News » UK News UK manufacturing sector maintains ‘stellar’ performance
The UK manufacturing sector continued to expand during September, to deliver its strongest quarterly performance since the first quarter of 2011. The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) expanded for the sixth successive month, and the labour market also showed further signs of improvement, with the rate of job creation hitting a 28-month peak.
Awards will recognise skills achievements in the UK
Semta, the employer-led organisation that fosters skills in engineering, manufacturing and science in the UK, has announced plans for an awards scheme that will recognise the achievements of people, businesses and training partners across the sector.
£400m boost for engineering and science education
David Willetts, the British government minister for universities and science, has announced plans to invest £200m in new teaching facilities for science and engineering at UK universities. The Government funding will be matched by an equal contribution from the private sector, which could be in the form of gifts such as equipment.
Manufacturing orders are highest since crisis began
A survey of nearly 400 UK manufacturers has shown that growth in the manufacturing sector is continuing to pick up, with orders at their highest level since the start of the financial crisis. The CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey reveals that orders rose for the fifth consecutive month, while exports orders also grew strongly.
98% of UK female engineers find their job rewarding
More than 80% of female engineers in the UK are happy with their career choice and 98% find their job rewarding, according to a new survey conducted by by the engineering consultancy Atkins in partnership with BP, Rolls-Royce and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
David Brown joins forces with gearbox sister firm, Moventas
Finland's Moventas Group has acquired the wind gearbox business of its Huddersfield-based sister company, David Brown, along with its UK production plant, test facilities and service workshop. Both businesses are owned by the Glasgow-based Clyde Blowers group.
UK manufacturing grows at fastest rate for 20 years
The UK manufacturing sector has maintained its strong start to the third quarter of 2013, with growth rates for output and new orders during August at their highest since 1994, according to the latest Markit/CIPS Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted PMI hit a two-and-a-half year high in August, and has expanded for five successive months.
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.
