Manufacturing & Production Engineering Magazine - February 2025
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Interview with Natalie Parker, Specialist Manager for the Operational Technology group
Flipping human motion detection on it’s head
Investments in Space- Comm Expo set to strengthen UK space industry events
Advancements in the Automotive industry
Uplifting times: Seawater lift pumps delivered in record time
Editors Note
Welcome to the February issue of Manufacturing & Production Engineering Magazine.
In this issue we interview Natalie Parker, Technical Specialist and Manager for the Operational Technology Group at Sellafield, who has recently been recognised for her contributions to engineering by being awarded the prestigious Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize. We talk about her career, future aspirations and her position as a role model in the sector.
We also take a look at a few predictions for the Manufacturing sector to look out for in 2025. What innovations and new technology will become the norm? What role will Artificial Intelligence play moving forward? How will Government policy help (or hinder) the Manufacturing industry? Only time will tell.
We hope you enjoy this issue and like always, if you have any contributions you would like to feature, please email details to editorial@mpemagazine.co.uk.
Paul Attwood Editor
Sertec Group unveils new press as part of £7m investment in engineering headquarters
Sertec Group, a leading global components manufacturer specialising in automotive Body in White and EV products, has announced a £7 million investment.
The investment includes the introduction of a new 800T machine press at its Coleshill site, aimed at enhancing production capabilities and generating employment opportunities.
The unveiling of the new 800T Nidec Arisa Press took place during a special ceremony at Sertec’s Gorsey Lane production facility, officiated by Professor Carl Chinn, MBE, where he was presented with the first pressed part from the machine.
The fully operational 800T Nidec Arisa Press will play a crucial role in expanding Sertec’s parts production capacities across various sectors, particularly the automotive industry. Its implementation will facilitate the creation of 15 new positions following the complete integration of the 800T Nidec Arisa Press into the manufacturing facility.
In order to support this growth, Sertec Group has made significant investments in modernising its manufacturing processes and equipment. This includes the incorporation of advanced joining technologies like laser welding, high-speed automation, and robotic assembly cells with complex techniques such as flattening.
Italian deal builds on Rapid Fusion’s entry into the construction sector
A UK-based technology specialist has signed a new international deal that will see additive manufacturing used to make complex concrete moulds.
Rapid Fusion, which provides full turnkey 3D printing solutions from its R&D centre in the South West, has used its ZEUS 3D robotic system to create intricate concrete pieces for Italian start-up Nanoo.
The complex moulds were used to create table legs for an exclusive Italian furniture manufacturer and took just a few days to make –compared to almost two weeks using conventional methods.
By using additive manufacturing – along with a built in CNC milling tool – the two companies were able to achieve precision quality
whilst reducing expensive labour costs and, due to using recycled PET-G, enhance the sustainable performance of the project.
This landmark contract has given Rapid Fusion and Nanoo the ideal test case to prove to the construction sector that 3D printing can work for
Furthermore, Sertec Group is heavily investing in research and development, site facilities, and technology. The company’s engineering department works closely with customers to design innovative and sustainable engineering solutions tailored to their specific industries, including automotive.
By achieving these strategic goals, Sertec Group has positioned itself as a leading provider of sustainable engineering solutions, continuously striving for improvement and excellence.
bespoke moulds commonly used in large projects, to create free form facade elements, complex concrete structures and elements of furniture designed by worldleading architects.
For further information, please visit www.rapidfusion.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.
More detail on Nanoo can be found at www.nanoo.cc or at www.linkedin.com/company/ nanoo-cc.
PTC partners with Microsoft and Volkswagen Group to develop Codebeamer
Generative AI Copilot
London-based PTC is partnering with Microsoft and Volkswagen Group to develop a generative artificial intelligence (AI) copilot based on the PTC Codebeamer® application lifecycle management (ALM) solution.
Codebeamer Copilot will support software development in physical products by enabling software engineers to create and manage product requirements
more efficiently as well as test, validate, and release them.
This development builds on Volkswagen Group’s adoption of Codebeamer to support software development across its brands and vehicle projects.
PTC and Volkswagen Group partnered with Microsoft to help amplify the value of Codebeamer by embedding generative AI with Microsoft Azure AI capabilities.
Website: www.ptc.com
Codebeamer Copilot
WKE powers up workforce to meet rising demand
Leading alternative fuel manufacturer WKE has announced a significant expansion to its workforce amid growing demand for its unique alternative fuel pellets.
New hires include the onboarding of 36 team members from Smart Solutions into WKE’s operations team, along with two strategic senior hires across its commercial and management teams.
With the expansion, WKE’s total headcount now stands at 45 employees, marking the company’s transition from its construction phase to a “steady state” of full operational capacity.
In operations, the expanded team includes roles across operations management, engineering, process technology, plant operations, quality control and health, safety & environment (HS&E).
Emma Catton joins WKE’s commercial team as sales and marketing director, while Joely Clark joins the company as HR manager.
Emma will work alongside sales and logistics coordinator Christine Wilson to drive growth and form new partnerships with businesses in heavy energy-use industries across
the UK and abroad. Meanwhile, Joely will focus on supporting key aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management and employee engagement, as WKE continues to build a strong, dedicated workforce.
Now running at full capacity, WKE is positioned to scale its operations further and is actively recruiting for an electrical engineer to meet increased demand for its pellets.
Over the past year, the company has celebrated several major milestones, including its first international shipment, the full automation of its plant and the launch of an expanded product range.
For more information, please visit: www.wkeltd.com
3300 individuals on course for employment as NIS Group celebrates TRIA expansion
More than 3300 people have been started on the path to sustainable employment in rail, construction and civils this year by a leading West Midlands training provider
NIS Group, which was founded by former Royal Marine Davie Carns in 2018, is on course for its bestever 12 months after accelerating the roll-out of its Transport, Rail and Infrastructure Academy (TRIA)
network in the region – a partnership with City of Wolverhampton College and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Over £1m has been invested into launching two new dedicated facilities in Aston and Coventry, supplementing existing hubs at the City of Wolverhampton College’s Bilston Campus and at BCIMO in Dudley.
It means the company can now offer 100 different courses in multiple locations across the West Midlands, all with dedicated industrial facilities and equipment to help learners become even more work ready or to upskill to enhance long-term prospects.
Crucially, 83% of the people NIS Group has assisted have progressed into full-time sustainable
employment - a major increase on the national sector average.
Kaine Singh is one of many who has made the switch in sectors, driven by his desire to support his little boy and make him proud. The former Coventry manufacturer is benefiting from the Gateway to Employment course and has his sights firmly set on a career in construction.
NIS Group has combined investment in the best trainers with the best facilities, equipping its four dedicated facilities with specialist capabilities, including a Signalling Academy and special slab tracks for high-speed rail. This is in addition to purpose-built areas for training on machines and heavy plant.
For further information, visit www.nisgroup.co.uk
Christine Wilson and Emma Catton
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Interview with Natalie Parker
Natalie Parker, distinguished Technical Specialist and Manager for the Operational Technology Group at Sellafield, has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to the engineering industry with the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize. With her extensive experience in providing technical and assurance support, Natalie plays a vital role in facilitating innovation and collaboration within engineering teams. She is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment for women in engineering and serves as a role model for future generations aspiring to join the field.
Congratulations on being awarded the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize. How does it feel to be recognised for your contributions to operational technology at Sellafield, and what impact do you foresee this recognition having on your career trajectory?
Thank you very much. It honestly feels very surreal, and I am still struggling to get my head around that people recognise something in me that I don’t recognise myself. Starting off as a Control Systems Apprentice in 2012 and working hard to progress, it feels great to have my work recognised. My OTG colleagues have been my biggest supporters and I am a big believer in seeing what opportunities arise and grabbing them with both hands, pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Working in such a large organisation I want to continue the push on gender balance within engineering and technology by breaking down barriers, raising awareness and continuing the educational support within schools.
In your role as Technical Specialist and Manager for the Operational Technology Group, you provide essential technical and assurance support to engineering teams. Can you elaborate on a particularly challenging project you have worked on, and what strategies you employed to ensure its success?
My most challenging project was actually during my time as a frontline engineer in the Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Facility (THORP). I started off in this facility as a first year apprentice where I began my training on Europe’s largest Distributed Control System, the ABB MOD300.
During my eight years in the facility, a problem occurred which halted the reprocessing operations. I worked alongside my colleagues to develop a complex system modification and this entailed a lot of process driven work but also collaboration between control systems engineers, operations team and the plant engineers. I was so proud to install the modification and sit with the operations team to watch the commencement of reprocessing the nuclear fuel. This ultimately led to the facility being able to complete its final shear. In my current role I am now working with the front line engineers and engineering and operational managers to progress a hugely complicated system upgrade.
A significant aspect of your work involves developing an offsite central platform that fosters collaboration and innovation among engineers. What tangible benefits have you observed from this initiative, and how has it influenced problem-solving and the sharing of best practices within the engineering teams?
Working in the nuclear industry we have a vast amount of legacy technology. At Sellafield I support the DCS technology which has platforms ranging from the early 80’s to the more modern systems. Our engineers currently work in a siloed manner where they support a specific facility. Due to the global shortage of engineers, in particular with skills of legacy control systems, it creates a real challenge to train our next generation of engineers when the OEM training no longer exists. Our engineers have to maintain these systems as they get older, failure rates increase and the spares capability decreases. Having this offsite facility has enabled engineers from different facilities to collaborate to problem solve, innovate, and cross train, ensuring we can continue to maintain these legacy systems. It has provided an easily accessible offsite location where we continue to work closely with the OEM. Another great benefit is we now have a great facility to train up our future talent through our degree apprenticeship.
Given that only 15.7% of the UK engineering workforce comprises women, what measures do you believe are most critical for encouraging more young women to pursue engineering careers?
How can the industry create a more inclusive and supportive environment?
We need to change the image of engineering to make it more appealing to girls and highlight women engineers as role models – it’s so important to celebrate and recognise women engineers and their achievements. Visibility and representation matters, so we need to be providing real life role models for the younger generation to look up to and to tell them first-hand about their experiences and how to get into the sector; and we need employers making it accessible as possible. It is also so important that we reflect on the current educational system and how the curriculum needs to be updated to address the skills crisis we have within engineering and technology and show the incredible breadth of engineering in the 21st century. Without women studying the STEM subjects at a higher level we are struggling to see them even apply for engineering apprenticeships or degrees.
The IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards aim to challenge outdated stereotypes associated with engineering. In what ways do you believe your work and achievements contribute to redefining the perception of women in engineering and inspiring future generations?
Previous IET research showed that the stereotype of an engineer amongst children deemed a typical engineer to be middle aged, male, glasses, high vis jacket and a hard hat. But I am your average woman who enjoyed studying maths and science in school. I never considered the field of engineering during my time at school as it was never part of the curriculum. I am not a person who is naturally clever and have always had to work hard to achieve my grades. During my struggle in my first year at sixth form I decided to explore apprenticeships and was lucky enough to secure a control system apprenticeship and I have never looked back. I have two young children and have an amazing company who support flexible working that allows me to drop my children off at school in the mornings and give me an excellent work/life balance. I hope through my educational outreach work that many students will be able to use my journey as something that they can envision for themselves.
As a woman excelling in a predominantly male-dominated industry, what unique challenges have you encountered, and how have you navigated these to advance your career and influence change?
I have experienced the bias of individuals throughout my career. As a young 19-year-old woman apprentice I felt I had to work really hard to prove my capability. At the time I fell pregnant with my two children I faced some negativity, but I used this upon my return to upskill management and lead teams within Engineering and Maintenance at Sellafield on barriers that women face and what they can do as individuals to support the removal. Becoming a mother has given me completely new softer skills and motivation which I believe has allowed me to progress in my career.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter engineering, particularly those interested in leadership and technical specialist roles? How can they best position themselves for success in a field that continues to strive for greater gender diversity?
If you asked me what I wanted to do at the age of 16, it was to climb and study volcanos. The last 12 years have taught me you never know what opportunities are around the corner and to continuously push myself out of my comfort zone as the experience and growth to allow you to develop is huge. Surround yourself with people who advocate for you and you can achieve anything you set your mind too!
Looking ahead, what are your professional aspirations within the engineering sector, and how do you plan to continue championing diversity and encouraging more women to take up careers in STEM?
I would really love to get into a position where I can focus on the strategic vision of operational technology or even wider engineering in the nuclear engineering. I will continue to lead on the Women in Technology group at Sellafield and continue with the groups amazing educational outreach work, upskilling to management and collaboration with other networks and the supply chain so we can all make a difference together.
Automation
Warehouse automation depends on the right racking
The UK’s world leading e-commerce retail sector swells demand and raises expectations for rapid delivery, but the sector is also dealing with rising labour costs combined with a shallower pool of available skills for its warehouses.
Automation’s modularity, sophisticated control systems, and performance developments can create a more practical and flexible solution for a greater variety of applications – from fulfilling omnichannel retail to supplying line-side manufacturing. Stacker crane based automated storage and retrieval systems, for example, will provide high density storage on a given footprint within a warehouse to offer an efficient and
safe goods to picker solution.
However, smooth operation of this software-driven warehouse technology will rely on the racking. Given it plays such a vital role in maintaining the flow for highly accurate and rapid order picking within a warehouse, racking should be carefully considered because the right design will help an automated system to realise its performance benefits.
Reliable racking will also minimise maintenance and the subsequent costly downtime for an automated system, helping to improve its productivity and hasten the return on the investment.
Suppliers using state-of-the-art machinery to manufacture racking components will produce all the
elements at the exact required size and of a consistent quality and tolerance. This ensures long-term integrity of the racking system.
Racking projects for automation will draw on a supplier’s experience and its ability to work with systems integrators and automation companies in addition to suppliers of other equipment and solutions.
Fanuc’s New 500kg Payload Robot Brings
Increased Versatility to Heavy Lifting Tasks
A large and heavy-payload industrial robot, the new M-950iA/500, is the latest model in Fanuc’s extensive robot range, bringing greater versatility to lifting and handling operations. The model boasts a wide motion range due to
its serial-link configuration, meaning no interference of the main J3 arm with the J2 arm due to the absence of a supporting mechanism.
The rotation of the J3 axis is an impressive 395° and is supported by a payload of 500kg, a reach
of 2,830mm and an ultra-strong 3-axis wrist with high torque and high inertia. The superior strength and versatility of the FANUC M-950iA/500 makes it particularly suited to the automotive industry, for applications such as handling large castings (eg engine blocks, EV batteries or car body panels), as well as friction stir welding, drilling and riveting.
Process flexibility comes courtesy of the robot’s J3 arm, which can stand above and rotate backwards of the robot itself. A larger operating area therefore means the new robot can be operated in various layout configurations in line with specific customer requirements. In addition, FANUC’s iRVision fully-integrated visual detection system and various intelligent features make it easy to diversify between different product lines.
ECOLAB CERTIFIED SAFETY LIGHT BARRIERS FOR HYGIENE APPLICATIONS
The Schmersal Group has designed a new safety light barrier especially for hygiene-sensitive uses in the food processing industry, such as milk and meat processing.
This version has evolved with the demands of standard cleaning operations in the industry as the sophisticated design helps to ensure IP69 degree of protection (protection against the ingress of water from high-pressure of steam cleaning).
The protective enclosure with external gaskets satisfies stringent standards and is designed to cope with frequent cleaning with water, foam, lyes, high-pressure or hot steam.
SCHMERSAL | Enigma Business Park Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GL
The global automotive market will continue to develop in the coming years, with the biggest growth taking place in the realm of electric vehicles.
As the share of hybrid and batterypower cars increases, so does the share of vehicles with scroll compressors. This part is used to increase the pressure of the refrigerant in the thermal management system, which keeps the temperature of batteries in check, among other things. These have to be cooled in the summer and heated in the winter. The two spirals, orbit and fixed scrolls, form the heart of the component. They move eccentrically to one another so that the refrigerant is compressed between the spirals towards the centre.
The machining process to manufacture the scrolls involves milling the surfaces of the spiral shapes as well as the top and base surfaces. The pre-machining process already comes very close to the final contour. A stepped milling cutter provides the finish for the face surface and spiral shapes during the fine machining that follows. In a single stroke, the tool moves inwards, turns around at the innermost point with the smallest radius, and then moves outwards again along the other side of the spiral shape. Special radii and
transitions between the face surface and spiral call for extremely precise contours on the milling tool.
A cutting edge for milling must be selected that can both provide the required precision of form and achieve a long tool life. A MAPAL finish milling cutter can manage more than 2,000 parts made of the aluminium alloys AlSi1 and AlSi12, which are the most prevalent currently. For pre-machining, the specialists in Aalen ensure that as little material as possible remains but as much as needed to ensure safe processing. The milling cutter machines the surface using low force, rather than pressing and deforming it.
Above all when it comes to finishing, there are many solution options
available, which can be deployed based on requirements. MAPAL proceeds schematically in their project design according to the basic, performance or expert classification.
“Basic” solutions are standard tools which can be used to produce and test initial prototypes. At the “performance” level, special tools with contour geometries for the component come into play. In addition to precise contour machining, the “expert” solutions concentrate above all on the longest tool lives for maximum processing efficiency for large series. Special coating is used here. A tool with three cutting edges and diamond coating represents the top of the line for aluminium alloys with high silicon content.
New refrigerant specifications in the EU could result in the widely used R1234yf coolant being replaced with propane or CO2. CO2 in particular has substantial effects on the component: the displaced volume becomes much smaller and the pressure increases significantly. Current developments thus point to the use of grey cast iron or spheroidal cast iron as the material of choice for the scroll spirals, which would correspondingly affect the machining process and tool concept.
With its wide range of products and technology expertise, MAPAL is ideally positioned to react to these developments quickly and offer application-specific process solutions.
Pentagon, pro-actively supporting you from the early stages of design assistance right through to mould tool manufacture and repeat production of your injection moulding project. Your new or existing plastic injection moulding project will benefit from years of technical moulding experience!
Disposable or reusable: designing a motion system for medical devices Pharmaceuticals
By Dave Beckstoffer, Portescap’s Business Development Manager for medical applications
Drive systems for wearable and automatic drug delivery devices are central to the patient outcome. In line with the increasing push from the pharmaceutical market to deliver biologics from devices that a patient can wear at home, demand is increasing on the drive systems that are powering drug delivery.
While ensuring the drive systems achieve essential criteria relating to treatment efficacy, patient safety, as well as wearer comfort, the design must also optimise commercial viability. This means turning an effective concept into an industrialised product, from a CAD drawing and prototype, through to manufacturing scale.
Crucial to achieving a viable, industrial production drive system, is material selection, and the significance of the types of material used are far reaching. The selection impacts the performance of the device from the patient perspective, where competing design needs must be balanced.
The material specification also depends on meeting medical device conformance, as well as ensuring effective integration with the actuation mechanism.
An overriding factor across all wearable and auto-injectors is the need for a compact form with low weight, in order to achieve patient ergonomic requirements. DC micro motors typically optimise these characteristics, such as a diameter down to just 10mm. However, the gearbox is often the larger component, especially when the design is integrated with an output drive mechanism such as a lead screw or a pump. As a result, the gear system and drive mechanism present the typical opportunity for customisation, and this includes material selection too.
Material demands can also impact conformance requirements, from common needs such as RoHS, REACh and Conflict Minerals, through to meeting manufacturing regulations such as ISO 13485 (Quality Management System for Medical Devices) and IEC 60601 (Medical Electrical Equipment Safety Standards).
In development, a drug delivery design contractor, or the motion developer, needs to prove the concept to the pharmaceutical company. This stage will take place within a specific, and relatively short, timescale; the quicker it can be done, the faster the delivery device can be brought to market. To
achieve this, initial decisions around material selection and parts design are often made based on speed and availability, rather than optimising for longer-term design objectives. Off-the-shelf drive system designs might be used to confirm general requirements. Straight away, this means there can be a discrepancy between the materials involved in a conceptual test compared to those ultimately required for an industrialised product.
Key considerations include design and material changes to other components in the drive and delivery system that are made in isolation. From using metal components that could react to the motor’s magnets, to the decision on whether to use plastic or metal parts in gearing and how this might integrate with the delivery system, material selections must be made in conjunction with each other. Similarly, commercial demands introduced during ongoing development could ask for a cost reduction, or for a shorter timeframe, on the procurement of specific parts.
The only way to fully validate material selection for a given design is by testing products from the manufacturing run, although the most effective means of achieving the right material specification is through the decisions that are made earlier on in the project.
Focus on the materials used, at every stage of development, is crucial. Supporting this, communication throughout all stages, between the pharmaceutical company, device design contractor, drive system developer, and material suppliers, is also key. The more that the various aspects of the design process, including materials specification, are considered in parallel, the more efficient the entire process will be in achieving the optimised industrialisation of the drive system.
Under Pressure – When Flow Measurement Accuracy Matters
Titan Enterprises’ high-pressure Oval Gear liquid flow meters address the need for precise flow measurement across extreme operating conditions and harsh industrial environments, such as those seen in hydraulic system applications and the oil and gas industry.
Measuring the flow of fluid under high pressure, such as in hydraulic fluid monitoring, chemical additive injection and other challenging fluid power systems, ensures optimum operational performance as well as minimising wastage.
Hydraulic systems perform significant work in a broad range of industrial applications, such as Aerospace, Mining, Construction, Agriculture, Marine and Automotive. The oil and gas sector also drives a significant portion of the flow meter market, with conventional flowmeters, such as positive displacement (oval gear) devices, still having the advantage of being proven across a large installed base. These flow meters are crucial for applications like high-pressure additive injection and custody transfer, where accuracy and chemical resistance are vital.
Pressure is a key factor when selecting hydraulic components and pressure testing each component
Yokogawa Test & Measurement Releases
AQ2300 Series Modular High-Precision SMU to Expedite Semiconductor Devices Development
Yokogawa Test & Measurement Corporation announces the release of its AQ2300 series highperformance, high-speed SMU (Source Measure Unit) into the European marketplace.
Addressing various density needs for semiconductor/communication devices, the AQ2300 series modular SMU offers high-quality pulse generation alongside high-precision voltage/current generation and measurements. Due to its inherent productivity and expandability characteristics, the 2-channel SMU module also saves time and space when performing the typically complex measurement functions essential for semiconductor devices.
The proliferation of smartphones and tablets, rise of AI, and expansion of autonomous vehicles is increasing the need for communication infrastructure to enhance speeds and address future power demands. For laser devices in particular, engineers
must undertake accurate sourcing of the mainly current signals that optimize laser control, adjusting the inputs accordingly to measure the precise output of laser light.
Yokogawa therefore set about developing its new AQ2300 series SMU with high levels of precision, functionality and modularity to keep pace with the miniaturization of next-generation devices and the increasing complexity of measurements required for R&D evaluation.
Regarding productivity, the AQ2300 series offers the ability to perform simultaneous measurements of voltage and current. Furthermore, by accelerating communication within the frame and between a PC, the
within a hydraulic system helps to verify its structural integrity and fitness for purpose. A device’s pressure rating indicates its maximum operating pressure.
Conducted during the manufacturing process, pressure testing helps identify defects (such as leaks) early, preventing potential failures and reducing costly downtime caused by faulty components. Additionally, it also ensures that the hydraulic system meets safety standards set by regulatory bodies, safeguarding compliance. By confirming that both components and the entire system can endure and function effectively under the required operating pressure, pressure testing plays a crucial role in validating the system’s overall performance and reliability.
By ensuring reliable and accurate flow measurement, Titan’s Oval Gear flow meters contribute significantly to the efficiency and safety of oil and gas processes, from additive injection to fuel measurement; and hydraulic systems in diverse and demanding environments.
To discuss a bespoke flow measurement solution for your unique OEM application, contact Titan Enterprises.
new SMU fosters elevated levels of work efficiency, where high-speed data transfer reduces the total measurement time and significantly enhances operational efficiency.
Yokogawa measuring instruments are renowned worldwide for their high levels of precision, quality, durability, and service support.
For More Information visit here, and Meet the precision makers at tmi.yokogawa.com
Measurement, Sensors & Monitoring
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan selects Anritsu 400G Tester and Optical Spectrum Analyser to evaluate 1.6 Tbps transmission system of ALMA radio telescope NAOJ is deeply involved in the operation of ALMA...
Anritsu Corporation is pleased to announce that the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has selected the Anritsu 400G Tester and Optical Spectrum Analyser MS9740B for the evaluation of a new data transmission system (DTS) for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) located in Chile. The Network Master Pro MT1040A of the 400G Tester was used to evaluate the DTS communication function with 1.6 Tbps data transmission.
NAOJ is deeply involved in the operation of ALMA, which is overseen by a global partnership of 22 countries and territories, including Japan, and is responsible for the improvement of the performance of the radio telescope to take it into the 2030s (Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU)).
NAOJ is cooperating with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in the USA to enable the communication of large amounts of observational data between the antennas (radio telescope) and the correlator (supercomputer) using the 400ZR * standard and, currently, is considering high-speed communication at 1.6 Tbps.
The MT1040A, which is compatible with the 400ZR
standard, was selected for DTS evaluation; the MT1040A has a feature that displays the physical layer measurement results at one-second intervals, allowing the detailed evaluation of the quality of the transmission of large amounts of astronomical data. In addition, the MS9740B has been selected to monitor the optical wavelength of the transmission signal during DTS evaluations.
Anritsu will contribute to improving the performance of ALMA, the unravelling of the universe, and the development of science.
Flipping human motion detection on its head Sensors
By Gabriele Fulco, Product Marketing Manager, Omron Electronic Components Europe B.V.
Recent advances in AI have served to intensify these efforts further. Achieving a computer-based vision system that cannot just match but exceed the accuracy and understanding of human vision combined with a human brain has been notoriously difficult.
Detecting humans adds yet another layer of complexity. Indeed, the uniqueness and diversity of humans themselves make them one of the most challenging subjects to reliably detect without training any system extensively on specific individuals. Solving these problems is not easy. In fast-moving industrial settings for instance, several humans may all be working at speed, carrying out various
different duties within the same space. Attempting to track their movement from a side-on or even an isometric view has traditionally proven an imperfect solution, as this requires the system to have an understanding of the depth of vision. In a single-camera configuration, one person can also very easily obscure another from view and create blind spots.
In addition, one of the major challenges in the development of vision sensing technologies is not so much in the capture of images, but in processing them. For a machine to understand human movement in real-time requires a large amount of computational power to ensure high speed and accuracy.
Omron’s AM1 human detection system tackles these challenges quite literally from a different perspective. Designed for optimising human productivity in industrial settings, it utilises a single top-down camera, combined with sophisticated software optimised specifically to detect and interpret human movement. In doing so, it can provide a more accurate picture of where in a given space human workers are located, while also reducing the likelihood of overlapping
Picture of Gabriele Fulco, Product Marketing Manager
and blind spots. The AM1 software has been trained to understand typical patterns of human movement, and can track up to 10 individuals within a 7m x 7m area with an accuracy exceeding 95 percent.
Having this capability allows organisations to track where and how workers are moving, or how long they’re staying at a particular station for. This information can in turn be used to detect bottlenecks, and ensure that space utilisation and workflows are as efficient as possible. In practice this could mean removing obstacles, or shortening routes that are most frequently used, or reducing the likelihood of workers having to cross each other’s path. By identifying and understanding the problems earlier, solutions can be found more quickly, underpinned by a data-driven approach.
AM1’s accuracy is achieved through the system’s 10fps frame rate. Image data from the camera (or multiple cameras) is fed into a processing hub via Ethernet, which is powered by an Intel OpenVINOTM accelerator. This is the crucial innovation that allows the system to turn raw data into useful information quickly. Once processed, the information is then conveyed for human operators to a standard PC or PLC. Omron’s vast library of data, accumulated through years of developing vision solutions, means that the system does not need to be trained on particular individuals, and can detect any human body type. As such, no specific programming skills are required for users.
In the future these systems hold immense promise for revolutionising productivity, as well as other aspects of society.
ABB partners with World Green Building Council
ABB has joined WorldGBC’s European Regional Network as a Regional Knowledge Partner to drive progress in low-carbon, energy-efficient buildings that align with Europe’s sustainability goals.
Leveraging its expertise in electrical and automation technologies, ABB also aims to collaborate with industry leaders to advance innovative customer solutions.
This partnership will provide ABB with access to a robust network of experts and member organisations, fostering valuable insights and feedback. Together, they will contribute to meeting key sustainability frameworks, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), while supporting a cohesive approach to shaping building policy across Europe.
The World Green Building Council is dedicated to accelerating sustainability in the built environment, working with governments, businesses, and organisations to drive systemic change around the world.
Aligned with its sustainability goals, ABB’s participation also reflects its dedication to addressing trends like the shift to electrified, urbanised environments. ABB’s innovative automation and energy management technologies are designed to optimise energy use, integrate renewable sources, and enhance building intelligence, enabling customers to meet these emerging challenges effectively, while enjoying a more comfortable, personalised living and working experience.
UK battery pack manufacturer achieves safety accreditation to power growth
A global battery pack manufacturer headquartered in Peterlee has achieved ISO 45001 certification.
The globally recognised standard reinforces Alexander Battery Technologies’ commitment to health and safety while delivering high-quality solutions to customers worldwide and supporting future growth.
This certification comes as ABT builds on over 40 years of manufacturing excellence across the UK and abroad. By embedding safety and efficiency into its operations, the manufacturer remains a trusted partner for industries such as medical devices, robotics, eVTOL and industrial power tools.
ABT’s recent investments in safety and training demonstrate its practical approach to improvement. An intensive IEC 61508 Functional Safety course equipped engineers with advanced knowledge to embed safety principles across products and processes. This aligns directly with ISO 45001’s framework and supports the manufacturer’s ability to operate confidently in highstakes markets.
To find out more about Alexander Battery Technologies, visit: www.alexandertechnologies.com
Climate Change and the highspeed door
Towards the end of last year the Borderlands region called for projects within its region to be submitted as part of its Energy Investment Programme writes Chris Dobson.
The challenge was to identify suitable projects to be taken forward for inclusion in the Borderlands Energy Investment Programme, the purpose of which is to accelerate the region’s transition to Net Zero.
To meet Borderlands’ aspirations of its growing working age population, low carbon energy is critical for businesses. This caught the attention of Newcastle-based Hart Door Systems, famous for its range of industrial doors which includes its Speedor range of high-speed doors.
John Loftus, a senior manager at Hart, says there are inevitable postcode overlaps with the Borderlands Region and its neighbours but analysis shows well over 200 regional businesses use Hart’s Speedors and in some cases Hart’s shutters and grilles too in this part of the country.
Mr Loftus says “As Britain’s original manufacturer of the automatic high speed door, Speedor, Hart has always led the way with developments in commercial door technology. Our comprehensive range of high speed doors suits a variety of commercial applications, whether light internal use or heavy industrial use.
“The Speedor high speed door is engineered for frequent use in high-traffic situations. Speedors can be used internally or externally to optimise traffic flow and stabilise working conditions.
British design and manufacture, wide range of models covering high security, large doors with high wind resistance (3,000 to 5,000 pascals), fire and high speed automation with systems’ interface.
“Not only does the high speed open/ close cycle improve working conditions it means the ever-open industrial door is, increasingly, a thing of the past.”
EcoCortec® sharing insights at CCE Internationalization Conference
EcoCortec’s General Manager, Dijana Zrinski, gave a speech at the prestigious CCE Internationalization conference held at Zagreb’s Hilton Garden Inn hotel. EcoCortec®, a corrosion protection packaging producer, is a European subsidiary of Cortec Corporation, a global VCI/VpCI inhibitors manufacturer.
The conference gathered Croatia’s biggest exporting companies, sharing experiences with domestic and international experts from the economy, technology, and politics. The goal was also to discuss current business trends in a global environment, management challenges, risk management, and logistics processes.
Mrs Zrinski attended the conference alongside a distinguished group of Croatian export companies and international experts from diverse fields. As a panelist in the panel entitled “Export Without
Telford automotive supplier takes
‘Best of British Casting’ title
Magna Cosma Casting UK has been named the ‘Best of British Casting Company’ at the recent UK Cast Metals Industry Awards.
The automotive specialist has defied uncertainty in the sector to post one of the best years in its history, impressing judges with the way
it has developed a high-pressure die casting digital twin whilst also leveraging design methodology and traditional manufacturing methods.
This approach has seen it boost the workforce by 40% and has been critical in helping it support the production of large structural body and chassis castings that reduce costs and increase value for UK and international customers.
The UK Cast Metals Industry Awards, which attracted 180 guests at the Drayton Manor Resort in Tamworth, focused on the great castings being manufactured in metal by UK foundries, and their huge achievements in innovation, growth, and component performance.
Co-presented by Dr Pam Murrell
Borders: Financing Strategies, Risk Management, and Logistics Challenges”, she shared EcoCortec’s successful export strategy. The company’s impressive track record, with 95% of its products reaching markets across three continents, positions it as a leading Croatian exporter.
Mrs Zrinski elaborated on the company’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability, discussing its advanced logistics operations and innovative circular production model. She also provided valuable insights into the financial strategies that fueled EcoCortec’s growth, particularly considering recent investments.
EcoCortec® demonstrated its commitment to the circular production of sustainable corrosion protection solutions and placing its innovative products on the world’s market.
and comedian Ian Stone, the evening clearly showcased the successes of the sector, the major strides it is making in supporting a more sustainable manufacturing world and its increasingly global reach.
For further information, visit www.castmetalsfederation.com
Innodisk Wins 2025 Taiwan Excellence Award for Three Major Memory and Storage Solutions
Innodisk, a leading global AI solution and industrial-grade memory provider, has received the 2025 Taiwan Excellence Award for three of its innovative products. The award recognises Innodisk’s strengths in product innovation, R&D, and quality control.
The three award-winning products are the CXL Memory Module, DDR5 Air/Immersive Dual Cooling Memory, and E1.S 4TS2-P SSD. These products highlight Innodisk’s focus on providing stable and long-term solutions for the industrial
market. They also show how Innodisk designs its products to meet the needs of nextgeneration standards.
The enclosures of all three products are made of recyclable aluminum alloy, and all materials meet RoHS standards. This ensures the products align with environmental and safety requirements. Innodisk stays in step with global trends in product design, quality control, research and development, and manufacturing. It aims to bring fresh energy to the growth of industrial development.
Altus Group Strengthens Support Capabilities with Return of Experienced Service Professional
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has announced the return of Gareth Cuthbert as Application and Service Engineer to its team, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting excellence and customer service.
Gareth previously worked with Altus for nearly six years, during which he gained an understanding of the company’s processes, platforms, and customer needs. Since then, he has expanded his skillset as a service engineer for a world-leading filtration provider, gaining valuable insight into delivering exceptional on-site solutions.
Altus Group has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, almost tripling its customer base over the last five years by consistently acquiring new clients. With a steadfast focus on aftersales excellence and ongoing customer care, the company is investing in its service capabilities to meet growing demand. Gareth’s reappointment represents another strategic step in ensuring customers receive unparalleled support.
Based in Barnsley, Gareth will undergo an intensive training and accreditation programme to ensure he is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. Customers in the North can expect to see Gareth actively supporting maintenance and breakdown services starting in January 2025.
www.altusgroup.co.uk
Adam Ball takes over as Lantek
UK Commercial Director
It is all change at Lantek UK as Rob Powell hands over the reins to Adam Ball who has taken over the role of Commercial Director for Lantek UK.
Lantek is recognised as a market leader in the sheet metal industry opening its UK office in 2000. Rob will continue as Director of OEM Partnerships in the UK for the first quarter of 2025. This has been an area where Lantek has excelled with over 120 OEM partnerships with sheet metal machine tool manufacturers worldwide.
During Rob’s tenure as Commercial Director, Lantek UK has grown to 14 people dedicated to sales and customer support, providing the highest levels of service for its users.
Adam Ball, the new Commercial Director has over 20 years of experience in sheet metal machinery gained in senior roles in service, applications and sales. This in-depth and diverse knowledge of machinery and manufacturing processes will bring a thorough understanding of every aspect of business to Lantek’s clients, providing them with real world solutions that will reduce costs and increase productivity.
Electrical , Instrumentation , Control and Cyber Security in Industrial Engineering
• ‘By Industry, For Industry’, practical guidance for everyday and irregular situations and tasks
• Readily accessible for all in the industry –wherever they are, whatever time they have
• FREE task and procedure checklists
• E-learning for continuing professional development
• Webinars and seminars for knowledge sharing and professional networking
• This selection of specialist publications and many more resources
Thermal by FLIR Collaborator Gremsy Provides Vio Drone Payload for Public Safety and Industrial Applications
Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has announced Gremsy, a leading
provider of advanced gimbals and payloads, as the latest collaborator in the Thermal by FLIR® program.
Gremsy integrates the Boson® radiometric thermal camera module as part of its gimbaled National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) compliant Vio F1 drone payload. Assembled in the US, the Vio F1 is an advanced, lightweight electro-optical/ infrared (EO/IR) payload for asset and infrastructure inspection, disaster relief, firefighting, search and rescue (SAR), and public safety missions.
The Vio F1 features a Sony 4K Block Zoom EO sensor with up to 240x zoom and a 640 x 512 radiometric NDAA-compliant and ITAR-free Boson thermal camera with up to 8x zoom. The payload also integrates a 2,400-meter laser range finder, making it an ideal option for industrial inspections and applications. With its integrated sensors, users can seamlessly engage the advanced functionalities of the payload through
Seco leads the way with Life Cycle Assessment
Seco is taking bold steps toward a sustainable future, leveraging Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to meet ambitious sustainability goals as well as supporting customers in making environmentally conscious decisions.
LCA systematically evaluates the environmental impact of products across their lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. By providing detailed insights into metrics like climate impact (CO2eq) and other key environmental impacts, Seco is enabling both internal improvements and customer transparency.
its diverse and intuitive viewing modes, allowing for individual and combined visible-thermal views.
Vio’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) features provide advanced detection and auto zoom capabilities that are critical for public safety and SAR operations. Layered with AI Auto Zoom, the system can automatically zoom in on the selected object for the best and most useful view. The zoom level in tracking mode automatically adjusts as the object moves closer or farther away, eliminating the need for teams to adjust the zoom during flight.
For more details click here.
In 2025, Seco will expand LCA coverage to include more of its portfolio and enhance MyPages with additional sustainability data. The Seco MyPages environment is a versatile online platform that offers various services, like quick quotations, effortless product searches or tool recommendations. It enhances customer experience by providing a centralised space for easy access to critical information.
By utilising LCA as a service in demos and testing, Seco enables partners to conduct feasibility studies and tests with a strong focus on sustainability.
Seco is taking bold steps toward a sustainable future...
Delta Introduces MSI Motor Series for a More Sustainable Industrial Future
Delta announces the launch of its MSI motor series in the EMEA region. Designed as a high-efficiency PM reluctance motor, the MSI series brings unparalleled compactness, energy savings, and integration capabilities to fan and pump applications. With options including flange, foot, and flange/foot versions, as well as speeds of 1500 rpm and 3000 rpm, the MSI series is set to redefine industrial motor performance.
The MSI motor series revolutionises motor design with its compact form factor, offering a size reduction of 1-2 frame sizes compared to traditional induction
motors. This smaller size saves valuable installation space while meeting IE5 efficiency standards, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
The motors deliver energy savings, helping industries lower operating costs and reduce carbon emissions, supporting global sustainability initiatives. These features position the MSI motors as a valuable solution for wholesalers, distributors, and system integrators across various industrial applications.
For more information about Delta’s MSI motor series, please visit https://www. deltaww.com/en-us/products/ Motor-Series/13370.
Broadbent embraces transformation using digital twin, enabled by CT Systems expertise, Siemens technology and smart financing from Siemens Financial Services (SFS)
The challenge
Thomas Broadbent is an established UK manufacturer of industrial centrifuges with a global reach. Currently celebrating their 160th year, the family-owned company is nevertheless at the forefront of modern thinking, embracing digital transformation to stay at the competitive forefront of their markets. Digital transformation is a key factor to help Broadbent be as successful in the next century as they have been in the last.
For instance, the company wanted to upgrade its Waldrich Coburg VTF 3500 portal milling centre – but needed a method of doing so that was affordable within its working capital needs, that did not impose unacceptable operational interruption, and that helped the company benefit from a phase change in productivity. Digital transformation of the machine also supported Broadbent’s corporate desire to improve the company’s sustainability footprint.
The
solution
The way forward offered by Siemens integration partner CT Systems - with the support of Siemens and SFSmanaged to fulfil all these criteria. Knowledge of Broadbent’s business, latest digital technology and smart financing were brought together in the CT Systems, Siemens and SFS partnership to make the solution possible and affordable. The solution proposed by CT Systems was a full retrofit of the machine. This would contain costs and carbon emissions, while making a major improvement in machine productivity.
Using Siemens simulation and digital twin software, CT Systems are positioned to develop the retrofit over some 12 months – all in the virtual world and all off-site. This turns
traditional retrofit timings – where development happens on-site – on their head. Formerly, this retrofit would have taken three to four months of effective downtime – an unacceptable interruption for Broadbent to have the machine out of action.
Using the digital twin, physical installation and final live testing can therefore be compressed into just three to four weeks. Suddenly, this made commercial sense for Thomas Broadbent, with the installation period reduced to a commercially acceptable period.
How it works
CT Systems carefully analysed what components of the machine needed replacing to achieve full modernisation and digital transformation of the machine. For instance, all field wiring was kept, along with the spindle motors, but a wholly new electrical panel was built with motor drive units replaced along with Siemens controllers.
All this will happen at CT Systems premises and in the virtual world. The original machine is continuing to do its job until the retrofit is designed, tested and finalised in the digital twin. Only then will on-site installation start, later next year.
Financial solution
To make this all affordable and financially efficient, a financing arrangement from SFS covered the required payments to CT Systems for use of the digital twin software during the development phase. This forward financing of the digital twin software has then been wrapped into staged payments from Broadbent over a three-year period following installation, in a way that also accommodates the company’s cashflow and liquidity position. In short, it is a tailored arrangement that fitted neatly around all parties’ financial requirements, enabling and smoothing the c.£400,000 retrofit investment.
broadbent.co.uk
Union Industries rises to the challenge with triple Bulldoor installation at Warburtons
Union Industries, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke high speed doors, has helped Britain’s largest bakery brand overcome adverse weather conditions with the installation of three Bulldoors.
Led by the fifth generation of the Warburton family, the company approached Union to assist in combating strong winds at its Burnley site, which already has a Bulldoor as well as two Matadoors from the range.
It first approached Union Industries in 2004 to install a Bulldoor, which continues to operate effectively and efficiently two decades later.
Union’s Bulldoors are often regarded as the ‘reliable workhorse’ of rapid roll doors and are known to perform more than 1.4 million cycles per year, making it a popular choice across multiple sectors. They feature specialist ‘Crash-Out’ and ‘Auto-
Reset’ damage protection facilities, and offer control outputs for options such as airlocks, traffic control systems and remote monitoring, whilst aiding temperature control for ambient and chilled environments.
The market-leading, bespoke, highspeed roller doors help to prevent the severe drop of ambient temperature in buildings, especially evident in the winter months, eliminating any potential impact on production environments.
Steve Moultrie, Technical Sales Engineer at Union Industries, said: “This collaboration marks the continuation of a longstanding partnership between Union Industries and Warburtons, dating back 20 years, which is testament to our dedication to durability and quality craftsmanship. “We are proud to have provided Warburtons with a reliable solution to their operational challenges. Our
doors are engineered to perform in demanding environments, ensuring continuous productivity and efficiency.”
Ryan Seddon, Asset Care Lead at Warburtons, said: “The triple Bulldoor installation has significantly improved our warehouse operations, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Union Industries’ doors are incomparable to any other doors we have installed, and their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a valued partner in our supply chain.”
(L-R) Steve Moultrie, Technical Sales Engineer at Union Industries and Eve Pyrah, engineering apprentice at Warburtons
View of the Manufacturer…
Three times a year Close Brothers Asset Finance conducts a wideranging survey of business owners across multiple sectors, including Manufacturing – here are just some of our findings from our recent research…
Finance
The most popular source of financial support and advice for manufacturers is their Financial Advisor (31%), followed by their Accountant (26%) and their Bank Manager (21%). Bottom of the list is their peers at just 2%
69% of manufacturing businesses plan to seek funding for business investment in the next 12 months.
14% of manufacturing firms have been declined access to finance in the past six months, while 29% have missed a business opportunity due to a lack of available finance.
Nearly half (48%) agree that taking out funding to protect cashflow is a good business strategy.
Nearly two thirds of manufacturing firms already use – or would consider using –an ‘alternative funder’.
The five most popular forms of funding are:
• Bank loans
• Credit cards
• Invoice finance
• Overdrafts
• Finance lease
If respondents were to take out finance in the upcoming year, they would spend it on:
• Investing in new assets
• Protecting cashflow
• Stockpiling supplies
• Improving current business premises
• Paying overheads
• Employing additional staff
• Moving to a new premises
• Mergers and acquisitions, or Management Buy Outs
Outlook
Asked about the UK’s economic prospects, 42% of business owners are confident the economy is set to grow compared to 39% who are of the opinion it’s going to slow down; the remaining
19% don’t foresee any significant changes.
A third of participating company bosses think their firm will expand in the coming months. Only 7% say they will contract –the remainder will ‘stay the same’.
Manufacturing firms’ top 10 main business concerns are, in order:
• Energy costs
• Materials supply
• Inflation
• Interest rates
• Cash flow
• Lack of skilled staff
• Late payments
• Tax / VAT
• Competitors
• Managing expansion
Their primary business priorities are:
• Achieving growth
• Developing products/services
• Investing in staff
• Survival
• Business consolidation
• Paying down debts
Late payments
Late payments are an issue for 38% of manufacturing businesses, with the majority owed between £20k and £40k. Over a third say late payments are more of an issue today than a year ago.
Recruitment
When it comes to being able to recruit adequately skilled staff, 48% are concerned about the skills gap in their sector; a further 19% have the same concern, but about their region. The rest don’t think there’s a problem.
Late payments are an issue for 38% of manufacturing businesses, with the majority owed between £20k and £40k.
Open Banking
55% know what ‘open banking’ is – 35% do not and the rest are unsure. Another 46% are confident they know how it works and 38% can see the benefits.
Events
Three out of five manufacturers attend industry events as a visitor while 48% exhibit, with 70% of the opinion events have an important role to play in showcasing the sector.
Nearly four in 10 think it would be detrimental to manufacturing if events were no longer held.
Cost of attendance is an issue for 43% of respondents.
Cost of doing business
75% of manufacturers have been impacted by the rising cost of doing business, with 56% saying it’s negatively impacted their cash flow.
71% have seen their business insurance rise, necessitating 89% (23% completely; 66% partially) to pass these additional costs onto their customers.
The top five inflationary pressures they’ve felt are:
• Energy (gas, electricity)
• Supplier costs
• Interest rates
• Fuel (petrol, diesel)
• Rent
For more information please visit: closeassetfinance.co.uk/mpe
Safety & Security
Data security : Why and how UK manufacturing should protect itself from mounting external threats
Recent reports highlight a significant rise in cyberattacks targeting UK manufacturers, emphasising the urgent need for these companies to implement secure, centralised information management practices.
According to Samppa Lahtinen, Senior Industry Solutions Manager at M-Files, manufacturers today are managing immense volumes of sensitive information, from intellectual property to supply chain data and regulatory information, making them highly attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Manufacturing has become one of the most targeted sectors for cyberattacks due to its heavy reliance on digital systems, interconnected supply chains, and high-value intellectual property.
According to a study released by Black Kite, the manufacturing sector accounts for 21% of ransomware attacks and places manufacturing entities at a significantly high risk, making them more than three times as likely to suffer a ransomware attack.
It is clear that manufacturers must ensure that employees can
Manufacturing has become one of the most targeted sectors for cyberattacks...
quickly and effectively access critical information, based on their security clearance. A robust system helps reduce the time staff spend searching for vital documents, streamlining access to crucial files like CAD drawings, specifications, and version histories.
Centralising essential documents such as BOMs, work orders, production schedules, and estimates makes it easier for employees to retrieve the information they need when required, directly supporting continuous production.
New instructor guides bring RTITB safety standards to earth moving machinery
RTITB, the regulatory body of choice for businesses committed to safety and efficiency has launched new ‘Instructors’ Guides for training earth moving machinery operators. The training materials bring the benefits of RTITB training and safety standards to a choice of six types of machine and are designed to help training providers to keep costs down.
Earth moving machinery is used in a wide range of industries and applications. With the new Trainers’
Guides, companies that use highquality RTITB materials for road transport or materials handling equipment courses can now apply the same high standards across their full range of training requirements.
The Instructors’ Guides can be used to train operators to use Wheeled Loading Shovels, 180° excavators (up to, and over 5 tonnes), 360° excavators (wheeled or tracked, up to, and over 10 tonnes), and Skid Steer Loaders (also called ‘Bobcats’).
All come on USB, making the materials easy for Instructors to transport and use, while reducing paper waste. Each includes a course program, test marking sheets for preuse inspection and practical tests, and theory test question papers.
Each is designed to be used alongside a new Earth Moving Machinery training PowerPoint, available separately, to further keep costs under control.
Flexibility is further built into the new training options, as there is no need to pre-register the earth moving machinery operator courses in order to run them. So, training providers have the opportunity to deliver courses at short notice and if a planned course does not go ahead, they will receive no financial penalties.
The new Instructors’ Guides and Earth Moving Machinery PowerPoint are available from the RTITB online shop, find out more: www.rtitb.com.
Investments in Space-Comm Expo Set To Strengthen UK Space Industry Events and Grow International Reach
Space-Comm Expo, the UK’s premier event for the space industry, is poised for a transformative new chapter following a significant investment from Lunar Ridge Ventures who’s founders set up one of the UK’s fastest growing tech businesses, MVF Global. This strategic move is set to enhance the event’s prominence as the go-to platform for the UK’s thriving space sector while paving the way for ambitious global expansion.
As the space industry continues to accelerate, Space-Comm Expo remains at the forefront, connecting government, industry and academia. This investment underscores the vital role the event plays in fostering collaboration and innovation within the UK and Europe’s space ecosystem. With expanded resources, SpaceComm Expo aims to:
• Enhance the UK Events: Elevate the flagship events in London (11-12 March 2025, ExCeL London) and Scotland (3-4 December 2025, SEC
Glasgow), making them even more essential and impactful for attendees
• Strengthen Industry
Collaboration: Introduce new programs, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge content tailored to the needs of the space industry
• Expand International Footprint: Attract more international government delegations, launch new international events including Dubai (6-7 October 2025, DWTC Dubai), and increase global attendance.
“This investment is a game-changer for Space-Comm Expo and the UK space industry as a whole,” said Christie Day, Managing Director at Space-Comm Expo. “With this support, we’ll not only build on our success here in the UK but also establish a global platform that showcases the UK’s leadership in space innovation.”
“There is now an industrial revolution for the global space industry and this investment from Lunar Ridge
Ventures is hugely exciting for SpaceComm Expo” said Will Whitehorn Executive Chair of Space-Comm Expo and former President of Virgin Galactic. “The space industry is highly interconnected and collaborative and Space-Comm Expo plays a unique role bringing together industry leaders from government and business, science and technology, to accelerate the growth of new space missions and exploration.”
“We are excited about where we can take Space-Comm Expo, it is the UK’s go to space event” said Tom Morgan, Partner and Founder at Lunar Ridge Ventures. “This is the first investment we are making in the space industry, and we believe we can grow it substantially across the globe.”
The UK space industry has seen rapid growth, contributing billions to the economy and playing a critical role in international space exploration and satellite innovation. Space-Comm Expo’s enhanced events will further solidify the UK’s position as a hub for the global space community.
Register for FREE to attend Space-Comm Expo at ExCeL London 11-12 March 2025: https://bit.ly/3YH5OmR
2025 Manufacturing Predictions : Empowering Warehouse Workers with Wearable Technology
Prediction: Logistics operations will embrace purpose-built wearable technology
The logistics industry will move beyond traditional mobile devices to adopt purpose-built wearable solutions that better suit the needs of warehouse workers. This shift will be driven by the realisation that process improvement alone, using existing mobile technology, has reached its peak benefit. Augmented reality devices will offer hands-free operation and contextual information delivery specifically tailored for warehouse environments. These solutions will range from smart glasses for pickand-pack operations to lightweight wearables for all logistics operations.
Advice: Organisations should begin evaluating wearable platforms and software solutions that can accommodate a diverse workforce while maintaining flexibility for different use cases. Focus on solutions that prioritise worker comfort and
preference, allowing for optional adoption rather than mandatory deployment.
Prediction: Frontline workers will drive enterprise technology adoption
In 2025, there will be a fundamental shift in enterprise technology deployment, as organisations recognise the critical value of gathering perspectives from frontline workers directly. Rather than following traditional top-down technology mandates, organisations will prioritise the insights and preferences of workers on the ground. This revolution in technology adoption will be particularly evident in manufacturing and logistics, where the practical expertise of hands-on workers will take precedence over executive assumptions.
Advice: Organisations should establish formal feedback mechanisms that elevate frontline
worker voices in technological decisions. Focus on technologies that workers identify as making their jobs more enjoyable and efficient, rather than those that simply promise operational improvements on paper. This collaborative approach will result in more successful technology implementations and higher ROI through improved worker satisfaction and adoption rates.
Prediction: Equipment failures are predicted and prevented before they happen
As physical and digital worlds converge, the integration of AI and AR will revolutionise troubleshooting and remote diagnostics. The massive amount of data generated in logistics operations will fuel sophisticated AI systems that optimise warehouse execution and inventory management. By overlaying real-time data, instructions and virtual guidance directly onto a user’s field of view, AR empowers onsite technicians to collaborate seamlessly with remote experts.
This creates a world where equipment failures are predicted and prevented before they even happen, and when issues do arise, AI-guided AR overlays will make complex repairs as intuitive as following a simple recipe. Remote experts will be able to see through the eyes of on-site technicians and manipulate AR annotations in real-time, while AI systems analyse problems and suggest solutions with unprecedented accuracy.
Advice: This convergence of AR and AI-powered predictive intelligence will streamline problem-solving and reduce downtime significantly. Companies should focus on building a strong data foundation and ensuring cloud infrastructure is in place to support AI implementations. As these AI and AR capabilities mature, organisations will be able to empower their workforce with increasingly sophisticated remote diagnostic tools, bridging the gap between physical and virtual experiences.
Cloud and On-Premise install options
New Partnership to Drive Global Engineering-Led Sustainability Solutions
The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) announced the Royal Academy of Engineering (Academy) is joining as an official partner, marking a new chapter in collaborative efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequalities through innovation in engineering.
The new strategic partnership will bring together the SMI’s network of over 250 global companies with the Academy’s renowned technical expertise to drive engineering-led projects that will accelerate the transition to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economy by addressing complex environmental and social challenges.
The Academy has been providing independent policy advice on sustainability to government and others for over three decades, now coordinated across the engineering profession through the National Engineering Policy Centre.
It also channels a major portion of funding into supporting researchers and entrepreneurs in the UK and around the world in developing sustainable solutions to global challenges. This includes the new Green Future Fellowships programme, which will award £150 million over the next five years to innovators with transformative ideas and initiatives to address the climate crisis.
The two organisations share the backing of His Majesty King Charles III who founded the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020 when he was the Prince of Wales, and became Patron of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Together, the SMI and the Academy will collaborate on offering targeted expertise, policy recommendations, and a shared vision for sustainable innovation across industries including aviation, agriculture, energy, healthcare, transport and more.
Mitsubishi Electric Acquires Irish Airconditioning Company, Crystal Air Holdings Limited, to Strengthen EU Data Centre Offering
Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. has announced it has concluded an agreement with Irish airconditioning installation and maintenance company, Crystal Air Holdings Limited, to acquire all the shares in the company.
Crystal Air’s sector expertise paired with its installation and maintenance capabilities will boost Mitsubishi Electric’s strategic business offering and ensure the company is well positioned to respond to increased demand in IT cooling and data centre solutions across Europe.
The acquisition of Crystal Air follows Mitsubishi Electric’s establishment of MEHITS (Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A.),
that specialises in applied airconditioning solutions for comfort, process, and IT cooling.
For more information visit: https://EMEA.MitsubishiElectric. com.
OrbitMI CEO retains position among shipping’s Top 10 Technology Leaders in 2024 rankings from Lloyd’s List Intelligence
OrbitMI CEO Ali Riaz has been named among the Top 10 Technology Leaders of 2024 in Lloyd’s List Intelligence’s prestigious annual rankings of the 100 most influential people in shipping, underscoring the maritime software company’s leading role in digital transformation of the industry.
OrbitMI, spun out of Stena Bulk in 2019, is dedicated to breaking down software siloes that limit efficiency. Its platform integrates multiple APIs into a single user interface, creating intelligent connected workflows. This approach unlocks hidden data value and delivers actionable insights, empowering more efficient voyage decision-making.
The company’s guiding principle of “transformation without disruption” highlights its SaaS solution’s ability to integrate with existing digital systems without requiring additional hardware or software installations. This approach prioritizes innovation that is empathetic and tailored to the needs of the end-user.
UrbanChain appoints KPMG as partner for £50m Series B fundraise
UrbanChain, the UK’s third fastestgrowing technology company, have appointed KPMG to lead their £50+ million Series B fundraise.
Led by CEO Somayeh Taheri, North west-based UrbanChain are revolutionising energy consumption and distribution through their cuttingedge technology ecosystem model. With 10x revenue growth in the last 12 months UrbanChain says new funding will continue to deliver exponential growth in the UK and enable their
proven model to be rolled out internationally, including the US and Europe.
UrbanChain’s growing pipeline also includes EVs, electric heating systems and grid management - leading many to believe the company could secure unicorn status. Energy veteran Graeme Cooper was recently hired to lead the US expansion and is already engaging with regulators and potential partners across three states.
The KPMG Series B appointment comes days after Deloitte named UrbanChain third fastest growing UK tech company, with 8.810% over the past three years. During Deloitte’s coveted UK Technology Fast 50 ceremony UrbanChain landed three other major category wins; The CleanTech award, number one in the north west and the Women in Leadership award.
UrbanChain Founder CEO Somayeh Taheri said her company’s
mission is making clean energy accessible for all by creating local energy markets across boundaries.
UrbanChain creates local energy markets to decouple buyers and sellers of energy from the wholesale market and stabilise the price for both parties, as well as a balanced and autonomous local markets.
KPMG are delighted to support one of the UK’s most disruptive and fast growing companies. With lots of inbound interest, KPMG will be looking to find the right partners to be part of UrbanChain’s next phase of growth.
Advancements in the Automotive Industry Automotive
By Ken Horne, Strategic Planning Manager, Software Defined Vehicle Solutions
Vehicles produced today have varying levels of autonomy, with most cars having level two or twoplus features and some high-end cars having level three features. However, safety concerns regarding autonomous driving remain in the spotlight. This is resulting in the acceptance of more incremental developments in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) rather than pushing for full autonomy. ADAS uses automated technology, including sensors and cameras, to detect nearby obstacles or driver errors and respond accordingly, improving car and road safety. ADAS is increasingly viewed as a catalyst towards full autonomy, which is widely accepted as a longterm goal.
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is helping drive the adoption of software defined vehicle (SDV) architectures, as electric models frequently utilize these platforms. Integrating SDV capabilities with electric vehicles can help accelerate the penetration of both technologies in the market. However, traditional OEMs are struggling to implement softwaredefined vehicles while newer entrants have made progress.
One critical challenge to overcome is consumer acceptance of shifting
from the established “pay once for the car” model to the subscriptionbased model which provides recurring software updates and new features. These software updates are necessary to ensure the reliability, safety, and security of the software-defined systems which will foster widespread adoption. For OEMs, the ability to add new features and capabilities to vehicles through over-the-air software updates presents opportunities to generate new recurring revenue streams while keeping vehicles up to date. The next few years will determine the impact of SDV on the auto industry. Despite the initial hype around 5G, the auto industry has gradually embraced the wireless network. As 5G and then 6G become more ubiquitous,
over-the-air software updates and the ability for vehicle features to be added post-production will become a reality. A telematics control unit will be essential to support these updates and services.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS), which integrates various transportation forms and services into an on-demand service, has long been touted as the future of transportation. After several false starts, the strategy has shifted to focus on deploying mobility-as-aservice models in simpler, grid-like cities like Phoenix, Milton Keynes, Vienna, Helsinki, and Singapore before expanding to more complex urban areas like San Francisco, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong. Extensive testing incorporating digital twins will be critical to the success of these initiatives.
AI will increasingly be used to tap into the vast volumes of data that vehicles now generate to improve the design and performance. However, until concerns around the safety and reliability of AI are addressed it will limit adoption. To help resolve these issues, car manufacturers will use AI to verify that the AI algorithms used in autonomous driving software are safe and trustworthy. This will give rise to the need for a squad of AI traffic cops to help police the auto industry’s use of AI.
•
Automation
Robotic Independence in Logistics – IDTechEx Covers Mobile Robots
Mobile robots in logistics can be seen to work throughout an entire supply chain from manufacturing processes, to reaching consumers and shops. IDTechEx’s report, Mobile Robotics in Logistics, Warehousing and Delivery 20242044, provides an in-depth overview of the role of new robot technologies at each stage of the chain, highlighting mobility, flexibility, and scalability as key benefits of adoption.
Main adoption uses for mobile robots
Material handling, including material transportation and mobile picking, are some of the key jobs for mobile robots at the very beginning of the supply chain. Material transportation alone was seen to hold around 90% of market revenue share as of 2024, according to IDTechEx, signifying the large uptake and importance of mobile robots in redesigning intralogistics and transporting applications.
Autonomous trucks used for the long-haul trucking stages of supply chain distribution play another vital role in mobile robot technology. Their ability to not just move from point A to B within a warehouse but to do so across significant distances could enable the expansion and upscaling of companies. Robots and drones used for last-mile delivery
also offer significant advantages, with common technologies including delivery vans, sidewalk robots, and delivery drones. Driven by the demand for last-mile delivery and the advancements of autonomous driving, the market of last-mile delivery drones is expected to have a 34-fold increase over the next 10 years.
Mobile robots vs fixed robots – 3 key advantages
Mobile robots receive their name from the clear advantage they hold over the roles of fixed robots – their autonomous mobility. Jobs such as material transportation, space cleaning, and patrolling, are achieved only with a functionality not attainable by fixed robots, as mobile robots can allow these services to be carried out in various locations without the same limitations of space or movement, enabling greater flexibility. Modern automated-guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can operate independently and navigate their environments with very limited human control, and this semi-supervision-free operation and adaptability allows them to work in multiple surroundings and change tasks quite easily.
Integration into existing infrastructure and environments can be a barrier to implementing fixed robots, likely requiring extra
IDTechEx explores funding opportunities, alongside acquisition and mergers within the sector, providing an outlook of the mobile robot landscape over the next decade.
costs than just the robot machinery alone. Mobile robots, therefore, have a scalability advantage, and deploying them could be a more cost-effective solution when considering their other mobility and flexibility advantages. In periods of high demand, mobile robots can be easily implemented to increase productivity, and when demand is low, numbers can be reduced so as not to create unnecessary operational costs or waste resources. IDTechEx identifies this as a business model called ‘Robotas-a-Service’ and is proof of the innovative and apt technological advantages of businesses choosing to invest in mobile robot technology as opposed to fixed robots.
IDTechEx’s outlook
The integration of mobile robots into logistics is creating space for technology sectors to crossover, including the implementation of autonomous trucks into supply chains and drones delivering parcels to people’s doors. IDTechEx explores funding opportunities, alongside acquisition and mergers within the sector, providing an outlook of the mobile robot landscape over the next decade.
For more information, visit, Mobile Robotics in Logistics, Warehousing and Delivery 20242044.
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EEMUA 231 Mechanical Integrity Basics –Blended, online learning – Basic application competency level – with a flexible 4 hours of learning each week for 3 weeks – 15 hours' CPD – certificated via exam –next course starts 3 February 2025.
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Latest Product Launches
Celera Motion unveils the Aura® P packaged optical encoder
Celera Motion, a Novanta company has updated its Aura precision rotary and linear optical encoder range with a new packaged version. The new Aura P is presented in a connectionready PCBA (printed circuit board assembly), enabling fast and easy OEM integration. The encoder features the same high precision and repeatability performance as the existing Aura series encoders, providing absolute output position.
Common to Celera Motion’s original Aura series, the optical encoders integrate a short wavelength LED for precise, absolute position decoding. The Aura series’ built-in compensation algorithm also eliminates the need to integrate a second encoder, often required to resolve angular error resulting from off-centre scale mounting.
The Aura series integrates Celera Motion’s MicroE technology based on PurePrecision™ optics that require no intermediate lenses, filters, or reticles. This enables small yet high resolution
optical encoders with wide alignment tolerances.
The optical encoders are easily configured with SmartPrecision™ III software for calibration, alignment, and status monitoring. Encoder data can be sampled and recorded in a CSV file, and to simplify installation, hubs with pre-mounted encoder scales are offered.
Supplied in the UK by INMOCO, the motion specialist also offers rotary and linear motors, including Celera’s frameless Omni+ motors, as well as a range of appropriate drives.
Microchip Adds MTCH2120 to its Portfolio of Turnkey Capacitive Touch Controllers
Turnkey touch controllers are a fast and easy way to upgrade from mechanical buttons to modern touch buttons or displays. With the launch of its 12-button MTCH2120 touch controller, Microchip Technology
(Nasdaq: MCHP) is providing designers with a straightforward pathway for implementing touch button capabilities on user interfaces.
The low-power, water-tolerant turnkey touch device is integrated
with Microchip’s unified ecosystem, allowing for an easier design process and facilitating transitions between other turnkey solutions and MCU-based touch implementations. The MTCH2120 is the first of what will be a family of I2C-based touch controllers with a comprehensive design-in ecosystem.
The MTCH2120 provides a robust touch experience independent of noise events and moisture, while offering high flexibility to adapt to individual product requirements. Low-power features allow buttons to be grouped, which reduces scan activity and lowers power while enabling the buttons to remain fully operational.
Visit the website to learn more about Microchip’s full portfolio of turnkey touch solutions.
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The majority of our furniture, equipment and accessories are made from 304L-grade stainless steel with the option to upgrade to 316L on request. This ensures that our products can withstand stringent hygiene processes with high chemical and corrosion resistance.
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Compressed Air, Pumps & Valves
Uplifting times: Seawater lift pumps delivered in record time
Local support is always appreciated by engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies and it was key to success for Sulzer in a recent project. In this case, a new production platform is destined to operate off the coast of Mexico and the EPC was very keen to receive a fast response because it was in the process of creating the platform design.
The initial enquiry for four water injection pumps came to Sulzer’s sales team in Mexico. These pumps are often matched with corresponding seawater lift pumps, which in Sulzer’s case are produced in Spain. As part of the tender, our design and sales teams started to collect all the necessary technical details requested by the EPC.
Sergio Periz, Head of Tendering, Sulzer Pumps Spain, explains: “Speed was essential to stay ahead in this race and it required the seamless cooperation of the engineering design and sales teams. Thanks to the hard work of all involved, Sulzer was able to demonstrate that it could
deliver the contract on time, ahead of a local manufacturer and the usual international competition. I’m pleased to say that all our key project milestones have been achieved.
Sulzer’s SJS pump is an engineered design that is tailored to each application. In this case, Sulzer offered two 2-stage, 35-meter-long pumps manufactured in super duplex stainless steel. These pumps are designed for extended reliability in marine environments and they are
frequently specified for seawater lift applications. Manufacturing of the SJS is located in Spain, where other vertical pumps in Sulzer’s portfolio are also produced. This location offers several benefits including the design and manufacturing expertise already in place as well as approved suppliers for ancillary parts, such as the drive motor, being local to the pump plant.
Sergio continues: “The EPC was keen for an expedited delivery on this project. Our experience and the proximity of our suppliers has enabled us to cut the expected delivery time by almost 25% to just 40 weeks. We were even able to organize for the pumps to be air-freighted to Mexico to save over three weeks in delivery time.”
At the same time, Sulzer has also delivered four water injection pumps, which are used to pressurize the oil well and improve extraction efficiency. These have been manufactured locally at Sulzer’s facility in Mexico, which will also provide product support in the future. All of the pumps have been delivered on time and installed on the platform, ready for commissioning.
As a result of Sulzer’s global network of design and manufacturing facilities, operators of offshore platforms can be assured of a fast response from initial inquiry to equipment delivery.
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Building a future that’s a few shades greener Sustainability
As customers, investors, and regulatory bodies mount pressure on businesses to become more sustainable, and with an increased focus on ESG responsibilities, technology can be a valuable partner in achieving these goals.
Did you know? The latest government data shows the UK generated an estimated 40.4 million tonnes of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste in 2020, of which 33.8 million tonnes (84%) was generated in England. The latest estimates for England only indicate that C&I waste generation was around 33.9 million tonnes in 2021.
By taking an insights-driven approach to their waste streams, businesses can create additional revenue streams, reduce waste management costs, and boost their green credentials.
Sadly, the amount of commercial and industrial waste generated by businesses is having a massive impact on the environment. Most of this waste ends up in landfills, generating greenhouse gas emissions 25 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide.
This is terrible news for our planet. And consumers are not ignoring the facts.
Deloitte’s 2023 Sustainable Consumer survey revealed that 30% of consumers had stopped buying products due to ethical or sustainability-related concerns. And almost 50% see circularity (explained in more detail later) as essential for buying a product.
If those aren’t reasons enough to reconsider waste management within your business, then how about this statistic: Every year, UK businesses can spend between 4–10% of their average annual turnover on waste disposal.
That’s a significant chunk of profit.
For actionable strategies check out our recent waste management blog.
Understanding sustainable waste management
Instead of collecting, transporting and disposing of waste, sustainable waste management looks for solutions that won’t harm the environment or human health and instead focus on reducing natural resource consumption.
Sustainable waste management revolves around a hierarchy:
“We already work with a range of major electricity network operators, offering them unique services for their transformer and switchgear recycling, ensuring that nasty elements like PCBs and F Gases are safely recycled. Additionally, we are developing some unique technologies in the WEEE waste sector, allowing us to extract precious metals from WEEE waste.”
Nicola Guest, Waste Mission’s Group Marketing Manager
• Reduce the initial amount of waste generated
• Reuse where possible
• Recycle what can’t be reused
• Sell what we can
• Only then, dispose of what’s left
From helping to reduce carbon emissions to improving air and water quality to commoditising waste streams that may be currently running at a financial loss – sustainable waste management has incredible environmental, economic and social benefits.
This type of model, where everything is reused, repaired or recycled, can also be understood as the circular economy.
Why
the UK
manufacturing industry needs to embrace sustainable waste management
From groaning landfill sites to ecosavvy consumers and wasted profit, there are multiple reasons to embrace a sustainable waste management strategy and reduce the amount of waste your company produces.
Plus, let’s not forget how there are growing concerns around securing supply chains in an ever more volatile world. But, the great news is that sustainable waste management practices can help manufacturers ride the fluctuation in raw material prices.
We believe that to achieve a more innovative and sustainable future, manufacturers in the UK need to prioritise long-term sustainable waste management goals.
And that’s where our team at Waste Mission can help.
Making Sustainable Waste Management Easy Through Insights
At the recent PPMA Show, Waste Mission unveiled our custom-built Waste Management Portal. This innovative platform is designed specifically for contracted customers, enabling them to manage their waste more effectively and sustainably than ever before, staying up to date with waste streams, compliance and ESG targets.
“These features are groundbreaking for our clients,” says Nicola Guest, “People have been blown away by the simplicity of use and the ease of understanding the data. Everything you need is at your fingertips and simplifies what has historically been a complex process - making sustainability simple.”
See the portal in action
At Waste Mission, we are driven by our unwavering commitment to doing what’s right – for our clients, staff, and the planet. No matter the complexity of the task, we want to simplify waste solutions for UK industries and manufacturers. We aim to educate, encourage and uncomplicate waste management by offering a bespoke, tailored service, all from a single point of contact.
Our responsive team of experts becomes an extension of your business, taking care of waste so you can stay focused on your core operations. We promise to:
1. Guide you to reduce waste and increase your profitability
2. Help turn your waste into solutions, reducing reliance on new materials
3. Navigate complex regulations for you, ensuring you meet environmental and legal requirements
4. Provide a waste portal so you can easily access data on your waste production, recycling levels, and carbon footprint.
If you care about your environmental impact and are looking for a reliable partner to help navigate the complexities of your waste management, then we’d love to talk.
“What separates Waste Mission from their competition is the level of professionalism and transparency they bring to the industry. They continue to question the status quo and propose initiatives to drive our business forward.”
To book a waste review or learn more, visit our website wastemission.com, call us at 01438 745307 or email control@wastemission.com
US-UK academic agreement sets foundation for exchange of pioneering battery capabilities
Partnership working in Chesterfield leads to more young people taking up careers in STEM
Chesterfield College has reported a phenomenal 80% increase in engineering study enrolments for 16–18-year-old students in the last 3 years.
The figure was released during the annual Made in Chesterfield Festival, in which local businesses invite school pupils to their factories and premises to showcase the range of rewarding careers in STEM sectors.
More than 3,500 school pupils in Chesterfield have now engaged with the town’s manufacturing and
WMG, at The University of Warwick (UK), and Binghamton University (USA) have entered an agreement to explore collaboration in the fields of science, technology and education with the aim of fueling vital battery manufacturing capability in both countries.
The new five-year memorandum of understanding sets the foundation to encourage the sharing of academic, scientific and cultural experiences between the two institutions, both pioneers in the battery field.
Battery research and educational materials for training will be a key element of the collaboration, which will explore access to shared facilities and equipment to maximize the capabilities of both institutions.
Both campuses house unique research facilities, access to which can be explored for academics from both institutions under the new agreement. For example, Binghamton’s state-of-art lab-based HAXPES will be used for electrode studies, while WMG has a new Plasma Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope.
Beyond access to high-tech tools, the reciprocal exchange of personnel is a critical element that the agreement will consider.
Both institutions also serve regions that have deep industrial roots.
engineering businesses since Made in Chesterfield was first launched 10 years ago.
Schools in the area have also expressed their gratitude to businesses for opening their doors to young people. Debbie Crossley, Careers Adviser at The Bolsover School commented: “The Made in
Chesterfield tour to MSE Hiller was so informative and insightful, and I really appreciate the team taking the time to speak with our students and explain things in detail.”
Find out more at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/ business/business-support/ skills/
Science and Technology
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MSc - 1 year full time
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