EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Automation can be the key to success

The adoption of robotics and automation in UK manufacturing has the potential to improve productivity, efficiency and quality across multiple sectors, delegates discovered at a Manufacturing Technology Centre conference: ‘Robotics and Automation – A New Perspective’. According to speakers at the conference, the adoption of robotics and automation offers the potential to overcome problems such as labour shortages, skills shortages and low productivity.

More than 300 delegates from a wide range of industries shared insights into the transformational benefits of cutting-edge robotic technologies and heard how automation can improve productivity and drive global competitiveness for UK businesses. Topics covered at the conference included overcoming barriers to adoption and meeting the challenges presented by automation.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Gestamp and In-Comm launch training centre

A major UK automotive supplier is joining forces with In-Comm Training to boost its learning and development offer and support employee retention. Gestamp, which manufactures components for use in car body structures, is investing in a dedicated training centre at its plant in Four Ashes, Wolverhampton. Six classrooms will deliver Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeships for a minimum of 60 existing team members every year, as well as a host of other development activities designed to increase the skills base of its 650-strong workforce. The Gestamp Training Centre will house two In-Comm Training experts.
For further information www.gestamp.com

Manufacturing rebounds

Britain’s manufacturers are seeing a rebound in activity in the first quarter of the year as the domestic and global markets improved.The latest Make UK/BDO Q1 Manufacturing Outlook survey shows a marked pick-up on the picture in the final quarter of 2022. The figures echo the gradual improvements in other data such as the UK and European PMIs which are now only just in negative territory, as well as a strong pick-up in demand from China. Most notably, the improvement was driven by strong demand in the mechanical equipment and electronics sectors.
For further information www.bit.ly/433Tkp6

Projects worth £1.2m for Walker Engineering

Northwest-based firm Walker Engineering has enjoyed a record start to 2023by winning a host of new projects across the UK. With total new work worth over £1.2m in 2023 alone, the Skelmersdale company has utilised the strength of its team to enter new markets and territories around the country. Growing its team by 11% from 26 to 29 in the year to date, Walker Engineering is now looking to recruit more trainee fabricators, welders, pipefitters and mechanical and electrical engineers. The business is also spearheading a campaign to recruit five new apprentices in various roles.
For further information www.walkereng.co.uk

Renishaw renews partnership

Renishaw has renewed its partnership with British sailing team INEOS Britannia as it works towards the 37th Americas Cup. As an official technical supplier, Renishaw will provide additive manufacturing (AM) and position measurement expertise for INEOS Britannia as it attempts to become the first British team to win the Americas Cup in its 172-year history. The competition takes place in Barcelonabetween August and October 2024, representing the third consecutive challenge for the racing team led by Sir Ben Ainslie. Renishaw has been a partner for all three challenges.
For further information www.renishaw.com