The AMRC, along with the Twin-Control Consortium, is staging a virtual machining and optimisation workshop on 1 March at its Knowledge Transfer Centre near Rotherham.

The aims of the event are: to share recent developments on virtual machining and optimisation; discuss how industry is currently using it and where the gaps are; and demonstrate the latest developments on a machine tool at the Factory of the Future workshop. Keynote speakers will share their experiences of virtual machining technology for process optimisation. The event will also include a social lunch for discussion and networking.
To register email g.cigala@amrc.co.uk

Bristol-based Vigilance Group, the specialist engineering holding company that incorporates under its corporate banner – Machine Tool Sales Online, Mach Machine Tools and Vigilance Engineering Safety Products – celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017.

As well as being a landmark year for the group, 2017 also marked a significant milestone for managing director, Dave Andrew (pictured), who celebrated 30 years in the machine-tool industry last November.
Despite such a long and illustrious past, the Vigilance Group and its founder have their sights very much focused on the future, and have implemented a number of plans and initiatives designed to ensure the group’s long-term growth and prosperity. These include the recent launch of two new websites for two of the companies under the Vigilance Group umbrella – Machine Tool Sales Online and Mach Machine Tools – and, from spring 2018, a significant expansion in the type and range of machines offered by Mach Machine Tools.
For further information www.machmt.co.uk

HMS Industrial Networks has released a publication entitled ‘Secure Remote Access for Industrial Machines for Dummies’.

The book describes how eWON products from HMS work and how they allow readers to learn the business benefits of remote access. The book also helps readers to see how they can ensure secure machine access via the internet and cloud, and understand how to diagnose and solve problems remotely.
The target audience for the book are automation engineers or field technicians working for machine builders or OEMs. With a strong understanding of the machines that engineers and technicians build or support, they are not necessarily as comfortable with new technologies such as cloud computing, remote access and information security. The book addresses these topics and is written primarily in non-technical language.
For further information www.ewon.biz

Xtrac, a specialist in transmissions for the motorsport and automotive industries, has announced that Joe Greenwell is to be appointed non-executive chairman with effect from July 2018.

Having recently joined the main board as one of three new non-executive directors, Greenwell will take over the role from Peter Digby, who is set to become company president. Greenwell has most recently served as chief executive of the government’s Automotive Investment Organisation, and is also chair of the RAC Foundation and has served as a board member of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) catapult since 2012.
For further information www.xtrac.com

XYZ Machine Tools has announced the appointment of Mark Chappell to the role of mechanical engineering manager, where he will be responsible for process and product development involving internal procedures and working closely with XYZ’s network of suppliers. He will also work with machine suppliers to develop products and drive continuous improvement, which will lead to benefits for XYZ customers through cost-down initiatives.

Chappell brings with him experience gained working both in industry and academia, spending 11 years at Renishaw, where he held production engineering and customer training positions. He ultimately managed the Renishaw subsidiary in India, where he undertook sales and service related roles. Most recently Chappell worked at the University of Bath on aerospace engineering projects, acting as an interface between various academic and industrial partners.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com