EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Major Contract Funds New Nuclear Deterrent Submarines

The Government has awarded a new £5.9bn contract to BAE Systems funding critical work to progress the nation’s Dreadnought Class nuclear deterrent submarines towards entry into service. Work on the first Dreadnought now continues apace at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, ready for delivery to the Royal Navy in the early 2030s.

The four-boat Dreadnought Class programme will replace the existing Barrow-built Vanguard fleet, ensuring continuation of the UK’s critical ‘Continuous at Sea Deterrent’ capability. They will be the biggest, most powerful and technically advanced submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. The BAE Systems contract forms part of a wider £8.4bn package approved by parliament for the MoD.

More information www.baesystems.com

Group Rhodes Investment Will Aid Large Press Builds

Group Rhodes, a West Yorkshire-based manufacturer of heavy industrial presses and forming equipment, is investing £400,000 in new plant and facilities, strengthening its capability to design, manufacture and deliver large-scale press projects for customers around the world. The investment, which consists of new assembly pits and material handling equipment, forms part of Group Rhodes’ ongoing commitment to its international customer base and enhances the company’s ability to handle large and complex projects with greater precision, capacity and efficiency.

More information www.grouprhodes.co.uk

MACH 2028 Floor Space Already Half Sold

General sale for MACH 2028 is now open, with more than half of the exhibition floorplan already sold following a surge in requests for space. Over 13,000 m² of stand space has been snapped up nearly two years before the UK’s premier manufacturing technology showcase returns to the NEC Birmingham on 3-7 April 2028. Companies are being urged to book immediately to ensure the best range of stand locations.

The rush follows the success of MACH 2026, which attracted 26,000 attendees and more than 500 exhibitors. Staged across five halls, official post-show figures confirm that exhibitors reported overwhelmingly positive results, including record enquiries and sales. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to book before September 2026 to qualify for the early bird discount.

More information www.tinyurl.com/3ecfpjsb

Impact Of War

New research shows the huge impact the ongoing war in Iran is having on businesses across the Midlands. The research – carried out by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce – reveals that 80% of businesses have seen costs increase because of the conflict. Some 64% of manufacturers said they had faced “moderate or significant” extra costs, with 5% saying the increases threatened their viability. Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber, says the survey highlighted the need for more government support with energy costs and better contingency planning to develop price stability.

More information www.tinyurl.com/ya37he64

50 Jobs Forecast

Manufacturers across the southeast are set to create 50 new jobs after investing more than £0.5m in AI, robotics and digital technologies. Some 17 projects have been supported by £245,000 of grants from the Government-backed Made Smarter South East programme, unlocking £563,000 of private sector investment in technologies. Projects include AI-powered automation, robotics, automated testing, advanced digital inspection, integrated ERP and CRM systems, digital scanning and 3D printing technologies, helping manufacturers improve productivity, reduce manual work and strengthen quality.

More information www.madesmarter.uk