A new initiative designed to build UK industrial capability and increase reshoring has got off to a flying start after £625,000 of orders were placed in the first few weeks. UK Manufacturing Unite has been launched in response to the national effort to produce more critical components and essential equipment, and is the first step in the sector’s fightback against the damaging effects of COVID-19.

Created and run by manufacturers for manufacturers, the movement is urging more firms to collaborate, share practice and find practical solutions for developing domestic supply chains. Over 35 companies have already signed up to the online platform that will act as a central place for sourcing supply solutions or getting answers to the issues that businesses are facing.
For further information www.ukmfgunite.co.uk

Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has published the latest edition of its annual product catalogue.

Now in its 15th edition, the new publication is crammed with new product developments, including those for milling, drilling, threading and specialist milling lines. This edition of the catalogue incorporates ITC’s updated pricing structure for 2020, as well as having an enhanced aluminium milling section. There is also information on new square and ball-nosed steel and exotic milling lines, as well as the arrival of ITC’s conical barrel end mills.
Commenting upon the latest edition of the catalogue, ITC’s newly appointed director, Georgia Graves, says: “We are always attentive to the demands of the marketplace, and in this latest edition of our product catalogue we’ve expanded our aluminium milling product lines. We have also expanded a number of product series to either offer greater reach for difficult-to-access surfaces, or provide increased stability with more stub-length tools that will enhance even further the performance parameters that our range provides.”
To view and download a copy of the latest ITC Issue 15 product catalogue, visit the web page below. Alternatively, to receive a printed edition of the catalogue, please contact the local ITC representative or call the company’s Tamworth headquarters.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk/products

Kaman UK has delivered its 80,000th rear fuselage packer to BAE Systems for its F-35 manufacturing programme.

Supplying these parts since 2003, the rear fuselage packers, and 1000 plenum ducts, have been used in the manufacture of over 500 aircraft. Kaman UK first began working with BAE Systems in 1951 under its predecessor company, English Electric Company.
Christopher Morris, Kaman UK’s managing director, says: “We are pleased that we’ve been able to support BAE Systems as it develops the aircraft for today and tomorrow that will guarantee the nation’s security and provide continued employment for thousands of engineers and support staff across the UK supply chain. We’re looking forward to continuing the supply of parts and services for this aerospace and defence leader by investing in our technology, our people and our systems.”
For further information www.kaman.com

A Shropshire-based manufacturer of precision components has been selected to take part in a prestigious supplier development programme by Collins Aerospace.

Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE) is working with Collins Aerospace on a host of continuous improvement and training activities to help the firm strengthen its ability to supply group factories across the globe.
The company is now setting its sights on securing ‘Gold Supplier’ status, which could be achieved over the next six months if it continues to meet 100% on-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery and stronger collaboration on root cause analysis.
For further information www.ace-uk.net

The Nuclear AMRC in Sheffield has begun the second phase of restarting vital R&D projects while maintaining the highest levels of health and safety protection for staff.

In the first phase, a skeleton team implemented new safeguards, including markings to help people maintain safe distancing from the car park to the shop floor, a one-way flow system around the building, protective shields in reception and hand-sanitising stations with temperature measurement throughout the facility. The centre has produced a five-phase plan for returning to work while keeping staff safety as the number one priority.
“The measures that the team have put in place are excellent,” says Nuclear AMRC CEO Andrew Storer. “Of course, we still have a long way to go. The biggest challenge, in my opinion, will be ensuring sufficient desk and recreational areas for staff in the office space as our numbers ramp back up. This is something we are looking at closely. It is vital we only have essential staff on site at this stage, with others working safely from home.”
For further information www.namrc.co.uk