Editor’s Pick

Celebrating excellence in manufacturing

Subcon has announced the winners of the inaugural Subcon Manufacturing Solutions Show
Awards. The awards celebrate and recognise outstanding achievements in the
manufacturing industry. Subcon sales manager Ben Watkins says: “This is just one of the
many initiatives we introduced to Subcon this year. Thank you to our judges for giving up
their time and expertise, and congratulations to our nominees and winners.”
Among numerous stand-out awards was UK Manufacturing Partner of the Year. The judges
declared WEC Group as the winner for the company’s significant investments in UK
manufacturing in recent months. WEC Group is planning to build Europe’s largest
subcontract heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility in Blackburn.
More information www.subconshow.co.uk

Factory of the Future build begins

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 makes key acquisition

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 to host technology exhibition

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

Record growth for ANT Industries

ANT Industries, a precision engineering firm headquartered in Atherstone, Warwickshire, is celebrating a year of unprecedented success and growth by announcing new orders in excess of £30m for the next three years. The company machines components for aerospace and gas turbine engines that include engine rings, casings and prismatic parts for customers such as Eaton Aerospace, Rolls Royce and ITP.

Central to success at ANT Industries is its investment in cutting-edge machinery. Over the past 18 months the company has invested heavily in new CNC machines that include a Haas UMC 1000SS five-axis machining centre and an Anca FX5 Linear tool and cutter grinder. Additional investments will arrive in Q2 2024 through The Engineering Technology Group.

For more information www.antindustries.com