UK NEWS

New £5.5m manufacturing centre

A new £5.5m manufacturing centre in the Glasgow region aims to support the UK’s transition to net zero while driving substantial economic impact. By promoting circular economy practices to reduce waste and emissions, the centre could help reshore supply chains and unlock new opportunities for manufacturers.

The ReMake Value Retention Centre (RVRC) will be located within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the University of Strathclyde, in partnership with the University of Exeter and the University of Sheffield. The centre is funded through UKRI’s ‘Accelerating the Green Economy’ programme and will focus on ‘high-integrity’ sectors such as aerospace, marine, wind, nuclear, industrial and power generation.

More information www.bit.ly/40GwwNN

Young engineers march at Lord Mayor’s Show

Apprentices from the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre were among the thousands marching through the streets of London on 9 November for the Lord Mayor’s Show. They not only represented Sheffield’s manufacturing legacy, but also took the opportunity to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.

More than 30 apprentices and staff members from the AMRC Training Centre joined the three-mile long procession to mark the 400th anniversary of the Cutlers’ Hall as ‘the voice of manufacturing in Sheffield and South Yorkshire’. To date, the AMRC Training Centre has nurtured more than 2000 apprentices for a wide range of businesses.More information www.amrctraining.co.uk

MACH 2026 space filling up fast

The ballots for MACH 2026 have concluded and the floor plan is filling up rapidly. With strong on-site sales, MACH 2026 is already well over 50% occupied. The organiser is now encouraging further potential exhibitors to book early to secure a prime location on the floorplan and spread the cost over several months with flexible payment options.

At the last show in 2024, exhibitors reported a £200m in sales directly attributable to the event. With over 26,000 attendees at MACH 2024, exhibitors tapped into an audience eager to discover the latest advancements. In fact, 93% of exhibitors generated significant leads, highlighting the potential for 2026 participants to forge lasting connections and increase their reach.

More information www.machexhibition.com

Stamping specialist pivots into space industry

In an exciting development for the UK’s space sector, Brandauer is making significant strides in creating cutting-edge components for space motors. This initiative is part of the £1m ‘Pivot into Space’ programme, funded by the UK Space Agency and led by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.

Brandauer recognised the potential to apply its capabilities to the space industry’s unique challenges. This project under the Pivot into Space programme focuses on enhancing the company’s ability to stamp ultra-thin electrical steels, a crucial factor in improving motor efficiency and reducing weight and mass – both key considerations for space applications.

One of the most innovative aspects of Brandauer’s work is eliminating the need for secondary stamping lubrication. This development is particularly significant as it reduces the risks associated with vacuum outgassing in the space environment. By removing trace materials from the manufacturing process, the company is addressing a key concern for components destined for use in space.

In parallel with these advancements, Brandauer is developing cutting-edge bonding technologies. The company’s work on infrared and in-die glue bonding aims to improve tensile shear strength, temperature management and thermal resistance of components. These improvements are crucial for the harsh conditions encountered in space operations.

Brandauer’s project exemplifies the goals of the Pivot into Space programme, which aims to help SMEs leverage their existing capabilities to enter the high-growth space industry. The programme provides not only financial support but also valuable technical and commercial guidance, helping companies like Brandauer to overcome the significant barriers typically faced when entering this demanding sector.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk

Hot and cold forming solutions on show

Group Rhodes showcased its latest innovations for the hot and cold forming of metals and composites within the aerospace industry at the Advanced Engineering exhibition in Birmingham last month. As well as celebrating its 200th anniversary, the company unveiled its latest advancements in superplastic forming and diffusion bonding, while also highlighting its turnkey solutions for specialist machinery in the aerospace sector.

Mark Ridgway, CEO of Group Rhodes, states: “The year’s Advanced Engineering exhibition held particular significance as 2024 marks our company’s 200th anniversary. Our exhibition stand not only honoured key milestones from our remarkable history, but also showcased our latest innovations in metals and composites forming.”

Group Rhodes manufactures and markets machinery from its facilities in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, which it sells to both the UK and global markets. The company has extensive capabilities that include the design, development and manufacture of bespoke equipment and complete turnkey solutions.

The main trading divisions of the Group consist of Rhodes Interform, Craven Fawcett, Hallamshire Engineering Services and BJD Crushers, which manufacture machinery and spare parts for the aggregates, heavy clay and material handling sectors. Rhodes Interform designs and manufactures machinery for the advanced metal and composite forming industries, with a particular focus on the aerospace sector.

On the stand, the company highlighted the evolution of its business since its inception in 1824, and the nurturing of a dedicated workforce in a traditional yet dynamic manufacturing environment.

More information www.grouprhodes.co.uk