Derbyshire-based Nuclear Energy Components (NEC) is starting work with the Nuclear AMRC to develop environmentally-friendly machining techniques which will reduce the cost, lead time and risk associated with high-value nuclear components.

The project is funded by the UK government’s Nuclear Innovation Programme, and is part of the £40m investment in advanced nuclear technologies announced in July. The new year-long project, called ‘Process Improvement Through CO2 Cooling’ (PITCO2C), will develop the technology to take it closer to production for 316L stainless steel components.
For further information www.nuclearamrc.co.uk

A new manufacturing cluster has been established to target more than £10m of electrification opportunities over the next 12 months.

Brandauer, C-MAC SMT and PP Control & Automation – all members of the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN) – have come together to offer a single-source supply-chain solution for electric motors, drivetrain components, battery cells, casings and housings, transfer laminations, PCB assemblies, and wider infrastructure services.
The trio has also enlisted the expertise of industrial automation specialist Balluff to drive the opportunity. This joined-up approach is already reaping dividends by helping the new cluster secure in excess of £3m of off-highway automotive contracts and an order for an upwind turbine system from FuturEnergy.
For further information www.man-group.co.uk

The restart of manufacturing at Toyota’s UK car plant in Burnaston has seen the factory reach the milestone of 4.5 million vehicles.

Burnaston’s landmark model, a 1.8-litre hybrid Corolla hatchback that is on its way to a customer in Poland, reaffirms that it is very much “back-to-business” at the site. Production resumed on 26 May following temporary closure due to COVID-19. Facilities and processes have been revised to ensure the health and safety of all staff members and site visitors. Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) completes a car every 89 seconds at Burnaston, which equates to 3000 vehicles a week.
For further information www.toyotauk.com

Engineering design and manufacturing specialist Cyrus Bradford has opened a new 35,000 sq ft production site at Briton Ferry, south Wales that will complement its established facilities in Bradford (46,000 sq ft) and Durham (10,000 sq ft).

The official opening will be performed by Stephen Kinnock MP on 3 September. Cyrus-Bradford currently employs over 48 staff at its Bradford and Durham sites, and will be taking on a further nine new skilled employees in Wales, along with a trainee apprentice. The company has also invested in a wide range of machine tools and welding equipment for its Wales facility.
For further information www.cyrus-bradford.co.uk

Eagle, a restorer of the classic Jaguar E-Type car, has announced a partnership with Graphite Additive Manufacturing Ltd to use HP’s Jet Fusion 4200 3D-printing solution for the production of custom parts.

According to Eagle, the company has already seen a huge increase in quality, cost-effectiveness and efficiency after switching to HP’s 3D printing from other additive processes.
Since using HP’s 3D-printing platform for air conditioning and heating air ducts within E-Type cars, Eagle has benefitted from significantly reduced turnaround times, streamlined processes and greater flexibility to meet customer demands. HP’s 3D-printed parts allow Eagle to produce in low volumes with design and economic advantages, as the digital 3D model is easily adjusted and the final part swiftly printed.
For further information www.hp.com/uk