Rolls-Royce extension building reaches landmark

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has completed a significant phase in the construction of its extension at Goodwood, West Sussex, with the new building now formally declared weathertight. To mark the occasion, chief executive Chris Brownridge and the board of directors hand-signed the final one of 1745 wooden louvres fitted to the side of the 40,000 m² building.

The new facility will provide increased capacity for bespoke and coach-build operations. Initial fit-out with technologies is already underway within the building. Some areas and equipment will be operational this year, with the overall project remaining on schedule for completion in 2029. At £300m+, the extension represents the largest single investment in the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since it opened in 2003.

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Archer selects Bristol for UK Engineering Hub

Archer has selected Bristol as the home of its UK Engineering Hub, which will support some of the company’s most advanced engineering initiatives across its commercial and defence programmes. With a long history of aerospace innovation and a deep well of talent, Bristol offers the ideal location for Archer’s new facility.

Since Archer’s announcement in December regarding plans for its UK hub, the company has received hundreds of applications and begun hiring engineers to help it deliver the next era of advanced aerospace and defence. This workforce will help drive Archer’s local collaboration with Anduril UK and GKN, initially focused on the joint work of the companies in support of uncrewed vehicle programmes in the UK.

More information www.archer.com

ISOQAR gains UKAS accreditation for AI management

UK certification body ISOQAR has achieved UKAS accreditation to deliver ISO/IEC 42001, the international standard for artificial intelligence (AI) management systems, a significant milestone for UK businesses developing or deploying AI technologies. ISOQAR is now one of the first UK certification bodies to be accredited by UKAS for ISO/IEC 42001, currently the world’s first AI management system standard. The standard, first released in 2023, provides organisations with guidance and structured frameworks to manage the risks, governance and opportunities associated with developing and deploying AI-based products and services.More information www.isoqar.com

Rubix to host smart manufacturing event

Cutting tool, work-holding and associated shop-floor products specialist Rubix Cutting & Machining is holding an open house and Smart Manufacturing Event at its Product Proving Centre in Sandiacre, Nottingham on 18-19 March (09:00-16:00 both days). The Rubix division in Sandiacre was created to combine the company’s cutting tool portfolio with technical consultancy provided by expert, time-served engineers.

For performing live demonstrations of the production solutions that Rubix provides, the facility in Sandiacre operates three Hurco machine tools: a pair of vertical machining centres (a five-axis VMX42Ui and a three-axis VMX30Ti) and a TMX8MYSi multi-axis, driven-tool lathe with Y-axis turret and sub-spindle. Metal-cutting demonstrations conducted at the event will include high-speed slotting, roughing and finishing in titanium and aluminium.More information www.bit.ly/4u2K2HB

Strategic investment underpins growth at ComplexaHPE

Precision injection moulding, machining and tooling specialist ComplexaHPE is reporting a record order book following more than £2m of investment in advanced manufacturing technology and a strategic focus on supplier collaboration, including a close partnership with Erodex UK.

Formed in 2021 through the merger of ComplexaTools and High Precision Engineering (HPE), the business provides a full turnkey service spanning toolmaking, precision machining and injection moulding. The strategy is delivering results, with new contracts secured in the UK, Ireland and overseas, particularly within high-end medical manufacturing.

Group managing director Paul McHugh attributes the growth to sustained investment and integrated capability: “Customers increasingly want a complete solution, from design for manufacture through to final sign-off, including end-of-arm tooling and inspection fixtures. That reduces lead times and ensures consistent quality.

Since 2021, the company has installed high-speed milling machines, five-axis machining centres, spark and wire EDM systems, and a Mazak Millturn, alongside robotics and palletisation to support lights-out production. However, McHugh emphasises that machinery alone is not enough.

“Maximising performance is critical, and that’s where Erodex has added real value,” he says.

Following a review of EDM processes, Erodex recommended POCO EDM graphite grades to optimise electrode performance and consistency. In automated, unattended environments, predictable material behaviour is essential. The result has been improved machinability, longer electrode life, reduced cycle times and enhanced surface finishes.

With nearly 24 months of work secured, ComplexaHPE is experiencing unprecedented demand.

“Our success is built on quality, technical expertise and strong supplier partnerships,” concludes McHugh. “Working closely with Erodex has helped us raise standards and strengthen our competitive position in precision manufacturing.”

More information www.erodex.comTop of Form