UK NEWS

DISCOVER NEW MANUFACTURING PARTNERS AT SUBCON – THE MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS SHOW

Subcon 2024, scheduled for 5-6 June at the NEC in Birmingham is a major event for manufacturing buyers across all sectors. As a cornerstone exhibition for the industry, Subcon provides an opportunity to source new manufacturing partners and solutions from a variety of leading exhibitors. With over 150 subcontractors and outsourced engineering services, Subcon is packed with possibilities for everyone.

This year’s event promises a refreshed and innovative format, with new developments introduced to adapt and enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic programme featuring interactive CPD-accredited workshops, cutting-edge product demonstrations and insightful keynote presentations. Additionally, visitors can engage in meaningful discussions via roundtable sessions to foster collaboration and idea-sharing.

Whether the aim is to benchmark capabilities, seek innovative solutions or simply look to stay ahead of industry trends, Subcon represents a gateway to the future of manufacturing.

Visitors can meet with over 150 UK and international suppliers under one roof, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions available from sectors such as CNC machining, metal fabrication, component parts and more, all dedicated to advancing the capabilities of supply chains.

Thousands of new products and innovations will be on display across the full range of advanced engineering technology, systems and services – from additive manufacturing and metrology solutions to frictionless bearings, cables and controls, and everything in between. This is a show geared to helping manufacturers increase capacity, optimise productivity, improve flexibility and remain competitive.

New for 2024, Subcon has significantly enhanced its conference and workshop programme with the introduction of a variety of different session formats that take place within three specialist areas designed to cater to a diverse range of interests and professional needs within the manufacturing industry: the Innovation Zone; Workshops and Learning Space; and the Manufacturing Insights Theatre. Additionally, the programme is now officially CPD-accredited, ensuring attendees can gain valuable professional development credits while engaging with top industry experts and cutting-edge technologies.

Visitors can explore insightful keynote presentations and engage in lively panel discussions at the Manufacturing Insights Theatre. This forum features thought leaders discussing the latest trends and challenges in manufacturing. Each session includes interactive Q&A segments, making it a dynamic platform for learning and engagement.

In addition, Subcon visitors can dive into hands-on learning with roundtable discussions and sector-focused peer-to-peer meetings in the Workshops and Learning Space. Tailored to address specific industry challenges, these sessions offer practical insights and networking opportunities, facilitated by industry experts.

Also present at the show will be the Innovation Zone, an area is dedicated to hands-on demonstrations, showing visitors how new technologies and products operate in real-time. It is the perfect place to see the newest innovations in action and discover how they can enhance manufacturing processes.

And there is plenty more besides. Further new features include motorsport simulators and a prize draw. Visitors to subcon can compete in professional motorsport simulators operated by FP Zero, allowing them to dive into the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing right on the exhibition floor. The fastest lap will not only boast bragging rights but will also win a PalmerSport driving day experience valued at over £600.

For those needing a quiet spot for a meeting or just to catch up on emails, Subcon now has dedicated spaces set up for exactly that. With these work/meeting spaces, visitors can meet with peers or to take a break and grab a coffee.

All visitors, exhibitors and speakers are invited to unwind at a drinks reception complete with entertainment, starting at 17:00 on the first day of the exhibition.

Registration for Subcon 2024 is completely free, offering an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge innovations and participate in a variety of sessions designed to drive the capabilities of manufacturers forward. Register at www.bit.ly/3UXpLCv

In other news, the shortlist for the Manufacturing Solutions Show Awards is now available. The awards celebrate the best of UK and international manufacturing, and showcase the latest solutions to hit the market while simultaneously honouring some of the industry’s best talent.

Several categories are up for grabs, including UK Manufacturing Partner of the Year, where the nominees include Stoke-based Grenville Engineering, Leeds-based Kirkstall Precision Engineering and WEC Group, based in Darwen. Further categories include Start-up of the year, International Manufacturing Partner of the Year, Product Innovation of the Year and

Outstanding Industry Contribution. The latter will see the following shortlisted nominees battle for the title: Dr Muftooh Siddiqi, senior lecturer in manufacturing at Aston University;

Megan Ronayne, head of industrial technologies and manufacturing at Innovate UK KTN;

Nipuni Karunaratne, managing director at Ivy Tech and digital technology manager – model factory at Rolls-Royce; and Sarah Black-Smith, general manager of motion control and sustainability lead at Siemens Digital Industries.

There is a highly experienced panel of qualified industry experts who will be judging the awards. The organiser will announce the winners at Subcon 2024 within the Manufacturing Insights Theatre on Thursday 6 June at 13:00. This event is free to attend and open to all visitors, so do not miss the chance to see who triumphed.

For further information www.subconshow.co.uk

FANUC set for take-off

FANUC UK will showcase a suite of next-generation automation solutions at Farnborough International Airshow (22-26 July) to enable higher rate aircraft and aerospace manufacturing. Spanning the entire supply chain – including solutions for the burgeoning eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) sector – visitors to stand 4900 can witness demonstrations covering a wide a variety of key applications essential for the aerospace sector. These will include dispensing, polishing, inspection, machining and drilling, helping manufacturers to meet increasing order levels by boosting productivity.

For more information www.fanuc.eu

Investment drives growth

One of the UK’s major manufacturers, fabricators and installers of access products – Teesside based Lionweld Kennedy – is making a £1.5m investment in its site and machinery as the company breaks ground on a new multipurpose building and installs the UK’s first shearing machine for steel grating. The investment will see the business further consolidate its position as one of the region’s largest employers. With the installation of a shear grating machine Lionweld expects to increase the production capacity of its Safegrid gratings by over 40%, while simultaneously eliminating all waste production associated with cutting. For more information www.lk-uk.com

ETG locks-in to cybersecurity benefits

With cyberattacks proving an ever-increasing threat to industry, the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) has become Cyber Essentials certified. The Government-backed scheme supports businesses in their plight to guard critical assets and data against the most common cyber threats. By undertaking the programme, ETG is demonstrating its commitment to the cybersecurity of staff and business assets, as well as customers and suppliers. The journey to Cyber Essentials certification has required significant investment from ETG, with new firmware and hardware now in place.

For more information www.engtechgroup.com

Bringing automation and robots to life

The return of Automation UK is fast approaching, with the show once again taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 18-19 June 2024. The event is organised and owned by the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) and promotes the uses and benefits of automation and robotics in the UK. Over 50 companies will be exhibiting their products and services, which will include robots, robotics systems, systems integration, automation control parts and systems, and sensors and machine safety. Visitors will benefit from meeting exhibiting experts, suppliers, technicians and advisors.

For more information www.automation-uk.co.uk