UK NEWS

Apprentices reach WorldSkills national finals

Four MTC Training apprentices have reached the national finals of the 2022 WorldSkills UK competition, which takes place in November. Two learners from the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre and two from Oxfordshire Advanced Skills beat competition from across the country to qualify for the finals.

Jack Leonard and Omar Awaad, first-year apprentices at FANUC UK and Regent Engineers Leicester, are finalists in the Industrial Robotics competition, while second-year apprentices Darren Mitchard and Tony Yarinakis from the Science and Technology Facilities Council will compete in the CNC Milling final. All four are completing the Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard delivered by MTC Training, which is part of the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Research ties may advance shipbuilding on the Clyde

Scottish and Australian researchers have struck a new agreement to strengthen collaboration on modern manufacturing methods that could be adapted to shipbuilding and marine operations underway in both hemispheres. An MoU between the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow – operator of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland – Flinders University in Adelaide and BAE Systems is key to the establishment of the advanced manufacturing research exchange. This will include exploring digital tools in shipbuilding, spanning automation, simulation and materials, as well as welding and joining technologies.
For further information www.nmis.scot

ACE completes £0.5m investment

A major £500,000 investment drive has reached its final stage at a Telford-based precision manufacturer with the arrival of two new state-of-the-art etching machines. Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE), which has recently boosted its workforce by 12%, has taken delivery of two Chemcut Etch machines at its facility in a bid to meet increasing global demand from the aerospace, electric vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell markets. The acquisitions will increase the firm’s etching capacity by 30% and help customers bring their designs and prototypes to market quicker.
For further information www.ace-uk.net

Alucast looks to deliver £800,000 sales boost

A West Midlands aluminium foundry is reaping the benefits of a move to ‘servitization’ and forecasts that it will add nearly 10% to its annual turnover. Alucast, which employs over 100 people at its growing factory in Wednesbury, has invested nearly £500,000 in new technology to ensure that it now provides customers with access to Magmasoft casting simulation, prototyping and heat treatment. The company has also expanded its CNC capacity to offer five-axis machining and non-destructive testing, including X-ray and dye-penetrant testing.
For further information www.alucast.co.uk

New XYZ showroom draws the crowds

XYZ Machine Tools was pleasantly surprised by the number of people attending the opening of its latest showroom. Located just off the M62 near Huddersfield, the 5000 sq ft showroom contains an extensive selection of XYZ machines, all under power and available for customer demonstrations and training. Thanks to its proximity to the motorway network, visitors travelled from across the north of England for the open day, with orders received for six machines and many requests for quotes.

Nigel Atherton, managing director at XYZ Machine Tools, says: “Due to its location we expected a good response from customers, but even we underestimated the turnout. In total we had 94 people from 55 companies attend the day, about 50% more than we anticipated. Our 40-space car park was overflowing at times. Overall it was very encouraging and indicates that there’s still lots of positive sentiment in the manufacturing sector.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com