Investing in technology and knowledge

Machine tool specialist Selmach says it does not just invest heavily in the machinery it sells, but in the people who sell them too. With that in mind, the company has recently undertaken a training programme with a difference.

Those in Selmach’s team who need in-depth knowledge to provide customers with the best advice already have it, so why not give them a chance to share that passion with everyone else in the team… and the company really does mean everyone.
Selmach reports that it is going to start with the Sterling SRA 440 DGSA semi-automatic double-mitring bandsaw. The company says this machine, which is from the Sterling SRA DGSA range of heavy-duty bandsaws, is very popular for medium-sized fabricators, and ideal for those who want to do bigger jobs. Investing in a Sterling SRA 440 DGSA also represents a genuine step up from the Bianco 440MS.
According to Selmach, the SRA-440 is built to process high tonnage, and it does just that, for some of the country’s largest and most successful companies. Capacity is 610 x 440 mm, and there is a 34 mm blade, carbide blade guides and double mitre with infeed/outfeed roller track.
After the cut, the blade keeps rotating as the bow returns to ensure it is not pinched, while also cleaning off any excess swarf to eliminate the risk of jamming. In addition, the optional spray mist attachment keeps everything cool by spreading the coolant more evenly, and the large-capacity coolant tray with gauze filter ensures any swarf does not find its way to undesirable places.
For further information www.selmach.com

MTC incubator

A 2500 sq ft product manufacturing incubator on the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) campus in Coventry has been officially opened by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Philip Hammond, as he announced £780m of extra funding for innovation and technology.

The new Sopwith Building is set to provide a ground-breaking facility that will help start-ups and entrepreneurs bring innovative products to market. The three-storey building will provide incubation cells for start-ups to develop and manufacture prototypes of their products.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Sodick Europe HQ set for UK

Continuing sales success has spurred EDM distributor Sodick Europe to create a new, architect-designed HQ in the Midlands.

The facility, located with easy access to the M40 and the wider Midlands motorway network, is due to open in mid-2019, and will be the central focus for the company’s chain of dealerships across Europe.
Sodick Europe, established 15 years ago as the European Division of Japanese corporation Sodick Co, now has a turnover of £45m, with 17 distributors serving more than 35 countries.
The new 45,000 sq ft HQ underscores the UK’s position as the heart of Sodick’s European organisation, and will act as the operational centre for sales, service and market support. Initially, 50 staff will be employed, with plans to triple that number within a couple of years
For further information www.sodick.org

Mazak announces major apprentice intake

Yamazaki Mazak UK has reaffirmed its commitment to the next generation of engineers by taking on 18 new apprentices in 2018.

The most recent intake of apprentices will start working at Mazak’s European Headquarters in Worcester next month, and will join the existing 48 apprentices who are currently training with the company. Since 2011, Mazak has successfully trained 109 apprentices, and the September intake will take this figure to 127.
The 18 apprentices who have been accepted on the 2018 training programme will be assigned to various departments, including production and business support. Five apprentices will be undertaking machining-related roles, three will be working in the sheet-metal department, six in mechanical roles, three in electrical, and one will join the Mazak’s Spindle Service Centre.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

£12m to help Bombardier secure jobs

Nearly £12m of new funding for Bombardier has been announced by the Chancellor to help the company secure long-term manufacturing jobs in Belfast.

The project will be part-funded by local partner Invest Northern Ireland, and will support the company to develop the thrust reverser for the new Airbus A320 NEO nacelle. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, says: “This will help to secure jobs for Northern Ireland’s economy and cement the UK’s role as a leading manufacturer of high-tech aircraft components.”
For further information https://uk.bombardier.com