Renishaw is running a virtual UK work experience programme in 2021. The company will virtually host 140 students in years 10 to 13 with week-long sessions during school holidays from mid-February until the end of July. These sessions will provide students with exposure to a wide range of engineering disciplines, such as design, development and manufacturing, to encourage young people into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. Renishaw’s work experience schemes are project-based to give students an insight into a career
in engineering.

For further information www.renishaw.com

Bedford-based Midas Pattern has taken delivery of a new Haas VF-11/40 CNC machining centre, which with its 3 x 1 x 0.7 m working envelope becomes the largest machine tool on site. The company says that its new investment will make short work of any new MRIM tooling requirements (MRIM is Midas’ proprietary composite resin tooling system) and help to keep pushing the boundaries on polyurethane part size and complexity. Even in challenging times, it is important to keep investing, so when Haas contacted Midas back in April 2020 with a cancelled order, the company was keen to invest in its future.

For further information
www.midaspattern.co.uk

Couplings manufacturer Smartflow has expanded its production capacity by moving to a new larger facility in Grimsby as it prepares to step up the manufacture of its new dry-break couplings. The production facility at Grimsby Enterprise Village will replace the company’s previous plant in Scunthorpe, giving more space for stock and parts ahead of launching the new fluid-transfer couplings, which aim to drive safety and sustainability in the oil, gas and chemical sectors. Some £173,000 of funding from Innovate UK helped Smartflow to develop the new devices.

For further information
www.smartflowcouplings.com

Aero Services Global Group (ASG) has acquired one of Liverpool’s oldest surface-treatment specialists and is now looking to maximise its new ‘one-stop’ capability with aerospace clients across the world. The Manchester-based Group, which is run by Simon Weston and backed by Amin Amiri of a2e Industries, has purchased King & Fowler in a deal that will safeguard all 59 jobs and signal a new investment drive in processes and plant at its Liverpool factory. According to ASG, the move will enhance the group’s operating efficiencies and provide access to an extended blue-chip client base.

For further information
www.asg-group.co

Castings Technology International Ltd (CTI), a world leader in its field, is poised for significant growth following a management buy-out from the University of Sheffield, which will take the company to its next phase of growth. The company has also completed a £2m fundraising round backed by Mercia Asset Management, via the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund and Nucleus Commercial Finance. Yorkshire-based deal-making firm, Castle Square Corporate Finance, provided advice on the transaction and ran the fundraising process.

For further information
www.castlesquarecf.co.uk