EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Council launches in Kent to tackle skills gap

A wide range of local organisations came together recently to explore practical ways to collaborate in addressing current and future job vacancies, while also tackling local skills shortages. Hosted at North Kent College’s Gravesend Campus, the event marked the official launch of the Kent & Medway Industry4Council, which unites employers from the engineering and manufacturing sectors. The new partnership offers a practical forum for employers to collaborate with further and higher education institutions, as well as independent training providers.

More information www.northkent.ac.uk

Bruderer completes Telford facility

Bruderer, a manufacturer of precision high-speed presses, has reinforced its commitment to the future of UK manufacturing by investing heavily in the construction of a state-of-the-art site in Telford. The company has moved its entire operation from its base in Luton to the modern 10,000 sq m facility.

Described as Bruderer’s ‘centre of manufacturing excellence’, the new building offers a competence centre capable of giving access to live demonstrations of new presses, fully certified pre-owned machines and fully integrated turnkey solutions. The move has also seen Bruderer UK increase its direct workforce to 14 as it looks to drive innovation in the production of pressed components.

More information www.bruderer.co.uk

Cobra Tool sold to YAD Capital

A long-established manufacturing business described by its acquirer as “a true gem” has been sold to YAD Capital Investments in a deal advised on by KBS Corporate. Cobra Tool & Die, based in Portsmouth, was founded in 1983 and has earned an excellent reputation as a manufacturer of all types of mould tools, as well as a provider of tool repair, modification and CNC machining services.

“This isn’t just another deal, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for a business with 42 years of legacy, craftsmanship and loyal customer relationships,” says Anil Daas, founder and CEO of YAD Capital Investments. “Cobra Tool & Die is a trusted name in the south, known for its precision, quality and a team of highly skilled professionals who keep things running like clockwork.”

More information www.kbscorporate.com

Burchills Automotive on road to growth

A Black Country manufacturer that puts the performance and acoustics into exhaust systems is targeting new opportunities after external business support paid off. Turning to the Walsall High-Growth Programme, the management team accessed guidance on streamlining production, working towards sustainable improvements and leadership and development opportunities. Part of the assistance was on navigating the different support programmes in place, which led to a near £30,000 grant from Walsall Council to support the £60,000 purchase of a new tube bending machine.

More information www.walsall-highgrowth.co.uk

TÜV Rheinland becomes EC ‘Notified Body’

With the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, the European Commission (EC) is setting new standards in the protection of people and technology. TÜV Rheinland, a global provider of testing, inspection and certification services, is now playing a key role in this: the EC has now officially recognized the company as a ‘Notified Body’ for testing and certification according to the new machinery regulation, which enters force on 20 January 2027.

“The main changes to the Machinery Directive relate to the digitalisation and connectivity of machines,” explains Thomas Koester, global head of the Technical Competence Centre for Industrial Machinery at TÜV Rheinland. “The focus is on AI, cybersecurity, human-robot collaboration and the networking of machines via the internet.”

More information http://tuv.li/1lb6