THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Igus acquires majority stake in robot firm

Motion plastics specialist Igus is investing in growing its low-cost automation activities by acquiring a majority stake in robot integrator Commonplace Robotics, based in Bissendorf near Osnabrück. Commonplace Robotics specialises in intuitive control and software, as well as power electronics for robotics, in the industrial and educational sectors. Both companies have worked together closely for six years and jointly developed the iRC robot control, which complements Igus’s low-cost kinematic parts (all of which are made of high-performance plastics).
For further information www.igus.co.uk

DMC wins local business award

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has taken home gold in the Innovative Business category at this year’s Buckinghamshire Business Awards. The event, which took place at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, shines a spotlight on the region’s most inspiring companies.
Founded, built and opened during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the DMC has quickly established itself as a multi-technology additive manufacturing facility. The judges recognised these efforts, praising the team’s ambition and early success.

In a little over a year, the DMC has brought the future of connected digital manufacturing to the UK supply chain. It offers fully engineered solutions and part production to advanced industries, from aerospace, space and defence, through to automotive, motorsport, medical and energy.
For further information www.digitalmanufacturingcentre.com

National Robotarium opens with major announcement

The National Robotarium, which opened at the end of last month, has announced a major engineering and research collaboration with multi-billion dollar company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The pioneering £22.4m centre for robotics and AI is the largest and most advanced of its kind in the UK. It will collaborate with TCS on applied engineering and joint research across multiple disciplines including soft robotics, field robotics, cobots and tele-operations. Utilising expertise from Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, the collaboration will lead to the creation of innovative solutions to global challenges.
For further information www.bit.ly/3rectDh

Manufacturer expands machining capacity

WES Engineering Solutions, based in Redruth, has invested over £420,000 in a new Matsuura top of the range CNC milling machine as a consequence of new market growth. James Gazzard, group commercial director says: “We forecast 43% growth across the group for 2022/23 and this latest investment is in direct response to customer demand. The new Matsuura CNC H-Plus 300 enables us to double our lights-out running capabilities, halve our run times, and significantly enhance our commercial and production efficiencies. We’re also looking forward to expanding with at least a further three new apprentices this year.”
For further information www.wesltd.com

Multi-million investment at Doncasters

Doncasters, a manufacturer of precision alloy components, has invested £7.2m to extend Doncasters Precision Castings – Deritend in Droitwich Spa, UK. The extension will deliver great benefits to the business, including improved parts flow and safety, reduced environmental impact and lead times, and an increased overall capacity that allows the business to invest in advanced technology and local talent.

Until now, Doncasters operated two sites in Droitwich, two miles apart, with different processes taking place at each. Now, the two teams will reunite, improving operations, energy efficiencies and working lives for staff. Over 340 employees will work in the new state-of-the-art facility, with future employment opportunities available for people in the Worcestershire region and beyond.
For further information www.doncasters.com