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

The Coventry-based Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) is partnering with Lloyds Bank in a development that sees more funds released to recruit and train much-needed manufacturing apprentices.

Lloyds Bank already supports apprenticeship training at the AMTC with £10m funding over 10 years. Now Lloyds is partnering with the AMTC to release £9m more through the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme. The move will allow SMEs to take on apprentices, fully-funded by the Apprenticeship Levy scheme and Lloyds Banking Group’s unspent levy.
For further information https://the-amtc.co.uk/

Sheet-metal fabrication and machining firm KMF Group has appointed David Boughey as managing director for KMF Precision Engineering.

Boughey brings with him 25 years of leadership experience and knowledge in precision engineering. Starting his career as an apprentice at GEC, he has worked across various blue-chip engineering organisations including MAN Diesels, Howden and Hayward Tyler. With full responsibility for the leadership and development of KMF’s Precision Engineering business, Boughey will play a key role in meeting the company’s ambitious growth targets.
For further information www.kmf.co.uk