The MTA’s first ever virtual AGM held earlier this month saw the association name its new president: Andy Hodgson, strategic lead – digitalisation at Siemens. Hodgson has played an active role in the MTA for many years as a board member and served as the technical committee chairman for the past two years, stepping down to take on this new role. He will serve a two-year term as president.

Hodgson, who has a wealth of experience in the manufacturing technologies sector, as well as first-hand experience of industry digitalisation, says: “It’s a great honour to be appointed as president of the MTA and I hope that I can build upon the successes we have shared and bring the projects we have started to fruition. I look forward to steering the association, supported by the board, through the troubled waters that still lie ahead with a pandemic still upon us and Brexit just around the corner.”

For further information
www.mta.org.uk

Midlands-based metal-cutting machinery supplier, Addison Saws Ltd, has appointed Chris Wilson as its new managing director. Wilson was previously the company’s UK sales director and will be taking over from previous managing director Gary Knight. Knight drove the company forward in his role for 16 years and is now handing over the reins to his second-in-command for good, after Wilson demonstrated his abilities in a short but successful period as acting managing director during the COVID-19 crisis.

The shift comes at a crucial time for all manufacturing businesses and, having spent 15 years at Addison occupying various roles, Wilson is fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to continue pushing the company forward. He has more than proved his capabilities in leading the business over the years by building solid relationships with both customers and suppliers.

For further information www.addisonsaws.co.uk

Founded only five years ago, Grayline Engineering is a machine shop located in Woodbridge that typically reflects the general subcontract sector, manufacturing ‘anything and everything’, according to managing director Graham Chattenton. Central to the company’s growth is a strategy to invest in machine tools from Dugard.

“I used Dugard machines when I worked at other companies and they’ve always been helpful,” he says. “If there has ever been a service issue or problem with the machines, Dugard has stepped up to the mark and I’ve always been really happy with the results.”

When Grayline was set up five years ago it invested in two Dugard 32 sliding-head machines. To complement these machines, which have now been superseded in the Dugard range by the Hanwha series of sliding-head lathes, Grayline recently invested in a Dugard SMEC SL2000ASY sub-spindle turning centre with Y-axis machining capabilities.

With a swing over bed of 650 mm, a maximum machining diameter of 395 mm and a maximum machining length of 450 mm, this 8” chuck machine has been supplied with a Hydrafeed 65 bar feeding unit.

Offering a larger capacity than the sliding-head machines, the SMEC SL2000ASY has an 11/18.5 kW spindle motor with a maximum spindle speed of 4500 rpm, and a 5.5/7.5 kW motor on the sub-spindle. In addition, a driven tooling unit achieves a spindle speed of 5000 rpm from the 3.7/5.5 kW continuous live tooling motor.

Speaking about the purchase of the SMEC SL2000ASY slant-bed machine, Chattenton concludes: “The staff at Dugard are always quick to make sure that we’re getting everything we need to do the job. We pick up the phone and get all the answers we need.”

For further information
www.dugard.com

SteelFab, a leading exhibition for the metalworking, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industries, will now take place in June 2021 rather than its scheduled January date. The show will open its doors on 7-10 June at the Expo Centre Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The decision is described by the organiser as difficult yet responsible, and in the best interests of all participants. Moving the event to June will also provide sufficient time for the industry to adapt, restore balance and regain confidence in exhibiting, visiting and travelling.

As the Middle East’s major showcase for machinery, technology and equipment, SteelFab will provide a platform for around 300 exhibitors across 26,000 sq m of floor space. Some 6500 trade visitors are likely to attend from approximately 70 countries. Special focus areas at the 17th edition of the show will include welding and cutting, machine tools, pipe and tube machinery, and wear-resistance/hard-facing solutions.

For further information www.steelfabme.com

HM Treasury is extending a £1m tax break to stimulate investment in UK manufacturing and boost market confidence. Businesses, including manufacturing firms, can continue to claim up to £1m in same-year tax relief through the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) for capital investments in plant and machinery assets until 1 January 2022. The extension of the temporary £1m cap was originally due to revert to £200,000 on 1 January 2021.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jesse Norman says: “It is vital that we support business through the difficult months ahead. Extending the AIA’s £1m cap will give manufacturers the confidence they need for investment into next year, helping them to grow while also benefitting the wider economy.”

For further information www.gov.uk