SME manufacturers in England are being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 87% of companies identifying a significant decrease in production volumes.
The initial findings of the Manufacturing Barometer, which covers more than 330 firms across England, reveals a stark picture of how the virus is already affecting industrial confidence and future predictions around safeguarding jobs.
The Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI) for the first quarter of 2020 showed that, prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, the UK subcontract manufacturing market was recovering strongly from a poor second half of 2019.
The index stood at 112, compared to the baseline figure of 100, which represents the average value of the subcontract market between 2014 and 2018.
From heating our homes to keeping us connected online, the engineering industry and the complexity that it entails plays a huge part in our daily lives.
Countless parts of our everyday lives are supported by engineering. But as the times change, more is being demanded from engineers. We’re going to take a look at how the industry will progress, with a key focus on the challenges that lay ahead for the industry and those who keep it in motion.
The eco-friendly face of engineering
A new 10kW fibre laser at Leicester-based ADS Laser Cutting has effectively double the speed at which it can cut components.
The Trumpf TruLaser 5030 fiber features Active Speed Control and has been supplied with a LiftMaster Compact load/unload automation system, which enables lights-out operations.
The BTMA (British Turned Parts Manufacturers Association) has appointed Peter Hobbs as Director.
Peter has been involved with the BTMA for many years as a Technical Member and has recently completed a two-year term as the BTMA’s Technical Officer.
Prior to taking up his new position Peter had worked for nearly 30 years in the supply of materials to the turned and machined parts industry.
Speaking on his appointment Peter said: “I’m very much looking forward to taking on the role and moving it forward to modernise the BTMA.