UK NEWS

Join the Automation in Action UK Roadshow this Month

Manufacturing teams are under pressure to improve productivity, maintain quality and do more with fewer resources. Join Universal Robots and its technology partners on 29 September (09:30-14:30) at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge, Surrey, to see how industrial collaborative robots are helping manufacturers solve real production challenges. Visitors will experience live automation demonstrations, including industrial collaborative robots in action across machine tending, packaging, food handling and screwdriving applications. Leading partners will include Schunk, Piab, OnRobot, Sick and RobotIQ. 

More information www.tinyurl.com/527ah2sk 

70 Apprentices and Graduates to Join British Steel

Some 70 new apprentices and graduates will join British Steel this month as the company continues to build the next generation of steelmakers. In Scunthorpe, 36 electrical, mechanical and structural apprentices will launch their careers, joined by 17 apprentices in similar roles for British Steel’s Northern mills in Teesside and Skinningrove, and one at the company’s R&D centre in Sheffield. 

At the same time, 16 graduates will join British Steel, the first to do so since 2022 following this year’s relaunch of the company’s graduate recruitment programme. British Steel, which was nationalised by the UK Government in July, received more than 1000 applications when the roles were advertised earlier this year. The successful candidates have come through a robust vetting process including a series of assessment centres. 

More information www.britishsteel.co.uk

Made Smarter Expands Team With Four Wew Specialists

Made Smarter is bolstering its northwest team with four new specialists as SME manufacturers accelerate investment in technology and skills. Mike Richards-Brown and Tabs Khojani will help firms find practical ways to digitalise their operations, while Jane Duffy and Mike Connolly will help businesses develop the leadership needed to deliver change. Together they bring decades of experience from some of the region’s leading manufacturing, technology and business support organisations. Launched in 2019, Made Smarter North West has engaged with 2500 manufacturers and provided £8.3m in funding. 

More information http://madesmarter.uk 

Citizen Names Dates For Autumn Open House

On 6-8 October 2026, Citizen Machinery will host an autumn open house at its Turning Centre of Excellence in Brierley Hill, West Midlands. The company will use the event to show manufacturers how they can streamline workflows and boost profitability using Cincom sliding-head lathes and Miyano fixed-head lathes. 
Notably, the company is extending its MACH 2026 Gateway to Japan offer of a free trip to Japan for one individual from each company that places an order at the event for a machine delivered by the end of this year. Places are limited, however, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be an abundance of technology on show that the company says will reshape manufacturers’ perception of what is possible in terms of productivity gains, lights‑out machining and return on investment.  

More information https://citizenmachinery.co.uk/open-house

Nicolás Correa Incorporates Sales And Service Agent DTS UK

Spanish machine tool builder Nicolás Correa S.A. and Gary Sanderson have announced an agreement for the Correa Group to acquire 100% of the shareholding in Design & Technical Services UK (DTS), strengthening the machine tool manufacturer’s commitment to the UK market.

DTS has been Nicolás Correa’s UK agent for 21 years, while Sanderson has represented the company for 38 years, overseeing machine sales and service support. The long-standing partnership has helped establish the Correa brand as a force in the UK’s large-scale machining market, underpinned by trust, loyalty and mutual commitment.

Nicolás Correa thanked Sanderson for his dedication and for helping secure the future of DTS as part of the Correa Group. The company will continue operating with its existing UK team, ensuring continuity for customers while benefiting from the resources and backing of the group.

Andrew Guy, DTS sales director, will become managing director and lead the business through its next phase. He will be supported by the existing DTS team, maintaining the company’s established approach to sales and customer service.

Sanderson says the acquisition represents the right time for a new chapter, as he moves towards retirement: “I would like to thank DTS, its customers, Nicolás Correa and the other partners I have represented for their partnership, support and trust over the years. It’s been a fascinating and rewarding journey, and I feel the time is right to take a different direction in life.”

The acquisition reinforces Nicolás Correa’s commitment to the UK, which it identifies as a priority market within its current and future strategy. The group intends to build on the foundations established by DTS while maintaining the continuity and expertise that have supported its UK presence for decades.

More information www.nicolascorrea.com/en