UK NEWS

ITMG launches

A new consortium of like-minded companies has been launched to boost UK manufacturing’s productivity and competitive advantage.

The In-Comm Training & Manufacturing Group (ITMG), a not-for-profit organisation, has been created to give SME manufacturers access to world-class technology, and business and learning support that can bridge the skills gap, increase R&D, help drive continuous improvement and embrace Industry 4.0. Over 140 members have already signed up to receive discounted access to 100 up-skilling training courses and networking events, and access grant and funding opportunities.
For further information www.in-comm-tmg.co.uk

Honorary degree for Rolls-Royce chief

A leading figure at one of the UK’s most distinguished engineering companies, and a former director general at the Ministry of Defence, has received an honorary degree for his outstanding contribution to aerospace.

Paul Stein, chief technology officer at Rolls-Royce, joined around 1000 postgraduate students from more than 100 countries receiving their degrees from Cranfield University last week. Stein is responsible for ensuring Rolls-Royce’s investment in technology is closely aligned with the company’s business strategy. Prior to commencing his current role in April 2017, he spent seven years working in a variety of other leadership roles at Rolls-Royce.
For further information www.cranfield.ac.uk

Wele names new agent for the UK

Whitehouse Machine Tools has been appointed, with immediate effect, as the sole UK sales and service agent for the full range of machine tools manufactured by Wele Mechatronic.

Founded in 2007, the Taiwanese firm produces vertical and horizontal machining centres with X-axis strokes up to 2500 mm, B-axis and trunnion-type five-axis machining centres with up to 4 m travel in X, large bridge-type mill-turn centres with capacities up to 16 x 5 x 1 m, horizontal borers, and both horizontal- and vertical-spindle turning centres. Whitehouse has already sold a Wele AA1165 vertical machining centre to a UK manufacturer of split valves for the pharmaceutical industry.
For further information www.wmtcnc.com

Aerospace stars celebrated at awards

Stars of the southwest aerospace and defence sector were celebrated last week at the second WEAF Aerospace Ambassadors Awards under the wings of Concorde at Aerospace Bristol.

Organised by the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF), the annual awards focus on the cream of the industry and shine a spotlight on their outstanding achievements.
Backed by headline sponsors Safran and SKF Aerospace, the awards attracted scores of entries.
The southwest has one of the largest concentrations of aerospace and defence capabilities in Europe, and is the largest aerospace cluster in the UK, worth more than £7bn per annum. Individual award sponsors include Airbus, Castlemead Insurance, Bridgwater & Taunton College, Trowers and Hamlins LLP and Aro PR and Marketing.
For further information www.weaf.co.uk

Chester and Blum on show

Keen to build an association with local manufacturing companies and support British business, Chester Machine Tools and Blum Novotest joined forces at the recent Manufacturing & Engineering show, North East.

Drawing the attention of visitors, Chester Machine Tools performed live machining demonstrations on its V6L CNC machining centre, which at the show featured a Blum ZXSpeed universal 3D probe for tool setting and breakage monitoring.
The Chester VL6 offers a simple entry to CNC machining and is suited to education and training environments, tool-room workshops, mould making and R&D departments. Importantly, the cast-iron construction of the machine is tempered for stress relief to promote structural stability, while C3-class ballscrews enhance accuracy and durability. The machine houses a 10,000 rpm spindle and can be supplied with a Siemens or Fanuc control.
For further information www.chestermachinetools.com