UK NEWS

Finishing firm backs battery investment boom

Midland Deburr & Finish, a specialist in metal deburring and degreasing based in Lye, is championing the latest wave of investment into the UK battery technology sector. With years of experience working on critical automotive battery components using both vapour and solvent degreasing techniques, the company sees this renewed commitment to battery innovation as a vital boost for British manufacturing.

The collapse of Britishvolt was a disappointment for many in the industry, raising concerns about the UK’s ability to compete in the global race for battery production. However, new investments into the sector, such as the ambitious plans by UK start-up Volklec to build a £1bn gigafactory, signal a fresh start – one that Midland Deburr & Finish hopes will place Britain at the forefront of sustainable automotive technology.

Chris Arrowsmith, managing director of Midland Deburr & Finish, welcomes the renewed focus on battery production: “As a company that has played a role in the supply chain for battery components, we know how important this sector is for the future of UK manufacturing. The latest investment commitments, including Volklec’s partnership with Far East Battery, are a real step in the right direction, giving manufacturers and suppliers confidence to drive innovation and efficiency.”

Midland Deburr & Finish has extensive experience in preparing battery components to the highest standards, ensuring optimal cleanliness and performance. The company’s expertise in precision degreasing plays a crucial role in the automotive supply chain, supporting the production of high-performance battery systems.

“The UK has the talent, expertise and infrastructure to lead in battery technology,” Arrowsmith adds. “With the right backing, we can create a thriving ecosystem that supports jobs, innovation, and sustainability.”

More information www.midlanddeburrandfinish.co.uk

Finishing technologies for med-tech sector

At the Medical Technology UK exhibition in Coventry last week, Fintek showed how automated mass and super finishing technologies are advancing the precision of implant and medical device surfaces.

The medical industry demands continual surface improvements to ensure the safety and effectiveness of surgical instruments, tibias, femoral shafts, prosthetic sockets, bone screws, bone plates and more. Precision surface finishing is a vital post-process in their manufacture as it enhances performance, safety and lifespan in use.

Fintek is the exclusive UK agent for the sales of OTEC Präzisionsfinish GmbH drag-finishing and electro-chemical finishing machines. According to the company, these two technologies excel at automating in-house medical device finishing. The company also provides a full subcontract service, with its experienced technical team using the latest equipment from OTEC.

Medical devices and implants made from stainless steel, cobalt chrome, titanium and ceramics can reach surface smoothness values to Ra 0.01 μm. Using drag finishing and electro-chemical technology, this is achieved quickly, with repeatable precision and quality, reports Fintek. Inconsistencies often associated with hand finishing are eliminated.

Improving surface finishing significantly improves the biocompatibility of medical devices by creating a smoother and more uniform surface. Especially important for implants and prosthetics in contact with body tissues for extended periods. A smoother surface is less likely to harbour bacteria, lowering the risk of infection in surgical settings.

Medical devices are often in contact with bodily fluids and sterilisation processes. Smoother surfaces enhance corrosion resistance, ensuring they remain durable and safe over time. Surface smoothness also lowers friction and improves wear resistance, extending implant lifespan and maintaining the device’s effectiveness. Surface finishing also enhances mechanical properties such as fatigue strength.

More information www.fintek.co.uk

BGB welcomes third generation to team

Family-owned engineering firm BGB has welcomed Alex Holt, son of CEO David Holt, to its
team, marking the third generation of the Holt family to step into the business. Founded in
1976 by David’s father, David Holt Snr and his two partners, Grantham-headquartered BGB
quickly became a stand-out provider in fully engineered solutions for smart rotary
applications. Alex Holt, a business and finance graduate from De Montfort University in
Leicester, will spend the next 18-24 months rotating through key areas of the business as a
management trainee.
More information www.bgbinnovation.com

Progressive Apprentice Academy boost

Edging closer to its 50 th  anniversary, Newbury-based Progressive Technology Group
opened its Apprentice Academy in 2015. For this bedrock for developing the talent of
tomorrow, Tooling Intelligence has donated a SmartDrawer vending solution. The
Apprentice Academy at Progressive Technology enlisted 18 apprentices as part of its 2024
cohort.
With technical partner Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), Tooling Intelligence installed its
first SmartDrawer vending solution at the subcontract outfit in 2014. The most recent
SmartDrawer arrival means there are now four such systems on site. Understanding the
inventory management process is essential for apprentices, which is why Tooling
Intelligence has made its generous contribution.
More information www.toolingintelligence.co.uk

Parklands Capital buys Laser Expertise

Laser Expertise, a laser-cutting fabrication specialist established for 40+ years, has been sold
to Parklands Capital, a private equity fund which invests in established UK SMEs with
ambitious management teams and strong growth prospects. Based in Nottingham and
operating nationally, Laser Expertise has around 2787 m² of workshop space and employs
more than 80 people. The deal was led by Matthew Sibley, associate director of company
sales specialist KBS Corporate.
The staff at Laser Expertise that customers currently deal with for all facets of the business
will remain the same, along with the company name and contact details. With the support
and infrastructure of Parklands Capital, Laser Expertise will be able to continue investing in
the latest technologies.
More information www.kbscorporate.com