UK NEWS

Siemens Mobility to invest in £100m factory

Siemens is embarking on a £100m investment to establish a cutting-edge rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and R&D centre in Chippenham. The new facility, set to replace the existing factory in 2026, will be a cornerstone for future Siemens projects in rail technology, providing an efficient site to build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems for the UK. The transition, including the transfer of all 800 local employees, will not cause any disruption to manufacturing. The current Siemens factory in Chippenham dates back to 1897. For further information www.siemens.co.uk/chippenham  

Visitor registration opens for Automation UK

The British Automation & Robot Association (BARA), organiser of Automation UK, is opening the visitor registration for this year’s event. This popular show will return to the CBS Arena in Coventry on 18-19 June 2024. Last year was the inaugural Automation UK and it proved a success with over 1000 visitors eager to find out more about the benefits of automation and robotics. It is anticipated that the 2024 event will also be buzzing with visitors keen to see the latest solutions from an even greater number of businesses showcasing their products and services.

For further information www.automation-uk.co.uk

Recol to invest in automated fibre welder

Recol Ltd, a provider of sheet metal fabrication, precision machined components and mechanical assemblies, has placed an order for a new Amada FLW ENSISe 6 kW automated fibre laser welding machine. The first model of its type in Europe, the FLW ENSISe will enhance the quality and repeatability of the company’s welding operations while in many instances eliminating a number of on-processes, including straightening, grinding and polishing.

“We currently rely on manual TIG welding, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to source the skills,” reports Recol’s managing director Ben Guntrip. “We were waiting for the right time to invest in an automated solution: that time is now. Recol likes to be first out the gate as it gives us something in the initial 6-12 months that is unavailable elsewhere, potentially providing a pathway into new customers and markets.”

For further information www.amada.eu

Babcock to create 1000 new jobs

Babcock is creating more than 1000 new jobs at its large-scale, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding facility in Rosyth. Underpinning its commitment to develop the skills required to support customers now and in the future, the new job opportunities (taking place over the next four years) will benefit both the UK economy and local communities. Included will be 400 apprenticeships, 350 production support operatives, skilled engineers, tradespeople, and graduates.

New recruits will join Babcock’s state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing and digitally enabled facility that in recent decades has seen investment of more than £200m.

Apprentice numbers are also increasing at the company’s operation on the west coast of Scotland, supporting His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde and the UK’s submarine enterprise.

For further information www.babcockinternational.com

Apprenticeship matchmaking tool in Scotland

A new platform designed to simplify recruitment and support job seekers looking for apprenticeships and graduate roles could help to address the challenges of finding talent and encourage more young people into Scotland’s manufacturing and engineering sector. The Manufacturing Skills Academy at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is working with Skills Development Scotland to explore the feasibility of a ‘Pre-Approved Talent’ scheme – based on similar principles to a university clearing system – to streamline recruitment processes.

For further information www.nmis.scot