THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Did Budget herald new dawn for investment?

There has been a fair bit of uncertainty around the UK’s financial landscape of late, but amid everything, therecent Budget has actually delivered something many business owners have been waiting a long time for, at least according to Rory Crisp-Jones of Jones & Co Finance. After two years of economic hesitation, SMEs finally have a more predictable fiscal landscape and with it, a genuine incentive to invest.

A steady corporation tax rate, improved capital allowances, and renewed support for growth, innovation and skills gives UK businesses reasons to be cautiously optimistic. According to a  survey by Barclays, while many firms paused investment ahead of the Budget, 42% agree it has given them a clear and stable direction for future plans, while 38% of businessesthat delayed investment until the Budget now plan to increase it.

More information https://jonesandcofinance.com/

AI initiative boosts 250 Scottish manufacturers

A £2.2mproject led by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has so far supported 90 organisations and upskilled 250 people in the exploration of how data science and artificial intelligence (AI) can boost productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Scotland’s manufacturing sector.

The Data-Driven Design and Manufacturing Colab (D3M Colab), delivered by NMIS, is helping to close the gap between manufacturing and digital technologies by giving engineers the confidence and practical skills to apply data-driven methods within their own businesses. Through hands-on projects and tailored training, participating companies are learning how data can solve real-world industrial challenges, from improving production processes and quality control to enhancing equipment reliability.

More information www.nmis.scot

Mitutoyo delegation visits strategic partner

Mitutoyo Japan’s headquarters and its main distribution partners visited Sariki (part of Grupo Unceta) in Spain recently to celebrate their long-standing strategic alliance in Europe. Around 65 visitors from Japan, including the senior management of Mitutoyo Corporation, visited Sariki in Elgoibar, Guipúzcoa, as part of a high-level event that demonstrated the strategic importance of Grupo Unceta for Mitutoyo.

Mitutoyo says Sariki’s state-of-the-art solution centre is unique in terms of its two-fold strategic role. The facility operates as a dimensional metrology outsourcing centre for companies in many different sectors. And at the same time it is a showroom, where customers can validate Mitutoyo’s solutions on their own parts before committing to investing in equipment.

More information www.mitutoyo.eu

Mazak open house draws over 500 visitors

Over 500 manufacturing professionals visited Yamazaki Mazak’s open house in Worcester last month as the machine tool builder recorded strong interest in its latest UK-made models, such as the Integrex j-200 NEO multi-tasking turn-mill machine and the next-generation CV5 five-axis machining centre. The three-day event included over 19 live-cutting demonstrations. Visitors were also invited to take part in dedicated ‘Technology Tours’.

Alan Mucklow, UK managing director, said: “My key takeaway is that there’s strong appetite for investment and that manufacturers are ready to turn to technology as they seek higher productivity. This sentiment has been backed up by a high level of post-event interest, especially in our UK-made machines. This feedback vindicates our strategic decision to enhance further the capability and range of models manufactured here in Worcester.”

More information www.mazak.com

Doncasters investing $52m in German plant

Doncasters, an international manufacturer of high-precision alloy components made for the most demanding conditions, will invest $52m in its Bochum, Germany site, representing one of the most significant capital programmes in the company’s history. Doncasters says the three-year initiative will establish Bochum as one of the world’s most advanced facilities with the capability of producing the most complex large industrial gas turbine castings in production today, while also supporting capacity growth and long-term development. Work has already commenced inside the factory to prepare for new state-of-the-art equipment.

More information www.doncasters.com