How are manufacturers creating connected factories?
The latest Annual Manufacturing Report has revealed the forms of connectivity UK companies are using in their factories. For the first time in its almost decade-long history, the Annual Manufacturing Report has a dedicated Connected Factories section. It probes manufacturers’ attitudes to the connected factory and explores what technologies are being used, how much is being invested in connectivity, and what returns are being expected from that investment. Read more...
UK skies nearing capacity warn air traffic chiefs
As the school term ends and families jet off on their summer holidays, UK air traffic controllers are braced for what is expected to be their busiest day on record. NATS – which manages the UK’s air traffic control systems – expects to handle a record-breaking 8,800 flights today (Friday 21st July) and more than 770,000 overall during the course of the summer, beating last year’s figure by 40,000 and the previous high set in 2007. Whilst NATS says it is confident that it will be able to handle the sudden increase in traffic over coming weeks, it has also warned that the UK is getting close to manageable limits. Read more...
EEF/BDO Regional Manufacturing Outlook 2017
The third annual Regional Manufacturing Outlook report published by EEF in partnership with BDO LLP, pulls together survey results on the health of manufacturing over the past year, comparing and contrasting performance across the eight regions of England, Scotland and Wales.In recent years the surveys have pointed to a bumpy ride for manufacturing, with output and new orders buffeted by swings in commodity prices and concerns about growth in some part of the world at one time or another.The past year has also seen some ups and downs, but in a turn for the better it seems most regions have seen more positive news – particularly in the last couple of quarters. Read more...
BMW pledges to build new electric MINI at Oxford plant
BMW Group has announced the new fully battery electric MINI car going into production in 2019 will be built at the company's UK manufacturing plant in Oxford. The new fully-electric MINI will reportedly be a variant of the current three-door hatchback model.Electrification is one of the central pillars of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy, and the company expects electrified vehicles to account for up to 25% of sales by 2025. Read more...
3D Printing Trends Q3-2017
3D Hubs 3D Printing Trends is a quarterly update using data from 7,000 active international service providers, who create more than 200,000 3D printed parts each quarter. It’s the only industry report based on hard numbers and the most extensive overview of the latest trends in 3D printing. Read more...
Mitsubishi to acquire UK power transmission network
Japan’s Mitsubishi is to acquire power transmission cables for an offshore wind farm in the UK, as the company looks to grow its influence in the European renewable market. Mitsubishi will spend $234m to buy transmission cables and substations spanning 26km between the 258-MW Burbo Bank Extension wind farm and the county of Denbighshire in northern Wales. It is set to operate the link for 20 years starting late this year, according to Nikkei news. Read more...