Manufacturing rebounds

Britain’s manufacturers are seeing a rebound in activity in the first quarter of the year as the domestic and global markets improved.The latest Make UK/BDO Q1 Manufacturing Outlook survey shows a marked pick-up on the picture in the final quarter of 2022. The figures echo the gradual improvements in other data such as the UK and European PMIs which are now only just in negative territory, as well as a strong pick-up in demand from China. Most notably, the improvement was driven by strong demand in the mechanical equipment and electronics sectors.
For further information www.bit.ly/433Tkp6

Projects worth £1.2m for Walker Engineering

Northwest-based firm Walker Engineering has enjoyed a record start to 2023by winning a host of new projects across the UK. With total new work worth over £1.2m in 2023 alone, the Skelmersdale company has utilised the strength of its team to enter new markets and territories around the country. Growing its team by 11% from 26 to 29 in the year to date, Walker Engineering is now looking to recruit more trainee fabricators, welders, pipefitters and mechanical and electrical engineers. The business is also spearheading a campaign to recruit five new apprentices in various roles.
For further information www.walkereng.co.uk

Renishaw renews partnership

Renishaw has renewed its partnership with British sailing team INEOS Britannia as it works towards the 37th Americas Cup. As an official technical supplier, Renishaw will provide additive manufacturing (AM) and position measurement expertise for INEOS Britannia as it attempts to become the first British team to win the Americas Cup in its 172-year history. The competition takes place in Barcelonabetween August and October 2024, representing the third consecutive challenge for the racing team led by Sir Ben Ainslie. Renishaw has been a partner for all three challenges.
For further information www.renishaw.com

Ward CNC names head of aftersales and service

Machine tool supplier TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC) has appointed David Cockbill to the position of head of aftersales and service.Cockbilljoins the company with a wide range of technical engineering knowledge and skills, as well as a wealth of experience in aftersales. Operating from both Ward CNC’s Sheffield and Redditch showrooms, he will have overall responsibility for the company’s growing team of field service, internal andapplication engineers, projects andinstallations, quality and health and safety, in addition to customer service andspare parts.
For further information www.wardcnc.com

Mazak lauds recruitment open house

Yamazaki Mazak has declared its recent recruitment open house a major success.The event, which took place in April, attracted 22 attendees with 16 subsequently offered positions as trainee machine tool builders. It was open to all ages from education leavers through to career changers.

Christopher Bills, production manager -assembly at Mazak’s European manufacturing plant in Worcester, says: “We selected people mainly on attitude as these are trainee vacancies. With a good attitude we can train all the skills required to be a successful machine tool builder. I am delighted that all 16 who were offered a position accepted. The new recruits are now working in a variety of roles including electrical assembly, mechanical assembly and fitting roles.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk