Siemens Mobility to invest in £100m factory

Siemens is embarking on a £100m investment to establish a cutting-edge rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and R&D centre in Chippenham. The new facility, set to replace the existing factory in 2026, will be a cornerstone for future Siemens projects in rail technology, providing an efficient site to build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems for the UK. The transition, including the transfer of all 800 local employees, will not cause any disruption to manufacturing. The current Siemens factory in Chippenham dates back to 1897. For further information www.siemens.co.uk/chippenham  

Recol to invest in automated fibre welder

Recol Ltd, a provider of sheet metal fabrication, precision machined components and mechanical assemblies, has placed an order for a new Amada FLW ENSISe 6 kW automated fibre laser welding machine. The first model of its type in Europe, the FLW ENSISe will enhance the quality and repeatability of the company’s welding operations while in many instances eliminating a number of on-processes, including straightening, grinding and polishing.

“We currently rely on manual TIG welding, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to source the skills,” reports Recol’s managing director Ben Guntrip. “We were waiting for the right time to invest in an automated solution: that time is now. Recol likes to be first out the gate as it gives us something in the initial 6-12 months that is unavailable elsewhere, potentially providing a pathway into new customers and markets.”

For further information www.amada.eu

Babcock to create 1000 new jobs

Babcock is creating more than 1000 new jobs at its large-scale, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding facility in Rosyth. Underpinning its commitment to develop the skills required to support customers now and in the future, the new job opportunities (taking place over the next four years) will benefit both the UK economy and local communities. Included will be 400 apprenticeships, 350 production support operatives, skilled engineers, tradespeople, and graduates.

New recruits will join Babcock’s state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing and digitally enabled facility that in recent decades has seen investment of more than £200m.

Apprentice numbers are also increasing at the company’s operation on the west coast of Scotland, supporting His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde and the UK’s submarine enterprise.

For further information www.babcockinternational.com

CEO of the year

One of industry’s leading business figures has put manufacturing on the map by securing a notable regional award. PP Control & Automation’s Tony Hague was named as CEO of the Year at the Business Desk West Midlands Awards, beating off competition from some of the area’s biggest names from wide range of sectors, including marketing, tourism and leisure. Under his leadership and commitment to investment in automation and technology, PP C&A has grown from 27 staff and £2.5m sales to a £36m+ turnover business, working with 20 of the world’s largest machinery builders.

For further information www.ppcanda.com

£200k robotics and automation training cell

Companies in Telford, Shropshire and Herefordshire are set for a manufacturing boost, with In-Comm Training due to launch a new robotic automation cell. The independent training provider is investing more than £200,000 through the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and the Marches Education Partnership into creating a dedicated seven-axis robotic training capability that will help firms upskill or reskill workers. Hundreds of individuals will have access to robotic programming, maintenance and automation courses that will give them the skills needed to help their employers take advantage of new opportunities.

For further information www.in-comm.co.uk