UK NEWS

Robotics partnership

Isembard has entered a partnership with Dexory to manufacture components for its autonomous warehouse robots and support production scaling across the UK and US. Under the partnership, Isembard will produce parts for Dexory’s robots across both countries using its software-powered factories in London, Exeter and Gosport in the UK, and Texas and Missouri in the US. Together, the companies will scale production to support global deployment, strengthening domestic manufacturing capability across the UK and US as demand for autonomous robotics grows.

More information www.isembard.com

AI toolkit to help manufacturers cut complexity

A new guide from Made Smarter is helping manufacturers cut through AI noise and focus on what actually works on the factory floor. ‘AI Adoption in Manufacturing: A Practical Toolkit from Made Smarter’ has been developed to support SME leaders navigating this significant technological shift. While awareness of AI is high, many manufacturers remain unsure where to start, how to manage risk and how to translate potential into measurable business value. The guide sets out a task-first approach, helping identify where AI can reduce low-value work, improve decision-making and strengthen day-to-day operations.

More information www.bit.ly/3Rj1BEj

UK’s first commercial waste-to-hydrogen plant

Up to 400 construction jobs and 100 permanent roles could be created under plans for the UK’s first commercial-scale waste-to-hydrogen facility. The £120m proposal, brought forward by Hydrogen TE (Manston) Ltd, has been submitted as part of a full planning application for a site at Manston, Kent. The development would process around 44,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year, including household waste, commercial plastics, timber and decommissioned wind turbine blades. The facility is expected to produce up to 8000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, supplying low-carbon fuel for industrial use.

More information www.hte-manston.co.uk

Meeting Black Country manufacturing’s energy needs

A major UK energy management consultancy has signed a new commercial partnership with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce to help local manufacturers navigate the increasingly complex energy market. Greenfields Energy Group, which already works with 64 companies in the region, will provide members with a no-cost review of their existing and future electricity, gas and water contracts.

Greenfields’ 10-strong team of experts will identify opportunities for immediate and long-term cost savings, as well as security of supply to power businesses as they look to plan for future expansion. Certain services will be discounted to Black Country Chamber members, while a series of webinars on breaking energy trends and issues will be delivered free of charge throughout the year.

More information www.greenfieldsenergygroup.co.uk

New MD named for FANUC UK and Ireland

Factory automation specialist FANUC has named Andy Armstrong as the new managing director of FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland, effective immediately. With a long history in the automation sector and over 40 years of experience in engineering and sales, Armstrong has spent the past two years as vice MD for FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland. The appointment will see him continue positive steps taken by previous MD Tom Bouchier to support FANUC UK’s continued growth and alignment with the company’s broader European goals. Tom will now focus on his role as FANUC’s cluster co-ordinator for northern Europe.

More information www.fanuc.eu