UK NEWS

Modern MINI Celebrates 25 Years of Manufacturing

2026 marks a major milestone for MINI: 25 years since production of the modern MINI began under the BMW Group. MINI’s modern era has been powered by its UK production heartland. At the centre of that story are two UK manufacturing hubs: Plant Oxford, the home of MINI production; and BMW Group Plant Swindon, where thousands of precision-engineered body panels are crafted every day.

The two sites represent one of the UK’s most significant automotive manufacturing hubs, with a workforce of more than 3000 producing around 800 MINIs a day. At Plant Oxford, a new MINI rolls off the production line every 78 seconds.The story took another important step in 2006 when BMW Group Plant Hams Hall in Warwickshire began producing MINI engines. The site has made more than 4.6 million engines for Oxford-built models.

More information www.mini.co.uk

New MD for Regent

One of the UK’s longest-standing precision engineering firms, Regent Engineering, has announced a significant leadership transition, as Stuart Whitehouse has been appointed managing director, succeeding long-serving directors Alan and John Shaw. The appointment marks both a continuation of a proud family legacy and the beginning of a new era for the Darlaston-based manufacturer, which has roots stretching back to 1941. Founded by Arthur Shaw, the business has grown from a local toolmaking operation into a respected supplier of pressings, welded assemblies and fabricated products serving UK and European markets.

More information www.regenteng.com

Young engineers prepare for high-stakes WorldSkills

Team UK has been officially announced for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the international competition known as the ‘Skills Olympics’, where the world’s most talented apprentices and young professionals go head-to-head in a high-stakes battle of skill, precision and innovation. Selected, mentored and trained by WorldSkills UK, Team UK brings together a group of 26 competitors at the very top of their fields. Competing against the best from over 80 countries, Team UK will showcase world-class expertise across a diverse range of disciplines in front of over 250,000 visitors. The event takes place on 22-27 September.

More information www.worldskillsuk.org

Electricity bills to be cut for 10,000 manufacturers

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed electricity bill cuts for over 10,000 manufacturers as the next phase of the Government’s plan to boost Britain’s competitiveness takes shape. It is hoped the move will help manufacturers compete, win and create good jobs. Automotive, aerospace, steel plants and metal fabricators are among the sectors where eligible businesses are to benefit from a one-off additional payment in 2027.

The payment will cover the support firms would have received if BICS had been in place from April 2026. Eligibility has also been expanded by 40%, from 7000 to over 10,000 manufacturers. This targets support at energy-intensive firms on the number one issue they face:  high electricity costs. From April 2027, eligible firms will see electricity bills cut by up to 25%.

More information www.gov.uk

Ficep helps Warrington Fabrications more than double output

Ficep UK has supplied a Valiant CNC drilling line and Tipo D50 to Warrington Fabrications, helping the Cheshire-based steel specialist modernise production and more than double output.

Established over 40 years ago, Warrington Fabrications employs more than 50 people and delivers secondary steelwork and bespoke metalwork for projects ranging from hospitals to large-scale construction. With customers spanning single-beam requirements to major contracts, the company produces everything from staircases to full structural frameworks.

Having worked with Ficep UK for over two decades, Warrington previously relied on older cutting, drilling and punching equipment that had become a constraint on productivity. Seeking to increase throughput, the company turned again to Ficep to identify a future-ready solution.

Rather than a like-for-like replacement, Ficep worked closely with the team to recommend the most suitable systems. Production manager Chris Millington also visited Ficep’s facility in Italy to see the machines in operation, ensuring confidence in the investment.

The Valiant CNC line delivers automated drilling, marking and sawing of structural sections, while the Tipo D50 processes smaller profiles, handling cutting, drilling and scribing tasks. Integrated software improves marking accuracy and reduces manual intervention across the shop floor.

“Our old machines had served us well, but we needed to modernise,” says Millington. “The new systems are faster, require less maintenance and have already transformed our output.”

Installation and training were completed smoothly, enabling rapid adoption. A Ficep tool-vending system has also streamlined consumable management.

With enhanced efficiency and capacity, Warrington Fabrications is well positioned for continued growth, supported by its long-standing partnership with Ficep UK.

More information https://ficepgroup.com/ficep-uk/