THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Rolls-Royce welcomes Prime Minister

Rolls-Royce hosted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, Jack Lopresti MP, at its UK defence headquarters in Bristol earlier this month. The Prime Minister met with engineers, technicians and apprentices from across the business’ defence programmes and discussed how the organisation is committed to sustaining and developing critical key skills to provide high-quality careers for decades to come.

During the visit, the Prime Minister toured the facility where he met with the highly skilled workforce, who are supporting the UK’s operational needs and developing cutting edge technologies. While at the Bristol site, the Prime Minister opened FutureWorks, a new facility where Rolls-Royce teams are developing new technologies, advanced manufacturing strategies and skills to improve the resilience of existing fleets and power the capabilities of tomorrow.

For further information www.rolls-royce.com

New grease degradation diagnosis technology

NSK says it is developing a world-first: a high-accuracy way of rapidly and accurately diagnosing the remaining life of lubricant grease. The company will provide the solution as a mobile app, enabling users to perform the on-site analysis of lubricant condition in machine tool bearings, ball screws and linear guides. This innovative capability will reduce the need for grease inspection and replenishment costs, and help machine shops implement condition-based maintenance strategies. NSK’s is currently seeking customer input and feedback ahead of launching the new app.

For further information www.nskeurope.com

Siemens Mobility to invest in £100m factory

Siemens is embarking on a £100m investment to establish a cutting-edge rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and R&D centre in Chippenham. The new facility, set to replace the existing factory in 2026, will be a cornerstone for future Siemens projects in rail technology, providing an efficient site to build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems for the UK. The transition, including the transfer of all 800 local employees, will not cause any disruption to manufacturing. The current Siemens factory in Chippenham dates back to 1897. For further information www.siemens.co.uk/chippenham  

Recol to invest in automated fibre welder

Recol Ltd, a provider of sheet metal fabrication, precision machined components and mechanical assemblies, has placed an order for a new Amada FLW ENSISe 6 kW automated fibre laser welding machine. The first model of its type in Europe, the FLW ENSISe will enhance the quality and repeatability of the company’s welding operations while in many instances eliminating a number of on-processes, including straightening, grinding and polishing.

“We currently rely on manual TIG welding, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to source the skills,” reports Recol’s managing director Ben Guntrip. “We were waiting for the right time to invest in an automated solution: that time is now. Recol likes to be first out the gate as it gives us something in the initial 6-12 months that is unavailable elsewhere, potentially providing a pathway into new customers and markets.”

For further information www.amada.eu

Babcock to create 1000 new jobs

Babcock is creating more than 1000 new jobs at its large-scale, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding facility in Rosyth. Underpinning its commitment to develop the skills required to support customers now and in the future, the new job opportunities (taking place over the next four years) will benefit both the UK economy and local communities. Included will be 400 apprenticeships, 350 production support operatives, skilled engineers, tradespeople, and graduates.

New recruits will join Babcock’s state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing and digitally enabled facility that in recent decades has seen investment of more than £200m.

Apprentice numbers are also increasing at the company’s operation on the west coast of Scotland, supporting His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde and the UK’s submarine enterprise.

For further information www.babcockinternational.com