UK NEWS

Concerns remain about discrimination of women at work

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of female manufacturing leaders still experience gender-based discrimination in 2026, according to research released to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March. The survey of 101 senior figures across the UK, commissioned by personalised workwear provider MyWorkwear, revealed statistics of women who continue to be concerned about personal security and harassment at UK factories.

In explaining why female manufacturing leaders did not feel safe in the workplace, physical safety was cited as the number one reason, followed by personal security (such as lone working), ill-fitting PPE or workwear, and then bullying or harassment. On a more positive note, 72% of respondents felt they now receive equal pay for the work carried out.

More information www.bit.ly/4s136EX

Strengthening manufacturing and sovereign capability 

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), in partnership with Mission Community, has launched ‘Mission Manufacturing’, a career guide and recruitment pathway for ex-Armed Forces personnel and the wider Service community. Employers can benefit from the talent of these individuals in the face of a widely acknowledged skills shortage. Introduced recently to the Armed Forces Community at the National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit, the guidance will be showcased further on the opening day of the MACH 2026 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 20 April.More information www.mta.org.uk/mission-manufacturing

Parts-washing specialist shares thoughts on year ahead

With MACH 2026 approaching, the UK manufacturing sector is entering the year with renewed optimism. According to John Pattison, managing director of MecWash Systems, the industry is seeing encouraging momentum across several key sectors, alongside increasing focus on efficiency and reliability in production processes.

Pattison notes that 2025 proved to be a positive year for MecWash, with strong demand for the company’s industrial component cleaning systems. While the automotive sector has faced challenges in recent years, defence and aerospace remain particularly strong markets, supported by high global demand and the specialist expertise of UK manufacturers. The medical sector also continues to represent a significant area of activity for MecWash.

Strict regulatory requirements across many sectors mean that manufacturers must meet extremely high standards of cleanliness and process control, areas where the company’s component cleaning systems are well established. In addition, MecWash has seen growing interest from companies involved in additive manufacturing.

A key aspect of MecWash’s approach is designing tailored cleaning solutions for each customer application. By analysing the specific contamination challenges involved, the company develops a bespoke combination of process, chemistry and equipment to ensure optimal results.

Looking ahead, Pattison expects manufacturers to place even greater emphasis on efficiency as energy costs remain high. Reducing downtime and maintaining productivity will be critical priorities, which is driving demand for reliable equipment with remote diagnostics and robust service support.

MecWash continues to invest in innovation, system development and customer service, while demand for fully refurbished machines has also increased in recent years. With a positive outlook for manufacturing, the company is looking forward to showcasing its latest developments at MACH 2026 (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April).

More information www.mecwash.com

UK foundry buys estate

A major UK foundry has reinforced its commitment to the Black Country with the purchase of the Moxley Industrial Estate. Alucast, which provides high-pressure, low-pressure, sand and gravity casting services, has spent £1.8m on the site in Wednesbury, protecting the future of it three current units and supporting estate neighbours Kingfisher Enamelling Co and BES Group Testing. Located just a few miles from the M6 and M5 motorways, the 5-acre site is well-known in the local manufacturing community and has been home to Alucast for nearly 65 years.

More information www.alucast.co.uk

Wall Colmonoy marks apprenticeship milestone

Global materials engineering company Wall Colmonoy is marking the 10th anniversary of its bespoke apprenticeship programme, celebrating a decade of sustained investment in engineering skills and advanced manufacturing capability in Wales. Launched in 2015 at its Pontardawe headquarters in the Swansea Valley, the programme was designed to build the expertise required to support Wall Colmonoy’s advanced materials and manufacturing operations. Over the past 10 years, the programme has become a structured pathway that spans apprenticeships, higher education and degree-level study in the workplace.

More information www.wallcolmonoy.com