Manufacturing output across the UK increased significantly in May from its record low level as factories started to emerge from the coronavirus lockdown, according to figures from the latest BDO Business Trends report.

BDO’s Manufacturing Output Index jumped by 16.58 points to 69.55 in May, regaining around half of the losses sustained between March and April as manufacturers benefited from the easing of UK lockdown measures. Kaley Crossthwaite, Partner at BDO LLP, say: “Output remains drastically below where it would be in ordinary times, but the latest readings suggest we have passed the rock bottom of this crisis.”
For further information www.neweconomy.bdo.co.uk

A company making heater plates for medical ventilators, suddenly found its annual order of around 160,000 doubled immediately, as the coronavirus crisis took hold. HV Wooding has produced heater plates for ventilator humidification chambers since 2004, but in the fight against COVID-19, its customer, Intersurgical, increased the order substantially.

At the same time, the company was asked to prototype three components for the Ventilator Challenge UK consortium. The Hythe-based company’s experience in CNC laser cutting – programmed with Radan sheet-metal software – meant it was ready to join the battle to save lives.
“Radan meant we could quickly condense all the necessary up-front work, which would normally take at least a month, into just a few days, and we successfully manufactured and delivered 2000 sets of each of the three components in a very short time frame,” explains sales director Paul Allen. The parts had to be laser cut and formed, then fitted with inserts before being sent to the assembly line at Luton. Allen says Radan played a major role in meeting this challenge.
For further information www.radan.com

3D printing specialist SYS Systems has been reaccredited with a coveted industry standard from the world’s biggest additive manufacturing company.

The Stratasys reseller has been awarded UK platinum partner status from its OEM – the eighth consecutive year that the honour has been bestowed on the Derbyshire firm.
This status – the highest possible recognition from Stratasys – is only awarded to high-performing partners based on strict proficiency criteria, including exceptional levels of customer service, training and support to back-up machine sales.
For further information www.sys-uk.com/additive

To showcase its tooling, engineering and technical moulding prowess to UK OEMs, Surrey-based Broanmain Plastics has become the latest member of the Gauge & Toolmakers Association (GTMA).

The specialist technical trade moulder and tooling project specialist has managed more than 200 bespoke tool projects on behalf of customers, overseeing everything from concept to validation. With a dedicated maintenance team and an advanced, fully-equipped tool shop, Broanmain has for many years supported UK manufacturers seeking a high quality yet financially viable reshoring option.
For further information www.gtma.co.uk

Bilfinger has won two new contracts worth £350m to deliver the design, procurement, supplier management, fabrication and construction of pipework and specialist equipment for the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

The industrial engineering company will create 350 new jobs in Britain, including specialist roles in engineering and manufacturing at its UK locations in Warrington, Humberside, Bristol and Somerset.
For further information www.bilfinger.com