THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Sodick to buy 9.5% of Prima Additive

At the end of March, an investment agreement was signed between Sodick Co Ltd, a Japanese machine tool builder specialising in EDM machines, and the shareholders of Prima Additive. The latter is an Italian company that is part of Prima Industrie Group, controlled by Alpha Private Equity and Peninsula Capital funds. Prima Additive is active in the production of industrial systems for metal additive manufacturing and other advanced laser technologies.

Sodick will acquire a minority share of 9.5% through a reserved capital increase. The agreement will also allow the development of a business alliance between the two companies functional to the growth of the product portfolio. This alliance will relate to laser technologies for material processing, focused on industrial technologies for metal additive manufacturing.

For further information www.primaadditive.com

GE Aerospace to make €64m investment

GE Aerospace plans to invest more than €64m in its manufacturing facilities across Europe this year, a move that will help the company produce more efficient commercial and military engines. Many of the investments enable new manufacturing techniques or materials that result in stronger and lighter components, increasing the efficiency of engines and reducing emissions. Sites in Italy, the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland and the UK will benefit. Specifically, the plant in Gloucester, UK, will receive £1.6m for new machines, additional tooling and safety enhancements. 

For further information www.geaerospace.com

JLR to recruit 250 electrification jobs

JLR is recruiting 250 electrification engineers to work at its Gaydon and Whitley facilities. The roles will further propel the development of JLR’s next-generation 100% electric vehicles launching by 2030 under the company’s ‘Reimagine’ strategy. Within the 250 new roles, the car manufacturer is specifically recruiting over 40 battery engineering roles, working across disciplines that include advanced energy storage systems, battery cell design and cell stack assemblies.

The remaining roles span specialisms in propulsion, including propulsion software, calibration and controls, HV system integration, electrical system component design and more. Aspects of the roles will also focus on improving fast-charging experiences for JLR clients.

For further information www.jaguarlandrover.com

Alliance Tooling invests in Kafo machine

Alliance Tooling, an injection mould toolmaker based in Leicester, has added a new Kafo machining centre to its manufacturing facility. This latest acquisition marks the fourth Kafo machining centre purchased by Alliance Tooling, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to technological advancement and quality in the manufacture of graphite electrodes for mould making. Kafo machining centres are supplied and serviced by TDT Machine Tools.

Specifically tailored for the efficient production of graphite electrodes, Alliance Tooling’s new Kafo SCV-5 machining centre offers agility and a compact design, while also boasting a custom dust extraction device that guarantees the containment of particles during operation. This feature is instrumental in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness at Alliance Tooling, ensuring a safer and cleaner working environment.

For further information www.alliancetooling.co.uk

Renishaw inspires budding engineers

To help more young people get excited about engineering, Renishaw is supporting the Technology Club at Blue Coat CEVA Primary School in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. The sessions are run by Technology for Fun, enabling year-six students to experience hands-on engineering activities and build real working models that they then take home.

The club runs for one term each year, with every session supported by a Renishaw science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) ambassador.Technology for Fun is dedicated to inspiring young people about engineering. It offers fun, engaging STEM activities and resources including project books, class kits and teacher resources.

For further information www.renishaw.com