Automation and robotics provide the biggest opportunity for manufacturing to close the productivity gap between the UK and its industrial competitors, delegates at a major automation conference at the Manufacturing Technology Centre heard. Delegates discovered that the wider adoption of industrial robots and automation presented UK industry with a major opportunity to improve competitiveness and re-shore operations from overseas. The two-day event enabled attendees to share insights into the transformational benefits of cutting-edge robotic technologies and encourage the take-up of automation.

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https://bit.ly/3NeAint

The United States Air Force (USAF) recently saw how the AMRC’s world-leading technologies and techniques could reshape its day-to-day operations. A delegation from RAF Lakenheath, home to the 48th Fighter Wing, visited the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) facilities in Rotherham and Sheffield to understand how digital technologies, composite materials and advanced machining might integrate into USAF’s MRO processes. Last year, the AMRC worked with RAF Leeming to demonstrate how Industry 4.0 digital technologies could transform how it operates and trains its workforce.

For further information www.amrc.co.uk

Ceratizit UK & Ireland has expanded its applications support team with the appointment of two additional engineers, Stuart Cooke and Stuart Brooks, who will provide support across the Midlands and northwest of England. Their arrival takes the number of applications engineers to 10, meaning that Ceratizit UK & Ireland’s technical sales and applications teams now fully support the majority of the UK, delivering help and advice on all cutting tool and work-holding requirements. As with existing team members, the new recruits are apprentice-trained, with years of metal-cutting experience.

For further information www.ceratizit.com

Northeast manufacturer BEL Valves has invested £250,000 over the past 18 months to future proof the business as part of its sustainability plans. Following an extensive restructure in 2020, the valve manufacturer aims to generate up to £20m in sales by 2025 as part of a five-year plan, targeting the energy transition market, as well as traditional markets. The business has invested in two state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval units that have transformed the stores and stock handling process. Additional work to upgrade the assembly and test offices, testing bays, lighting and paint work has also started.

For further information
www.belvalves.com

Lotus has officially opened its new sports car manufacturing facility at Hethel, Norfolk, naming it in honour of the company’s founder and inspiration. The Chapman Production Centre is a world-class centre of excellence that is already building the Emira, the last petrol-powered car from Lotus. Together with Lotus Advanced Structures (LAS), Lotus’ new sub-assembly facility in Norwich, the Chapman Production Centre is part of a £100m investment by Lotus in the UK. It is also an investment in the skills and passion of the Lotus team, which has more than doubled since 2017 when Geely became the majority shareholder.

For further information
www.lotuscars.com