EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

UK demand for VERICUT drives changes

Due to continued expansion of the VERICUT user base and increasing demand for CGTech’s CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation products, the software company has restructured its UK sales operations and expanded its technical support division.Jonathan Hollinworth, formerly UK technical support engineer, moves into a sales position delivering technical sales to existing and prospective customers in the north of England and Scotland.CGTech has also appointed two new technical support engineers: James Williams and Paul Goodson. Bothhave already completed intensive initial training.

For further information www.cgtech.co.uk

New CEO at Sheffield Forgemasters

The board of directors at Sheffield Forgemasters has appointed a new CEO as David Bond plans to step down.Gary Nutter will take full responsibility in March, bringing with himsignificant experience of global business leadership. Nutter most recently served as CEO and director of aerospace engineering group RLC Aerospace Ltd, following careers at Kongsberg Marine Ltd and Rolls-Royce Plc.He will join a strong and experienced board of directors to deliver the recapitalisation programme, which is now taking physical shape as Sheffield Forgemasters preparesits site for new, large-scale manufacturing facilities.

For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Big Bang Fair returns in June

The Big Bang Fair – the UK’s largest celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for young people – is set to return this summer. Run by EngineeringUK, the annual fair is designed to ignite a passion for STEM and showcase career possibilities in these sectors. Taking place on 19-21 June 2024 at the Birmingham NEC, the fair will welcome students aged 10 to 13 from across the UK. Schools and home educators can register for free tickets to attend.

A diverse range of employers will come together at the 2024 fair to bring engineering and tech careers to life – from sectors that include aerospace, rail, automotive and energy. This gives young people the opportunity to meet STEM professionals, as well as join exciting live shows and inspiring career panels. Almost 16,000 young people attended the fair last year, along with 2300 teachers.

For further information www.thebigbang.org.uk

PP C&A on course for £40m sales

A UK strategic manufacturing outsourcing specialists has set its sights on breaking the £40m sales revenue barrier in 2024. PP Control & Automation, which works with over 20 of the world’s most successful machinery builders in a wide range of markets, has seen sales rise from £24m to £36m over the past 12 months. The business is now looking to add a further £4m of orders by investing in more automation at its West Midlands factory.

Ian Knight, chief information officer, says: “We are massive advocates of combining investment in automation with investment in people.This blended approach seems to be paying off with a record year in 2023 and strong growth prospects for the next 12 months.”

For further information www.ppcanda.com

Module Works Partners with DN Solutions

ModuleWorks, a software provider for the CADCAM industry, has struck up a partnership with CNC machine tool builder DN Solutions involving equity investment and business co-operation. The collaboration will foster a close working relationship between the two companies, focusing on the joint development of machine tool software and the creation of integrated solutions to drive digital transformation in the manufacturing industry. DN Solutions will leverage the software resources provided by ModuleWorks to enhance the pace of developing intelligent, automated machining cycles and user-assisted solutions.

For further information www.moduleworks.com