore Wind EU Holding, a Germany-based manufacturer of monopiles – large diameter steel pipes for the foundation of bottom-fixed offshore wind power generation. Completion is scheduled for the end of December 2024, subject to various legal and regulatory requirements. EEW’s strength is its mass production system enabled by sophisticated technology to bend steel plates over 100mm thick and advanced high-quality welding technology.

More information www.sumitomocorp.com

£500k manufacturing support programme

SME manufacturers in Warwickshire are being urged to take advantage of a £500,000 business support initiative that will help them boost sales, create jobs and improve productivity.The Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme has already supported over 80 local companies to unlock barriers to growth through one-on-one coaching, consultancy, free workshops and signposting to other schemes.Southam-based Trident Hydraulics is among those already benefiting, accessing strategic advice to execute a growth plan that will help it move from £1.1m to £1.6m over the course of the next 12 months.

More informationwww.warwickshire-mgp.co.uk

Strategic realignment at FFG

Machine tool manufacturer, the Fair Friend Group (FFG), has initiated a comprehensive strategic realignment to address the current global challenges in the machine tool industry and strengthen its competitive position. As part of this transformation, FFG has appointed Dr Sebastian Schöning as its new CEO.

Schöning, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, brings over 20 years of professional and management experience. Since 2021, he has served as the group’s COO and as the CEO of MAG IAS GmbH. In his new role, Schöning will spearhead global strategy development and lead the group’s operations. He will have support from Rong-Rong Liu, who has been appointed CFO and will be responsible for overseeing the group’s financial management.

More information https://ffg-ea.com

FANUC names 2024 open house date

The annual FANUC UK open house will take place on 12-14 November 2024.Visitors will be able to see the company’s latest technologies, including industrial and collaborative robots, machining centres, EDM machines, and plastic injection moulding machines. A long list of guest exhibitors will also presentvarious automation applications.

Hosted at FANUC’s UK headquarters at Ansty Park, Coventry, another attraction of the open house willbe its series of talks, panel discussions and interviews with leading lights in British industry, who will tackle the most pressing issues facing UK manufacturers. The themes for each day will be: day 1 – enabling step change in automation adoption; day 2 – education for automation adoption; and day 3 – UK automation 2030.

Register at https://ukopenhouse.fanuc.eu

Third Princess Royal Training Award for Xtrac

Xtrac, a specialist in developing transmission systems for professional motorsport and high-performance automotive applications, has received its third Princess Royal Training Award. It is the only company in the automotive and motorsport industry to win the apprenticeship training mark of recognition for a third time. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will present the award at a ceremony where 52 award winners, including Bentley Motors and Lotus Cars from the automotive sector, will gather in November.Over 30% of Xtrac’s employees are under 30 years of age. 

More information www.xtrac.com/xtrac-academy