While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented concern for many in the manufacturing sector, there remains an air of positivity.

For example, machine orders continue to be taken by XYZ Machine Tools and, as a result, deliveries continue to take place on a daily basis to customers across the UK and further afield. A case in point is the recent despatch of an XYZ 3010, the largest vertical machining centre in the XYZ range, to Pendle Engineering in Nelson, Lancashire.
The XYZ 3010, which weighs in at 25 tonnes, is the fourth XYZ machine purchased by this fabrication and CNC machining specialist. Pendle’s decision to make the investment at this time was driven by the confidence it was seeing from customers, while at the same time delivering a significant increase in machining capacity with its axis travels of 3000 x 1000 x 800 mm, backed by an 8000 rpm spindle. Pendle Engineering now has the capability to machine pieces weighing up to 4000 kg.
“Our subcontract steel manufacturing services are supplied to a broad range of sectors, and the encouraging levels of customer demand gave us the confidence to invest,” says Chris Smith, managing director at Pendle Engineering. “This new machine not only bolsters our existing capacity, but allows us to bring the machining of larger (>1 m) workpieces in-house. These unprecedented circumstances have without doubt added an extra dimension to our investment decision-making, but we’re planning for the long term and are delighted to be working with XYZ once again.”
XYZ Machine Tools has continued to support its customers throughout the pandemic and this has been rewarded by a steady influx of new machine orders. The company currently has around 50 machines in build and under pre-delivery test.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Comau has introduced a global web-based networking platform designed to support SMEs by creating a win-win ecosystem between ‘verified’ system integrators and companies exploring automation opportunities.

To help different sectors reap the benefits of automation in an intelligent and cost-effective manner, the Comau Marketplace platform features case studies, targeted solutions and industry guidance on how automation can help increase productivity and lower overall costs. The platform also helps system integrators propose solutions and interact with potential customers.
For further information www.comau.com/marketplace

Raybould Machine Tools has agreed to act as the official UK distributor for the range of mechanical and hydraulic power presses manufactured by Pressix of Italy.

Pressix produces a range of open-fronted, gap-frame, adjustable-stroke mechanical presses with a capacity ranging from 25 to 250 tonnes, as well as straight-sided presses with a capacity ranging from 125 to 1000 tonnes.
Pressix also offers high-speed presses, hydraulic straightening presses and can provide specific solutions to meet customer needs. All machines are designed, machined, assembled and tested in-house. Pressix machines now add to the range of equipment already offered by Raybould Machine Tools, which includes both new and pre-owned mechanical power presses, hydraulic presses,
press feeders, coil handling equipment, and special purpose machines.
For further information www.raybould.com

The manufacturing of five 100% electric East Coast Trains earlier this month, signalled the start of a new phase of train building at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory.

Construction of the new intercity trains for the open access operator (East Coast Trains Ltd) incorporates a more extensive manufacturing programme than previous fleets. The increased scope will see the workforce create a new state-of-art fleet from empty aluminium shells.
For further information www.hitachirail.com

Strengthening its management team and completing a £120,000 modernisation of its 13-strong fleet is helping one of the UK’s oldest hot-dip galvanisers emerge from lockdown with ambitious growth plans for the remainder of the year.

Corbetts the Galvanizers, which celebrates 160 years in business in 2020, has set its sights on securing £1m of new orders from clients in the utility, automotive and leisure sectors. Simon Prest and Mark Stephenson join as sales and marketing manager and procurement manager respectively, while Mick Probert has been promoted to take care of operations.
For further information www.wcorbett.co.uk