Open Mind names new manager for UK

CADCAM software expert Open Mind Technologies UK has appointed Ken Baldwin as its new managing director. Baldwin previously served as sales director at Open Mind UK and has been with the business for over 20 years. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s operations and focus on driving further growth and market development. “I’m pleased to take on this new role and further strengthen the position of hyperMILL in the manufacturing industry,” he says. “Our aim is to show more companies how they can benefit from the precision and efficiency of our CADCAM solution.”

More information www.openmind-tech.com

NCMT and BEL build talent pipeline

To mark the UK’s recent National Manufacturing Day, machine tool supplier NCMT and engineering services provider BEL Engineering shone the spotlight on how manufacturers can grow next-generation talent by pairing hands-on training with an Okuma Genos M460V-5AX five-axis machining technology and meeting young people where they already are: on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Jonathan Smart, managing director of NCMT, says: “We deliver world-class manufacturing technology and work with partners to unlock its full capability; social media adds the spark and ambition apprentices need to excel.”

More information www.ncmt.co.uk

Tokamak Energy acquires Ridgway Machines

Tokamak Energy, a UK fusion technology company, has accelerated the growth and manufacturing capabilities of its TE Magnetics business with the acquisition of specialist engineering company Ridgway Machines. Leicester-based Ridgway Machines, an expert in solutions for winding and insulating superconducting magnets and cables, will operate as a subsidiary of Tokamak, with the existing brand, workforce and facility remaining unchanged.

Andy Glanville, Ridgway Machines’ managing director, says: “Throughout the company’s 100-year history, Ridgway has always been forward-looking. Our track record means we’re well suited to expansion and this new period of growth. In Tokamak Energy, we’re proud to be joining one of the UK’s most exciting technology businesses, and to play our part in their ambitious and transformative plans.”

More information www.tokamakenergy.com

Amentum to create 3000 UK jobs

Amentum, a global advanced engineering and technology solutions specialist, is set to create 3000 new jobs in the UK over the next four years on the back of growth in nuclear power and defence. Amentum is a lead delivery partner for the UK’s new nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and provides key technical and project solutions for small modular reactors and fusion research.

“We’re stepping up collaboration between our people on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure that we seize opportunities which are tailor-made for our company,” says Mark Whitney, president of Amentum Energy & Environment. “Based on current demand projections, we expect to increase our UK headcount by 50% over the next four years.”

More information www.amentum.com  

Tool inventory where manufacturers require it

Inventory management has become significantly more flexible with the arrival of the TM Minibox from Guhring. Unlike other vending solution providers, Guhring says it is elevating accessibility to the next level with the desktop TM Minibox, which is compact enough to fit on any workstation on the shop floor.

Guhring produces both standard and special product lines in the UK, maintaining over £5m of stock on-site for next-day delivery. However, for manufacturers wanting to ensure they always have the correct tool on hand, particularly where space is limited, the TM Minibox presents the solution.

The compact TM Minibox enhances the cabinet portfolio and makes tool management more versatile than ever before, says the company. With this compact box, tools are always at hand whenever needed. TM Minibox features four drawers with front heights of 60, 90 and 120 cm, but what is even more impressive are its dimensions. Measuring 630 x 700 x 880 mm (W x D x H) and weighing less than 95 kg, the TM Minibox fits into any machine shop. In fact, manufacturers with large workshops can reduce downtime by installing multiple localised desktop TM Miniboxes instead of one centralised vending machine.

When manufacturers invest in a TM Minibox, the GTMS Basic logistics software module is included as standard. This pre-installed logistics software digitises the most important inventory processes on the shop floor. The software assists manufacturers in managing master data, creating evaluations and handling intra-logistical processes efficiently. This includes parameters such as user data, cost units, partners and suppliers, and article data. Furthermore, manufacturers can better manage and control inventory, achieving complete visibility and traceability that identify tool movements and automatically handle the ordering process to ensure they never run out of tools.

More information www.guhring.co.uk