UK NEWS

First fully UK-built Boxer Mission Module

MTL Advanced, one of the UK’s largest contract manufacturing businesses, has formally handed over the first fully British-manufactured Mission Module for the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme to KNDS UK. Everything was built entirely in the UK, from raw plate material through to final fabrication, and is part of MTL’s base order with KNDS for over 100 modules. The order forms part of more than £40m in contracts awarded by KNDS to MTL Advanced to support the UK’s Boxer MIV programme, which also include over 450 Drive Module armour kits for KNDS’s fabrication line in Stockport.

More information www.mtladv.com

Production starts at new Schneider plant

Schneider Electric, a global specialist the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has officially opened its new state-of-the-art smart plant in Scarborough, with full site commissioning targeted by year end. UK production means faster, more flexible delivery of bespoke engineering solutions, tailored to the unique needs of UK projects. Customers can visit the Scarborough site, collaborate directly with product designers and engineers, and ensure products fully meet their needs before moving into production. The UK site will produce equipment to meet British standards.

More information www.se.com   

Over 1000 Machine Shops Use CAM Assist

CloudNC says over 1000 machine shops and machinists worldwide now use the CAM Assist’s AI to accelerate the programming of CNC machines, making them more efficient. CloudNC is marking the milestone by launching CAM Assist 2.0, a major upgrade to its AI solution that accelerates the CAM programming journey from CAD model to machine‑ready tool paths, while giving users more control over each step.

CAM Assist 2.0 retains the speed of CAM Assist, while adding the oversight, feedback and shared intelligence elements that machine shops need in order to use AI with confidence.

Programmers using CAM Assist can now stay firmly in control of every critical decision, while still saving hours as they turn CAD models into reliable toolpaths.

More information www.cloudnc.com

Made in Britain to Tour National Events

Made in Britain is standing up for excellence in British manufacturing this autumn at some of the UK’s most influential events, including the Advanced Engineering Show (29-30 October, NEC Birmingham). The not-for-profit organisation will use each stage to amplify the voices and impact of its more than 2200 members – and show just how far the Made in Britain mark can take a UK business. John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, says: “We’re making sure British manufacturers are seen, recognised and valued for the great products they make and the impact they have on society.”

More information www.madeinbritain.org

Pre-Met Invests £0.5m in QSP Relocation

Pre-Met has invested £500,000 into relocating the operations and welding technology of Quality Springs & Pressings (QSP) – a business it bought at the start of January. The metal pressings and stamping specialist has upgraded factory-wide electrical supply, freed-up 10,000 ft² of production space and created dedicated welding bays to support new opportunities in defence, aerospace and transportation.


All staff members are now operational at the firm’s Studley Road factory in Redditch, with the management team keen to use the acquisition to capitalise on enhanced wire form and spring manufacturing expertise, as well as embedding robotic welding and assemblies into its overall service offer. Four new jobs have been created, and this number could increase.

More information www.metalpressingsandstampings.co.uk