EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

£10bn UK warships deal

Billions of pounds will be pumped into the UK economy following Norway’s decision to select British warships for its Armed Forces, securing thousands of jobs in Britain for years to come. The UK, in its biggest ever warship export deal by value, will supply Norway with Type 26 frigates designed for anti-submarine warfare in the deal, which is worth £10bn. The deal will support 4000 jobs across the UK supply chain until well into the 2030s, including more than 2000 at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards. The programme is also expected to support 432 business, including 222 SMEs across the UK. 

More information www.gov.uk

Bowers & Jones demonstrate green credentials

Bowers & Jones has achieved ISO 14001 accreditation, which is presented to organisations with effective management systems and processes in place to reduce their environmental footprint. Bowers & Jones managing director Jane Sommerville says: “Serving customers for 70 years, we recognise our duty to minimise our environmental impact while continuing to deliver the high-quality roll tooling and rolling mill products our customers depend on. This certification demonstrates the environmental management systems we have implemented and reflects our dedication to sustainable manufacturing practices.”

More information www.bowersjones.com

Formnext Asia Shenzhen Visitors Soar By 78%

Formnext Asia Shenzhen, South China’s leading trade fair for additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, concluded its 2025 edition with a record-breaking 78% growth in visitor attendance (20,175). The show floor reflected a strong sense of optimism in China’s AM market, with visitors ranging from senior decision makers to first-time AM adopters, praising the event’s rising prominence as an industry hub for Asia’s manufacturing sectors. This was matched by increasing attention from the global AM community, with international attendance up by 158%, more than doubling for the second consecutive year.

More information www.formnext-shenzhen.com

GE Aerospace awards major contract to Barnes

GE Aerospace has awarded a six-year contract to Barnes Aerospace for the manufacture of components required by the T700/CT7 family of engines. This partnership will support the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review ambitions for resilient supply chains and a thriving industrial base.

As part of the deal, Barnes Aerospace will produce T700/CT7 aerofoils at its Newton Abbot facility, critical components that enable the engine’s performance and reliability. This work builds on a trusted partnership between GE Aerospace and Barnes Aerospace that spans more than 30 years, underscoring the strength of their collaboration and shared commitment to delivering high-quality aerospace solutions.

More information www.geaerospace.com

Recruitment Drive at Bridgnorth Aluminium

One of Shropshire’s largest employers headed to the UK Metals Expo last week to launch its next recruitment drive. Bridgnorth Aluminium (BAL), which is Britain’s only fully integrated producer of flat rolled aluminium coils, is looking to fill 10 positions at its site in Bridgnorth and believes the biggest event in UK metals was the perfect place to raise awareness of a career in this sector.

The company took its largest ever presence at the show, where it also sought to champion the role of aluminium as a critical material for sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defence and energy. Bosses at the firm want it to have the same standing and political attention as steel, especially considering aluminium is an infinitely recyclable metal and one suited to achieving a true circular economy.

More information www.bridgnorthaluminium.co.uk