EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Electrification sector receives boost

An £800,000 initiative – designed to provide a ‘single source of truth’ for electrification skills and capabilities – is nearing its first big milestone.The Electrification Skills Network (ESN), which is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and delivered by Coventry University, is weeks away from launching the UK’s first-ever framework for a sector that has the potential to create more than 100,000 jobs by 2025.

Extensive research, interactive workshop sessions and the creation of a dedicated forum are all complete, involving more than 100 academic partners, training providers, accrediting bodies and employers, including Aston Martin and Bentley.All this knowledge and real-world experience has been channelled into the ongoing development of an interactive website, which will house the framework and lay out a common set of skills.

More information www.bit.ly/3XusjJV

Voyager set for £60m Alstom refurbishment

Alstom has signed a contract to refurbish CrossCountry’s Voyager trains. The contract, valued at around £60m, will see the work carried out at Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane facility. It encompasses 312 cars, comprising 136 Voyager (Class 220) and 176 Super Voyager (Class 221) vehicles. Some 252 cars belong to the existing CrossCountry fleet, while an additional 12 trains – totalling 60 additional carriages – will be added following their release from Avanti West Coast. Design work will commence immediately, with physical work in Derby set to commence from next year until 2027.

More information www.alstom.com

Anticipation builds for UK Metals Expo

Opening this week (11-12 September) at the Birmingham NEC, the UK Metals Expo is a free-to-attend exhibition that is set to host over 300 exhibitors as part of a leading event that brings the entire metals supply chain together via representation from the engineering and manufacturing sectors. In addition, more than 100 speakers will deliver presentations across a free two-day seminar programme.

Sponsored by Tata Steel, British Steel, Van Leeuwen and Trimble, primary focus areas of the exhibition include metalworking, fabrication, machinery and surface finishing.MTI magazine is an official media partner of the event and will be present on stand M83. Please call by the stand to pick up a copy of the latest issue, which is packed with news, features and other engaging content from the metalworking and metalforming sectors.

More information www.ukmetalsexpo.com

Dymag bought by Borbet

Borbet GmbH, a global manufacturer of light alloy wheels, is acquiringDymag Technologies Ltd. The acquisition includes the takeover of the Dymag brand, all patents, production facilities and the immediate integration of all employees.Dymag is a manufacturer of carbon and magnesium car and motorbike wheels based in Chippenham. Dymag will operate as an independent subsidiary of Borbet, with the companies working in close partnership to expand the development, production and distribution of carbon hybrid wheels for both original equipment and the aftermarket.

More information www.borbet.de

Shipbuilding Academy opens

A new £12m state-of-the-art training facility has opened in Glasgow to ensure Scottish shipbuilding has a thriving workforce for generations to come. The Applied Shipbuilding Academy at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard measures 5500m² and has a remit to develop the entire workforce, from new starters to senior leaders. The new facilities, together with additional investments in technologies and equipment, form an overall £300m investment in BAE Systems’ two shipbuilding sites in Glasgow over the next five years.These investments support the delivery of the eight Type 26 frigates ordered by the Royal Navy.

More information www.baesystems.com