UK NEWS

$1m aerospace contract secured

Coventry-based Arrowsmith Engineering is flying high after securing a $1m aerospace order from the US. Backed by support from the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), the company now expects to double annual sales to £7m by 2020. Arrowsmith has also just been awarded the Silver SC21 award. The company has been working with the MGP since October last year, first with the SC21 application and, more recently, in a gap analysis for the new AS9100D aerospace quality standard. Assistance has also been given in developing a long-term strategy and how to make the most of international opportunities.

Arrowsmith Engineering, Coventry

For further information www.manufacturingrowthprogramme.co.uk

Experience adds value at XYZ

A recent run of long-service awards at XYZ Machine Tools highlights the value of people to a successful business. Out of the 80 employees at XYZ, 30 of them have a combined service of almost 500 years. “Our philosophy has always been that when a customer commits to buying from XYZ, we commit to supporting that customer,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director. “This support ranges from our applications and training teams, which get customers up and running, through to the free programming helpline for users of our ProtoTrak and Siemens controlled machines, as well as the spares and service back-up that we provide with our nationwide team of engineers.”

Recognising that the pool of skilled machine tool builders was getting smaller, XYZ implemented a training plan two years ago that has seen a number of new recruits join the business, including several apprentices who will eventually take up the mantle of applications, programming support and service engineers over the next 10, 20, 30 years.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Online MAS helpdesk

Made in the Midlands has launched the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) as a dedicated online helpdesk and signposting service to support Britain’s manufacturing industry. The launch event was attended by over 150 Midlands manufactures. MAS was initially a Government initiative that was introduced as part of the Business Growth Service (BGS). However, in 2015 the service was ended as a result of funding cuts — much to the dismay of businesses and entrepreneurs. With the launch of the MAS helpdesk, Made in the Midlands hopes to create something that lasts and evolves. “This is the business community showing leadership,” says Jason Pitt, chief executive of Made in the Midlands. “At times of political uncertainty, as we have seen in recent years, this is vital. The UK’s industrial strategy needs to be strengthened, and businesses need to
lead the way and help the sector grow.”

For further information www.manufacturingadvisoryservice.com

Semta Skills Awards

An industry-backed set of engineering awards is now open for nominations – and the body responsible is urging talented individuals and companies to put themselves forward to be in with a chance of winning. Semta has been running its annual Skills Awards for five years. The 2018 awards – which will be hosted by BBC journalist, presenter and former Young Engineer for Britain, Steph McGovern – will take place on 1 March at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, with entries open until 30 November. Over 500 people attended the 2017 awards ceremony, including senior names from industry and politics.

For further information http://semta.org.uk/skillsawards

ActOn appoints Master Abrasives

Master Abrasives has been appointed as an official agent for the range of vibratory finishing machines manufactured in the UK by ActOn Finishing. Companies looking to introduce mass finishing to their manufacturing process can now turn to Master Abrasives for complete solutions and applications advice, whether the process is deburring, descaling, cleaning, polishing or superfinishing. Vibratory finishing machines are available as bowls, troughs, duals and dryers, each with their own advantages. ActOn machines are built with a wear-resistant polyurethane lining to prevent damage and keep maintenance costs low.

For further information www.master-abrasives.co.uk