EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Archer selects Bristol for UK Engineering Hub

Archer has selected Bristol as the home of its UK Engineering Hub, which will support some of the company’s most advanced engineering initiatives across its commercial and defence programmes. With a long history of aerospace innovation and a deep well of talent, Bristol offers the ideal location for Archer’s new facility.

Since Archer’s announcement in December regarding plans for its UK hub, the company has received hundreds of applications and begun hiring engineers to help it deliver the next era of advanced aerospace and defence. This workforce will help drive Archer’s local collaboration with Anduril UK and GKN, initially focused on the joint work of the companies in support of uncrewed vehicle programmes in the UK.

More information www.archer.com

ISOQAR gains UKAS accreditation for AI management

UK certification body ISOQAR has achieved UKAS accreditation to deliver ISO/IEC 42001, the international standard for artificial intelligence (AI) management systems, a significant milestone for UK businesses developing or deploying AI technologies. ISOQAR is now one of the first UK certification bodies to be accredited by UKAS for ISO/IEC 42001, currently the world’s first AI management system standard. The standard, first released in 2023, provides organisations with guidance and structured frameworks to manage the risks, governance and opportunities associated with developing and deploying AI-based products and services.More information www.isoqar.com

Rubix to host smart manufacturing event

Cutting tool, work-holding and associated shop-floor products specialist Rubix Cutting & Machining is holding an open house and Smart Manufacturing Event at its Product Proving Centre in Sandiacre, Nottingham on 18-19 March (09:00-16:00 both days). The Rubix division in Sandiacre was created to combine the company’s cutting tool portfolio with technical consultancy provided by expert, time-served engineers.

For performing live demonstrations of the production solutions that Rubix provides, the facility in Sandiacre operates three Hurco machine tools: a pair of vertical machining centres (a five-axis VMX42Ui and a three-axis VMX30Ti) and a TMX8MYSi multi-axis, driven-tool lathe with Y-axis turret and sub-spindle. Metal-cutting demonstrations conducted at the event will include high-speed slotting, roughing and finishing in titanium and aluminium.More information www.bit.ly/4u2K2HB

Hurco show of strength

In the opinion of David Waghorn, managing director of machine tool supplier Hurco Europe, the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics show in Farnborough last month delivered on every front. Visitor numbers stood at 10,722, more than 5% up on last time, enquiry levels were high and the atmosphere throughout the hall reflected a manufacturing industry that is both resilient and ready to invest. Hurco welcomed a significant number of new contacts exploring its product range for the first time. Over the three-day event, 140 visitors from 88 companies engaged in detailed discussions on the company’s stand.

More information www.hurco.com

Enginuity appoints Ritchey as new deputy chair

Ian Ritchey has been appointed as the new deputy chair of UK engineering and manufacturing skills charity, Enginuity Group. The appointment strengthens the board at a time when the sector is navigating a period of rapid change. Ritchey brings a wealth of experience from across technical industries, including aerospace, defence, marine, nuclear and energy, and a proven track record of leading complex engineering organisations and programmes. His insight will be invaluable as Enginuity continues to champion an employer-led skills system that equips businesses with the talent they need now and into the future. 

More information www.enginuity.org