EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Transformative Jet Engine Technology Programme

The UK Government and Rolls-Royce are planning a joint 10-year, £2.5bn research and technology programme to develop cutting-edge gas turbine technologies for civil and defence aerospace. According to Rolls-Royce, the move unlocks the biggest opportunity to transform advanced manufacturing across the UK for a generation. 

Delivering the initial stages of the plan will support 3300 UK jobs at Rolls-Royce and supply chain partners by the end of 2029. Securing a UK engine position on new narrow-body aircraft would create tens of thousands more. As a result, Rolls-Royce and the Government will work together on a jobs and skills development plan to provide the necessary pipeline of future talent.  

More information www.rolls-royce.com 

Plant Will Recover Tungsten Carbide From Used Cutters

Kyocera Corporation will build a new refining facility at one of its Japanese plants to recover tungsten carbide, the primary raw material used in cemented carbide, from used cutting tools. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in the company’s 2030 financial year. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has certified the initiative under its ‘Plan for Securing a Stable Supply of Critical Minerals’ programme. Through this initiative, Kyocera aims to secure a stable supply of tungsten, strengthen supply chain resilience and contribute to a resource-circulating society.  

More information www.kyocera-unimerco.com 

Hurco to Hold December Open House

Hurco Europe’s annual end-of-year open house exhibition will take place at its High Wycombe showroom on 1 and 2 December (08:30 to 16:30 both days). Lunch and refreshments will be available. In addition to a showroom full of new Hurco CNC machine tools under power and cutting metal, there is the added attraction that many of Hurco’s primary suppliers will be in attendance.  
 
Notably, Hurco will unveil a new machine finance option, known as ‘Peace of Mind Finance’. It allows shops to lease a new Hurco machine for 36 months, with the option to return it after 18 months. Says David Waghorn, managing director of Hurco Europe: “Of course, it’s preferable to keep the machine for at least the first 36 months and, if work keeps coming in, 80% of the payments count towards an eventual machine purchase.” 

Register at www.hurco.com 

ADS Success

Leicester-based ADS Laser Cutting has grown its relationship with global material-handling equipment specialist Talos Engineered Products after delivering a major manufacturing programme worth more than £245,000. ADS Laser produced sheet-metal parts for conveyor units destined for a major UK fulfilment centre, completing the programme in just six weeks. The project marked a major development in a relationship spanning several years with ADS Laser subsequently completing a second commission for Talos. As a result, ADS Laser Cutting is now an official preferred supplier for Talos. 

More information www.adslaser.co.uk 

Excellent Employer

Redditch-based Samuel Taylor Ltd (STL) has secured Gold ‘Excellent Employer’ status in the Next Gen Makers Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Accreditation, recognising a scheme that has developed home-grown engineers for more than three decades. Founded in 1899, STL specialises in precision stamping and bi-metal bonding for the electrical contact market. Operations director Tom Roberts says: “Finding the specialist skills we require in the marketplace simply isn’t realistic, which is why we believe in developing our own talent from the bottom up. We see it as our responsibility to invest in the next generation.” 

More information www.nextgenmakers.co.uk