EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Automation UK show doubling in size for 2024

The first-ever Automation UK show in June 2023 proved to be a huge success, providing an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations in automation and robotics. Buoyed by this success, the show will return on 18-19 June 2024 at the CBS Arena in Coventry. The show’s organiser, the British Automation & Robot Association (BARA), is responding to increased levels of interest and participation by doubling the exhibition space.

Automation UK will once again be co-located alongside Machine Vision Conference (MVC), giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the latest vision technologies.

For further information www.automation-uk.co.uk

World-first environmental standard claim

A UK manufacturer, fabricator and installer of access products – Teesside based Lionweld Kennedy – has secured an Environmental Product Declaration, making it the only grating manufacturer in the world to carry this accreditation.The Environmental Product Declaration is a transparent declaration communicating a product’s materials, and how it impacts the environment across its lifecycle. It also recognises those companies continually seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. The company says the accreditation reassures customers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and use more sustainable products.

For further information www.lk-uk.com

£2m investment at Alucast

A £2m investment drive is helping a UK aluminium foundry pass the £10m sales mark as it looks to make the most of new opportunities.Alucast, which has increased its workforce by 20% to more than 120 people at its base in Wednesbury, has commissioned six CNC machines, a HDTD low-pressure machine and boosted its ‘new core’ capabilities. It is the company’s largest investment drive in nearly a decade and reflects an increase in demand for Alucast’s casting expertise and machining capabilities. Headlining the recent funding boost is an 800-tonne LK high-pressure die-casting machine.

For further information www.alucast.co.uk

Sheffield Forgemasters acquires more space

Sheffield Forgemasters has acquired a10,000 sq ft two-storey office building close to Meadowhall that will house increasing staff numbers.Located at the junction of Brightside Lane and Weedon Street, the 1980s-built Riverside Court complex, will become a new base for project leaders and associated contractors working on the company’s new 13,000-tonne forging line and proposed machining facility.With Sheffield Forgemasters undertaking a multi-million-pound recapitalisation project, its workforce has almost doubled through the presence of around 500 on-site contractors.

For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Orbex awarded £3.3m funding

UK-based orbital launch services company, Orbex, hassecured £3.3min funding from the UK Space Agency as part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) ‘Boost!’ initiative. Orbex will use the funding to build the ‘Ultra-Green Launch Complex’ at Sutherland Spaceport on the north coast of Scotland. The spaceport aims to be the world’s first carbon-neutral spaceport in its construction and operation. The site will see the launch of up to 12 orbital rockets per year, with Orbex already securing several commercial launch contracts with satellite manufacturers.

For further information www.orbex.space