Pump and motor manufacturer Hayward Tyler is working with the Nuclear AMRC on the development of a new coolant pump for small modular reactors (SMRs), while simultaneously helping the UK supply chain prepare for the production of critical components needed by the global SMR market. The government-funded project will focus on developing a class-leading reactor coolant pump, and strengthening the UK supply chain to provide long-term growth opportunities for the production of nuclear parts.

Nuclear AMRC engineers will work with Hayward Tyler on design-for-manufacture, to make sure that components and assemblies offer optimal performance and can benefit from efficient production to the quality standards demanded by nuclear customers. The project is funded by the Driving the Electric Revolution programme of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

For further information www.namrc.co.uk

RARUK Automation has supplied Plymouth-based Oakmount Control Systems with a new FlexiBowl parts feeder and Shibaura THP700 SCARA robot. The two automated systems are now working in unison at a customer of Oakmount, where they are feeding, picking and placing a medical product into individual plastic packaging trays. Previously performed by a human operative, the end user is not only enjoying a faster, more repeatable process, but has redeployed its labour resource to a more value-added task.

The THP700 SCARA robot offers a 700 mm reach and a maximum payload of 10 kg.

For further information www.rarukautomation.com

Go2 Engineering has acquired Peterborough-based stainless-steel fabrication specialist 316 Engineering. 316 offers nearly 20 years of experience and today employs 40 people. Michael Donachie will head-up the new management team. Donachie also leads as general manager at Go2 Engineering Group’s Gateshead-based steel fit-out specialist firm, Tech Projects. He will be supporting Clyde Stratton, operations manager, who after a few years away from 316 Engineering, has returned to the team.

For further information
www.go2engineering.co.uk

Bolton-based electric-heating specialist Heatrod Industrial has acquired Wellingborough-based GrayBar Ltd, a manufacturer of products for the rail industry. Heatrod is part of Nibe Element (the world’s largest heating-element manufacturer) and represents Nibe in the UK. The acquisition will become part of the Nibe Rail group, working closely with the team at Denmark-based San Electro heat, one of Nibe’s specialist rail divisions. Graybar commands annual sales of circa £1.2m and a regular operating profit of 10%. The company collaborates closely with Network Rail and leading contractors.

For further information
www.heatrod.com

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has struck a partnership with Enable Manufacturing, the UK-based start-up behind Additive Casting®. This novel process overhauls traditional casting with the help of additive manufacturing to deliver a modern, viable solution that embraces Industry 4.0 principles. Suitable for a variety of part complexities and sizes, the Additive Casting process is available in more than 130 different metals. Customers of Silverstone Park-based DMC can access the process from March onwards.

For further information
www.digitalmanufacturingcentre.com