EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Cranfield joins major innovation cluster

Cranfield University has become part of an industry innovation cluster which aims to address the complex challenges of the future of flight through close collaborative work.

The European Technology Development Clusters (E-TDCs) established by Avio Aero bring together prestigious universities, research centres and SMEs, and Cranfield is now a partner in the research framework. The partnership combines industry awareness of market needs and technology excellence, with Cranfield’s expertise and academic capabilities in manufacturing and materials.

More information www.cranfield.ac.uk

CPE wins £85m Rolls-Royce contract

Rolls-Royce has awarded Glasgow-based Castle Precision Engineering with a contract worth more than £85m for the manufacture and supply of precision-machined rotating aero engine parts. The new agreement, which was endorsed by the UK Government’s Scottish Secretary and runs through to the second half of the decade, continues a 40-year relationship with the firm. Formalising the continuation of the long-standing relationship with Castle Precision Engineering, reiterates the commitment of Rolls-Royce to the UK supply chain and UK skills.

More information www.rolls-royce.com

Two key promotions at Mills CNC

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Zayer machine tools from DN Solutions and Zayer in the UK and Ireland, has strengthened its management team through the promotion of two existing members of staff to director positions. Both appointments become effective from 1 August 2024.

Richard Wilson (pictured), current business manager for the West Midlands, Wiltshire and home counties region, has become Mills’ new sales director. This company-wide role will see Wilson assume responsibility for the strategic planning, co-ordination and implementation of the company’s UK sales operations. The second appointment sees Craig Clarke, Mills’ existing operations manager, promoted to operations director.

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

Nick Peter retires from Hainbuch UK

After 16 years of dedicated service, Nick Peter has retired from work-holding specialist Hainbuch UK Ltd. As the general manager of the UK subsidiary, Peter has been instrumental in the growth and success of the company during his tenure. Stepping down from his role, Dave Thompsell is now in place as the new manager. With over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Thompsell brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. He pledges to uphold the quality and standards established by Peter and to continue the company’s success.

More information www.hainbuch.com

Plans for landmark machining plant

Sheffield Forgemasters has submitted a planning application for a landmark 30,000 m²machining facility on brownfield land in Sheffield’s Meadowhall district. Located on a 16-acre plot at Weedon Street, the new facility will form one of the world’s most advanced large machining facilities, supporting the company’s manufacture for the UK defence programme.

With work on the site planned to start in Q4 2024, the building will cover a space equal to 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools and contain 17 new machines, including some of the largest and most advanced five-axis vertical turning lathes (VTLs). Gareth Barker, COO, says: “The planning application covers an ambitious new project to create a facility that will deliver some of the world’s most advanced, large-scale machining capabilities.”

More information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com