Editor’s Pick

18th edition of Aluminium China

Aluminium China, one of the world’s largest aluminium trade shows that serves as an industry barometer, is set for its 18th edition as it opens at the ShanghaiNew International Expo Centre this week (5-7 July). RX Greater China, the show’s organiser, is gearing up for the largest Aluminium China ever staged to offer the ultimate one-stop platform where visitors will learn the latest in the aluminium industry presented by the global companies at the forefront of innovation. The organiser expects visitor numbers to exceed 25,000.

Committed to promoting the sustainable development of the global aluminium industry, the exhibition will bring together new products, technologies, processes and applications across the entire aluminium value chain. Aluminium China aims to pave the way for new business opportunities and collaborations that will reshape the future of this vital sector.
For further information www.aluminiumchina.com/en-gb.html

Britten-Norman re-shoring aircraft production

UK aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman is planning to increase production rates and repatriate aircraft production to its historic home in Bembridge, Isle of Wight. The move is a major change for the British SME, which has been manufacturing its aircraft in Eastern Europe since the late 1960s.Britten-Norman will invest in new jigs and tooling to create two additional production lines, andintroduce new sustainable energy initiatives.

In the coming months, the company will embark on a recruitment campaign, further boosting job creation in the UK’s Solent Local Enterprise Partnership area. The focus will include aircraft fitters and technicians, production engineering and supply chain roles. In addition, the expansion will create new traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities on the Isle of Wight and in south Hampshire.
For further information www.britten-norman.com

Appointment supports growth at GM Group

As the GM Group prepares for the official opening of its new facility in Oldham, the company has laid a further marker of its ambitious growth intentions with the appointment of a new regional sales manager. Joining the GM Group to drive sales of the Victor CNC range of machine tools, Mathew Bates is now regional sales manager for the northwest of England and Wales. Bates is a seasoned engineer with more than 30 years of industry experience.

GM Group director Nicola Howard says: “The Victor brand of machine tools is renowned for its build quality, performance, longevity and a diversity that caters for all applications, industry sectors and machine shops. We’re confident that Mathew will apply his industry expertise and build upon our already impressive market penetration in the area.”
For further information www.gm-cnc.com

MGP funding comes to a close

One of the UK’s most successful industrial business support programmes comes to an end this month after helping the manufacturing sector to create or safeguard 12,435 jobs since 2016.The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), designed and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, will see funding from the European Regional Development Fund end and is now urging the Government and local authorities to ensure the quick placement of tailored advice for manufacturing SMEs.

MGP’s final report revealed that over 95% of companies surveyed expected their business to grow in the next five years after receiving support from the programme, with 63% identifying the development of new products as a key area. In addition, 63% said they had already seen an increase in turnover, while 52% cited improved productivity as the main outcome of support received.
For further information www.oxfordinnovationadvice.co.uk

Inspiring the next industrial era

Manufacturing World Japan, an international manufacturing event set to take place on 21-23 June, is launching its exhibitor directory and conference programme. The exhibitor directory is a thorough listing of manufacturers showing products, equipment and ground-breaking technologies. Visitors can browse a wide variety of exhibitors, form useful connections and learn about fresh business opportunities.

Complementing the exhibitor directory, the conference programme features a line-up of 30 speakers, including industry experts and thought leaders. There will be 21 sessions, including a keynote speech and 20 special lectures. Teiji Hirata, corporate vice president, vehicle production and development, Nissan Motor Co, will lead this year’s keynote speech by shedding light on Nissan’s cutting-edge manufacturing practices and its vision for next-generation vehicle production.
For further information www.bit.ly/3IKDyad