An employer-led approach to vocational learning has helped a Black Country training provider secure one of the UK’s most prestigious training awards.

In-Comm Training, which operates three academies in Aldridge, Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury, overcome competition from more than 350 rivals to secure the Apprenticeship Provider of the Year title at a finale held by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers.
The judging panel praised In-Comm for the way that the firm has placed businesses at the heart of its approach, using the expertise, knowledge and requirements of engineering and manufacturing companies to shape the way courses are delivered and the technology investments it makes. This strategy has seen In-Comm work with more than 450 different businesses across the UK and contributed to a 40% uptake in starts over the past 12 months.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

HACO Kingsland has unveiled its new Robot Plasma Cutting (RPC) line. This advanced plasma-cutting machine with robotic head allows plasma cutting to be performed on I, U, L or T profile sections measuring up to 18 m in length.

The system also features a 300 A source for processing mild steel up to 50 mm thick, and a work table for plate dimensions measuring up to 3000 x 1500 mm.
Notably, the HACO Kingsland RPC combines all sheet cutting, structural steel profiling and tube processing operations into a single platform, without any requirement for mechanical set-up. Advanced automated programming is based on DSTV, IGES or STP files from any CAD system. A Windows-based control offers automated task and program management via the network. What’s more, HACO Kingsland has made available a choice of automatic, semi-automatic or manual control functions.
The new machine features an automatic door with integrated eye protection filtering windows. As a further safety attribute, a high-performance fume extraction system and integrated clean air supply is included on the HAC Kingsland RPC. Also offered is an integrated safety system with fences, doors, light guards, cameras and/or zone protection.
Along with capacity for profiles/tubes up to 18.3 m long, the machine can accommodate material measuring up to 920 mm wide and 420 mm high. Bevelling and multiple other cutting formats are available,
as is automatic raw profile or tube-length measuring.
For further information www.kingsland.com

Blum-Novotest has recorded its best month in 18 years of UK trading. The company secured over £100,000 of orders for its ‘in-machine’ measuring technology, representing a 60% increase on the same period 12 months ago.

The majority of the new contracts focus on the firm’s DIGILOG family of touch-probe systems. Blum-Novotest is now looking to build on this positive start to the year by increasing its work with SME subcontractors through the appointment of Paul Hodgkinson as dedicated technical sales engineer for the UK.
David Mold, managing director, says: “New orders have been placed by both the dealer network and end-user customers, with interest coming from clients involved in the automotive, aerospace, medical and nuclear sectors. Whenever there is a need for repeatable quality, accuracy and quicker turnaround times, then we have the answer.”
For further information www.blum-novotest.com

Major refurbishment works at the Manufacturing Technology Centre’s conference theatre will future-proof the facility for years to come and make it one of the most technologically advanced venues in the region.

The major revamp of the conference theatre at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre on Ansty Park, Coventry, is taking place in partnership with Mustard Presentations. Works include a large-format projection screen with side repeater screens using ultra-high definition technologies, with twin laser projectors. Also set to feature is a high-tech lighting system and a state-of-the-art cinematic sound system with digital mixing.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

DP Technology Corp, a developer and supplier of CAM software such as its flagship product Esprit, is enhancing its presence in the UK with the launch of its first wholly owned subsidiary in the country, Esprit CAM Ltd.

The new office will offer direct support to existing DP Technology resellers, technology partners and customers in the UK and Ireland. Chris Edwards and Fraser Lovatt, both seasoned professionals in the CADCAM industry, comprise the team. They have been recently joined by Paul Richards, an experienced applications and training engineer.
For further information www.espritcam.eu