EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Sheffield Forgemasters signs agreement

The signing of the Trinity House Agreement marks a fundamental shift in the UK’s relations with Germany and for European security. The agreement between Europe’s two biggest defence spenders aims to strengthen national security and economic growth in the face of growing Russian aggression and increasing threats.

A proposed new UK Rheinmetall factory will see the UK manufacture artillery gun barrels, with steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters. Gary Nutter, CEO at Sheffield Forgemasters, says: “I’m delighted to confirm that Sheffield Forgemasters is working to reinstate the manufacture of gun barrels after a 20-year hiatus, to supply large-calibre gun-barrels to Germany’s Rheinmetall AG, servicing UK defence contracts and exports.”

More information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Automotive firm set for growth

An automotive prototyping firm based in Coventry is gearing up for accelerated growth after landing a five-figure grant for new equipment to meet rising demand. Futura Design received a £25,000 grant from the Business Growth West Midlands team at Coventry City Council, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The £22m turnover company manufactures prototype models predominantly for the automotive industry, and the money will fund nearly half the cost of a new paint booth to help with the finishing of high-end prototypes. It means the firm can now meet rising demand for its paint development and finishing services from major names such as JLR, Bentley and Aston Martin.

More information www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk

Manufacturing and training expo success

More than 40 of the West Midlands’ leading manufacturing and engineering support businesses showcased their expertise at a new exhibition held in Telford earlier this month.

The Training and Manufacturing Group Expo, organised by In-Comm Training and sponsored by FBC Manby Bowdler, provided a networking opportunity for the region’s decision makers, thought leaders, engineers and workers of the future. Accura Engineering, Collins Aerospace, Guhring and Bruderer UK were among those taking part, while specialists in recruitment, marketing, law and workwear were also offering advice and guidance.

More information www.in-comm-tmg.co.uk

MTL completes £10m facility

MTL Advanced, a UK-based engineering and manufacturing company, has completed a new 6225 m² factory adjacent to its existing 27871 m² unit in Rotherham. The expansion represents a £10m investment towards the future growth of the business, driven by the award of a long-term multi-million-pound contract in partnership with a key customer. Production will begin next month.

As part of the investment, MTL has enhanced its manufacturing capabilities with the acquisition of several new machine for this new ‘factory of the future’. Among the arrivals is a large-format LVD press brake, two Doosan horizontal machining centres with automatic pallet changers and seven Yaskawa robot welding centres.

More information www.mtladv.com

Act now on sustainability

A major materials specialist is challenging UK manufacturers to innovate for tomorrow in pursuit of increased sustainability. The rallying call came from Dr Aphrodite Tomou, head of technical at Goodfellow, who is encouraging companies to consider how they can use new materials to boost product performance and be kinder to the environment. Goodfellow can advise on more than 170,000 different metals and materials. It has already helped clients secure success with metals for nuclear fusion research, lightweight and thermal resistant alloys for aerospace, and nanomaterials for battery and collar cell applications.
More information www.goodfellow.com