THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

In-house exhibition at World Machinery

Machine tool supplier World Machinery is hosting an in-house exhibition on 6-7 November
2024 at its UK headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The company will showcase its latest
innovations in laser cutters, tube lasers, all-electric press brakes and automation, among
other technologies. World Machinery’s friendly and professional staff will be on hand to
discuss the optimal solutions to existing challenges and new projects. The company can also
offer flexible and affordable finance agreements. The exhibition will be open from 10:00 to
15:00 both days. Confirmation of attendance is kindly requested.
More information www.worldmc.co.uk

Star announces UK open house

Star Micronics GB, a provider of sliding-head lathes, will host its annual open house on 19-21 November 2024 at its Technology Centre in Derby. The event will feature live demonstrations of the latest production technologies from Star and its partners, with the spotlight shining on the UK premiere of the company’s new SB-20RII sliding-head lathe.

The SB-20RII offers various performance, versatility and ergonomic enhancements. These include additional tool stations, increased power, higher spindle speeds, advanced control features and improved accuracy. Despite its added capabilities, such as the ability to process components up to 25.4 mm in diameter, the SB-20RII has a 10% smaller footprint than the best-selling SB-20R Type G.

More information www.stargb.com/open

Apprentices on track at UK Metals Expo

A UK manufacturer of flat rolled aluminium coils showcased the talents of its budding engineers at last month’s UK Metals Expo in Birmingham. Oliver Greenhalgh and Sam Foster, first year apprentices at Bridgnorth Aluminium (BAL), impressed visitors to the sector’s biggest exhibition with the way they designed and manufactured a steam train out of scrap metal.

The two trainee mechanical engineers spent 20 hours of their own time developing the aluminium model, which was displayed at both the BAL stand and the Café De Arts area next to the Olympic Torch used in London 2012. The steam train is a tribute to the Severn Valley Railway which runs from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. Bridgnorth Aluminium took on another three apprentices on in September, taking its total to 13.

More information www.bridgnorthaluminium.co.uk

JLR invests £500m

JLR is investing £500m investment to transform its historic Halewood facility and support
the parallel production of electric vehicles (EVs) alongside existing combustion and hybrid
models. Originally built in 1963 to produce the Ford Anglia, Halewood is being transformed
for the electric era. The historic plant has been fitted with technology that includes new EV

build lines, 750 autonomous robots, ADAS calibration rigs, laser alignment technology for
perfect part fitment and the latest cloud-based digital plant management systems to create
the ‘factory of the future’.
More information www.jaguarlandrover.com

X-Pro joins Mapal Group

The Mapal Group has acquired X-Pro Srl, an Italian specialist in fixture design and manufacture. Mapal has been working successfully with X-Pro in the Italian market for several years. Claudio Gabos, chief sales officer at Mapal Group, says: “We are convinced that the acquisition of X-Pro will enable us to tap additional market potential – even in these challenging times – and generate momentum for further development.”X-Pro was founded in 2001 in Bologna and employs around 35 people. Stefano Vitali will continue in his role as managing director and remain in charge of the company.

More information www.mapal.com