Make UK has highlighted the case for government to help manufacturing recover from COVID-19 by implementing a new scrappage scheme for old plant and machinery.

It is hoped the proposed scheme will incentivise cash-strapped firms to invest in the latest technologies. The challenge faced by manufacturers as they start to rebuild their businesses and bring staff slowly back into the workplace is vast, says Make UK. To survive, manufacturers will need to take every advantage they can of the latest technologies and equipment to boost productivity and get back on track in the coming months.
For further information www.makeuk.org

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland has appointed John Reid as CEO to lead the growth and development of this industry-led manufacturing research and development facility at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.

Reid will take up position in August after successfully leading the Michelin-Scotland Innovation Parc in Dundee. In recent times he was also one of the original members of the independent advisory body, the Fair Work Convention, a member of the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board and a director of the Centre for Engineering Education and Development.
For further information www.nmis.scot

Companies looking to return back to work safely can tap into a new service launched by In-Comm Training that will help them become COVID-19 secure.

Health and safety experts from the Aldridge-based training provider have created a new consultancy package that will walk firms through the different measures and policies they need to put in place to protect their staff and conform to Government guidelines. The support will also help businesses with more than 50 employees, who must have a COVID risk assessment available for staff and visitors before they can open.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

Guyson International has delivered and installed a further precision cleaning machine to Rolls-Royce in Bristol for the Ventilator Challenge UK consortium.

This latest Guyson ‘Kerry’ branded Microsolve 250, which was built in record time, has three process stages comprising ultrasonic cleaning, vapour rinsing and freeboard drying. This configuration provides precision cleaning of components used in the ventilators and, crucially, is already cleared by regulators as it is being used by an existing manufacturing company.
For further information www.guyson.co.uk

McLaren Racing, which is part of the Government’s Ventilator Challenge UK, has enlisted the expertise and cutting-tool technology on offer from Ceratizit UK & Ireland.

Initial tooling requirements have been from the Ceratizit drilling range, with drills provided to produce holes up to 16xD in both aluminium and steel. “While the initial demand was
for drills, we have made many recommendations across a series of approximately 15 components to help improve the production of these vital parts,” says Ceratizit industry solutions engineer Michael May.
For further information www.ceratizit.com