Flexible shift patterns, part-time working and long-term permanent contracts are just some of the measures being introduced by a Shropshire manufacturer keen to fill 24 vacant positions. Corbetts the Galvanizers, which has secured a string of new orders, has already taken on 25 new employees, but needs additional general operatives to help it meet increasing demand from the construction, perimeter fencing, street furniture, transport and utilities sectors. Management at the 161-year-old firm are lamenting a major lack of available candidates, fuelled by many migrant workers from the EU returning home.

For further information www.wcorbett.co.uk

Telford-based Protolabs has launched a critical to quality (CTQ) inspection service for its on-demand injection moulding, whilst maintaining its production speed – as little as one day from CAD upload to the shipping of parts. This new service will save design engineers days or even weeks of time for the delivery of quality-assured parts.

A key aspect behind this rapid reporting and delivery is the company’s new software platform, which creates a digital thread as soon as a customer uploads a CAD model into the system. Working within the platform, the client simply submits a print of the model and uses red circles on the design to highlight up to five features where dimensions and tolerances are critical. Protolabs then reviews the model. If there are no issues, the order is issued without delay, whilst, if there is an issue, the client will be notified to decide on the next steps.

For further information www.protolabs.co.uk

Sliding-head lathe supplier Star Micronics GB has appointed Jon Mannion as its area sales manager covering the Midlands region. Mannion’s role will be to encourage the continued growth of Star GB by identifying new opportunities that could benefit from sliding-head lathe technology, while supporting existing users with new machine tool investments and providing technical insight on complex applications. He has 32 years of combined industry experience, bringing a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by UK manufacturers and the productivity gains available from high-quality engineering solutions.

For further information
www.stargb.com

The EIA, now part of the MTA, has announced the sad passing of its former president Sir Ronald Halstead CBE, at 94 years of age. Sir Ronald led the EIA for over 25 years and had a distinguished career. He gained a CBE in 1976, followed by a knighthood in 1985. In its statement, the EIA says that Sir Ronald will always be remembered for his outspoken views and contribution to industry, especially his lobbying on behalf of SME companies in the engineering sector during his later years. He is survived by two sons, Andrew and Richard.

For further information
www.eia.co.uk

Pioneering graduates from a new East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT) would lead the UK’s green and digital revolution, and form the beating heart of the country’s post-pandemic recovery. Loughborough University, the University of Derby, Loughborough College and the Derby College Group (DCG) have joined forces on a £13m plan to create the highly advanced workforce needed to lead the digital revolution – otherwise known as Industry 4.0. The East Midlands IoT would focus on levelling up the critical engineering, manufacturing and digital skills needed by employers to address the engineering challenges of clean growth.

For further information www.lboro.ac.uk