SM Thompson invests further in laser technology

Steel plate processor SM Thompson has invested in a new 22kW fibre laser cutting machine that will boost efficiency and drive the firm’s ambitions forward.The Teesside-based business has invested in a state-of-the-art laser cutting machine that will not only support more environmentally friendly ways of working but enable larger client orders and faster process.

Managing director Harvey Thompson says: “Our continued investment in new machinery enables us to offer a range of services to our customers. By enhancing the range and capabilities of our machinery, we can respond readily to market changes.It’s always been our ethos to invest in the latest technology to keep us at the top of the game. This machine continues that strategy.”

Beyond its high cut quality, the laser can offer etching suitable for bend lines and profile identification, which supports larger orders and identifying parts quickly, saving valuable time and money. The high-end fibre laser provides precise technology and a stable cutting process up to the highest laser power.

Harvey adds: “When we purchased a 12kW machine a little over a year ago, I was so impressed by its precision and efficiency that I knew straight away this was the future of large quantity orders. Six months later, our order was in for our new 22kW laser.”

As a steel plate specialist, the SM Thompson team cuts steel from 1 to 350mm thick using a range of laser, plasma and flame cutting machinery. The company also presses, rolls and chamfers material in a variety of shapes and sizes, working with mild and stainless steel, as well as aluminium, brass, copper and titanium.
For further informationwww.smthompson.co.uk

Renishaw hosts innovation strategy launch

The Welsh Government recently announced its new innovation strategy for Wales at the Miskin facility of Renishaw. During the launch event at the company’s manufacturing site near Cardiff, the Welsh Government outlined its aspiration to become an innovation-based nation and bring better healthcare, jobs and prosperity for businesses and local communities.

At the event, the Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, outlined the Welsh Government’s vision of an innovation strategy for a stronger, fairer, greener Wales, with its plans to cover four mission areas: education; economy; health and wellbeing; and climate and nature. To support this strategy at the event, Renishaw showcased its STEM education centre for local schools, spoke to visitors about its £65m investment to increase manufacturing capacity with a focus on sustainability, and gave tours of its advanced manufacturing facility.
For further information www.renishaw.com

New training centre at MTC Liverpool

The Manufacturing Technology Centre’s Liverpool facility is to be the base for a new advanced manufacturing training centre delivering skills to businesses and learners in Liverpool and the northwest.Courses offered will include a new Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative apprenticeship. The one-year apprenticeship programme includes subjects such as lean manufacturing, production, quality control, problem solving, workplace organisation, and health and safety.

The centre will also deliver an HNC in Engineering course over a two-year period. The programme aims to empower students to develop the specialist knowledge and skills to help their organisations effectively harness the power of new and emerging manufacturing technologies.Both courses begin in October with further programmes announced soon.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Unison’s Steve Haddrell doubles up Nukon Lasers UK

Steve Haddrell, key account manager at Unison Ltd – inventor of all-electric tube manipulation -is now sales director at sister company, Nukon Lasers UK. In addition to his fulfilling his new role, Haddrell will continue to support Unison’s tube-bending machinery customers in the Midlands and south of England. Nukon Lasers UK became the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Nukon’s European-made fibre laser sheet and tube-cutting machines in autumn 2021. Previously working for 600 Group’s laser division and Yamazaki Mazak’s optonics division, Haddrell has been akey account manager at Unison since 2009.
For further information www.nukonlasers.co.uk

New chair for EngineeringUK

EngineeringUK, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to inspire the next generation of engineers, hasnamed Iain Conn as its new chair, taking over from Malcolm Brinded on 1 October 2023. Conn’s career includes 34 years’ executive experience in the energy sector at BP and Centrica, alongside non-executive roles at Rolls-Royce and BT. He was an external member of the Council of Imperial College, a trustee at Movement to Work, and was responsible for BP’s early role in Project Enthuse, which supports STEM teaching and learning across the UK, helping to improve young people’s engagement in STEM subjects.
For further information www.engineeringuk.com