EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Recognising future engineering talent

The Design & Make Challenge 2024, organised and run by the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN) earlier this month, attracted nearly 100 pupils from 15 schools in what was one of the largest independent STEM events ever held in the UK. Southam College, Barclay Academy and Lawrence Sheriff High School took the main prizes, winning the Efficiency, Innovation and Manufacturing Awards respectively. Judges liked the way they tackled their challenge, using a box of simple materials to build a device that could securely lift a 23 kg metal block with nothing more than a pulley system.

More information www.man-group.co.uk

VDW Hosts Kuala Lumpur Symposium

With its ‘Innovations in Production Technology – German Machine Tools Symposium’ in
Kuala Lumpur earlier this month, the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association)
helped its members gain a stronger foothold in growth markets. Eight German high-tech
companies used the VDW symposium to sound out their opportunities in the presence of
110 Malaysian trade visitors. The companies – DMG Mori, Chiron, Grob, Hermle, Index, Open
Mind Technologies, Schütte and United Grinding – also participated in 48 B2B meetings. The
VDW estimates that the Malaysian machine tool market is worth more than €700m.
More information www.vdw.de

Government’s industry focus welcomed

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) says it welcomes the new government
and its robust commitment to revitalising the UK’s manufacturing and technology sectors.
For over a century, the MTA has championed the cause of a comprehensive industrial
strategy, and it is thrilled to see this vision finally seeing recognition and implementation by
the new administration.
The Labour Party’s manifesto promises a strategic partnership through a new industrial
strategy that is both mission-driven and future-focused. According to the MTA, this initiative
is precisely what industry needs to seize emerging opportunities and remove barriers to
growth. Establishing an Industrial Strategy Council on a statutory footing – ensuring
representation from all regions, businesses and trade unions – marks a significant shift
towards long-term economic planning and stability.
More information www.mta.org.uk

Morf3D reorganisation

Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is unveiling a strategic reorganisation of its subsidiary Morf3D, relaunching it under the new name Nikon AM Synergy (Nikon AM Synergy). Following Nikon’s full acquisition of Morf3D in July 2023, the company has undergone significant realignment in support of Nikon’s advanced manufacturing business strategy. Now operating from Long Beach, California, Nikon AM Synergy will accelerate the adoption and scaling of metal additive manufacturing (AM) for advanced applications in sectors such as aerospace and defence.

More information www.nikon.com

Record orders at Lionweld Kennedy

Lionweld Kennedy, a UK manufacturer of steel gratings, handrail standards and fabricated steel products, is announcing record-breaking orders with the company seeing an all-time high in the value of orders placed. With unprecedented demand across all key markets, including construction, oil and gas, utilities and data centres, Lionweld Kennedy achieved order intake levels of 190% of the 2023 monthly average in May of this year. Managing director Dave Robinson says: “This success is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt and innovate in a competitive market.”

More information www.lk-uk.com