UK NEWS

Accounting firm supports ABB’s acquisition of IPEC

A northwest accounting and professional services group has completed its involvement in a high-profile cross-border deal, which has seen IPEC Ltd become part of ABB, a world leader in electrification and automation. DJH provided corporate finance support and complex tax structuring advice to the owners of Stockport-based IPEC during the sale. “The project shows how DJH understands the bespoke requirements of firms involved in technology and manufacturing, overcoming complex tax structures and international regulations to arrive at a transaction that works for all,” explains Natasha Millward, DJH client services director.

More information www.djh.co.uk

In-Comm MD to run London Marathon for charity

A manufacturing training leader and novice runner is preparing to take on the iconic London Marathon, taking place on 26 April, to raise vital funds for the Good Shepherd in Wolverhampton. Gareth Jones is MD at In-Comm Training, which provides apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities to engineering and manufacturing firms. Located across two technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, the firm recently completed a 12-month partnership with the Good Shepherd as its Charity of the Year, providing over £25,000 worth of contributions through corporate volunteering, in-kind support and fundraising.More information www.bit.ly/424g7lw

Finecast welcomes UK industry stakeholders

Finecast, a West Sussex-based precision casting and machining specialist, opened its doors to a diverse delegation last month to address one of the most pressing challenges facing UK manufacturing today: the future of the domestic casting industry. Delegates comprised members of the Worshipful Company of Founders, a historic livery company dedicated to supporting and promoting the modern metals and casting industries. Also attending the event were industry leaders, academics, engineers and apprentices. 

The day began with an informal roundtable discussion, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Finecast’s advanced foundry and machine shop. Finecast has recently invested £2m in its machine shop capabilities and is in the process of achieving NADCAP accreditation.

The company also employs advanced inspection technologies such as GOM optical 3D metrology systems for precise geometric measurement.

More information www.finecast.co.uk

Two new automotive contracts secured by Brandauer

Brandauer has secured two major automotive contracts, reinforcing its strategy to evolve into a long-term engineering partner for global clients. The Birmingham-based manufacturer, which recently completed a management buy-out, is now working with Ford Motor Company and a leading Eastern European tier one supplier on projects focused on electrification.

Both collaborations highlight Brandauer’s shift towards early-stage engagement, offering consultancy and design for manufacturing support before progressing through tooling, production and automation to full-scale volume output. This end-to-end approach aligns with the company’s growth ambitions and its target of reaching £12m in revenue by 2029.

Chief executive Rowan Crozier says the business is transitioning from a traditional stamping specialist into a full-service precision engineering partner capable of supporting customers from concept through to high-volume global supply. He notes that automotive remains a key sector, particularly as electrification drives demand for increasingly advanced and precise components.

A milestone within the Ford project sees Brandauer manufacturing a lamination progression tool exceeding 2500 mm in diameter for the first time. The solution incorporates integrated automation to stamp, bond, stack and skew thin-gauge laminations for electric vehicle applications, demonstrating new approaches to motor production. The company has supported the programme with design validation, prototyping and process expertise, with full tool manufacture now underway.

The second contract follows a similar model, centred on the development of a fully automated production line featuring multiple high-performance tools to maximise efficiency and tolerance control.

Together, these projects underline Brandauer’s expanding capabilities and its commitment to delivering integrated engineering solutions, supported by ongoing investment in skills, technology and quality standards.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk

Bruderer unveiling UK technology first at MACH 2026

A global leader in high-speed precision presses is marking nearly 50 years of exhibiting at MACH by unveiling a UK-first technology at the NEC in Birmingham this week (20-24 April). Bruderer UK is showcasing its new BSTA 280-88-B3 machine, equipped with the latest BSV 170 servo feeder (pictured) and advanced B3 control system, delivering a significant step forward in precision, flexibility and process control.

At the heart of the launch is a fully integrated manufacturing environment, where press, feeder and tooling operate seamlessly under a single control platform. The system allows shut height adjustment in micron increments during operation, advanced tool and press protection, and simultaneous control of up to six axes, enabling high-speed lamination with exceptional accuracy.

Managing director Adrian Haller described MACH as the highlight of the UK manufacturing calendar and the ideal stage to demonstrate this milestone. The company is running a live production line built around the BSTA 280-88-B3, marking the first time this technology has been operated in the UK. The new servo feeder integrates key parameters such as material thickness, pitch and roll pressure directly into the control system, enabling rapid adjustments and faster tool changes at the touch of a button.

Bruderer UK is seeing increasing demand for smart controls, automation and data integration, driven by the need for consistent quality and greater efficiency. At the exhibition, its engineering team is presenting turnkey solutions spanning the entire production lifecycle, alongside advanced tooling, inspection and automation technologies designed to support lights-out manufacturing.

More information www.bruderer.co.uk