EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Oqton and Valk Welding team up

Oqton, a software provider helping manufacturers increase innovation and efficiency by intelligently automating production, and Valk Welding, a specialist in the field of flexible arc-welding robots, have entered a partnership designed to transform the welding industry. As a result, Oqton’s software will become part of Valk Welding’s Automatic Robotic Programming (ARP) solution for high-mix, low-volume production. The Valk Welding ARP powered by Oqton is said to enable 10 times faster programming than traditional offline programming solutions.
For further information www.oqton.com

CGTech celebrates 35th anniversary

CGTech, the developer of Vericut CNC machine simulation software, is celebrating 35 years of growth and innovation in CNC simulation and optimisation.“For 35 years, CGTech’s technology leadership and experienced team have helped Vericut evolve together with our customer base. CGTech’s solutions are deeply entrenched in the aerospace industry’s history, and adopted today across sectors ranging from oil and gas to Formula One. People are at the heart of CGTech’s success and have made it what it is today: an innovative software company driven by team spirit and customer care.”
For further information www.cgtech.co.uk

Seco buys Premier Machine Tools

Ireland-based PMT Premier Machine Tools, a supplier of machining solutions for the medical industry, has become part of the product and service offering from cutting tool specialist Seco. With this acquisition Seco will increase its presence in the medical segment by offering integrated manufacturing solutions.PMT will continue to operate as an independent company and sell its products and services under the PMT brand. PMT’s business consists of supplying cutting tools and providing expertise, alongside a thriving machine tool supply business.
For further information www.secotools.com

12-year-old wins IET award

A 12-year-old from Huddersfield has won the Institution of Engineering & Technology’s (IET) national ‘Backpack to the Future’ competition. The winning entry ‘blew away’ judges with a design that filters polluted air, helping 8 million people in the UK who suffer the often-crippling effects of asthma.

The IET teamed up with global lifestyle brand HYPE, challenging youngsters to supercharge fashion with STEM and invent a backpack that helps them do incredible things. Eleanor Wood’s ‘Breathe Better Backpack’ – touchingly inspired by her Mum’s experience with asthma – features a built-in air filter and fans, powered sustainably by solar panels and a dynamo.
For further information www.engineer-a-better-world.org

First anniversary of skills partnership

Two industrial voices in the Midlands have marked the first anniversary of a partnership aimed at tackling the skills crisis facing UK manufacturers.MSC Industrial Supply Co and Next Gen Makers formed a strategic partnership at the end of 2021 to help engineering and manufacturing firms identify skills gaps and improve the quality of their apprenticeship, talent development and retention schemes.

Next Gen Makers has established a group of over 50 engineering and manufacturing firms as part of its Engineering Apprenticeships: Best Practice Programme. It enables companies to share best practice about how to run successful apprenticeship schemes, while benchmarking their individual approaches to identify areas for improvement.
For further information www.nextgenmakers.co.uk