Martin Hawkins is now the deputy managing director of Bowers Group. Working closely alongside the current managing director Steve White, Hawkins will begin a transitional period before White steps down from his full-time duties in May 2021. Hawkins joined Bowers Group in 2016 as UK sales manager before taking up the position of UK sales director in 2019. He brings with him a wealth of experience and success within Bowers Group, as well as vast product knowledge and existing relationships as part of the company’s senior management team.

For further information
www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Following a strong year of business for Rocol, the cutting-fluid specialist is now recruiting three new metalworking fluid sales engineers. This positive news from the industrial lubrication expert is the result of an internal restructuring process that will see it create dedicated sales teams for specific market segments. The restructure will establish an industrial plant and facilities maintenance team, and a process lubricant team, with the latter dedicated to increasing market penetration in the metal cutting-fluid sector.

For further information
www.rocol.com

An new tie-up between two businesses in the Black Country and Shropshire is delivering a world-first in glavanising. Fastline Steel Services has signed a multi-million-pound integrated manufacturing agreement with Corbetts the Galvanizers to exclusively use Plant A at its Telford site, guaranteeing that over 15,000 tonnes of perimeter steel fencing will be galvanised there every year. The decision, which creates up to 40 new jobs and safeguards a further 80 more across the two firms, marks a switch from dual sourcing to a more strategic partnership that will deliver increased capacity and shorter lead times.

For further information www.wcorbett.co.uk

Severfield Plc has acquired DAM Structures, a Yorkshire-based steel fabrication company. The company’s manufacturing capabilities as a specialist steel fabricator of both temporary and permanent works include plunge columns, plated beams, box sections, tower crane grillages, small and large diameter propping works, façade retention towers, portal framed structures, mezzanine floors, heavy-duty stairs and minor bridges. The 76-employee company operates from bespoke premises in Carnaby from where it can currently process up to 300 tonnes of structural steelwork per week for distribution across the UK.

For further information www.severfield.com

Construction has started on a world-leading research facility for robotics and artificial intelligence, the largest and most advanced of its type in the UK. Based at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, the National Robotarium benefits from £21m of UK Government support, and £1.4m from the Scottish Government as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

Expected to open in spring 2022, the National Robotarium will create innovative solutions to global challenges using cutting-edge research, product design and industry collaboration.

For further information https://is.gd/ajavub