Protolabs, a manufacturer of custom prototypes and low-volume production parts, has created a new e-commerce platform for the UK. The digital manufacturing platform allows users to easily manage their prototyping and on-demand production requirements. Like the previous solution, it still provides quotes for parts with design for manufacturability (DFM) analysis, but now has a more intuitive, user-friendly and even faster interface. The e-commerce solution offers all three of the firm’s manufacturing services – 3D printing, CNC machining and injection moulding – in one place.

For further information www.protolabs.co.uk

IMI Truflo Marine – a manufacturer of critical flow control solutions – plans to create a multi-million-pound centre of engineering excellence in the West Midlands. A state-of-the-art 57,000 sq ft manufacturing and design facility will take shape at Birmingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMH) in a deal with Barberry Industrial. IMI Truflo Marine will relocate to the Witton manufacturing hub from its existing facility nearby. The company has agreed a 15-year lease on the new headquarters, a move that not only safeguards the jobs of its existing workforce, but creates new employment opportunities.

For further information
www.imi-critical.com

Subsea sector specialist Feritech has the go-ahead to build a state-of-the-art facility on its land just outside Falmouth. The new 3.5 acre site will greatly increase Feritech‘s manufacturing capabilities and the services offered to both local and global clients. Opening in 2021, the new factory will be capable of handling fabrications weighing up to 20 ton, complemented by a brand-new machining hall. The site will harvest its own water, use ground source to heat the offices and leverage the advantages of a solar roof with power storage to generate electricity. Feritech will also plant over 5000 trees.

For further information
www.feritech.com

Precision engineering solutions firm KMF Group has further improved its customer service for one of its longest standing and largest customers. Schneider Electric is now benefiting from a new automated system that will increase the speed and accuracy of its bookings. KMF has been focussing on joining up digital systems for both order entry and job control, which means Schneider can use a portal where both parties can access demand and view progress updates. A full line by line status is now transparent for complete order tracking. KMF will shortly roll-out the new digital integration to more key customers.

For further information www.kmf.co.uk/

A Midlands-based industrial collective is fighting back from COVID-19 disruption by winning more than £2m of new contracts. The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), which comprises nine subcontract manufacturers and a specialist engineering design agency, has been able to use its expertise in tube manipulation, precision stampings and contract manufacturing to secure new clients in the agriculture, horticulture, healthcare and furniture production sectors.

Birmingham-based Brandauer is among those leading the charge, securing a £500,000 extension to an existing deal with a disposable razor manufacturer in the Middle East. The company secured the work against world-class competition, beating a design and distribution model to produce new tooling and deliver stainless-steel razor blade substrates in volume. The MAN Group employs over 2000 people across 21 factories, boasting nearly £150m of annual sales and export orders to more than 35 countries.

For further information www.man-group.co.uk