230 jobs could go as Renold plans to close chain plant
Renold has started discussions with its workforce over the proposed closure of its chain factory in Bredbury, Manchester, with the possible loss of 230 jobs.
Rexnord adds UK’s Micro Precision to its aerospace business
The US motion control and water management specialist Rexnord has acquired the assets of Micro Precision Gear Technology, a UK-based manufacturer of precision gears and other components, for an undisclosed sum. Micro-Precision has 85 employees and annual sales worth about $14m.
Manufacturing SMEs in England are ready to invest
More than half of manufacturing SMEs in England are planning to spend more on new machinery and premises over the next six months – a 12% rise on the same period last year.
Manufacturing output grows at fastest for two years
British manufacturers have seen a significant rise in production levels in the three months to August, as well as markedly improved order books, according to the latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI (Confederation of British Industry).
73% of UK manufacturers are planning new products
British manufacturers are increasing their innovation in new products, technology and research, and plan to use this to expand their activities in emerging markets over the coming three years, according to a new survey from EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and NatWest Bank.
Atlas Copco buys vacuum pump-maker Edwards for $1.6bn
The Swedish compressor giant Atlas Copco is buying the British vacuum pump specialist, Edwards, for up to SEK10.6bn ($1.6bn). Edwards, whose headquarters are in Crawley, UK, has more than 3,200 employees and generated revenues worth £595m in 2012, more than half of this coming from Asia.
£6m investment will create 41 jobs at magnetic gears firm
Magnomatics, the Sheffield-based developer of magnetic transmissions and ultra-compact and efficient motors and generators, is planning to add at least 41 new jobs, after winning a £1m regional growth fund (RGF) grant.
Motor-maker delivers prototype gearboxes in two days
The Bournemouth-based geared motor manufacturer Parvalux has introduced a service that allows it to deliver proof-of-concept gearbox prototypes in as little as two days.
EEF raises 2014 growth forecast to 1.9%, but investment woes remain
EEF, the UK manufacturers’ organisation, has upgraded its growth forecasts for this year and next, but warned of significant risks if investment does not make up the ground lost in the past five years.
UK manufacturing hits a 28-month high in July
The upturn in UK manufacturing continued to build momentum at the start of the third quarter, with growth rates for production and new orders at their highest levels since February 2011, according to the latest Markit/CIPS Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI).
Evans succeeds Hartigan as MD of Schaeffler UK
Roger Evans has been appointed as Schaeffler (UK)’s managing director, with immediate effect, succeeding Kate Hartigan, who is retiring after serving more than 19 years at the company.
Q2 robot sales came close to the total for 2011
Sales of robots in the UK during the second quarter of 2013 were more than double those in the first quarter and almost as large as sales for the whole of 2011, according to figures released by Bara, the British Automation and Robot Association.
One third of manufacturing SMEs make pay rises
About a third of UK manufacturing businesses have given their staff pay rises over the past 12 months, according to a survey of SME owner-managers conducted by Close Brothers. Almost two-thirds of these increases were in line with inflation, while a fifth were above inflation.
Power transmission manufacturer adds a new site
Medway (UK), the Kent-based manufacturer and distributor of mechanical power transmission and motion transfer products, has bought another production facility close to its headquarters in Ashford.
IET moves in with the IMechE – for two years
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has transferred temporarily to the premises of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) while its own Savoy Place venue undergoes a major refurbishment.