Engineering Capacity May 2024 digital edition

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Editor’s View

The price of copper is often taken to be a reliable indicator of the state of the world economy – indeed it is often know as ‘Dr Copper’ because of apparent insight into the health of the market.

It’s currently up around 35% over the past year and on an upward curve. Of course, copper is that the heart of the great net zero electrification drive, with vast amounts required for new electric cars and to connect new sustainable power sources – such as offshore wind – to the grid.

You can see how much money there is in it by looking by the ongoing attempt by commodities giant BHP to take over the almost as massive Anglo American. BHP’s offer of £34bn has been rejected as being not nearly high enough.

And in my inbox today I got a report from the International Energy Federation which said that not enough copper is being mined to meet targets for 100% electric vehicle adoption by 2035 – its suggestion was that we should prioritise using copper we have for electrification and incentivise the opening of new mines.

Either way, it looks as if the price of copper can only go one way.

Why are I wittering on about this? Well you can see all around you the way manufacturers are pivoting to and investing in copper products. In this magazine we have stories on the acquisition of a copper specialist and investment programmes in copper products at two other companies.

Once you spot it you can’t help seeing it.

Andy Sandford, Editor

Member of the Engineering Industries Association

Contents May 2024

A new report, ‘The True Impact of UK Manufacturing’ shows that manufacturing is worth £518billion and supports 7.3million UK jobs directly and across the supply chains and communities it operates in.

This represents nearly a quarter of total GDP (23%) and far bigger than the direct contribution of 8.2% that is usually quoted by economists.

Carried out by Oxford Economics and the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), the in-depth report also shows that ‘making things’ accounts for 34.5% of all UK goods and services exports, whilst the median wage is £31,300 – 11% higher than the national median wage.

The findings are even more impressive when you consider the sector has had to navigate a myriad of challenges outside its control in recent years, including changing relations with the European Union, the Covid-19 pandemic, unprecedented increases in energy costs and global supply chain fragility and international conflicts.

MTA’s Chief Executive Officer, James Selka is now urging the sector to build on this report by exploring ways in which it can address the skills shortage and develop successful programmes, such as the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centres, to increase wealth creation by commercialising more of the great ideas and innovations born in the UK.

“This is a fantastic insight into the true impact of manufacturing

UK manufacturing 23% of GDP

in the UK and reinforces what many of us already know – that industry is a far greater contributor to GDP and jobs than listed in national accounts,” commented James.

“Our report has been designed to take a ‘deeper dive’ and looks at the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of manufacturing, which is a far more comprehensive overview of what we make, the complex nature of our supply chains and the economic benefit gained from the spending of wages by those employed in our sector.”

He continued: “The results illustrate that manufacturing accounts for £518bn of GDP and supports 7.3m jobs, most of which enjoy higher than average wages.

“We are also a part of the economy that invests heavily in new technologies, with nearly half (47%) of total R&D investment made by manufacturers. You only have to visit MACH this week to see this first-hand, with more than 500 companies showcasing the latest in automation and robotics, additive manufacturing, latest software, advanced CNC machining and measurement and inspection solutions.”

The MTA is now calling on a well-integrated commitment from the whole nation to help industry realise its potential, ranging from business leaders and academics to policymakers so crucial in developing a cross-party industrial strategy.

8 MTA.org.uk

Dawson Shanahan, which specialises in precision engineering and copper fabrication, has been acquired by Luvata Oy, part of the Mitsubishi Materials Group.

With its headquarters in Finland, Luvata is a European producer of highly engineered and fabricated copper and metal components used in the aerospace, automotive, medical, power distribution, and Industrial markets.

Luvata Group’s President & CEO, Pekka Kleemola, commented: “As we state in our strategy, Luvata is looking to grow the business and become the leading provider of copper solutions for the benefit of people, society and the earth. E-mobility, general electrification and green transition as well as healthcare are all important growth drivers for us. This acquisition is a great example of strategy execution and Dawson Shanahan is a perfect fit to our business portfolio.”

Dawson Shanahan will become part of Luvata’s Formed Products

Copper component focus

‘‘Dawson Shanahan’s expertise, location, and deep innovative knowledge of copper component fabrication will position Luvata to meet the growing demand in Europe for highly engineered copper components used in electric vehicles

Business Unit (FPBU) which includes factories in Delaware Ohio, Welwyn Garden City UK, Sao Paulo Brazil, and Suzhou China. FPBU is one of the world’s

One-Hit Turn/Mill Precision Components

leading suppliers of copper based resistance welding electrodes and alloyed copper brazing wire, serving automotive customers around the world.

Dirk Greywitt, Executive Vice President of FPBU said: “Dawson Shanahan’s expertise, location, and deep innovative knowledge of copper component fabrication will position Luvata to meet the growing demand in Europe for highly engineered copper components used in electric vehicles.”

David Dawson, founder and owner of Dawson Shanahan says “ Luvata is a well-known and global brand that will allow Dawson Shanahan to prosper and grow in the future as it continues to become an integral part of the green revolution. We are excited to start working with our new colleagues at Luvata. The current management team of Dawson Shanahan will continue in their duties, with Les Reeves as the Managing Director.” 8 luvata.com

BIEMH, the International Machine-Tool Biennial, is entering the final stretch of its preparations, with 1,461 confirmed exhibitors from 29 countries, including Germany, Italy, Portugal, the USA, Japan and Taiwan, and over 3,000 products and services.

Live large machinery will be the focus of the show which runs over six halls at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre from 3 to 7 June.

The event will feature key sectors including cutting and forming machines (35%), robotics and automation (20%), tools and accessories (12%), industrial digitalisation (9%), mechanical components (9%), production and business services (6%), additive and 3D manufacturing (5%), and metrology (4%).

A new feature this year will be a separate area for robotics, automation and digitalisation, as well as the Robot Demo area, where leading companies will showcase their latest creations.

This year’s BIEMH will be the most dynamic and ambitious yet in terms of technology, solutions and innovation, and will feature a varied programme of activities, including analyses and content from international experts in the BIEMH Talks. Moreover, there will be guided tours, innovation workshops and a full programme of BIEMH TV, among other activities and services.

Through conferences, keynotes, workshops and round tables, the BIEMH Talks will examine the current situation and projections for the future of the industry.

Exhibitors line up in Bilbao

Scheduled for 4 June, the Digital Talks will explore the latest 4.0 technologies for digital transformation, in particular those aimed at users of industrial equipment. On the 5th, the Automation & Robotics Talks will present new products and developments in robotics and automation as applied to industry. And on the 6th, the Additive Talks will focus on the challenges, development and implementation of additive technology, offering their own experiences and presenting several success stories.

The list of speakers includes, among others, Leire OrueEchevarria (Policy Officer-DG CONNECT European Commission), Gregorio Ameyugo (Head of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Division at CEA) and Haden Quinlan (Senior Programme Manager at MITMassachusetts Institute of Technology), who will give the opening keynote speeches.

Besides the BIEMH Talks, the agenda includes guided toursBigMachines Tour, Automation & Robotics Tour and Innovation Tour- and BIEMH TV, with more than 80 live interviews, summaries and analysis of the conference, not to mention promotional videos.

Thanks to the visitor promotion campaign run in more than 140 countries, the BIEMH will feature a large number of buyers, including professionals from the USA, France, Portugal, Turkey, Canada, India and Mexico.

Being held in parallel to BIEMH is BeDIGITAL, a forum focusing on the industrial application of digital technology, and ADDITƐD, the international fair for additive manufacturing and 3D printing.

WORKinn Talent Hub, the meeting point between talent and industry, will take place alongside the event.

8 https://biemh.bilbaoexhibition centre.com/en/visit/visit-biemh/

BEP Surface Technologies, which specialises in electroplating, metal finishing, and coating, has launched an innovation arm, BEP Solutions, to focus on international R&D partnerships.

Drawing on 54 years of engineering experience, and using advanced digital techniques, BEP Solutions will build on the company’s track record of collaborating with governments, academia and businesses to address challenges within existing and emerging industries.

From its innovation lab, located at BEP's headquarters in Greater Manchester, the venture will target new partnerships to develop solutions for longstanding barriers in manufacturing and engineering.

The consultancy aims to make significant contributions in areas such as optimising chill roll processes for leading packaging manufacturers and designing copper-coated canisters to secure long-term nuclear waste storage, prioritising safety and sustainability.

BEP works in the plastics, defence, energy, power generation and nuclear sectors and offers a range of capabilities to solve contemporary challenges in new industries such as hydrogen and EV battery production.

Andrew McClusky, Managing Director of BEP Surface Technologies, said: "For more than half a century BEP has cultivated a research and development mindset to find innovative solutions to metal surface

Partner for surfaces

engineering challenges. This has established us as the go-to partner for an impressive list of businesses, universities, and government agencies around the globe.

“The launch of BEP Solutions formalises our commitment to further leverage our unique expertise, to strengthen existing partnerships, and to create new ones. A dedicated arm for R&D and innovation offers a conduit to drive transformative advancements to address global challenges.”

BEP’s previous collaborations include the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) to develop a novel graphene-impregnated copper coating, a leading global food packaging manufacturer, to achieve chill roll process optimisation; a major defence supplier, undertaking multifaceted research programmes into surface coatings; and a global nuclear waste management organisation, driving research into the development of coppercoated containers.

Other R&D partnerships have included the University of Sheffield Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), part of the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, Innovate UK, the UK's national innovation agency, and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK's National Metrology Institute.

Andrew McClusky added: "We value collaborative partnerships, whether working hand-in-hand with government entities to deliver funded research initiatives, collaborating with prestigious academic institutions in the UK, bringing advanced material innovation to meet the rigorous demands of the defence industry, or providing tailored solutions to private enterprises.

“Whether advancing surface technologies, optimising industrial processes, or pioneering new solutions, BEP Solutions is ready to collaborate and make a meaningful impact.”

8 solutions.bep-st.com

The latest Contract Manufacturing Index shows that the UK market for subcontract manufacturing continued to grow in the first quarter. The index was up 4.5% in the first three months of 2024, building on the strong upswing at the end of 2023.

Projects and budgets that had been on hold continue to be unlocked as orders are being placed and suppliers are busy quoting for work. February was the strongest month since March 2023.

Lead times in January and February dropped from the average of 22 days to 18 days, but lengthened again to 21 days in March.

Overall, the market remains around 30% below where it was a year ago.

The CMI is produced by sourcing specialist Qimtek and reflects the total purchasing budget for outsourced manufacturing of companies looking to place business in any given month. This represents a sample of over 4,000 companies who could be placing business that together have a purchasing budget of more than £3.4bn and a supplier base of over 7,000 companies with a verified turnover in excess of £25bn.

The baseline for the index is 100, which represents the average size of the subcontract manufacturing market between 2014 and 2018.

The CMI for Q1 2024 was 82 compared to 78.5 for the previous quarter and 117 for Q1 2023.

Good Q1 for subcontract market

The largest single sector remains Industrial Machinery, which has been the number one sector for the past three years. The second biggest sector was Construction, followed by items destined for the Electronics sector and Food & Beverage.

Commenting on the figures, Qimtek owner Karl Wigart said: “It was a good quarter with lots of

projects that had been promised but delayed in the second half of last year finally coming on stream. Suppliers have been very busy quoting on new projects and both buyers and suppliers are very active. Suppliers recognise the need to seize these opportunities, which is evident in the reduced lead times.” 8 qimtek.co.uk

High quality cost effective CNC subcontracting. Produced on state of the art machines

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Chemical etching supplier

Precision Micro has taken delivery of a new etching and stripping machine at its Fort Dunlop site in Birmingham, UK, finalising its second new etch room.

The business believes it is now uniquely placed to meet the increasing global demand for nextgeneration energy technologies such as hydrogen production and storage, carbon capture, green energy buffering, electric, and hydrogen electric vehicles.

Karl Hollis, Precision Micro’s Director of Engineering, said: “With carbon neutrality and net zero a crucial agenda item for many countries and businesses around the world, there is an ever-growing appetite for complex etched components used in the production, storage, recovery and transfer of green energy. This includes components such as printed circuit heat exchangers, busbar battery interconnects, bipolar plates for fuel cells and electrolysers used for hydrogen production.

“The increased volumes needed to meet this demand, however,

More green opportunities

often require much larger and thicker sheets of metal to be used and after many conversations with customers in the green energy sector, it became clear there was a gap in the market for a supplier that had the capacity and equipment to manufacture these components.”

Believed to be an industry first, the new etch room facility is home to six new state-of-the-art etching and stripping machines, as well as

an automatic exposure unit which enables larger sheet metals up to 1500mm x 600mm x 2.5mm in size to be etched in production volumes.”

To support this investment, Precision Micro has also made further improvements to its chemical regeneration processes by introducing automated systems that will increase the overall effectiveness of the new machines.

Visit our website or contact us for a quote or advice

Hollis continued: “Larger sheets of metal require more chemistry and subsequently more waste management. ESG is at the forefront of this investment with Precision Micro already regenerating or recycling 98% of its waste sitewide. We are hugely excited about this unique offering and looking forward to helping emerging sectors create the technologies required to make net zero a reality.”

8 precisionmicro.com

A supplier of millions of components every day for cars, lorries and engines has been named as the Confederation of British Metalforming’s Company of the Year.

Sertec Group, which employs over 2200 people across ten global locations, beat off strong competition from the sector to win the main award, with judges impressed by ‘its journey to excellence’ that has seen it enjoy a major increase in productivity, improvements in on-time delivery in full and the implementation of a comprehensive employee engagement approach.

With 200 people in attendance at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham, the Coleshill Headquartered company was joined on stage by KMF Precision Sheet Metal’s Kayleigh Simm (Apprentice of the Year) and GTEM, who was a double winner on the evening (HSE Initiative and Energy Efficiency).

The latter, a global manufacturer of vehicle body structures, has demonstrated a clear passion for implementing ISO 45001 with the aim of creating a safer working environment, whilst its commitment towards Net Zero by 2035 has seen it introduce quarterly energy audits and commission a 200% increase in its solar power capability.

Emissions have decreased by more than a quarter (28%) because of these initiatives, with sales also growing by a staggering 56% due to major new business awards.

Metalworking winners

Steve Morley, President of the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), commented: “It has been another difficult year for the metalforming sector, who are facing up to global conflicts, continued supply chain disruption and high inflation.

“In spite of all this, our members have continued to show great resilience and innovation to post increased sales, export growth and investment in safety, people and new technology.”

He continued: “This is illustrated by the winners at our Annual Dinner. All of them are striving to be the best they can be in their respective fields and, importantly, are committed to raising the profile of our sector and what UK manufacturing can do.”

19-year-old Kayleigh Simm is putting ‘girl power’ on the industrial map after she was

recognised as the CBM’s Apprentice of the Year.

She joined Newcastle-underLyme’s KMF Precision Sheet Metal in 2022 and her drive for engineering has shone through as she progresses within the company and, importantly, in the way she champions vocational learning to other young people.

This has seen her lead a KMF team at 15 school and college career fairs, as well as acting as an outstanding apprentice advocate on its Apprenticeship Open Day that attracted over 140 visitors.

Kayleigh is now setting her sights on undertaking a degree in Manufacturing Engineering. 8 thecbm.co.uk

8 CBM Award Winners 2024 (L): Darren Wilding, Joshua Wood (both G-TEM), Kayleigh Simm (KMF Precision Sheet Metal), Ben Higgins and Martin Hinckley (both Sertec Group)

Fabrication specialist MTL Advanced has extended its large profiling capabilities with a £1m 14m by 3.3m capacity 12kW laser system.

The LVD Taurus 12kW XXL format fibre laser is the first of its kind in the UK. The new laser's capabilities are impressive, ranging from high-speed precision cutting of thin materials to tackling thick plates up to 30mm.

The new machine’s advanced bevel cutting head also enables bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees to cut various shapes and profiles and reduce weld prep times. This will enable MTL to serve existing clients more efficiently and explore new opportunities in a variety of sectors.

This investment comes on the back of a record-breaking year in 2023, where MTL secured a series of major defence and construction contracts, resulting in a robust order book stretching over a decade.

This has laid the ground for ambitious expansion plans, and the new XXL format laser is just the first step, with over £5m of further investments earmarked for 2024 to fuel the company’s rapid growth.

MTL has also launched a significant recruitment drive, aiming to bring onboard 90 new

XXL laser for MTL

team members throughout 2024.

Karl Stewart, General Manager of MTL Advanced, commented, “The LVD Taurus 12KW Fiber Laser showcases our commitment to staying ahead of the competition and add value to our customers’ supply chains. With this new large format 12kw laser, we can take on projects of unprecedented size and complexity, all while maintaining our reputation for precision and outstanding quality.”

Neil Osborne, Managing Director at LVD UK, remarked, “This impressive large format LVD Taurus 12kw XXL fibre laser with

bevel head is the first of its kind in the UK and will only strengthen what MTL can offer. The team at LVD UK worked very closely MTL and spent a lot of time understanding the requirements from the team to make sure the correct machine was chosen. LVD UK are proud to be able to offer the solution that MTL had been looking for and welcome the growing partnership between our companies with more machines to follow.”

Beyond the factory floor, the impact of MTL's expansion is felt across Rotherham and South Yorkshire. The company's recruitment drive promises to inject vitality into the local economy, offering new opportunities across positions from laser operators and welder/fabricators to project engineers and CNC machinists. 8 mtladv.com

Stockholder invests in lasers

ParkerSteel has invested over £4m to upgrade its processing capabilities, including the acquisition of two BLM laser tube cutting machines for its Dudley facility and four machines for its Canterbury headquarters.

These include another tube laser, a combined drill-and-saw, a mitre saw, and a 12kW BLM flat bed LS7 4020 fibre laser cutting fibre laser profiling centre.

The company's diverse customer base, spanning construction, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, marine, utilities, highways and mining, will benefit from an expanded portfolio of steel and aluminium products, including precision-cut billets for machining by OEMs and subcontractors.

The choice of the BLM LS7 4020 was influenced by its European build quality, CE marking ensuring safe operation, cost-effectiveness and the supportive approach of BLM's

UK team. Its modular design facilitated rapid on-site assembly, significantly enhancing productivity at a crucial time for ParkerSteel.

A visit to the BLM Group's manufacturing facility in Levico, Northern Italy, by Managing Director Mr Alexander and Mr Seager reassured them of the equipment's reliability and the manufacturer's support. Since its commissioning in mid-October 2023, the LS7 4020 has demonstrated exceptional

productivity, attributed to its 2g table acceleration and an automatic pallet shuttle system, which together streamline operations and minimise changeover times to an impressive nine seconds.

Ease of use has been another commendable feature, with program handling and nesting and cutting cycles efficiently managed offline through SigmaNEST CAD/CAM software.

The machine's advanced features, including active piercing, nozzle centring and real-time control of cutting accuracy, ensure precision and quality in processing a wide range of materials.

As ParkerSteel moves forward, it says its investment in the BLM LS7 4020 represents not just a commitment to technological advancement but also a strategic positioning for growth and innovation in the steel industry. 8 parkersteel.co.uk

Due to significant growth in its subcontract CNC turning and machining service, Alrose Products Ltd. has invested in a selection of Bowers Group’s precision measurement instruments to improve turnaround times and deliver high quality machining processes.

Specialising in gas springs for a diverse customer base, it also offers subcontract CNC machining and inspection services.

Its gas springs are widely used in various sectors such as marine, aerospace, transportation, pharmaceutical, and industrial, providing reliable motion control solutions.

Improving its operations with both a Baty Venture vision system and a Trimos V7 height gauge, the company now maintains the highest levels of accuracy to its customers by measuring to very tight tolerances with consistent precision, avoiding even the slightest deviations in accuracy.

Jon Aconley, Managing Director at Alrose Products, said: “Accuracy is critically important to our customers. They quite rightly want the assurance that our products are accurate and will work perfectly because they’re manufactured to consistent, high standards. Ultimately, our motion control solutions help our customers to demonstrate a high level of quality in their finished products. The measurement process helps us demonstrate our capability as

Precision boosts turnaround times

a business to deliver exactly what is needed with precision, control, and consistency.

“The vision system and height gauge from Bowers Group enable us to expedite faster processes; we know immediately that components are right. They give us high levels of confidence as we know we can trust the accuracy of the equipment.”

Due to a programme of growth in machining subcontract parts, investing in precision measuring became a necessity.

Bowers' instruments adhere to strict tolerance standards, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements across all operations. This consistency eliminates the potential for operator-induced variations, providing the business with enhanced accuracy and confidence in their measurement data.

The Baty Venture Vision System is an advanced optical

measurement system designed to provide precise and accurate inspection of components in various industries. Equipped with powerful optics and intuitive software, the Venture system offers comprehensive measurement capabilities, including dimensional analysis, surface inspection, and defect detection.

Key features include highresolution cameras, precision motorised stages, and intuitive software interface.

The Trimos V7 height gauge seamlessly merges innovative technology with traditional practice. Featuring a touch-display and lateral insert holders, it serves as a versatile tool for workshop environments. Complex functions like 2D, programming, and statistics are simplified, providing ease of use and significantly boosting productivity.

The incorporation of the Baty Venture vision system and the Trimos V7 height gauge facilitates quicker processes for the company, allowing Alrose to swiftly confirm the accuracy of components and proceed with production runs. The introduction of reliable, accurate and fast measurement systems has increased the team’s confidence in quality, as well as significantly improving turnaround times.

8 gas-springs.com

Aerospace award winner

Precision aerospace component manufacturer Arrowsmith Engineering (Coventry) has won new multi-million pound contracts just days after being named as a King’s Award for Enterprise winner for International Trade.

Arrowsmith Engineering (Coventry), which is part of the rapidly growing ASG Group, has sealed long-term agreements with ITP Spain, Incora and RollsRoyce in the UK and Germany, delivering the largest order book in its 57-year history.

It marks what has been a strong export period for the business, with overseas sales rocketing by nearly 400% following the pandemic and accounting for 35% of the firm’s annual £8.3m turnover.

Precision components manufactured at its Bayton Road factory in Coventry are sent to global customers in Brazil, China, France, Germany, Singapore, and Spain for end use in aerospace engines, landing gears and air frames.

Jason Aldridge, Managing Director of Arrowsmith Engineering, commented that it was ‘quite a week’ going from winning the King’s Award to announcing its largest orderbook, underpinned by landmark longterm agreements with some of the biggest names in aerospace.

“Civil aviation - a major market for us - literally dropped off the

cliff (40% reduction) with the pandemic and we had to show good old-fashioned resilience and a fair bit of business innovation to get through it.”

He continued: “But now we are back and targeting our best-ever year of over £11m sales. We have also successfully moved with changes in the sector when it comes to the location of customer production facilities.

“Thanks to our technical expertise, our ability to add value in design and the financial strength of the ASG Group, we have been able to secure contracts in new countries, as well as securing

these long-term agreements with ITP, Incora and Rolls-Royce. This gives us fantastic visibility of future orders.”

Arrowsmith Engineering, which has been reaccredited for the Silver SC21 supply chain award for quality and delivery performance, has just taken delivery of two further dual spindle Lynx 21000ISLYA/B CNC Mills machines.

This £300k investment follows the success of the recently installed 3 Lynx machines and the 5-axis DVF5000 and 4-axis DNM4500 cobot systems.

A strong commitment to new technology and robotics, coupled with the creation of ten new jobs, has given Arrowsmith the capacity and capability to win work against rivals ten times its size.

Plans are now in place to take annual sales past £25m over the next two years and this should result in the creation of a further 15

positions, with the focus on getting more women into engineering.

Jason went on to add: “The King’s Award is fantastic news for our business and is testimony to how our staff have gone above and beyond to help us overcome the troubles of the pandemic and emerge even stronger.

“It will help us with recruitment, especially when you consider we are competing with some major carmakers and aerospace primes locally.

“The process is one of the most stringent in business and I’m delighted for our wonderful staff. Yes, we have invested heavily in the best technology, but our people are still our greatest asset and selling point. This Award is for them.”

Simon Weston, Managing Director of ASG Group, concluded: “As an ambitious aerospace component manufacturer with a global footprint, ASG Group strives to

be synonymous with quality in safety critical markets.

“Serving world class customers requires continued investment in the group’s long bed and short bed CNC machining capability; but this needs to be matched with hard work and determination throughout the business.

“ASG Arrowsmith was one of our first acquisitions and continue to be a very important strategic member of our group.” 8

Wealdpark Limited

Rapid low-volume setup

Motorsport subcontractor h2m has opted for a new sliding head package that allows rapid setups for lower volume production.

Joint managing directors and owners, father and son team Andy and Martin Forryan wanted a replacement for an older machine and opted for a Cincom M32-VIIILFV with Citizen's Alkart Wizard programming system. The wizard assists and simplifies the creation of even complex cycles using a built-in code library, reference material and diagrams.

Sharing some detail of their deliberations, Martin said, "Alkart Wizard is an inexpensive option. We use it to prepare programs and prove them out off-line for virtually every sliding-head part we produce. Only the occasional simple component is programmed directly at the control.

"Even complicated components take just 30 to 40 minutes to program in Alkart and it then takes 15 to 20 minutes to highspeed check the cycle virtually in the wizard, so a new job is always up and running in under an hour."

3,000-off is a large run for sliding-head turned parts at h2m, while production of batches of relatively simple components up to 500-off is typical for unattended overnight running. However, trickier jobs are completed during day shifts in batch sizes as low as 10-off, so speed of programming is essential

to minimise machine downtime. Otherwise the reduction in productivity would lower profitability.

Jack Simms, setter-operator of the M32-VIIILFV added, "Basically, the Alkart Wizard is a CAM system and post processor for the Cincom lathe all in one. It is very quick to use and the next program is always ready as soon as the previous batch has finished.

"We also like the LFV (low frequency vibration) chip breaking software in the lathe control, which is built into the operating system rather than being macro-based.

"It works at both spindles and is an absolute dream. We use it on most jobs, mainly or G71 roughing cycles which tend to produce stringy swarf, particularly when machining heat-treated stainless steels and titanium.

"LFV is programmed by G-code to turn on when roughing starts and off again when it finishes and is typically used for one-quarter of a cutting cycle. You always end up with short chips, so there are no ribbons tangled around the tool and part."

The machine was supplied with a kit that allows oversize bar up to 35 mm diameter to be fed into the machine for sliding-head mill-turning. A further benefit is the ability to remove the guide bush, enabling parts up to 2.5D to be machined more accurately from less expensive bar, in multiple passes if desired, while reducing remnant length three-fold.

8 h2mengineering.co.uk

Turning to British suppliers

The UK has a rich history of manufacturing excellence. Today, the country is renowned for its production of highquality commodities and premium vehicles that rival the output of its EU counterparts. In this article, Mike Bylina, Managing Director at Vestatec, explores the compelling reasons why automotive businesses worldwide are turning to British suppliers to enhance the quality of their products.

The UK boasts an illustrious heritage of automotive manufacturing, producing some of the most iconic names in the industry including MG, Mini, Jaguar and Land Rover, as well as premium and luxury brands such as Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, McLaren and Bentley.

Although many of these brands are no longer UK-owned, most still fly the flag for ‘Made in the UK’, maintaining manufacturing sites across the country and sourcing components from local businesses. Alongside the obvious supply-chain advantages provided by having suppliers located within driving distance of production facilities, they also benefit from the quality and innovation that is synonymous with British engineering.

The recent emergence of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from East Asia has disrupted the automotive market in the UK, mainland

Europe and North America. These upstart brands offer stylish designs at an affordable price, and they have been capturing an increasingly growing share of the automotive market.

In response, premium automotive brands are turning to suppliers that can provide them with distinctive, high-quality components to enhance the driving experience.

Vestatec is one of the businesses that has benefitted from this trend, working with several British and international brands to supply their vehicles with decorative interior trim components that create a truly unique cabin aesthetic. These relationships have evolved in response to the growing demand for specialist manufacturing capabilities and engineering expertise.

One rising method of differentiation is the use of

Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coating. Vestatec’s inhouse PVD coating facility uses a cathodic arc chamber, where vaporised metal and measured gas recipes are mixed within a vacuum to create a thin metal film, less than a micron thick, and 100 times thinner than a human hair. The process creates a unique, decorative finish, which has been likened to jewellery. One of the main benefits of PVD is the range of colours and surface finishes that can be achieved, which aligns perfectly with the desire to create stand-out features within the cabin.

Additionally, the industry is becoming more mindful of the environmental impact of their purchasing habits, and many are now seeking ways to make their vehicles more sustainable as we move towards net-zero targets. PVD is a greener option than

traditional coating methods as the process uses no hazardous substances, creates zero waste and coated stainless steel components are 100% recyclable at the end of their life.

Weathering the storms

The UK's automotive industry has weathered multiple economic storms in recent years, both domestic and global. Our exit from the European Union, Covid19, issues with the Suez Canal, the semiconductor shortage and the war in Ukraine have placed strains on the UK’s manufacturing industry, presenting a relentless series of challenges.

Like many UK-based suppliers, we know the value of British manufacturing and our supply chain is heavily weighted to UK partners, which insulates us from some of the risks that can result from geo-political instability and other global incidents. Despite the various disruptive events that we’ve seen over the last few years, our production hasn’t slowed down and we’ve continued to deliver products and meet customer demands.

When selecting a supplier to support vehicle production, the quality of the finished product is paramount. UK manufacturers are in a great position to deliver parts that meet the high standards expected by customers, especially on non-commodified components where the focus is on product differentiation, rather than the lowest possible price. Indeed, recent market trends indicate that more OEMs are

choosing UK-based suppliers over lower-cost Far Eastern alternatives. This shift is driven, at least in part, by the desire for greater control over product quality and consistency in production batches.

Vestatec has experienced this first hand. As a leading tiered supplier to some of the world's most renowned luxury and premium vehicle manufacturers, including Bentley, Lamborghini and Cadillac, it is essential that every product leaving our facility meets the highest standards. Led by our in-house Quality Manager, quality assurance is embedded

into every member of the team, regardless of their role. It is an integral part of the company ethos, crucial in attracting new business in both the UK and overseas.

The UK's manufacturing sector continues to thrive on a global scale, attracting international businesses looking for specialised, high-quality products. The country's rich heritage, resilience in the face of challenges, and unwavering commitment to product excellence make it an appealing sourcing destination for brands worldwide.

As the automotive market continues to evolve with the transition to electric vehicles and autonomous driving, UK companies must continue their focus on quality and innovation to maintain the country’s position at the forefront of automotive excellence.

Vestatec works with leading OEMs across a variety of industries to provide PVD coating, etching, forming and assembly of metal.

8 vestatec.co.uk

8 Mike Bylina, Managing Director, Vestatec

Automation is a prerequisite when making components for micro medical devices.

The manufacturing of micro medical devices, with their increasingly complex geometries and tiny dimensions, presents unique challenges to manufacturers. When the final product is only millimetres wide, the internal minuscule scale of the components involved must be manufactured at the microscale, often being invisible to the naked eye writes Tom Cash, director of Siemens parts supplier Foxmere, explains why OEMs should automate high precision assembly.

Early this year, researchers at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital developed a grain-sized implant called The Micra™, a heart-implanted pacemaker.

The implant delivers nano doses of anti-cancer drugs directly into a patient’s brain tumour, which not only enhances precision but also reduces invasiveness too, with the size of the pacemaker being that of a vitamin capsule.

The iStent inject®, one of the world's smallest medical implant, is also inserted during cataract surgery and remains within the eye to alleviate intraocular pressure.

This innovative device offers a minimally invasive option for managing eye pressure, and is particularly beneficial for conditions like glaucoma, ensuring ongoing relief and improved patient recovery.

However, manufacturing micro

Making micro devices

medical devices with intricate geometries, like the world's smallest pacemaker, the Micra™, requires specialised approaches because of components that are just millimetres in size, and wires that are just .002 inches.

Material selection

Assembling microdevices goes beyond the dimensional accuracy of parts. As objects diminish in size, micro and nanoscales introduce substantial changes in surface-to-volume ratios, altering chemical and material properties.

Consider microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which are crucial components in biomedical applications. At these minute scales, MEMS face challenges such as heightened friction, shifts in thermal conductivity and increased sensitivity to external forces.

These transformations have a

direct impact on the reliability of MEMS, particularly in applications like microfluidic components, implantable drug delivery devices and neurostimulators.

To tackle these challenges, manufacturers must meticulously choose materials and employ microfabrication techniques. Photolithography, etching and electroplating are all processes used to shape and structure materials accurately on a minuscule scale, making them ideal for the precision required for microdevices.

Spotting defects

What’s more, the medical device industry is governed by stringent quality standards and regulations, such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is responsible for regulating the UK medical

devices market to ensure they are safe and effective for their intended use.

Adhering to rigorous standards, the manufacturing of micro medical devices covers all stages of production, spanning from the initial design to the final part inspection.

Here, quality management systems must guarantee that every minute component aligns with required specifications and tolerances, ensuring precision and quality for all medical applications.

For example, Ultra-HD cameras capture detailed images that use AI and advanced algorithms analyse irregularities or specific attributes in real time.

The use of highly sensitive sensors, such as micro-scale cameras, accelerometers or pressure sensors, can also be integrated into medical devices to monitor and detect micron level defects.

ROI

With that in mind, assembly usually stands out as the most financially demanding phase in bringing a device to market. Yet not many manufacturers realise that return on investment (ROI) through automation can be a strategic advantage.

In the initial planning phase of microdevice manufacturing, attention to material selection,

component costs and process validation is common, but we find that many underestimate manufacturing and assembly costs.

In fact, according to Techreviewer, robotic process automation in healthcare helps to reduce operational costs by nearly 50%. In addition, the report also claims that automation helps to recover costs in a short period.

Partnering with a reliable automation parts supplier with expertise in high precision assembly, like Foxmere, is essential for manufacturers wanting to navigate their way through the complexities of microdevice manufacturing.

In a sector that demands accuracy, quality and adherence to industry standards, manufacturers must be able to lean on a trusted parts supplier, especially as groundbreaking innovations — like the Micra™ and the iStent inject® — require a more customised approach. 8 foxmere.com/en

Enhanced mould machining

Mould tool manufacturer

Crossen Engineering has invested in a new bridge-type machining centre to produce parts with enhanced accuracy and surface finish.

The Hurco BX40i, has a rigid design and an HSK63A 18,000 rpm motor spindle. Direct drives and linear scales in all axes provide highly dynamic motions and accurate positional feedback.

Based in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, Crossen Engineering is renowned for producing high precision mould tools mainly for the medical industry. In recent years, its business has expanded to include the production of tooling for floor tiles, car mats and many other items that need to be moulded.

Prismatic machining on-site is provided by numerous vertical machining centres (VMCs) from Hurco Europe, High Wycombe, mainly its own machines but also an RXP500 VMC supplied under a sole agency agreement with the German manufacturer, Roeders. Crossen Engineering’s capabilities extend beyond metal cutting, however, to encompass design and prototyping, pressworking and injection moulding.

As a long-term user of Hurco machine tools, Crossen is aware of the capabilities of the supplier's range and sometimes needs to produce parts to slightly higher accuracy and surface finish. That was behind its recent investment in a Hurco BX40i,

which is of rigid, bridge-type design and has an HSK63A 18,000 rpm motor spindle. Direct drives and linear scales in all axes provide highly dynamic motions and accurate positional feedback.

Crossen toolmaker Colin Morrow commented, "A superfine finish is required for shut-off faces in moulds and the BX40i is able to produce them with little or no subsequent hand finishing.

"We are also looking for accuracy throughout the whole job as well as high feeds and speeds. With it being a doublecolumn VMC, it is very rigid and it gives us what we are looking for in terms of productivity and precision."

The Roeders RXP500 3-axis, high-speed machining centre has a 42,000 rpm spindle, linear motors in the X, Y and Z axes and travels of 550 x 450 x 240 mm. The machine is able to achieve levels of accuracy and surface finish superior to almost any other machine on the market. Whilst often used to make

electrodes, the VMC also mills detailed cavities directly into hard metal, reducing the number of operations needed to produce a mould and dramatically shortening turnaround times.

James Dunlop is the toolmaker responsible for running the Roeders at Crossen. He stated, "It is accurate and user friendly and a joy to use, as it does exactly what you tell it to do. A Renishaw probe checks job set-ups and multiple datums are often used, helping to eliminate errors.”

As is the case for many businesses in Northern Ireland, the key to success has been diversification. Although the medical, aerospace and automotive sectors are obvious outlets for its production, opportunities are arising in evolving industries such as renewable energy and electric vehicles. The ability to adapt to change should ensure that Crossen Engineering continues to grow.

8 crossenengineering.co.uk

Following a number of highly successful projects last year, leading spring and wire form designer and fabricator, William Hughes Group, is investing in and expanding its busbar research, design, test and CNC fabrication operations.

With an engineering heritage that stretches back to before the Industrial Revolution, the company will leverage its significant wire-forming expertise and deploy it in the creation of complex busbar geometries, fabricated from ready-insulated, reel-fed stock.

Graham Burgon, sales executive at William Hughes explained: “With battery-based systems gaining a significant foothold in a variety of markets all over the world, there is growing demand from OEMs and their tier-one suppliers for precision engineered electrical components that can be fabricated to cater for complex real-estate limitations. These applications are not just for electric vehicle drivetrains, we are also seeing wider potential in marine, rail and static electrical installation, such as mining and other heavy industries.”

Traditionally, busbars are stamped, bent and then insulated, but stamping can be cost prohibitive due to expensive stamping tools/dies, and is less flexible if the geometries need to be changed or altered. These limitations make bending and forming from reel-stock a more efficient and viable process.

William Hughes’ technique

Meeting busbar demand

‘‘With battery-based systems gaining a significant foothold in a variety of markets all over the world, there is growing demand from OEMs and their tier-one suppliers for precision engineered electrical components that can be fabricated to cater for complex real-estate

uses advanced CNC technology to precisely form pre-coated copper stock in such a way that the existing insulation remains completely viable along the length of the bar. The technique has been researched and developed to exploit the fact that straight copper bar stock can be

more easily coated than bar that has already been shaped.

“Busbars are a natural progression from our wire and spring capabilities,” Burgon explained. “Indeed, the fabrication techniques and processes are similar, albeit with stock materials with a different cross-section. We are also able to leverage our extensive R&D capabilities. In addition to our existing successes in the electric vehicle market, the growing economies of scale in the global mobile battery market will expand battery and low-voltage applications, which in turn will drive demand for ancillaries such as busbars - but only if they match the strict quality and complexity criteria.”

8 wmhughes.co.uk

Copper specialist Metelec is investing £400,000 in new punching, sawing and bending equipment to boost its manufacturing capacity and productivity.

It has just taken delivery of an EHRT Compact Punching Machine from Germany. This effectively doubles capacity and complements the single punch EHRT with 10 tool holders that was installed in 2021.

The EHRT Compact Punching Machine has three multi-head tools built in, minimising tool changeover times with the ability to produce volume with software capability to integrate manufacturing design management and production scheduling with the existing EHRT that already covers the full range of product in Metelec’s portfolio.

The EHRT is the first of three machine investments. At the end of next month, Metelec will receive a Cosen G320 bandsaw, which will replace an 11-year-old Cosen C320, providing greater efficiency and productivity.

Finally, in June Metelec looks forward to receiving an Amada EG4010 electric press brake machine from Japan that will increase the speed and range of products the manufacturer can offer.

The Amada EG-4010 has smart manufacturing 4.0 technology and is extremely fast, reactive and dynamic, providing faster cycle times and more parts per hour. There are also energysaving benefits of the machine being entirely electric rather than using hydraulics.

Copper specialist invests

The Cosen G320 bandsaw, meanwhile, has carbide blades and is programmable for up to 100 jobs, improving accuracy and volume.

Metelec, sees huge potential for growth in copper, particularly around electric charging infrastructure and data management. It is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading specialist manufacturers of busbars and a

distributor of copper bar, copper profiles and copper components. It is the UK logistics arm of Gindre Duchavany, the largest manufacturer of copper extruded bars in Europe.

The business recently re-located to a new modern office and distribution centre at Hilton Cross Business Park in Wolverhampton.

8 metelec.com

Investment in a new 500-tonne press will support sheet metalworking specialist BPL Engineering Group as it moves into more medium and high volume production.

The company has extended its long-term partnership with Worcester Presses with a £1m investment in a 500-tonne straight sided, twin crank Ching Fong press.

The press comes with a large bed, works high up the stroke, and is fitted with a unique 1metre, 3-in-1 Tomac coil line, giving it the capacity to take on large parts destined for cars, lorries, and aeroplanes.

“This latest Chin Fong is our biggest mechanical press to date and gives us the additional capacity to take on complex progression tools in medium to high volumes,” explained Matt Adams, Operations Director at BPL Engineering Group.

“There’s a lot of opportunity to service new contracts with automotive clients and this machine will hopefully help us engage in new sectors looking for complex metal stamping where we can offer bespoke tooling solutions.”

He continued: “Installation, including a new isolated pit to cut vibrations, is now complete and we’re looking to start running products off in the next few weeks. Four people will be trained to operate it, including several apprentices.

“We know what we’re getting with the Chin Fong…great reliability, superb accuracy, and

Moving into volume presswork

strong performance. However, it’s the relationship we have with Worcester Presses, which is the real reason we keep turning to this press manufacturer.

“Russell Hartill and his team understand our business and the market opportunity and then put together tailored turnkey packages that not only meet, but surpass our performance expectations. The service and maintenance offers are also top class.”

BPL Engineering Group offers access to toolmaking, press work, 5-axis laser cutting, fabrication, robotic welding, assembly, and inspection services - all in prototype to production capability.

It produces prototype parts and medium and high-volume components that are eventually used in cars manufactured by Aston Martin, Lotus and JLR, whilst the last few years have seen a major increase in the amount of work carried out for

clients involved in aerospace, defence, medical and rail.

Russell Hartill, Managing Director of Worcester Presses, added his support: “We are more than just a press supplier, and this is highlighted in the way that we have supported BPL for the last eight years.

“We have known the company since 2016 when Matt and Mick Adams had a requirement for a 300-tonne hydraulic, since then we have done a further five presses including a 600-tonne hydraulic and now this large 500-tonne progression set-up. All of this reinforces the success of the partnership.

“None of these machines have been off the shelf. The company had a specific production requirement or an opportunity, and we’ve worked closely with them to identify the best press and coil line, supported with installation, training and ongoing servicing.” 8 bpl-group.co.uk

Shropshire-based SME, SDE Technology – a lightweight engineering business – is leading the initiative to develop a new superplastic forming process, enabling the company to expand into the aerospace market.

The project forms part of the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) and is supported by the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) Group –operated by the University of Strathclyde and part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC). Boeing and Timet UK are industry collaborators, supporting the project with technical and business activities.

Superplastic forming is a near net shape manufacturing method for producing thin-sheet metallic components and is typically used to create complex-shaped titanium parts used by the aerospace sector.

The new hybrid technique is estimated to shorten the forming cycle time by over 50% and cut the manufacturing cost by as much as 25%, when compared with traditional superplastic forming. Applying this process will enable SDE Technology to enter the aerospace market, strengthening the UK supply chain in high-value manufacturing of titanium parts.

Manufacturing with this new approach uses innovative new tooling which enables a much reduced process time.

Evgenia Yakushina, forming

New Ti forming method

A new manufacturing method could cut cycle times in half and costs by a quarter on key aerospace components

team lead at the Advanced Forming Research Centre, said: “This work has the potential to unlock opportunities for manufacturers to offer improved, quicker methods of producing key parts for aircraft. So far, the research has demonstrated huge potential with important parallels between the new hybrid method and the traditional approach already evident.”

The AFRC team aims to prove that complex-shaped titanium components can be manufactured to the same specification, tolerances and quality compared to traditional superplastic forming.

Further funding has also been secured to evaluate the carbon footprint of the new process, which could be cut significantly because of shortened heating and forming times, as well as using lower temperatures of around 800°C.

In addition, when exposed to

high temperatures during superplastic forming, an oxide layer is formed on titanium components. The new approach uses less heat and, therefore, also reduces the layer thickness and associated time spent to remove it.

Richard Homden, CEO of SDE Technology, said: “This project has huge potential for not only us as a business but also the whole aerospace sector. It is fantastic to be working collaboratively to explore new manufacturing techniques. Hot forming was not previously our area of expertise, but with the technical support and knowledge base from the AFRC we can see it becoming a core element of our business plans moving forward. We’re especially excited by the opportunity to become part of the supply chain for aircraft and provide Boeing with UKmanufactured components.”

8 sde.technology nmis.scot

Meet your manufacturing partners

Subcon 2024, scheduled for June 5-6 at the NEC, Birmingham is the premier event for manufacturing buyers across all sectors. Subcon provides an unrivaled opportunity to source manufacturing solutions from a variety of world-class exhibitors.

This year's event promises a refreshed and innovative format, with new developments introduced to adapt and enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic programme featuring interactive CPD-accredited workshops, cutting-edge product demonstrations, and insightful keynote presentations. Additionally, visitors can join roundtable discussion sessions that are designed to foster collaboration and idea-sharing.

Whether you are aiming to benchmark your capabilities, seeking innovative solutions, or simply looking to stay ahead of industry trends, Subcon can provide the answers.

Visitors will have the chance to see over 150 leading UK and international suppliers under one roof, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions available in CNC machining, metal fabrication, electronics, component parts, and more.

Thousands of new products and innovations will be on display across the full range of advanced engineering technology, systems and services – from additive

manufacturing and metrology solutions to frictionless bearings, cables and controls.

The organisers say that the show is geared to helping you increase capacity, optimise productivity, improve flexibility and remain competitive.

Revamped programme

New for 2024, Subcon has announced a significant enhancement to its conference and workshop programme, with the introduction of a variety of different session formats that take place within three specialised areas; designed to cater to a diverse range of interests and professional needs within the manufacturing industry: the Innovation Zone, Workshops and Learning Space, and the Manufacturing Insights Theatre.

Additionally, the programme is now officially CPD accredited, ensuring attendees can gain valuable professional development credits while

engaging with top industry experts and cutting-edge technologies.

Manufacturing Insights Theatre

Explore insightful keynote presentations and engage in lively panel discussions at the Manufacturing Insights Theatre. This forum features thought leaders discussing the latest trends and challenges in manufacturing. Each session includes interactive Q&A segments, making it a dynamic platform for learning and engagement.

Workshops & Learning Space

Dive into hands-on learning with roundtable discussions and sector-focused peer-to-peer meetings in the Workshops & Learning Space. Tailored to address specific industry challenges, these sessions offer practical insights and networking opportunities, facilitated by industry experts.

Innovation Zone

This area is dedicated to handson demonstrations, showing you how new technologies and products operate in real-time. It's the perfect place to see the newest innovations in action and discover how they can enhance your manufacturing processes.

Other new features for Subcon 2024 include:

Motorsport Simulators & Prize Draw: Compete in professional motorsport simulators operated by FP Zero. Dive into the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing right on the exhibition floor. The

fastest lap will not only boast bragging rights but will also win a PalmerSport driving day experience valued at over £600!

Dedicated Work

and Meeting Spaces: Need a quiet spot for a meeting or just to catch up on emails? Subcon now has dedicated spaces set up for exactly that. Stop by to meet with peers or to take a break and grab a coffee.

Networking Drinks

& Entertainment: All visitors, exhibitors, and speakers are

invited to unwind at a welcome drinks reception, complete with entertainment, starting at 5pm on the first day of the exhibition. Registration is completely free, offering an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore cuttingedge innovations, and participate in a variety of sessions designed to drive your manufacturing capabilities forward.

Register now at bit.ly/ECSubcon or scan the QR code

8 Made Smarter Adoption Stand E77

C&W Business Solutions, part of the CW Growth Hub Group, leads the Made Smarter West Midlands programme on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, The Department for Business & Trade, Business Growth West Midlands, and the Growth Hubs in Worcestershire, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and The Marches.

Made Smarter West Midlands also collaborates with a range of strategic partners, who help participants benefit from the expertise of digital manufacturing specialists, including Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

The team will be delivering a ‘Focus on SMEs’ seminar on 6 June at 1.40pm to discuss how to access funding for innovation and research, where to showcase SME expertise to potential buyers, discussing how to take your business to the next level via growth pathways and how to improve your businesses supply chain.

The Made Smarter Adoption programme provides SME manufacturers with a range of fully funded support services across six regions including: the North East, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, West of England and Yorkshire & Humber.

Technology adoption specialists from Made Smarter North West, where the regional programme was first piloted, will

also be on hand at Subcon to discuss the latest industrial digital technologies.

Claire Scott, Technology Adoption Specialist said: “I am excited to attend Subcon 2024.

“The Made Smarter programme is key to helping manufacturing SMEs adopt industrial digital technologies so they can improve their business productivity and benefit from digital transformation.

“However, manufacturers do not achieve their success alone and that is why the Made Smarter team are attending Subcon because all manufacturers throughout the supply chain can take advantage of these technologies - for example to help improve communication across suppliers and to customers as well as decrease lead times and errors.”

Subcon is set to be 25% larger this year and attendees will be able to join interactive CPD-

accredited workshops, product demonstrations, keynote presentations, roundtable discussions and more.

Claire, who is a specialist in Additive Manufacturing added: “The manufacturing sector is interconnected and as technology improves, this interconnectedness will continue to grow.

“I am looking forward to connecting with manufacturers at Subcon to understand what challenges they face and how I might help them overcome these challenges and ensure they are best positioned for success.”

From free-to-access impartial expert advice to digital transformation planning, leadership, and skills assessment and up to 50% matched grant funding to adopt hardware and software, Made Smarter is here for you. To register for your regional programme, or find out more, please visit 8 madesmarter.uk/adoption

8 Grenville Engineering Stand D81

For Grenville Engineering, Subcon isn't just another trade show—it's an annual celebration of innovation and excellence in cutting-edge fabrications. As the Grenville Engineering team gears up for its eighth consecutive year at Subcon, they are thrilled to introduce their latest advancements in fabrication technology and demonstrate their expertise in the field.

The recent £250k investment in laser-cutting technology is central to their showcase.

Grenville Engineering has increased capabilities with the Bison RDV SmartFibre CNC tube laser. This state-of-the-art equipment offers impressive functionalities, enabling precise cutting of a diverse range of tubular profiles and sections in various lengths, materials, and wall thicknesses. It's a gamechanging piece of machinery that underscores Grenville's commitment to remaining at the forefront of industry innovation.

Over the years, Grenville Engineering's presence at Subcon has yielded remarkable results, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees. Its impressive stand has served as a focal point of activity, attracting numerous enquiries ranging from simple laser cutting tasks to full-scale fabrications, solidifying its position as a leader in the fabrication sector.

As its celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Grenville's presence at Subcon carries even

greater significance. After four decades of dedicated service, this company has proven its commitment to delivering highquality engineering solutions to its valued partners and customers.

Stuart Rawlinson – Sales Director, says, "From starting as an apprentice on the shop floor in January 1995 to witnessing the introduction of this cutting-edge machinery, I am immensely proud to have been a huge part of Grenville Engineering's history. Our investment in technology is not just about staying ahead; it's about honouring our legacy of excellence. With 25% of our employees boasting over 20+ years of service, we can confidently assure our customers that we know our trade."

Grenville Engineering takes immense pride in its relationships and the trust it has earned, gaining new long-standing customers from Subcon from

diverse sectors such as laboratory, food retailing, and transportation.

Visitors to Grenville Engineering's stand at D81 will discover more than just cuttingedge technology—they'll experience firsthand the customer-centric focus. The team will be on hand to discuss any fabrication enquiries, highlighting their comprehensive services in laser cutting, punching, metal forming, welding, and assembly and exploring how they can partner to bring projects to life.

Grenville Engineering is a leading example of innovation and reliability, meeting the evolving needs of the industry. As it embarks on this milestone year, it looks forward to showcasing its latest advancements at Subcon as it moves into the next chapter - one defined by excellence and enduring success.

8 grenville-engineering.co.uk

8 MIE Solutions: Stand C72

MIE Solutions will be showcasing its comprehensive ERP system, MIETrak Pro. Company Directors Chris Mann and Sam Hawkes, as well as Business Development Manager Tom Trow-Poole and Operations Manager Mat Fearon will be on the stand to provide detailed insights into the benefits of this innovative software designed specifically for the manufacturing and engineering industry.

The MIETrak Pro system offers a comprehensive production control solution that covers every aspect of your business from RFQ all the way through to accounting. With seamless integration across all departments, this intuitive system provides complete visibility and enables efficient communication within the company.

MIE Solutions also offers a range of products that

complement the software, such as customizable web dashboards, shop floor data capture, cloud hosting, and API integrations. One of the key objectives of MIETrak Pro is to streamline operational processes, resulting in increased profitability, enhanced customer satisfaction, and improved employee engagement.

With a growing user base of customers worldwide, ranging from SMEs to large OEMs, MIE Solutions has established a reputation for delivering flexible, user-friendly software with exceptional support services. The team at MIE Solutions are dedicated to helping businesses optimize their performance and thrive in today's competitive market through the implementation of this powerful software and looks forward to meeting you and demonstrating its capabilities. 8 mie-solutions.co.uk

8 Simplefit Ltd: Stand D71

Established in 1970 and occupying over 40,000 sq. ft of manufacturing floor space Simplefit Ltd is able to offer a complete service from design and development through to manufacture and production of press tooling, pressed components, tube manipulation and fabrication alongside component assembly and project management.

The company serves the defence, medical, automotive, electronic, marine and building & construction industries.

In tooling and presswork it specialises in progression tooling alongside deep drawing and blanking, stamping and forming up to a capacity of 250 tonnes utilising Bruderer, Hare, Rhodes and Aida power presses.

The company is ISO 9001:2015 quality accredited and can also provide all heat treatment and finishing requirements to allow it to offer a true ‘one stop shop’ solution. 8 simplefit.co.uk

8 TGM Industrial: Stand C107

TGM Industrial Group, an integrated set of UK companies incorporating four precision engineering businesses, two foundries and three industrial fastener companies, is exhibiting at Subcon for the first time.

With over 250 employees through the Midlands and Yorkshire, TGM serves customers in various industrial sectors, including conventional and renewable power, oil and gas, transportation infrastructure and aerospace.

TGM Industrial companies include:

Ferrybridge Workshops. Operating from 160,000 sq-ft facilities in Knottingley, Ferrybridge provides precision heavy engineering, turbine and valve services of a capacity unique within the United Kingdom to power generation, utilities and industrial sectors. PT Engineers. Based in Rugby, PT Engineers specialises in large turbine parts, case manufacture, valve components, shafts and rotors for critical industries.

Fowler and Holden. Based in Grimsby, this company’s foundry division produces iron and ductile castings up to 2500 kg while its engineering division machines both castings and other steel and non-ferrous components.

Arrow Butler Castings. Based in Chesterfield, this company’s foundry division specialises in gravity die and sand castings in all grades of aluminium while its engineering division services both its foundry and various third-party customers.

Union Fasteners/RCF Bolt & Nut /GSS Fasteners. These companies manufacture and distribute bespoke and standard industrial fasteners.

8 tgmindustrial.co.uk

8 SIC Manufacturing Excellence: Stand B80

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of SIC Manufacturing Excellence. It has been a leader in providing electrical and mechanical manufacturing solutions since 1964. Its experience and expertise have allowed it to streamline its manufacturing processes resulting in products of the highest quality whilst remaining competitive.

Manufacturing right here in the UK from a custom built 188,000 square foot facility, it

provides services which include, but are not limited to, control panels, wiring harnesses, panel wiring, box build manufacture across multiple sectors making it diverse and flexible – which enables it to support any customer requirements.

With quality accreditations from multiple Industry

recognised boards including IPC, ISO9001, ISO140001, UL, NICEIC, Safe Supplier it can guarantee products are manufactured to the highest standards ensuring great quality whilst working to protect the Environment.

No matter what size the business, SIC says it we can help by freeing up your resource, whilst you enjoy the benefits of its knowledge and expertise, which in turn increases product quality making its service priceless. SIC says its passion is establishing long term relationship with customers for both sub-assembly or fully manufactured units, to aid a journey of growth and success.

8 sicltd.com

8 EMS: Stand A75

Electronic Manufacturing Solutions (EMS) is a global supplier of electronic manufacturing services founded in 2007. Based in Newbury, Berkshire, where the company handles all its manufacturing processes, EMS offers a vast array of solutions for all sorts of projects — big or small.

This includes everything from PCB design and assembly completed using a mix of through-hole technology (THT) and surface-mount technology (SMT) — EMS’ core business and area of expertise — to turnkey assembly, procurement and final product testing...

Every service EMS provides is completed to the highest possible quality thanks to its documented business management system, which meets the requirements for two internationally recognised standards: BS EN 9001:2015 and BS EN ISO 13485:2016 (specific to medical devices).

JFL are broach and broaching specialists with many years personal experience. We offer a comprehensive broaching service covering keyways, squares, hexagons and special forms.

Unit 2, Deethe Farm Industrial Est, Cranfield Rd, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK17 8UR Tel: 01908 585103

www.jflbroaches.co.uk

EMS uses the latest top-ofthe-range equipment and offers automated optical inspection (AOI) for all SMT components and production batches to ensure perfect results every time.

The company says it is a customer-focused organisation, with friendly, knowledgeable

Limited

Qualiturn are a very modern subcontract machining service. We offer CNC precision Turned and Milled components to your specifications and quantities. We work with all sizes of customers, offering the same service to all. Supplying various market sectors across the world.

7 Fountain Drive, Hertford, Herts, UK, SG13 7UB Tel. +44 (0) 1992 584499

www.qualiturn.co.uk

team members committed to meeting and exceeding expectations. Not only does it deliver a friendly, professional service, but it can also flex to meet unique requirements and maintain honest communications at all times — even when a quick turnaround is needed.

8 emsolutions.uk.com

Bowers Group is a leader in the field of measurement, supplying quality metrology instruments to organisations worldwide.

Unit 3 Albany Court, Albany Park, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7QR Tel +44 (0) 1276 469866

www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Qualiturn Products

& M Precision Ltd

We are a subcontract machine facility that manufactures precision Turn/Mill components using one-hit technology. We supply various industry sectors which has helped us develop our machining techniques over the years.

Unit 3 Mill Lane

Fullbridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 4NX Tel: 01621 852569 office@onehitcnc.com

Providing CNC Milling, Turning, 5 axis and Robotic automated machining, Honing, Grinding, Broaching, ID marking, surface finishing & PPAP certification for hundreds of industries.

TUVRheinland ISO 9001:2015, JOSCAR accredited Ford Tier 1 Global supplier. Winners of BAE Systems International Chairmans Award. Cyber Essentials

Contact Sales for more information T. 01495 760561 mail@djjengineering.com

Manufacturing precision machined components since 1965

Services include: CNC milling, CNC turning, turn/mill machining, sub contracted services, finishing and project management.

Greenfield Lane, Shaw, Oldham, Lancashire, OL2 8QP Tel: 01706 842311

5 High quality precision machined components

5 Trusted technical support service

5 Complete and bespoke service from conception to completion

5 AS9100D & ISO 9001:2015 approved

Oldfield Street, Crosland Moor Huddersfield HD4 5AJ T: 01484 548903 www.thomas-brown-engineering.co.uk

Wealdpark Ltd

CNC mill-turn facility using Star sliding head lathes with bar capacity up to 32mm diameter. Miyano and Doosan fixed head lathes with bar capacity up to 65mm. Hurco vertical machining centre.

Sutton Road, St. Helens Merseyside WA9 3DJ Tel: 01744 22567 www.wealdpark.co.uk

Precision manufacturers of a wide range of compression tension and torsion springs. Also circlips, wireforms, contacts, antennas and light pressings. Quality approved to BS EN ISO 9001:2000.

Unit 1, Latimer Road Industrial Est, Latimer Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2YD Tel: 0118 978 6573 www.simpsonsprings.co.uk