Wolverhampton-based 3D Tooling Technologies (3DT) is set to expand its operations following the acquisition of a new machine tool from Chester Machine Tools, facilitated by funding from Paragon SME Lending. The five-figure package will see the specialist in product and component prototype development, design and manufacturing expand the range of services now available to clients, including machining.

Chester Machine Tools supplied 3DT with a Chester VF1100 high-speed CNC machining centre. Discussing Paragon’s role in facilitating the deal, Graham Cherry, Chester Machine Tool’s CNC sales manager, says: “I’ve been involved in the machine tool space for many years and always had excellent experience working with Paragon. Its knowledge in this sector, together with its appetite and willingness to support Chester and our customers, has been a breath of fresh air.”
For further information www.paragonbankinggroup.co.uk

This year marks the GTMA’s 80th anniversary and provides an opportunity for a new and exciting chapter after CEO Julia Moore handed over the reins to her successor, Dr Alan Arthur, on 1 July. Arthur joined the GTMA in January 2020 as chief technical officer and brings with him a working knowledge of trade associations and a strong background in engineering, which will be a great asset to the GTMA. Says Moore: “It’s with enormous pride that I leave the GTMA, taking many happy memories of a wonderful career gathered over the past 25 years, and say a fond farewell to the terrific team of directors at the GTMA and its members.”
For further information www.gtma.co.uk

Yamazaki Mazak has strengthened its UK sales team with the appointment of a new dedicated sales engineer to support the company’s existing sales managers. Steve Livett joins from MSC Industrial Supply with the remit to develop new business opportunities across the entire Mazak range of machines, CNC controls and automation systems. Livett served an advanced apprenticeship and throughout his career has developed a skill set in milling applications, tooling and the development of CNC machining solutions for subcontract manufacturers. He will report to general sales manager Tony Creamer.

BMW Group board member for production, Dr Milan Nedeljković, formally opened a new automated steel pressing facility at the company’s Swindon plant last week. The new press will produce steel panels for the Mini plant in Oxford at twice the rate of the equipment it replaces, with the steel blanks and finished panels handled by a new fleet of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs).

This facility is a technological first for the BMW Group and will be rolled out in other press shops around the company’s global network of manufacturing plants. In total, 23 new AGVs have been commissioned in the new facility, with more planned over the next few years. The new press comprises of six individual stations which can produce up to 18 parts per minute, more than twice the capacity of the previous press line. The time taken swap press tools is also significantly less, from 30 minutes, to a little over three minutes.
For further information www.bmwgroup.com

IES, a global provider of equipment-moving services, logistics and project management in high technology industries, has announced an increase in turnover of almost a third since the start of the pandemic, with 22% in the past year. In 2021/22, the company’s annual results reveal that IES recruited new engineers and commercial specialists, who now account for 15% of the total workforce. The company is currently building its team to take account of recent business wins from existing and new customers.

One apprentice, Harri Green, was a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Awards’ in the engineering and manufacturing category of a major regional award scheme. He was the only student in his college’s history who achieved a perfect score across all of his subjects. The company also celebrated its 30th year of operations. Founded in 1991, it now operates from a 30,000 sq ft facility in Bristol.
For further information www.ies.co.uk