Construction has started on a state-of-the-art Factory of the Future at Global Point in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland.Led by Queen’s University Belfast, the project is key to an exciting future for advanced manufacturing in Northern Ireland.US Special Envoy to NI for Economic Affairs Joe Kennedy III joined Queen’s University vice-chancellor Sir Ian Greer and Mayor of Antrim Neil Kelly on a site visit along with key representatives from industry, government and academia.

They marked a major milestone for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) through a £100m investment, expected to create up to 1500 jobs across Northern Ireland, contribute £1bn to the economy and train 300 apprentices by 2050.Due to open in 2026, the 10,000 sq m manufacturing and engineering innovation centre with capacity for 150 staff, will provide open access to the latest digital, automation and robotics technology.

More information www.qub.ac.uk/Business/AMIC

Leicester Bearings, a specialist in the supply and distribution of engineering components, consumables and associated mechanical services, has acquired Mercury Power Transmission, a prominent player in the bearings, power transmission and fabrication industry. The focus is now on ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers, suppliers and other partners.

Managing director of Leicester Bearings, Jamie March, says: “The extensive knowledge and experience that Mercury Power Transmission brings are second to none. This acquisition represents a strategic investment in expanding our footprint in the supply of fabrication, engineering services and power transmission, enabling us to deliver even greater value to our customers and drive sustainable growth.”

More information www.leicesterbearings.co.uk 

XYZ Machine Tools will celebrate 40 years of product and service excellence by staging a showcase technology exhibition at its 100,000 sq ft headquarters and manufacturing facility in Burlescombe, Devon. Taking place on 9-10 July 2024 (09:00 to 15:00), this technological and commercial show of strength will demonstrate why the company has become the UK’s largest supplier of CNC machine tools.

“To celebrate 40 years of trading we’ll show our full product range, everything from manual machines, ProtoTRAK mills and ProtoTRAK lathes, through to a broad spread of other CNC machines that include five-axis machining centres and sub-spindle lathes,” explains managing director Nigel Atherton, who founded XYZ Machine Tools in 1984. Highlights will include the new XYZ 65 LTY-S sub-spindle turning centre, technologies and services from 17 invited partner companies, and tours of XYZ’s state-of-the-art factory.More information www.bit.ly/456W4ne

The UK’s national event for inspiring and connecting the manufacturing industry has once again been hailed as a triumph, with thousands of visitors filling the five halls at the NEC in Birmingham over the week-long show in April. The 2024 edition of the exhibition saw a 6% increase in the number of visitors meaning the full attendance of the event is rapidly approaching 30,000 people.

A highlight of the seminar programme was the launch of the MTA’s latest ‘True Impact of Manufacturing Report’. The report reveals the significant positive impact that manufacturing has on the UK economy, which is far greater than many think. Key findings of the report include: manufacturing accounts for £518bn of UK GDP and supports 7.3m jobs; ‘making things’ accounts for 34.5% of all UK goods and services exports; and themedian wage in manufacturing is 11% above the national average.

For further information www.machexhibition.com