Babcock International Group has placed an order for an extensive set of PEMA welding and production lines for shipbuilding at its Rosyth site in Scotland. In total, the order includes three lines: a PEMA Thin plate panel line, PEMA Micro panel line, and PEMA T-beam fabrication line. Each PEMA production line is based on modern shipbuilding technology that enables Babcock to raise its level of automation when welding deck panels and bulkheads. The lines will initially see service on the Type 31 general-purpose frigate programme.

For further information
www.pemamek.com

Construction has started on the flagship National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland in Renfrewshire. Just before Christmas, the team from main contractor Morrison Construction began work on the foundations of the building by installing controlled modulus columns into the ground. The new building will house a fully digitalised factory of the future, skills academy and collaboration hub that will bring manufacturers together to work on the development of innovative new technologies and products.

For further information www.nmis.scot

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has struck a new partnership with precision engineering expert Produmax. As a result, the DMC’s capabilities will be greatly enhanced, with the two organisations combining resources, talent and engineering expertise to drive the automated and digital future of additive manufacturing.

The agreement will enable the DMC to offer end-to-end component development and production for companies operating at the forefront of the aerospace, motorsport and automotive sectors. From engineering consultancy and design-for-manufacture to final machining and inspection, DMC promises a complete, collaborative and connected manufacturing solution. The partnership will combine the best in additive and subtractive manufacturing, alongside comprehensive engineering support and secure supply chains.

For further information
www.digitalmanufacturingcentre.com

In-Comm Training has outlined plans for investment in the launch of a new press and tooling line, alongside a number of collaborations, to help industry bounce back in 2021. Operating three academies across the Black Country and Shropshire, In-Comm is looking to support companies with upskilling requirements, access to new digital skills and over 60 trailblazer apprenticeships. The offer includes, for the first time, access to a Level 6 Apprenticeship in toolmaking with the CBM, and the formation of strategic partnerships with the University of Wolverhampton’s Institute of Technology and Gestamp.

For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

In its first contract for VolkerStevin, heavy engineering specialist Blackhill Engineering is fabricating large steel structures for temporary and permanent works for the new Thanckes oil fuel depot loading facility refuelling jetty near Plymouth. VolkerStevin is responsible for the £43m Defence Infrastructure Organisation project to modernise refuelling facilities for Royal Navy warships and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Blackhill has already fabricated 15 sacrificial casings measuring up to 18 m long with a diameter up to 2.3 m, and weighing up to 23 tonnes each, which will form stanchions supporting the jetty head structure.

For further information
https://blackhillengineering.co.uk