UK NEWS

ARMC sets out to de-risk hydrogen switching

The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has secured £1m funding to establish HyDecarb, a first-of-its-kind, open-access research capability dedicated to the decarbonisation of industrial natural gas. It provides a real-world, industrial-scale testbed for manufacturers to trial hydrogen fuel-switching in a controlled environment. The AMRC’s open-access infrastructure removes the technical and financial barriers that have traditionally made the transition to low-carbon energy too risky for individual manufacturers to attempt alone.

More information www.amrc.co.uk

Record entries for manufacturing festival awards

A record number of entries have been received for this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards, as manufacturers across the region continue to invest in young talent at a time when employers in other sectors warn entry-level roles for young people are disappearing. The awards, which take place next week, attracted 45 nominations from 19 companies, up from 38 entries from 18 businesses last year. Organisers say the increase reflects growing recognition of the role manufacturing can play in providing long-term career opportunities for young people.

More information www.leedsmanufacturingfestival.co.uk

US tariffs could prove tipping point for the UK

The MTA has warned that newly announced US tariffs on UK exports risk becoming the tipping point for British manufacturers already under severe pressure from soaring energy costs, rising employment taxes and chronic skills shortages. The new tariffs, reportedly ranging from 10 to 12.5%, apply to dozens of countries including the UK. The MTA says the situation underlined the urgent need for the UK Government to strengthen the domestic foundations of manufacturing competitiveness, rather than leaving firms exposed to international trade shocks while carrying avoidable costs at home.

More information www.mta.org.uk

Manchester Metrology to host open day

Manchester Metrology is hosting its 2026 open day on 14 July (10:00-15:00), featuring live, hands-on demonstrations that showcase the latest additions to its range of equipment. The company is inviting visitors to its facility in Ashton-under-Lyne to take a tour of the site, meet the team, and learn how Manchester Metrology’s equipment, services and software can support businesses and projects.

Live demonstrations are set to include the latest portable arms, 3D scanners, laser trackers, CMMs and 3D printers. Tour areas will extend from the CMM room to the servicing, calibration and repair room, as well as the 3D printing room. Selected Manchester Metrology partners and suppliers will also be showcasing products. Complementary food and drinks will be available throughout the day.

More information www.manchester-metrology.co.uk

Potential For Nissan Sunderland to Build Chery Vehicles

Nissan and Chery International UK have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the study of Nissan to contract manufacture Chery passenger vehicles at its Sunderland plant. Under the terms of the non-binding MoU, the Sunderland facility would remain fully owned by Nissan, with the team at the plant employed by Nissan.

The MoU includes the possibility that Nissan would aim to begin manufacturing Chery passenger vehicles in financial year 2027. Massimiliano Messina, chairperson Nissan AMIEO, says: “This is an important step forward for our operations. We’re looking forward to working with Chery International UK in the coming months to finalise a position that is optimal for both companies.”

More information www.nissan.co.uk