EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

MTA expands support for manufacturers

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has expanded its support to the engineering-based manufacturing sector with the formation of a new cluster of trade associations and events. This progressive move sees the Engineering Industries Association (EIA) and Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) join the MTA portfolio to create a unique alliance dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of engineering-based manufacturing.

Combining with MACH (Birmingham NEC, 15-19 April 2024), the UK’s national event for inspiring, innovating and connecting manufacturing, and the new Engineering Supply Chain Show, the cluster represents a united front dedicated to furthering the interests of engineering-based manufacturing in the UK, in turn boosting business opportunities.
For further information www.mta.org.uk

Citizen Machinery UK extends international reach

Citizen Machinery UK has long-been responsible for the Japanese watch group’s CNC bar-fed lathe sales in Britain and Ireland, while also being a distribution hub for machine sales in France, Spain, Portugal, the Nordic Countries, the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, the company works with subsidiaries in Italy and Germany. Underlining its international standing, the UK subsidiary has spread its wings much further to join forces with a dealer in Australia, Headland Technology, based in Victoria. Also operating also from centres in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, Headland serves the Australian and New Zealand markets.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Brandauer scoops two CBM awards

One of the West Midlands’ best-kept manufacturing secrets has capped a record-breaking year by securing two major industrial awards.Brandauer, which produces millions of high-tolerance metal pressings/stampings every week for customers in 10 sectors and across 26 different countries, was named the Confederation of British Metalforming’s ‘Company of the Year’ in front of 200 people at Birmingham’s Grand Hotel.

Judges praised the Birmingham-based company for its resilience and ability to bounce back from the pandemic, developing a unique lamination process for electrification and increasing its tooling business from £500,000 to £2m per year.This result has seen Brandauer take turnover past £9m for the first time in its 161-year history, including new orders for a Slovenian automotive supplier of HVAC systems, a new $3m supercar and reconnaissance drones.
For further information www.brandauer.co.uk

ABB robotics supports Renault

ABB is supporting Renault Group by providing state-of-the-art robotics technology to help automate the manufacturer’s electric vehicle production network across several key markets. ABB has delivered the majority of 160 large industrial robotsover the past 24 months, helping tocreate increased capacity at Renault Group’s e-motor assembly lines in Cléon and Douai, France. At the company’s Douai facility, for example, ABB technology will help manufacture Renault’s next-generation of EVs with new advanced body-in-white facilities.
For further information www.abb.com/robotics

New machines at Walter-Ewag open house

Two cost-effective Walter Helitronic tool grinders will make their UK debuts this summer when Walter Ewag UK stages an open house at its Warwick headquarters on 27-29June.
The Helitronic Mini Plus and the Helitronic G 200 represent affordable yet capable and accurate models in the range of tool and insert grinding, erosion and laser machines available from Walter Ewag UK. Both machines are for processing tools up to 125 mm diameter and can utilise optional technology to capitalise on the rewards of increased automation.
To register call Phil Morrison 01926 485047, 07714 826832