EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

US tariffs could prove tipping point for the UK

The MTA has warned that newly announced US tariffs on UK exports risk becoming the tipping point for British manufacturers already under severe pressure from soaring energy costs, rising employment taxes and chronic skills shortages. The new tariffs, reportedly ranging from 10 to 12.5%, apply to dozens of countries including the UK. The MTA says the situation underlined the urgent need for the UK Government to strengthen the domestic foundations of manufacturing competitiveness, rather than leaving firms exposed to international trade shocks while carrying avoidable costs at home.

More information www.mta.org.uk

Manchester Metrology to host open day

Manchester Metrology is hosting its 2026 open day on 14 July (10:00-15:00), featuring live, hands-on demonstrations that showcase the latest additions to its range of equipment. The company is inviting visitors to its facility in Ashton-under-Lyne to take a tour of the site, meet the team, and learn how Manchester Metrology’s equipment, services and software can support businesses and projects.

Live demonstrations are set to include the latest portable arms, 3D scanners, laser trackers, CMMs and 3D printers. Tour areas will extend from the CMM room to the servicing, calibration and repair room, as well as the 3D printing room. Selected Manchester Metrology partners and suppliers will also be showcasing products. Complementary food and drinks will be available throughout the day.

More information www.manchester-metrology.co.uk

FANUC speeds physical AI with Google collaborat

FANUC has enhanced its ‘Physical AI Robot System’ through a strategic collaboration with Google as a function of its initiative to accelerate automation by advancing open platforms and physical AI capabilities. As part of the collaboration, FANUC has developed a physical AI system for industrial robots that incorporates the latest innovations from Google Cloud, including Gemini Enterprise. Since the release of FANUC’s Physical AI Robot System at the International Robot exhibition in December, customer interest has grown rapidly, with over 1000 FANUC robots for physical AI-related applications already shipped.

More information www.fanuc.com

Potential For Nissan Sunderland to Build Chery Vehicles

Nissan and Chery International UK have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the study of Nissan to contract manufacture Chery passenger vehicles at its Sunderland plant. Under the terms of the non-binding MoU, the Sunderland facility would remain fully owned by Nissan, with the team at the plant employed by Nissan.

The MoU includes the possibility that Nissan would aim to begin manufacturing Chery passenger vehicles in financial year 2027. Massimiliano Messina, chairperson Nissan AMIEO, says: “This is an important step forward for our operations. We’re looking forward to working with Chery International UK in the coming months to finalise a position that is optimal for both companies.”

More information www.nissan.co.uk

NCMT to host ‘Engineered for Power’ event

Manufacturing technology provider NCMT will host a two-day technical event at its Coventry Technology Centre on 9-10 September 2026. Entitled ‘Engineered for Power’, the event is dedicated to precision grinding and advanced manufacturing for turbine blades, vanes and high-value engine components. The new Makino G5 grinder with Pro6 control will be a central focus, combining grinding and machining in a single platform for complex component production. As the exclusive UK and Ireland partner of Makino and Okuma, the event will also highlight supporting technologies such as EDM and machining solutions.

More information www.ncmt.co.uk/event/efp