UK NEWS

Loads Better Performance with SYNERGi Automation System

A new SYNERGi automation system from Mills CNC has helped Bindon Engineering improve an existing in-house machining process by eliminating frequent, disruptive and costly manual part loading and unloading operations.The installation of the bespoke SYNERGi Sprint automated manufacturing cell, dedicated to machining high-precision centre column (activator) parts for a long-term customer, has minimised downtime and optimised workflows, resulting in continuous, uninterrupted production and faster turnaround times.

Mills CNC supplied the system to Bindon Engineering’s 36,000 sq ft facility in July 2025. The automation cell was integrated with an existing 10-inch chuck Puma TT 2500SY twin-turret, twin-spindle turning centre with Y-axis capabilities, originally supplied by Mills CNC in 2019.

The new setup has created a more efficient automated machining process for the small-to-medium batch production of high-precision centre column parts, reducing labour-intensive manual intervention and enabling continuous production.

Established in 1966, Bindon Engineering is a family-owned precision subcontract specialist employing 50 people. The company regularly invests in advanced CNC machine tools and automation to improve productivity and reduce inefficiencies.

Ian Lawrence, managing director at Bindon Engineering, says: “Improvement is the name of the game, and we’re always looking at ways to increase productivity and reduce inefficiencies.Our investment in automation is really paying dividends. Turnaround times have improved, and we’ve optimised the production capacity of the TT 2500SY lathe.”

He adds: “With labour costs as high as they are, UK component manufacturers need to fully embrace automation and the unmanned operation of their machines to improve productivity and maintain their competitive edge. This investment is further evidence that this is the direction of travel for Bindon Engineering.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

Finalists Named for STEM Innovation Competition

Young innovators across the UK have been named finalists of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition 2026. Selected from hundreds of entries, the young finalists will now go through a final round of judging and receive feedback from industry experts, before the winners are announced at an awards ceremony at The Big Bang Fair in June, the UK’s largest free celebration of STEM for young people aged 10 to 13. Run by EngineeringUK, the UK’s top annual STEM competition encourages young people to think big, challenge facts, ask questions and invent solutions. 

More information www.thebigbang.org.uk

Metal service centre wins big at CBM Awards

Amajor UK-based metal services centres was named as the shining star of the metal industry ‘Oscars’ recently. William King, which specialises in high-tensile steel, aluminium, light gauge processing, electrical steels and niche metal coatings, beat off competition from more than 50 businesses to win the ‘Company of the Year’ at the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) Awards.Held in front of more than 150 people at the ICC in Birmingham, the West Bromwich-based company impressed judges with its commitment to decarbonisation through investment in solar-generated electricity.

More information www.thecbm.co.uk

Modern MINI Celebrates 25 Years of Manufacturing

2026 marks a major milestone for MINI: 25 years since production of the modern MINI began under the BMW Group. MINI’s modern era has been powered by its UK production heartland. At the centre of that story are two UK manufacturing hubs: Plant Oxford, the home of MINI production; and BMW Group Plant Swindon, where thousands of precision-engineered body panels are crafted every day.

The two sites represent one of the UK’s most significant automotive manufacturing hubs, with a workforce of more than 3000 producing around 800 MINIs a day. At Plant Oxford, a new MINI rolls off the production line every 78 seconds.The story took another important step in 2006 when BMW Group Plant Hams Hall in Warwickshire began producing MINI engines. The site has made more than 4.6 million engines for Oxford-built models.

More information www.mini.co.uk

New MD for Regent

One of the UK’s longest-standing precision engineering firms, Regent Engineering, has announced a significant leadership transition, as Stuart Whitehouse has been appointed managing director, succeeding long-serving directors Alan and John Shaw. The appointment marks both a continuation of a proud family legacy and the beginning of a new era for the Darlaston-based manufacturer, which has roots stretching back to 1941. Founded by Arthur Shaw, the business has grown from a local toolmaking operation into a respected supplier of pressings, welded assemblies and fabricated products serving UK and European markets.

More information www.regenteng.com