THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Associations Join Forces

Automate UK, the UK trade association for the processing/packaging machinery, automation and manufacturing sectors, has aligned with a collective of European trade associations to found a federation dedicated to influencing policy around the challenges impacting the industry. EUROPAMA has been founded as the European umbrella organisation for the processing and packaging machinery industry. It unites national trade associations to advocate for the sector’s interests with EU institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange regarding policy, sustainability and technological transformation. More information www.europama.eu/en

Key Appointment At QA Weld Tech

Express Engineering Group has appointed Neil Pentland as general manager and site director of its Teesside-based specialist welding and fabrication business, QA Weld Tech. Pentland will lead QA Weld Tech’s Middlesbrough site, with responsibility for overseeing complex fabrication projects, strengthening customer relationships and continued business development.

He will work closely with the established team and the wider Express Engineering Group to maintain quality, enhance project delivery and support long-term growth. Pentland will be supported by an experienced senior management team, including: Stewart Geary, operations manager; John Wilson, production manager; Adam Stockport, project delivery manager; Peter Blakey, quality manager; and Peter Harrison, senior welding engineer.More information www.qaweldtech.com

Renishaw Recognised For Apprenticeship Excellence

Renishaw has been awarded the Gold Kitemark accreditation by Next Gen Makers, recognising the company’s commitment to delivering outstanding apprenticeship programmes and developing the next generation of engineering talent. The award reflects the company’s ongoing investment in its apprenticeship programme, and acknowledges the collective efforts of mentors, managers and colleagues. Renishaw recruited its first apprentice in 1979 and has employed apprentices every year since.

“I’m incredibly proud that our apprenticeship programme has been awarded the Gold Accreditation,” says Julia Russell, early careers lead at Renishaw. “Having held Silver for several years, this progression to Gold is a fantastic reflection of the dedication and achievements of our apprentices.”

More information www.renishaw.com/en/early-careers

Pulling a Historic Steam Locomotive For Charity

Alstom, a global specialist in smart and sustainable mobility, is celebrating after one of its depot teams successfully completed a unique charity challenge earlier this month by pulling a 25‑tonne historic steam locomotive entirely by hand at Didcot Railway Centre. A total of 16 colleagues based at Great Western Railway’s Reading Depot pulled No. 1340 Trojan, built in 1897, along a 250 m stretch of track continuously for an hour.

Clocking up 1500 m, the test of endurance raised vital funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity as the team were cheered on by visitors to the Oxfordshire railway museum. ‘Pulling with Purpose: The Steam Locomotive Challenge’ was the brainchild of Che McCarthy, project supply chain leader at Alstom: “We’ve brought together colleagues, partners and the public to support Variety, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”Donate at www.tinyurl.com/4kwwt2z6

Dan Thombs Named CEO At Automate UK

Automate UK has appointed Dan Thombs as its new CEO, tasked with accelerating the organisation’s reach and impact across the complete industrial ecosystem. He succeeds Peter Williamson, who has taken on the role of policy director further to reaching the end of his term. Thombs brings 30 years of experience in automation and advanced manufacturing to the role. As a neutral, not-for-profit organisation, Automate UK has no vested or commercial interest of its own.

“Our ambition is to make Automate UK the leading force for automation adoption, helping manufacturers unlock productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth,” he says. “Through stronger collaboration between technology providers, integrators and end users, we can drive innovation that benefits manufacturing in the UK and beyond.”

More information www.automate-uk.com