CNC Robotics, a Liverpool-based supplier of robot systems, has appointed former Delcam and Autodesk director, Bart Simpson, as the company’s non-executive chairman.

In the role, Simpson will support and advise the existing management team as it continues to drive strong growth in the integration of robots for machining applications. Jason Barker, founder and CTO at CNC Robotics, says: “Bart brings with him a wealth of commercial and marketing experience, as well as an extensive range of contacts in the manufacturing sector.”
For further information www.cncrobotics.co.uk

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to “a significant resurgence” in interest in Mills CNC’s Smart Options machine-tool rental initiative among UK and Irish manufacturers.

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has refreshed and relaunched the scheme in light of the current pandemic. The rental scheme, available on all new Doosan machines supplied from stock by the company, is administered and managed by Mills CNC Finance, its independently operated machine-tool finance arm.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

A Derby-based catering equipment specialist has adapted all of its manufacturing operations to produce vital healthcare equipment to support the fight against COVID-19.

Parry, which employs 65 people, has responded to the national call to support key workers by increasing its output of stainless steel mobile wash basins, glove/mask dispensing units and knee-operated sinks. The company’s workforce and staff have been working non-stop to produce orders for the NHS Nightingale North West pop-up hospital in Manchester, as well as care homes, prisons and supermarkets.
For further information https://parry.co.uk/healthcare/

Having received an order for 30,000 components from the VentilatorChallengeUK consortium that was tasked with manufacturing 10,000 CPAP flow generator units, Prescot-based Bryken Precision Engineering had just 10 days in which to deliver.

As such, Bryken was happy to accept the support offered by long-term cutting-tool partner Ceratizit UK & Ireland, to provide tooling for projects such as this at advantageous discounts. An initial order was placed for over 325 items from the Ceratizit catalogue, including solid-carbide drills, turning inserts, and internal grooving and boring bars, with delivery the following morning.
For further information www.ceratizit.com

Three new mould tools that will produce tens of thousands of critical parts for a new breathing aid designed to support COVID-19 patients are being manufactured in Telford.

Protolabs has created a dedicated 20-strong team to work with existing customer, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, to develop injection mould tooling in just three days. The company, which employs 450 people at its Telford headquarters, is helping the Formula One team and its partner, University College London, ramp up production of its CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) system.
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk