RARUK Automation has supplied Plymouth-based Oakmount Control Systems with a new FlexiBowl parts feeder and Shibaura THP700 SCARA robot. The two automated systems are now working in unison at a customer of Oakmount, where they are feeding, picking and placing a medical product into individual plastic packaging trays. Previously performed by a human operative, the end user is not only enjoying a faster, more repeatable process, but has redeployed its labour resource to a more value-added task.

The THP700 SCARA robot offers a 700 mm reach and a maximum payload of 10 kg.

For further information www.rarukautomation.com

Go2 Engineering has acquired Peterborough-based stainless-steel fabrication specialist 316 Engineering. 316 offers nearly 20 years of experience and today employs 40 people. Michael Donachie will head-up the new management team. Donachie also leads as general manager at Go2 Engineering Group’s Gateshead-based steel fit-out specialist firm, Tech Projects. He will be supporting Clyde Stratton, operations manager, who after a few years away from 316 Engineering, has returned to the team.

For further information
www.go2engineering.co.uk

Bolton-based electric-heating specialist Heatrod Industrial has acquired Wellingborough-based GrayBar Ltd, a manufacturer of products for the rail industry. Heatrod is part of Nibe Element (the world’s largest heating-element manufacturer) and represents Nibe in the UK. The acquisition will become part of the Nibe Rail group, working closely with the team at Denmark-based San Electro heat, one of Nibe’s specialist rail divisions. Graybar commands annual sales of circa £1.2m and a regular operating profit of 10%. The company collaborates closely with Network Rail and leading contractors.

For further information
www.heatrod.com

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has struck a partnership with Enable Manufacturing, the UK-based start-up behind Additive Casting®. This novel process overhauls traditional casting with the help of additive manufacturing to deliver a modern, viable solution that embraces Industry 4.0 principles. Suitable for a variety of part complexities and sizes, the Additive Casting process is available in more than 130 different metals. Customers of Silverstone Park-based DMC can access the process from March onwards.

For further information
www.digitalmanufacturingcentre.com

Renishaw is running a virtual UK work experience programme in 2021. The company will virtually host 140 students in years 10 to 13 with week-long sessions during school holidays from mid-February until the end of July. These sessions will provide students with exposure to a wide range of engineering disciplines, such as design, development and manufacturing, to encourage young people into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. Renishaw’s work experience schemes are project-based to give students an insight into a career
in engineering.

For further information www.renishaw.com