The newly-constructed Feritech Innovation Centre, located near Falmouth, had its official opening earlier this month when the guest of honour was HRH The Duke. The Duke enjoyed a tour of the new facility, which specialises in advanced engineering solutions for the marine sector and other industries. Feritech’s Innovation Centre will offer a full range of services, including product design, machining, fabrication, electrical, electronics, embedded software, hydraulics and 3D printing services, all under one roof, which the company says makes it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the UK.

For further information www.feritech.com/fic/

LK Metrology and Wenzel Technologies have entered into a strategic partnership with immediate effect. In addition to a joint technological co-operation, Wenzel will sell LK’s CMMs and other metrological products in southern Germany. Wenzel operates two development centres in Germany as well as a software laboratory in California. Angelo Muscarella, CEO of LK Metrology says, “With its immense technical know-how and knowledge of the market, Wenzel is an ideal co-operation partner. Together, we will present highly attractive, innovative and holistic solutions at attractive prices.”

For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Investment in apprenticeships has remained resilient in the face of the pandemic according to a new report released last week. In-Comm Training’s third annual ‘Training Barometer’ revealed that 67% of companies had taken on apprentices during the past 12 months, while a staggering 97% kept all their learners on despite the pressures of the pandemic. This confidence extends into the future, with more than two thirds of businesses (70%) committing to taking on an apprentice over the next year (up from 47% in 2021), and 69% giving employees the opportunity to progress learning all the way to an HNC or Degree.

For further information
www.bit.ly/3xAuhgj

Universal Robots is hosting a free-of-charge machine tending masterclass at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC on 26 April. The company’s experts will be joined by complementary technology suppliers such as SICK, OnRobot, Schunk, Robotiq, EasyRobotics, Measurement Solutions, Haas and Mazak. Visitors will find out about optimal automation tools and how to increase capacity and run a night shift using the latest collaborative robot (cobot) technologies. The keynote speaker will be Mark Gray, Country Manager UK & Ireland at Universal Robots. Register at the link below.

For further information
www.bit.ly/3NYMASb

Saietta Group Plc, a specialist in advanced e-mobility powertrains, has accelerated its growth plans by taking on a manufacturing facility in Sunderland, the former base of ZF Automotive UK Ltd. The company will grow its production of electric motors at the 86,000 sq ft Sunderland plant to a capacity of 100,000 units per annum. Saietta has purchased a total of four motor production lines and an electronic circuit board production line, and a considerable amount of this equipment can be repurposed to meet the needs of Saietta’s customers going forward. The company will offer roles to former ZF personnel.

For further information
www.saiettagroup.com