Construction at the flagship National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire has reached a major milestone with the installation of 1500 tonnes of structural steel now complete and the building on schedule to open in autumn 2022. The milestone was marked by a bolt-tightening ceremony that saw Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde (operator of NMIS), tighten the final bolt in the frame.

For further information
www.nmis.scot

The Manufacturing Technology Centre has appointed one of the Midlands’ best known businessmen as its new chairman. Mel Ewell, former chief executive of Amey, has been on the MTC board as a non-executive director since October 2016, and takes over from Sir David Brown. Says Ewell: “Having been closely involved with the MTC for several years I’m full of admiration for the talented engineers working there and the remarkable work they do. I’m proud to take over the chair of an organisation with such a huge reputation among manufacturing and engineering businesses.”

For further information
www.the-mtc.org

Fractory, a UK-based online metal fabrication platform, has raised €7.5m to help expand the company’s operations internationally and accelerate the development of its technology offering. This Series A round is led by OTB Ventures, a leading European investor, with support from existing investors such as Trind Ventures, Superhero Capital, United Angels VC, Startup Wise Guys and Verve Ventures. The funding will be used to set up services in new markets such as the USA, France and Italy. Fractory will also use the funds for product and platform development, including the automation of CNC machining, additive manufacturing and casting.

For further information www.fractory.com

Ecoclean UK, a supplier of machinery and services for parts cleaning, deburring and surface treatment, has taken new premises in Alcester, Warwickshire. On an area of 2000 sq ft, the new facility houses a showroom, service department and test facilities. The test centre with associated technical support is available for cleaning trials using different wet-chemical cleaning technologies at no cost, using authentic contaminated parts off the customer’s production line. Potential customers can also undertake tests using water-based media with neutral, alkaline or acidic formulations.

For further information www.ecoclean-group.net

First-time Subcon exhibitor, West Midlands based MJ Sections (Stand D61), is unveiling new technology to replace expensive machined forgings with multi-joined rolled/formed rings produced from sheet metal. OEM designers, in collaboration with MJ Sections, now have the option of immersing themselves in some blue sky thinking. By working together, the company will offer its expertise to ensure that the resulting designs are process-capable in terms of consistently achieving manufacturing tolerances, shorter lead times and considerably reduced cost.

For further information
www.mjsections.co.uk