UK NEWS

Record entries for manufacturing festival awards

A record number of entries have been received for this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards, as manufacturers across the region continue to invest in young talent at a time when employers in other sectors warn entry-level roles for young people are disappearing. The awards, which take place next week, attracted 45 nominations from 19 companies, up from 38 entries from 18 businesses last year. Organisers say the increase reflects growing recognition of the role manufacturing can play in providing long-term career opportunities for young people.

More information www.leedsmanufacturingfestival.co.uk

US tariffs could prove tipping point for the UK

The MTA has warned that newly announced US tariffs on UK exports risk becoming the tipping point for British manufacturers already under severe pressure from soaring energy costs, rising employment taxes and chronic skills shortages. The new tariffs, reportedly ranging from 10 to 12.5%, apply to dozens of countries including the UK. The MTA says the situation underlined the urgent need for the UK Government to strengthen the domestic foundations of manufacturing competitiveness, rather than leaving firms exposed to international trade shocks while carrying avoidable costs at home.

More information www.mta.org.uk

Manchester Metrology to host open day

Manchester Metrology is hosting its 2026 open day on 14 July (10:00-15:00), featuring live, hands-on demonstrations that showcase the latest additions to its range of equipment. The company is inviting visitors to its facility in Ashton-under-Lyne to take a tour of the site, meet the team, and learn how Manchester Metrology’s equipment, services and software can support businesses and projects.

Live demonstrations are set to include the latest portable arms, 3D scanners, laser trackers, CMMs and 3D printers. Tour areas will extend from the CMM room to the servicing, calibration and repair room, as well as the 3D printing room. Selected Manchester Metrology partners and suppliers will also be showcasing products. Complementary food and drinks will be available throughout the day.

More information www.manchester-metrology.co.uk

Potential For Nissan Sunderland to Build Chery Vehicles

Nissan and Chery International UK have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the study of Nissan to contract manufacture Chery passenger vehicles at its Sunderland plant. Under the terms of the non-binding MoU, the Sunderland facility would remain fully owned by Nissan, with the team at the plant employed by Nissan.

The MoU includes the possibility that Nissan would aim to begin manufacturing Chery passenger vehicles in financial year 2027. Massimiliano Messina, chairperson Nissan AMIEO, says: “This is an important step forward for our operations. We’re looking forward to working with Chery International UK in the coming months to finalise a position that is optimal for both companies.”

More information www.nissan.co.uk

Cost of Corrosion report sets out need for smarter protection

Corrosion has long been accepted as an unavoidable operational cost, but new research from Interpon Powder Coatings suggests it could represent one of manufacturing’s biggest opportunities for cost reduction and performance improvement. According to the company’s new Cost of Corrosion report, manufacturers worldwide could recover up to $875bn in preventable costs through improved corrosion protection strategies.

Published by AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, the study surveyed 1000 manufacturing leaders across multiple industries and regions to assess how businesses are balancing durability, sustainability and operational efficiency amid increasing regulatory and environmental pressures. The findings reveal that the hidden costs of corrosion extend well beyond equipment damage. Around 32% of respondents identified lost customers, product returns and reputational damage as the greatest financial impact, while 28% highlighted the environmental cost associated with waste and landfill.

The report also shows a growing recognition that corrosion protection is becoming strategically important to long-term business performance. Nearly half of manufacturers surveyed described anti-corrosion protection as essential to their operations.

Sector-specific insights indicate that EV manufacturers are leading the adoption of advanced powder coating technologies to improve durability and sustainability, while architectural manufacturers face increasing pressure to replace legacy systems with longer-lasting, environmentally compliant alternatives. Industrial equipment producers are also under pressure to modernise, although investment costs remain a challenge for some businesses.

“Corrosion protection was once seen mainly as a way to prevent product failures and financial loss,” says Jorrit van Rijn, marketing director at AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. “Today, it plays a far bigger role – helping manufacturers cut waste, improve efficiency and deliver longer-lasting, higher quality products that customers trust and value.”

More information www.bit.ly/4frXlfO