Many workers in hazardous environments could be wearing protective workwear that is not fit for purpose, according to workwear supply and laundry provider, Elis. Elis works with thousands of businesses around the UK, advising them on their protective clothing requirements, supplying the workwear and providing support through regular laundry and maintenance services. The company estimates that around 60% of business are using at least some workwear that is incorrect or insufficient.

Elis helps customers assess the hazards involved and makes recommendations to ensure that protective workwear meets the relevant requirements. The company runs a nationwide service (supplying garments on a rental basis), with in-house PPE expertise and a national network of industrial laundries and delivery fleets. All protective clothing PPE requirements are covered, including high visibility and protection from welding sparks, electric arc flash, chemicals, heat and flames.

For further information https://uk.elis.com/en

Confidence among SME manufacturers is at its highest level for two years according to the latest Manufacturing Barometer, carried out by SWMAS (the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service) and the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP). Out of nearly 300 firms questioned, some 58% indicate that they are planning to boost investment over the next six months.

This quarter’s Barometer took an in-depth look at how manufacturing SMEs are recovering from the pandemic and, encouragingly, 48% of respondents now expect to return to, or exceed, their pre-Covid-19 position within three months. Notably, SME manufacturers experienced a positive quarter’s trade between January and March, with 46% reporting an increase in sales, compared to 31% in the previous barometer.

For further information www.swmas.co.uk

Machine-tool manufacturer Index has acquired the majority of shares in One Click Metal GmbH from Trumpf. The investment provides One Click Metal with additional know-how and capital to continue its growth trajectory in the promising entry-level segment for 3D printers. Trumpf remains involved as a co-partner and strategic partner and will accompany further development in close co-operation with Index.

With around 20 employees, One Click Metal develops holistic solutions in the field of 3D metal printing for small and medium component sizes. The start-up was successfully spun-out by Trumpf employees in April 2019 as part of the ‘Trumpf Entrepreneurship’ programme and is based in Tamm near Ludwigsburg.

For further information www.index-werke.de

Yamazaki Mazak has partnered with local environmental organisation, Worcester Environmental Group (WEG), to recycle its leftover wooden packaging into houses and feeders for local wildlife. Mazak began donating wooden pallets from its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester to WEG following the group’s inception in June 2020.

The volunteer-run organisation has since recycled the wood into bird boxes, bat boxes, hedgehog houses and feeding stations that are now in use throughout Worcestershire to promote biodiversity and support the development and sustenance of local wildlife. In a fitting culmination of the process, Mazak has also taken delivery of 10 bird boxes that will be located throughout the manufacturer’s outdoor recreational and relaxation areas. WEG is currently selling a variety of bird boxes for a small donation.

For further information
www.theweg.org.uk

Unprecedented growth at GM CNC has seen the machine-tool specialist expand its team with two new recruits. The latest marketing appointments will see the company further build brand awareness, social media interaction, and provide support to the sales and service teams. Jake Riley and Reece Mundy will work across GM CNC and sister company GM Machinery, building communication platforms with existing and potential customers to inform the manufacturing industry about products, offers, services and live machine-tool auctions and events.

GM CNC director Nicola Howard says: “Digital marketing communication is an industry within itself, and while most companies believe they are proficient because they have LinkedIn or Facebook accounts, this route to market is vitally important to communicate with existing and new customers. This is why GM CNC is convinced that digital marketing communication deserves the attention of dedicated and experienced team members.”

For further information www.gm-cnc.com