UK NEWS

Learning masterplan

The new £8.1m City of Wolverhampton College Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre on the Wellington Road campus in Bilston has been handed over by contractor Speller Metcalfe on schedule following an 11-month build. The college will now move its kit into the state-of-the-art training facility ready for students this September. The centre will secure hundreds of jobs in the local economy and create learning opportunities for thousands of students specialising in engineering and automotive, including electric vehicles (EV).

More information www.bit.ly/3SIrLy8

Mazak sponsors penguin sculpture

A unique ‘steampunk’ penguin sculpture, sponsored by Yamazaki Mazak, is part of the Great Waddle of Worcester supporting the Wild in Art event to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice. Named ‘Dr Waddlecog,’ the creation by artist Kevin Baumber is one of 40 penguin artworks displayed throughout Worcester from 22 July to 15 September. Yamazaki Mazak regularly supports charities and the Wild in Art initiative. The company identified Dr Waddlecog as the perfect sculpture to sponsor thanks to its eye-catching exterior and level of advanced engineering expertise required for its design and fabrication.

More information https://waddleofworcester.co.uk 

Unipart acquires Formaplex Technologies

Unipart, a supply chain solutions and performance improvement technologies partner, has acquired Formaplex Technologies, a lightweight components manufacturer serving customers in the automotive, aerospace, motorsport and healthcare sectors.

Formaplex Technologies was established two decades ago, initially as a specialist tooling partner in the Formula 1 sector. Major customers include McLaren, which is fully supportive of the acquisition and remains committed to working with the business. Unipart will integrate the operations into its existing manufacturing portfolio, ensuring continuity and maintaining the high operational and safety standards that both companies deliver. Formaplex has already been rebranded as Unipart Polymer and Composite Solutions.

More information www.unipart.com

Strong first year energises Greenfields

A fledgling energy management consultancy that supports industry has enjoyed a promising first 12 months. Greenfields Energy Group, which was set-up by Liam Conway and Rich Clark, has gained 72 clients in its first year, with the majority coming from the manufacturing sector.

The duo now manage more than 361,172,009 kWh of contracts and this number is growing due to exciting new partnerships with the Surface Engineering Association and the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM). The West Midlands-based firm subsequently pressed the button on a major recruitment drive, securing two prominent hires in Neil Freeman and Lindsay Williams as account director and head of energy bureau, respectively.

More information www.greenfieldsenergygroup.co.uk

Matsuura raises £31k+ for Stroke Association

Through the generous support of its customers, suppliers and staff, Matsuura UK has successfully raised £31,855 for the Stroke Association. This substantial amount was generated through a combination of donations made to the company’s JustGiving page and prizes for its raffle.

The decision to support the Stroke Association was particularly significant for Matsuura this year, as the company’s friend and retired director Dave Edwards recently suffered a stroke. Raising funds for the Stroke Association was Matsuura UK’s way of honouring Dave and contributing to an organisation that provides crucial support to individuals and families affected by stroke. The company would like to thank every contributor.

More information www.stroke.org.uk