UK NEWS

42 Technology joins British Engines Group

42 Technology, a Cambridge-based product development and manufacturing innovation consultancy, has been acquired by British Engines Group, an independent engineering group founded in 1922 with 1600 people worldwide. 42T is now one of nine businesses within the group.Under the new ownership, 42T will continue to operate as an independent consultancy, retaining its brand, leadership team and way of working. The acquisition enables 42T to pursue larger and more ambitious opportunities, supported by the group’s global reach, engineering depth and investment capacity. 

More information www.britishengines.com

Third AMUK Annual Action Plan released

Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) has published its third Annual Action Plan, which provides an in-depth analysis of the UK additive manufacturing sector. The plan includes updates on member-led initiatives, identifies key challenges facing the industry and sets out a strategic path for the next 12 months. It also focuses on how AMUK can help turn the UK’s R&D strength into economic growth and sovereign capability while establishing the UK as a world leader in the development, adoption and application of 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology.

More information www.bit.ly/4lleWar

Concerns remain about discrimination of women at work

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of female manufacturing leaders still experience gender-based discrimination in 2026, according to research released to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March. The survey of 101 senior figures across the UK, commissioned by personalised workwear provider MyWorkwear, revealed statistics of women who continue to be concerned about personal security and harassment at UK factories.

In explaining why female manufacturing leaders did not feel safe in the workplace, physical safety was cited as the number one reason, followed by personal security (such as lone working), ill-fitting PPE or workwear, and then bullying or harassment. On a more positive note, 72% of respondents felt they now receive equal pay for the work carried out.

More information www.bit.ly/4s136EX

Strengthening manufacturing and sovereign capability 

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), in partnership with Mission Community, has launched ‘Mission Manufacturing’, a career guide and recruitment pathway for ex-Armed Forces personnel and the wider Service community. Employers can benefit from the talent of these individuals in the face of a widely acknowledged skills shortage. Introduced recently to the Armed Forces Community at the National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit, the guidance will be showcased further on the opening day of the MACH 2026 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 20 April.More information www.mta.org.uk/mission-manufacturing

Parts-washing specialist shares thoughts on year ahead

With MACH 2026 approaching, the UK manufacturing sector is entering the year with renewed optimism. According to John Pattison, managing director of MecWash Systems, the industry is seeing encouraging momentum across several key sectors, alongside increasing focus on efficiency and reliability in production processes.

Pattison notes that 2025 proved to be a positive year for MecWash, with strong demand for the company’s industrial component cleaning systems. While the automotive sector has faced challenges in recent years, defence and aerospace remain particularly strong markets, supported by high global demand and the specialist expertise of UK manufacturers. The medical sector also continues to represent a significant area of activity for MecWash.

Strict regulatory requirements across many sectors mean that manufacturers must meet extremely high standards of cleanliness and process control, areas where the company’s component cleaning systems are well established. In addition, MecWash has seen growing interest from companies involved in additive manufacturing.

A key aspect of MecWash’s approach is designing tailored cleaning solutions for each customer application. By analysing the specific contamination challenges involved, the company develops a bespoke combination of process, chemistry and equipment to ensure optimal results.

Looking ahead, Pattison expects manufacturers to place even greater emphasis on efficiency as energy costs remain high. Reducing downtime and maintaining productivity will be critical priorities, which is driving demand for reliable equipment with remote diagnostics and robust service support.

MecWash continues to invest in innovation, system development and customer service, while demand for fully refurbished machines has also increased in recent years. With a positive outlook for manufacturing, the company is looking forward to showcasing its latest developments at MACH 2026 (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April).

More information www.mecwash.com