THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Call For Subcon 2027 Speakers Now Open

Speaker submissions are now open for Subcon, returning on 9-10 June 2027 at the NEC, Birmingham. Those participating in the Subcon conference programme get to share their insight with the UK’s buyers, engineers and senior decision-makers in the subcontract manufacturing arena. The show’s organiser is seeking passionate speakers and unique industry voices to be a part of this exciting programme.  

Subcon 2027 speakers will contribute to a programme filled with valuable content and engaging discussions. Several opportunities are available, with a broad range of topics extending from practical shop-floor AI to defence diversification and winning OEM bids. Additional feedback or ideas for features and content in 2027 is also welcome. 

More information https://tinyurl.com/yc8ss7mf 

BLM Officially Opens Towcester Headquarters

BLM Group has officially inaugurated its new headquarters in Towcester, Northamptonshire,  

reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the company’s presence in the UK and providing customers with an even higher level of support. The three-day event earlier this month welcomed customers, partners and industry professionals, offering them the opportunity to tour the new facility and experience BLM Group technologies first-hand. 

Visitors were able to discover laser-tube systems, tube benders, 3D cells and laser systems for sheet metal processing. The new premises also feature dedicated training areas, providing customers and partners with opportunities  to enhance their technical expertise.  

The open house marked a further milestone in BLM Group’s development in the UK, where the company has been operating since 1997. 

More information www.blmgroup.com 

Bramley Engineering Launches Sister Aerospace Firm

Bramley Precision Aerospace has acquired the assets and intellectual property of SFM Technology, creating a new sister company to Bramley Engineering. For existing customers, Bramley Aerospace brings a connection to a broader range of engineering and manufacturing support, from precision-machined components and prototypes to fabrication and complete assemblies. Based at an established facility in Martock, Somerset, the business combines an experienced manufacturing team with specialist machinery, supporting aerospace, defence and wider industry. 

More information www.bramleyaerospace.co.uk 

Record-Breaking 250+ mph Remote-Controlled Car 

A mechanical engineer from Rugby has used nearly 25 years of experience working with PTC technology to help him design and develop the world’s fastest remote-controlled car. 

Stephen Wallis, who honed his engineering skills at companies including Royal Enfield, Triumph Motorcycles and Greenjets, took just eight months to create, build, test and run ‘Mach Reaper’. 

Designed using PTC’s cloud-based Onshape solution, the car clocked 250.67 mph through the timing traps at a ROSSA (Radio Operated Scale Speed Association) speed event in North Wales. The achievement broke the previous Guinness World Record and makes Wallis the first person in history to push a remote-controlled car to those speeds. Just a few weeks later he broke his own record, reaching 256.47mph at an unofficial speed event. 

More information www.ptc.com  

Queen’s University Belfast Opens AMIC

Queen’s University Belfast has officially opened the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a circa £100m investment through the Belfast Region City Deal that supports innovation, growth and the future of manufacturing in Northern Ireland. The facility is expected to create up to 1500 jobs across Northern Ireland, contribute £1.3bn to the economy and support the training of 300 apprentices by 2050. 

Located at Global Point in Newtownabbey, AMIC is designed for industry and in response to the needs of the burgeoning advanced manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland, with businesses and industry partners helping to shape its capabilities. The 10,500 m2 facility comprises a large engineering hall, labs, metrology suite, cleanroom, offices, meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, VR suite, an auditorium and cafe. 

More information www.we-are-amic.com