UK NEWS

OEMs back launch of ERS Hub

Hundreds of thousands of new skilled jobs require creation over the next two years if the UK is going to transition to zero-emission vehicles.Delegates at the first ever Electric Revolution Skills Hub (ERS Hub) conference heard how skills and training people are the two biggest barriers to ensuring the country leads the way in the global electrification race. Leaders from the sector believe that taking action now means theUK can still become a hotbed for the production and development of power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD), generating more than £12bn of domestic revenue by 2025.

More than 200 delegates gathered at the ICC Birmingham to hear this rallying call and celebrate the official launch of the ERS Hub, an integrated digital platform providing inclusive access to training, development and jobs. Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, Hewland and an army of SMEs are already backing its introduction, with 150 companies and organisations set to benefit in the first year alone.
For further information www.ershub.co.uk

Investment proves key to growth and diversification

Milltek Sport has, for the past 40 years, being at the forefront of the design and manufacture of aftermarket performance exhaust systems, but with one eye on the future it has recently created a £3m Advanced Manufacturing Centre, adjacent to its Derby headquarters. At the heart of this investment are three machines from BLM Group that incorporate the very latest in fibre laser, robotics and bending technology.

While Milltek Sport’s core products will remain in demand for many years to come, the rise of electric vehicles influenced the company’s decision to invest, a move that is allowing it to appeal to new markets, such as heat shield manufacture for EVs. The three machines from BLM Groupinclude a BLM LC5 combination flat sheet and tube laser cutting system, and the BLM LT Free Hi-Flex five-axis, twin-robot, fibre laser cutting cell.

BLM Group’s LC5 integrates separatemodules for tube and flat sheet processing to enable a switch from tube processing to flat sheet instantly, without any need to reconfigure the machine. Milltek chose the 4kW (12kW optional) fibre laser for its machine, a choice that provides the capability to cut stainless steel up to 15mm thick. Adding to this versatility is the electric sheet pallet change system with dual shelves for sheet and tube.

Similarly, the BLM LT Free Hi-Flex five-axis robot cell features twin robot arms that can be operated individually, with a divider allowing one part to be cut by the 2kW fibre laser, while another is being set-up.Or, if the part demands it both robots can work in tandem.

Steve Pound, managing director of Milltek Sport, states: “We are seeing efficiency improve dramatically; up to 40% gains on some components.”
For further information www.blmgroup.com

Mazak creates new north-south sales structure

Yamazaki Mazak says it is implementing a new UK sales structure to support growing market demand for British-built machinery and bring the team even closer to its customer base.The structure, which includes the promotion of several experienced employees, will comprise of dedicated sales teams for the north and south of England under two newly appointed general sales managers: Brian Edmondson (photo, right)in the north and Alan Reeve (left) in the south. Both will report to UK sales director Jason Butler (centre).

The new structure is taking shape in advance of the impending retirement of long-serving UK general sales manager, Tony Creamer, whose career will draw to a close at the end of this month.In the north of England, Edmondson will enjoy support from Karl Hargreaves, Mark Ireland, Joe Trozzo and Stephen Bower, with newly appointed Liam Slack in an area sales engineer role.In the south, Neil Coggins, Tim Ponter and John McNally will support Reeve, with Steve Livett gaining promotion to area sales manager.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Midtherm lasers set for growth after £1.2m investment

A specialist subcontract laser cutting and forming specialist is reaping the operational and environmental benefits of a £1.2m machine investment. Midtherm Laser, which employs 45 people at its factory in Dudley, has increased its capacity and speed of processing thanks to the installation of a new Bystronic Bystar Fiber 12kW laser with part automation.

One of the largest purchases in its 23-year history introduces the next level of power in fibre laser cutting. It will help the company deliver high cutting dynamics and thin to thick cutting capabilities to a customer base that spans aerospace, automotive and decorative work, to food processing, agricultural and conveyors.

The machine has also made a massive difference to the firm’s environmental performance, with the Bystronic model replacing two older CO2 machines and delivering a 50% energy saving, the equivalent of powering 2100 average homes every month.

“Our expertise in laser cutting and metal forming is respected throughout our sector and has led to us increasing sales by a further 6% last year, a great achievement considering the volatility of the market,” explains Mark Hannon, director of Midtherm Laser.“The 12 kW Bystar Fiber is a class-leading machine that can cut from 0.5 to 30mm in mild steel, aluminium and a host of other materials. It gives us more capacity to target new opportunities and, importantly, means three quarters of our machines are now fibre technology instead of gas.”

He adds: “With this in mind, and when you consider we’ve also invested in LED lighting, sensor switches, and electric vehicles and charging for our staff on the road, it’s not difficult to see how we have managed to cut our energy usage in half since 2018.”
For further information www.midthermlaser.co.uk

SM Thompson invests further in laser technology

Steel plate processor SM Thompson has invested in a new 22kW fibre laser cutting machine that will boost efficiency and drive the firm’s ambitions forward.The Teesside-based business has invested in a state-of-the-art laser cutting machine that will not only support more environmentally friendly ways of working but enable larger client orders and faster process.

Managing director Harvey Thompson says: “Our continued investment in new machinery enables us to offer a range of services to our customers. By enhancing the range and capabilities of our machinery, we can respond readily to market changes.It’s always been our ethos to invest in the latest technology to keep us at the top of the game. This machine continues that strategy.”

Beyond its high cut quality, the laser can offer etching suitable for bend lines and profile identification, which supports larger orders and identifying parts quickly, saving valuable time and money. The high-end fibre laser provides precise technology and a stable cutting process up to the highest laser power.

Harvey adds: “When we purchased a 12kW machine a little over a year ago, I was so impressed by its precision and efficiency that I knew straight away this was the future of large quantity orders. Six months later, our order was in for our new 22kW laser.”

As a steel plate specialist, the SM Thompson team cuts steel from 1 to 350mm thick using a range of laser, plasma and flame cutting machinery. The company also presses, rolls and chamfers material in a variety of shapes and sizes, working with mild and stainless steel, as well as aluminium, brass, copper and titanium.
For further informationwww.smthompson.co.uk