UK NEWS

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

ITC has fresh apprentice intake

Committed to training the next generation of engineers, cutting-tool manufacturer Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has employed yet another new apprentice.

Tyler Green has joined ITC as the sixth apprentice in the past three years. During a recent work experience programme, Green demonstrated an excellent aptitude for mechanical engineering and has now been rewarded with an opportunity to transfer this aptitude into workplace experience over the next four years.
Upon completion of his four-year apprenticeship, Green will combine shop-floor training with day-release academic qualifications to become a fully trained CNC machinist. ITC says that combining on-the-job training using the latest production technology with academic qualifications will put Green on the path to a promising career in manufacturing.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Automated finishing cuts costs

Immediately inside the visitor entrance to Surface World Live 2018 (19-20 September, Birmingham NEC), vibratory finishing specialist PDJ Vibro will promote its range of new and refurbished bowls, barrels and high-energy centrifugal equipment, as well as the large range of consumables on offer.

The company will also stress its comprehensive service offer, from technical consultancy and applications engineering, through machine upgrade, repair and part-exchange, to 24/7 subcontract vibratory finishing and polishing.
Vibratory machines ensure that deburring, descaling, edge breaking, surface finishing and superfinishing of components is carried out automatically, consistently and to a high degree of repeatability that is unattainable when processing by hand. The process also reduces labour costs, reworking and scrap. At the same time, parts can be degreased, rinsed, dried and pre-treated for anodising, chemical blacking or painting.
Another area of focus will be the vast range of components that can be efficiently and safely processed using the vibratory technique. Anything from rusty old chains to parts machined to tolerances measured in single-figure microns are suitable candidates for vibratory finishing, as are delicate components produced by additive manufacturing.
PDJ Vibro’s main vibratory bowl range has process chamber sizes from 7.5 to 6000 litres, while three entry-level models have capacities of 300, 150 and 75 litres. Rectangular troughs in 13 sizes, with capacities from 22 to 2200 litres, are the preferred choice for finishing longer items and those made from sheet metal.
For further information www.pdjvibro.co.uk