In a bid to showcase inspirational stories from members of the Made in Group, the Backing Britain book will include a series of articles based on how manufacturers have demonstrated strength in a time of crisis.

As part of the Backing Britain Live 2020 digital events reported in last week’s issue of MTI magazine, the book will also showcase exhibiting members and information about each company.
The 100-page Backing Britain book will replace the quarterly magazine called the Made Mag, which is not currently being printed due to the situation with COVID-19. Scheduled to be available in August or September 2020, The Made in Group would like the book to include as many stories as possible from its members. CEO Jason Pitt says: “The book will be an opportunity to show the British spirit to the world and broader business community, and showcase some of our amazing companies.”
For further information www.backingbritain.com

The first customer to take advantage of XYZ Machine Tools’ offer of free loan machines to aid the fight against COVID-19 has taken delivery of its machine. The Midlands-based subcontractor needed additional turning capacity to assist with an order for respirator and oxygen regulator valves.

Having assessed the options, the user selected an XYZ320LTY turning centre with Y-axis and live tooling capability.
Delivery took place on 15 April, with commissioning and training completed the following day so that production could begin immediately. The offer of a completely free of charge loan machine is open to any business currently manufacturing components for any emergency medical equipment that will be used to assist the NHS at this
critical time. Subject to availability and suitability, the customer can choose any ex-stock model from XYZ Machine Tools.
For further information sales@xyzmachinetools.com

Haco, a manufacturer of machinery for processing sheet-metal components, is launching a range of affordable fibre laser cutting machines.

Complementing the company’s existing series of fully automated fibre-laser systems, the move ends a 30-year period of offering CO2 laser cutters. Availability in the UK is via subsidiary and Haco group member, Kingsland Engineering.
The HFL series is aimed at small and medium-sized companies looking to enter the fibre laser era. HFL machines offer a fully enclosed fibre laser cutting system, based on a rigid frame, with low-inertia moving parts to enable high acceleration and increased production output. A dual pallet exchange table further helps to maximise productivity, supported by short cycle times.
Haco’s HFL series offers a choice of fibre power from 2 to 12 kW, Precitech cutting heads and Beckhoff control systems. Cutting table dimensions are offered from 3000 x 1500 mm, to 8000 x 2500 mm.
The application of proven technology ensures a reliable and efficient investment, with performance levels to suit current and future production.
“The new Haco fibre lasers are a testament to our vision in offering innovative and high-quality products with the best price-to-quality ratio,” says Frank Havegeer, CEO of Haco Group.
According to the company, the HFL series is pitched as an ideal stepping stone for companies looking to expand their capabilities with a moderately priced, yet high performance, laser cutting machine.
For further information www.kingsland.com

Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has been listed at number 57 in the ‘75 Best Companies to Work For in the Midlands – 2020’.

The achievement comes hot on the heels of the Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to Work For in 2020’, which listed the MTC at number 77 nationally. Dr Clive Hickman, chief executive at the MTC, says the accolade reflects the efforts taken to make sure the MTC is a great place to work, and that employees are engaged, valued and looked after: “We make great efforts to ensure the MTC is a happy and satisfying place to work, while at the same time challenging our people to fulfil their potential.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

After a year of high business growth, Ward CNC is ramping up its staff levels with several key additions to the team.

The latest employees are being announced to underpin the current growth trajectory, but also to support the company’s ‘More Than Machines’ philosophy, which is dedicated to further enhancing its commitment to customer service, from initial introduction and application requirements, through to sales, delivery, installation, training, spares, consumables and technical support.
A key appointment sees Ward CNC appoint Richard Hunter Rowe (pictured) as its head of sales operations. Joining the company in January, Rowe is a member of the senior management team and his role is to devise national sales strategies and operational support plans. He will ensure the sales team is positioned to deliver growth objectives and fiscal budgets, as well as shaping future strategic objectives.
For further information www.wardcnc.com