EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Shift pattern innovation

A Midlands manufacturing business is taking an innovative approach to labour shortages by introducing a new shift aimed at attracting part-time workers.It is the first time in two decades that Fabweld Steel Products, which manufactures access covers for the water, energy and security sectors, has restructured its shift system.The company is hoping to increase its headcount with part-time staff working an18:00-22:00 shift in a move which it hopes will be attractive to those looking for second jobs or career flexibility. The new shift will operate from Monday to Thursday and the roles are for shop-floor fabricators.
For further information www.fsp.co.uk

Used machine tool sector prepares for UMEX

After the success of UMEX 2022 in New Delhi, the show’s organiser Hyve India Pvt Ltd is about to open the doors at the 17th edition, which takes place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai on 1-3 September. UMEX is the internationally renowned exhibition focusing on the sale and purchase of pre-owned machine tools, both metal cutting and metal forming. The last edition, featuring 468 exhibitors covering 7000 sq m, attracted 11,515 visitors from 18 countries, which set a new standard in footfall.

Hyve India anticipates similar numbers at this year’s UMEX, an event that will also host an open seminar on new technologies and innovation. Further features will include over 25national andinternational trade delegations, exclusive industry excellence awards, and four co-located events involving complementary technologies: IMEX exhibition for new machine tools; CWE for cutting and welding equipment, including laser systems; HTF for hand tools, power tools and fasteners; and TECHINDIA for pumps, valves, compressors and more.
For further information www.umexonline.com

Lantek reports 24.9% growth in turnover

Lantek, a multinational specialist in sheet metal manufacturing software with more than 32,000 registered customers supported through 21 offices in 15 countries,achieved a 24.9% surge in salesduring the 2022/23 financial year, resulting in a turnover exceeding €35.3m.Notably, the company recently expanded its global market vision by creating Lantek Australia, serving customers in both Australia and New Zealand. Furthermore, as part of a strategic commitment to digitalising the industrial metals sector, the company has made significant progress in its growth plan to employ nearly 400 professionals globally.
For further information www.lantek.com

Free access to heat recovery system details

Engineers from Igus, a manufacturer of technical products from high-performance plastics, are now using a simple, in-house technology for heat recovery. It uses the waste heat from machinery to heat factories and industrial units, saving energy costs and CO2 emissions. The company is making the details of the technology available online, for free. If all injection moulders worldwide were to use this technology, Igus calculates it could save over 1 million tons of CO2 and more than 548 million m3 of gas.According to the company’s calculations, the saving corresponds to the annual gas consumption of 238,434 four-person households.
For further information www.bit.ly/3quUMmn

MTC Training to launch skills bootcamp

MTC Training, the training wing of the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre, has secured funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority to deliver a new training course that will improve the efficiency of manufacturing businesses across the region.
The ‘Skills Bootcamp Manufacturing Efficiency’ programme aims to help managers and leaders looking to upskill and optimise their organisation’s processes and output through a combination of face-to-face training, self-study and online and remote learning.

During the 16-week programme, delegates will build their skill-sets in management, leadership and analytics across eight areas: costs; process improvement; health and safety; workplace organisation; visual management; standard work and process monitoring; problem solving; and continuous improvement and innovation. As part of MTC Training’s partnership with Lloyds Bank, the first four cohorts are free for any SME delegates.Limited spaces are available.
For further information www.bit.ly/3KMDmrY