Editor’s Pick

Free automation and robotics conference

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is to host a two-day conference at its Coventry facility to drive the uptake of robotics and automation across UK manufacturing. ‘Robotics and Automation – A New Perspective’, will take place on 10-11 May, exploring the future of automation and demonstrating the opportunities available to UK industry.Delegates will get the chance to share insights into the transformational benefits of robotic technologies and learn how automation can improve productivity and drive global competitiveness.

The free event will bring together high level speakers from industry, government and academia. Mike Wilson, chief automation officer at the MTC, says: “It’s an opportunity to meet, discuss and address the challenges with the adoption of automation and robotics. Delegates can listen to inspiring talks by industry experts, join educational workshops, discover innovative technologies or simply network with like-minded individuals.”
For further information www.bit.ly/3E4t6Z0

Strong year for Mazak UK

The continued resilience of the UK’s manufacturing base has delivered a strong sales year for machine tool producer Yamazaki Mazak.Despite challenging conditions, the company has reported strong sales in key markets and machine categories as UK manufacturers continued to invest in new technologies.

Alan Mucklow, managing director UK, Eire and national distributors, says: “The post-Covid upturn that started in 2021 continued into 2022 and we delivered a record month for production in late autumn. Our new machine sales figures are proof that UK manufacturing is willing to invest in new technology to remain productive and competitive.Our customers are telling us that they remain very busy,order books are full and they are confident about the future.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

MTC offers lifeline to Britishvolt employees

The Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre is providing a lifeline to redundant employees of the collapsed battery manufacturer Britishvolt. In total, the MTC is offering Britishvolt workers with the opportunity to fill more than 50 engineering, manufacturing and supporting roles at its Ansty Park headquarters. The roles available include engineers of all levels, as well as project managers and trainers.

MTC chief people officer, Vicki Sanderson, says the MTC was keen to support the UK manufacturing community: “The UK has long suffered from a shortage of people with the right engineering and associated skills to take the country’s manufacturing industry into the future, so it’s important that these skills are not lost to other sectors.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Welcome to Southern Manufacturing 2023

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics (7-9 February, Farnborough) is without doubt one of the most important and popular engineering shows in the UK calendar. From modest beginnings as a regional event, the exhibition has evolved into a fully-fledged national show, with increasing influence across continental Europe and further afield. In 2018, the event entered its third decade with a move into its new permanent home, the £35m Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, a 20,000m² complex offering world-class facilities, easy access and free onsite parking.

With its trademark diversity of suppliers, Southern Manufacturing and Electronics attracts both big name manufacturers and a rich eco-system of engineering SMEs. As usual, MTI magazine has a stand at the event, so why not call into stand L270 to meet with our friendly team and discover more about the industry’s easiest and quickest way to buy and sell machine tools.
For further information www.industrysouth.co.uk

Sheffield Forgemasters partners WaldrichSiegen

Sheffield Forgemasters has signed a long-term partnership with machine tool supplier WaldrichSiegen for the lifetime support of its proposed new machining facility. WaldrichSiegen will deliver a 10-year, through-life and production-support contract, plus the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of 17 new machine tools to create highly accurate, complex machined shapes from ultra-large steel castings and forgings. McDowell Machine Tools represents WaldrichSiegen in the UK.

The machining line will sit in a proposed new building at the company’s Brightside Lane site, and includes a series of large-scale, five-axis vertical turning lathes that form part of a recapitalisation investment of up to £400m over 10 years. Scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2028, the machine line-up comprises: seven heavy-duty VTLs with 5-8 m tables; three gantry mills with 6-16 m turning capability; three RAM hydrostatic boring mills; three heavy-duty horizontal lathes with 24-27 m beds; and one gantry bandsaw.
For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com