THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Seco offers Life Cycle Assessments

Seco is taking steps toward a sustainable future with its new Life Cycle Assessments (LCA),
helping to meet ambitious internal sustainability goals and supporting customers in making
environmentally conscious decisions. LCA systematically evaluates the environmental
impact of products across their lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
By providing detailed insights into metrics like climate impact (CO2eq) and other key
environmental measures, Seco is enabling both internal improvements and customer
transparency. Throughout 2024, Seco focused on two key pilot areas: turning inserts and
round solid-carbide milling tools. This year, the company will expand LCA coverage to
include more of its portfolio and enhance MyPages with additional sustainability data.
More information www.secotools.com

Lord Harrington is new Make UK chair

Lord Richard Harrington will become the new chair of Make UK, succeeding Lord John
Hutton, who has chaired the organisation since 2022. With a distinguished career in both
business and government, Lord Harrington brings a wealth of experience and a deep
commitment to the manufacturing sector. He will officially take on the role early this year.
“I’m delighted to take up this appointment at such an important moment for
manufacturing,” he says. “I’m passionate about the sector and its contribution to the overall
UK economy, and how it will help address the societal challenges we all face.” Make UK
chief executive Stephen Phipson adds: “Richard is a committed and passionate supporter of
manufacturing and its importance to the economy and regions across the UK.”
More information www.makeuk.org

Casting accolade for Magna Cosma

A Telford-based automotive specialist, which has seen domestic and global sales rise significantly, has been named as the ‘Best of British Casting Company’ at the recent UK Cast Metals Industry Awards organised by the Cast Metals Federation (CMF). Magna Cosma Casting UK defied uncertainty in the sector to post one of the best years in its history, impressing judges with the way it has developed a high-pressure die casting digital twin.

The company’s approach has seen it boost the workforce by 40% – critical in supporting the production of large structural body and chassis castings. There were also major accolades for Kent’s Maybrey Precision Castings and the Black Country’s Newby Foundries (joint Component of the Year winners), with Goodwin Steel Castings claiming the Innovation title.

More information www.castmetalsfederation.com

Sellafield calls for applications

Applications are now open for the 2025 apprenticeship scheme at Sellafield Ltd. With both apprenticeships and degree schemes available covering a wide range of disciplines from mechanical engineering to nuclear operations, opportunities are offered in both Cumbria and Warrington.

Sellafield says the positions provide first-class training supported by on-the-job learning, ensuring apprentices are well-equipped for their future careers. All apprentices have the chance to pursue a qualification relevant to their chosen field by studying with selected high-level training providers across the country. The duration of each programme varies from 2 to 4 years. There is no upper age limit for applicants.

More information www.bit.ly/4faPkIr

Vestas to repurpose Isle of Wight plant

Since 2002, the facilities of Vestas on the Isle of Wight have played an integral role in the
manufacture of turbine blades for wind projects across the world. At present, the
company’s factory focuses on manufacturing blades for the V174 offshore turbine. Demand
for this product is coming to an end, and constraints at the site mean it is not suitable for
the next generation of offshore blades. However, following an agreement in principle with
the UK Government, Vestas intends to repurpose the factory to build onshore blades,
mainly in support of the UK market.
More information www.vestas.com