NEWS Detail http://www.domain.com/link.htm Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:12:55 -0400 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 09:00:00 -0400 A new initiative of up to amppound125 million is being set up to improve the global competitiveness of UK advanced manufacturing supply chains Business Secretary Vince Cable announced recently. The Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative aims to help existing UK supply chains grow and achieve world class standards while encouraging major new suppliers to come and manufacture here. The new fund will support innovative projects in established UK advanced manufacturing sectors such as aerospace automotive and chemicals. It will also target newer growth areas where the UK is well placed to take a global lead such as energy renewables and other low carbon sectors. The competitive fund will invite applications early in the new year and will be flexible in the type of support offered to successful proposals recognising that to fulfil their potential and address market failures suppliers and supply chains may require a combination of investment in capital equipment associated research and development and improved skills and training support. Business Secretary Vince Cable said ampldquoRecent economic and natural shocks such as the ash clouds tsunami and Japanese earthquake have shown the fragility of long distance and single source supply chains. ampldquoI want to seize on the increased preference that big global companies are showing for colocating key elements of their supply chains with their UK manufacturing operations. ampldquoBritish suppliers have a lot to offer and we need to help them realise and develop their strengths and sell them on the international market. ampldquoWhile still encouraging free trade I also want to gain maximum value for the UK by ensuring our suppliers are in the best position possible to compete for the very significant new private and public investments being made in the UK over the next few years.amprdquo John Cridland CBI DirectorGeneral said ampldquoWe welcome this new initiative which will help build UK supply chain capability and resilience. It will enhance our manufacturing competitiveness and build on strengths in advanced engineering research and innovation. ampldquoBetter coordination of effort and a concerted focus to develop areas of comparative advantage will create new manufacturing jobs and drive growth as part of a rebalanced economy. ampldquoThis initiative will help ensure we make the most of value chain opportunities in key sectors such as chemicals food automotive and aerospace. It is a clear step in the right direction as part of a new approach to industrial policy.amprdquo Chief Executive of EEF Terry Scuoler added ampldquoUK suppliers in manufacturing compare with the best in the world but there are simply too few of them. Addressing this shortcoming is vital as many companies are responding to the shocks of recent years by looking afresh at how they manage their supply chains. Now is the right time to provide a serious boost to our domestic capability.amprdquo Applications will be assessed by the Technology Strategy Board. Its Chief Executive Iain Gray explained ampldquoOur goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting businessled innovation. We are delighted to be involved in running this competition which provides an opportunity to see innovation move rapidly into the market across whole supply chains in a broad range of advanced manufacturing sectorsquot. The programme will complement and work alongside other publicly funded schemes such as the Regional Growth Fund Growth and Innovation Fund Manufacturing Advisory Service and UK Trade and Investment to maximise impact. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=898 2012-01-26 The Jaguar Etype has been presented with an Engineering Heritage Award by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The classic car which Enzo Ferrari called amplsquothe most beautiful car ever madeamprsquo joined the worldamprsquos first railway locomotive the Vulcan Bomber and Bletchley Parkamprsquos Bombe codebreaking machine on the list of award winners. The Etype has become the first and only automobile to win a Heritage Award which celebrates Britainamprsquos greatest engineering feats. Professor Isobel Pollock President Elect of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said ampldquoThe Etype is truly one of Britainamprsquos greatest engineering triumphs defining a decade and putting the Midlands car industry on the world stage. ampldquoThis award is in honour of those Coventry engineers and designers that produced the fastest most advanced sports car in the world on its release. We also want to give recognition to Jaguar which continues to act as a standardbearer for UK manufacturing to this day.quot Mike Beasley former managing director of Jaguar and Trustee of Jaguar Heritage saidampnbsp quotFifty years after its launch the Etype remains one of the most iconic cars ever made and its design and engineering continue to inspire the Jaguars of the future. It is a great honour for it to join such illustrious company by winning this award.quot The most advanced sports car in the world upon its release in 1961 the Jaguar Etype became one of the most enduring symbols of the Swinging Sixties with celebrities from Tony Curtis to Brigitte Bardot among its 72000 owners. The engineering behind the Etype is equally impressive. Designed and manufactured in Coventry the car could reach speeds of up to 150mph ampndash unrivalled for a car on sale to the general public ampndash and its sleek curvaceous design was shaped by the emerging field of automotive aerodynamics. The Etype also pioneered breakthrough engineering technology ampndash its combined monoque spaceframe would later be adopted by Formula One. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=899 2012-01-26 GAMBICA and Intellect will be holding a joint event in February 2012 in London to promote the concept of automation and its benefits in the manufacturing chain. Called Automated Britain ampndash The Renaissance of UK Manufacturing the event will also explore whether there are any perceived obstacles that discourage industry from making more investments of this type. Automated Britain is aimed at industry leaders in the UK manufacturing chain including senior strategists and decision makers investors business consultants and Government officials. GAMBICA believes that the key benefits of automation technology are enhanced competiveness for UK industry improved energy efficiency and pollution control. The purpose of the Automated Britain conference is to alert the manufacturing industry Government and the media to the opportunities that automation offers. It will spread best practice by having senior executives from the automation and manufacturing industries jointly present case studies on successful uses of automation. The companies presenting at the event will be drawn from GAMBICAamprsquos membership which comprises the majority of the major players in the automation sector. Each vendor will present in partnership with an end user and will focus on the business benefits delivered by the equipment. ampldquoIn the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Review at the end of 2010 the Department for Business Innovation and Skills recognised the importance of automation as a key technology in enabling globally competitive manufacturing operations to invest and grow in the UKamprdquo explained Steve Brambley deputy director of GAMBICA.ampnbsp ampldquoSmart automated systems and processes are not only essential in attracting foreign direct investments but represent a key component to grow and rebalance the British economy. A combination of worldclass RampampD both corporate and academic and early adoption of automated technologies by UKbased modern manufacturers can accelerate economic recovery and unleash the potential to give Britainamprsquos longterm prosperity.amprdquo Automation has a similarly important role to play in improving energy efficiency and can make a significant contribution to the carbon reduction agenda.ampnbsp Most of the highest profile energy efficient technologies of the last few years such as lean burn car engines and domestic boilers have been largely the result of the incorporation of modern automation and sensing and control technology into the equipment. Scaled up into major manufacturing industries these techniques can cut energy consumption reduce costs and improve efficiency.ampnbsp This is particularly relevant given that Europeamprsquos major polluting industries are about to face a raft of new EC directives based on the polluterpays principle.ampnbsp Furthermore automation technology continues to be a strength of the United Kingdom and a manufacturing industry in its own right. It contributes over amppound5bn per year to the UK economy and directly employing around 100000 people. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=901 2012-01-26 Respected qualifications in engineering must remain available to 14 to 16yearolds in England and should be actively promoted by Government as a rigorous complement to mathematics and science studies not as a second rate vocational option the Royal Academy of Engineering has warned. At a time when the purpose of anything other than the GCSE is being brought into question by Government proposals the Academy believes there must be a greater supply of young people who can combine STEM knowledge with real practical skills if the UK economy is to keep pace with the rest of the world. It has restated the purpose of engineering studies for 14 to 16yearolds in order to bring much needed clarity to the debate. Professor Matthew Harrison director of education at the Academy said quotThe UK is in the business of high addedvalue hightechnology sustainable engineering and manufacturing. On top of that we must maintain capability in a range of vital areas including electricity gas nuclear IT water and healthcare services. quotAll depend on engineering knowledge and skills and all are signalling increasing demand and experiencing a scarcity of supply of suitably qualified young people.quot Engineering is an area of great priority for the Coalition Government which recognises the high value placed on practical engineering qualifications by most successful nations. This fact is recognised by the recent announcement of the amppound1m Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering which has gained crossparty support. Matthew Harrison believes the existing qualifications are robust enough to help fill the need for engineers while providing a solid allround education to those who choose them quotEngineering qualifications for 14 to 16yearolds such as the 1419 Diploma in Engineering provide the STEM learning outcomes required for progression to STEM apprenticeship further education or university along with significant opportunities to design create and test engineered products. These engineering qualifications are entirely relevant to pupils who are set to succeed with their academic studies. They are not soft vocational options. quotEngineering is about making things and its products surround us in our everyday lives. The buildings in which we live and work the energy and fuels that we consume the mobile phones computers satnavs and other consumer items that we use the food that we eat the water we drink the transport we ride the healthcare and sanitation on which we depend and the entertainment that we enjoy all these things and more are the products of engineering. We are all immersed in this engineered world be it as individuals as businesses or indeed as a society yet it is so familiar to us that many dont associate it with the profession of engineering.quot http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=902 2012-01-26 After the recession and in the present choppy period of recovery what our economy needs most is sustainable growth. This means a more balanced economy driven more by investment innovation and exports with manufacturing playing a greater role than it has previously. However at the same time the Government has ambitious green objectives including reducing greenhouse emissions increasing the amount of energy we get from renewable sources and a longterm ambition to create a zero or minimal waste society. There is a worrying contradiction here the Governmentamprsquos policies on greening the economy and growing it often seem to be pulling in opposite directions. The Government wants manufacturing to play a bigger role in the economy but many of the ways we currently try to achieve our environmental objectives simply drive up costs for companies in the UK which they simply do not face in other countries. In a recent survey we found that manufacturers are already playing their part in helping the UK to meet stretching carbon targets ampndash investing in energy efficiency waste management or using water and raw materials more efficiently to help keep costs low. After all this makes good business sense. For example 80 of firms have invested in energy resource or waste efficiency while 84 have taken action to reduce carbon emissions. The green and growth agendas do not need to be conflicting. In fact one can support the other and there are many opportunities for UK manufacturing to provide the technological solutions to the environmental problems we face. To demonstrate this EEF has this week launched a amplsquoGreen and Growthamprsquo campaign. As part of this we will be pushing for the Government to reduce the complexity burden and cost of environmental regulation steps to ensure that the UK has secure and competitivelypriced energy supplies and measures to help companies develop produce and commercialise green technologies here in the UK. We will of course also be providing our members with the support and services they need to get ahead of the game in these areas. Working collaboratively with the Government we believe that manufacturing can help to make the UK the leading economy for environmental technologies. EEF believes that this is a going green or going for growth is a false choice and our campaign aims to find an alternative route to secure both goals. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=896 2011-12-02 Drafted by the Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) SAFed and the HSE the new guidance advises that boiler operators and managers achieve the national industry standards from leading training providers like Spirax Sarco. The new document recommends Certified Industrial Boiler Operator (CertIBO) status for operators and Diploma in Boiler Plant Operation Management (DipBOM) for managers both of which are covered in the Spirax Sarco Boiler Operation Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) training course. Over 1000 candidates have already completed BOAS training with Spirax Sarco and other providers. Spirax Sarco offers a fourday BOASaccredited course that provides the necessary qualifications to cover participants for five years after which a refresher is required. ampldquoSafety is obviously the main driver but proper training can also save money for boiler owners and operatorsamprdquo says Roger Glassonbury Spirax Sarcoamprsquos UK training manager. ampldquoProperly operated steam boilers provide a safe and efficient way of moving energy around. Complying with the new advice will not only improve the safety of boiler operations but knowing the best ways to operate and maintain a steam system is the key to improving efficiency boosting productivity and reducing costs. Any initial outlay will soon be repaid in a typical steam installation.amprdquo To find out more about the new BG01 boiler guidance or for a copy of the 2012 Training Course Brochure please email training.centreuk.spiraxsarco.com or visit www.spiraxsarco.comuk http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=897 2011-12-02 Future engineering projects including High Speed Rail and the scaling up of UK nuclear power could be fatally undermined by a dangerous shortfall in engineering graduates according to a report launched by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The amplsquoMeeting the Challenge Demand and Supply of Engineers in the UKamprsquo report estimates that the UK needs 31100 new graduate engineers every year for the next five years to meet industry demand in 2017. Currently just 12000 engineering students graduate annually. Stephen Tetlow chief executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said ampldquoA shortage of engineers would affect every person in Britain potentially damaging the countryamprsquos vitally important manufacturing sector energy and transport systems as well as the UKamprsquos global competitiveness. ampnbspampldquoWorryingly we are not producing enough engineering graduates to meet forecast demand. Failure to attract more of the next generation into the profession could prove disastrous for the future of British engineering.amprdquo The report also looks into the need to plug the leak of engineering graduates moving to nonengineering careers such as finance and management. Between 40 and 50 of engineering graduates move into nonengineering careers. The report states that there is little quantifiable evidence of an overall shortage of graduate engineers in the UK today due partly to the current economic climate. However this situation will quickly change without urgent action as ambitious infrastructure projects a planned increase in UK manufacturing as a share of GDP and the implementation of low carbon energy plans all call for a flood of new engineers. To meet this demand the Institution calls for ampnbsp A clear Government plan that can unite industry educators and the engineering profession in addressing engineering skills shortages Industry to invest in schemes that promote engineering in schools and change work place culture to make it more attractive to young people The profession as a whole to create more flexible routes into engineering as an alternative to a university degree such as workbased learning An industryled careers service that might attract more graduates into engineering occupations. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=891 2011-11-22 Manufacturers machine builders partners industry analysts and media from around the world will meet Nov. 1617 at McCormick Place in Chicago to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Automation Fair event hosted by Rockwell Automation. The Automation Fair event provides manufacturing business leaders the opportunity to learn about smart safe sustainable solutions that can help optimise plants improve machine performance and manufacture products in a more sustainable manner. ampldquoThe Automation Fair event features the industryamprsquos largest selection of technical sessions handson labs and industry forumsamprdquo said Keith Nosbusch chairman and CEO Rockwell Automation. ampldquoAttendees can take advantage of automation expertise from Rockwell Automation and our Partner Network providing access to a comprehensive set of industry leaders in distribution systems integration machine building and complementary technologies.amprdquo IndustryFocused Events Fill the Weekamp8232During industry forums attendees will hear firsthand from specialists and customers about the latest automation solutions for the automotive energy food and beverage global machine builders metals and mining oil and gas and water wastewater sectors. As part of the week Rockwell Automation also will host the Process Solutions User Group (PSUG) and the Safety Automation Forum events on Nov14 and 15 for attendees interested in exchanging ideas learning best practices and seeking solutions for their process and safety needs. Attendees can register online at www.rockwellautomation.comeventsautomationfair. Manufacturing Perspectives Brings Together Industry Leadersamp8232Prior to the Automation Fair event industry journalists and analysts will gather on Nov 15 for Manufacturing Perspectives a global media forum. Attendees will learn about the leading topics in manufacturing technology and automation through presentations and panel discussions featuring industry specialists. Robert D. Atkinson founder and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation a Washington D.C.based technology think tank will deliver the first keynote address at Manufacturing Perspectives. Atkinsonamprsquos presentation will explain the role innovation and technology can play in generating economic growth and implementing public policy. His keynote will be followed by a panel of industry leaders that will identify and discuss the role automation technology will play in the future of manufacturing. William Strauss senior economist and industry economic advisor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago will provide the second keynote address focusing on the economy. Strauss teaches at the DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and at the University of Chicago Graham School of General Studies where he was honoured with the 2010 Excellence in Teaching Award in the Business and Professional Programs. This keynote presenter will be followed by an industry panel that will discuss the future of the manufacturing workforce. PWE will be reporting directly from Chicago on the latest developments from the 20th Anniversary Automation Fair. ampnbsp http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=892 2011-11-22 Businesses are concerned that current UK energy regulations will not raise the investment needed to ensure the countryamprsquos low carbon future and are calling on the government to either simplify or scrap some existing legislation to ensure targets can be met. These are the findings of a consultation by npower among business energy users which found that one in three (32) do not believe that legislation such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) Climate Change Levy (CCL) and Climate Change Agreements (CCAs) the Renewables Obligation and Feed In Tariffs will help ensure the amppound200bn investment needed for the UKamprsquos energy infrastructure is achieved. The results of npoweramprsquos consultation which is still ongoing will be fed back to government as part of its Red Tape Challenge initiative.ampnbsp The government consultation on the energy sector formally opens on 25 November. Against a backdrop of political debate on how to best regulate the energy industry npower asked businesses which energy legislation they would keep which they would like to see simplified and those they would like to see scrapped completely. Perhaps unsurprisingly the CRC received most attention with over two thirds of businesses (69) wanting to see the scheme simplified and more than half of business (57) believing it should be scrapped.ampnbsp Over a third (38) would like to see it merged with existing regulation. There was also a call to scrap the Renewables Obligation among some businesses (41) with nearly half (47) calling for it to be simplified.ampnbspampnbsp Opinion was split on CCL and CCAs with 29 wanting to see them scrapped and 32 believing they should stay. Wayne Mitchell interim industrial and commercial markets director at npower comments ampldquoEnergy policy ultimately drives British business.ampnbsp But as the Government recognises through its Red Tape Challenge initiative there is a mammoth amount of legislative cost burden on British businesses.ampnbsp Groups such as the CBI have been very vocal about how this legislation is not only stifling domestic growth but also making the UK less competitive on an international scale. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=894 2011-11-22 I have been representing industry as the manufacturing amplsquochampionamprsquo as part of the Governmentamprsquos amplsquoRed Tape Challengeamprsquo this autumn. The cost of regulation is a big issue for manufacturers and whilst growth is stalling the regulations weighing down on the UK economy continue to mount up. This role has involved promoting the Red Tape Challenge and encouraging manufacturers to get involved. It has also allowed him to participate in some of the governmentamprsquos internal amplsquochallengeamprsquo sessions where senior officials have to identify which regulations they believe can be scrapped and justify all of those that they propose should be kept. ampnbsp At an organisational level EEF has worked hard to engage with companies and get their views on red tape. We have spoken to hundreds of companies to find out what the most important issues are for them. This has yielded a wealth of information on how regulation is impacting on manufacturing companies in a wide range of areas from environmental rules and health safety to the administration of business taxes and company reporting. A key area of concern is employment law where manufacturers feel that a host of domestic and European regulations create unnecessary costs and have unintended consequences which make a running a business increasingly difficult at a very challenging time. Examples include the abolition of the Default Retirement Age which acts as a major barrier to succession planning an employment tribunal system that promotes vexatious claims unnecessarily burdensome collective redundancy rules and the wellintentioned amplsquoFit Noteamprsquo system that too often still leaves employers in the dark as to what activities employees returning from illness are fit to undertake . ampnbsp Concerns in other areas include the export licensing process which for too many companies takes too long and is too opaque and waste packaging regulations that can impose an administrative burden disproportionate to the environmental gain. EEFamprsquos backing for the Red Tape Challenge however is not unconditional. In return for promoting and supporting the initiative we expect manufacturersamprsquo views to be taken seriously and for the government to deliver substantive reforms that make it measurably easier for companies to do business. A number of important tests for Government however will shortly have to be addressed in areas such as employment law health ampamp safety and environmental regulation where the interpretation of EU Directives and burdensome commitments part of the Coalition Agreement will have to be meaningfully addressed if the Red Tape Challenge is to be successful. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=895 2011-11-22 A new decade a new reality rethinking acoustic practice for the austerity decade 1415 September 2011 Crowne Plaza Glasgow. ampldquoThis Septemberamprsquos Acoustics 2011 Conference in Glasgow with its lineup of experts in their respective fields just has to be the amplsquomustattendamprsquo event for anyone connected with acoustics and involved with buildingsquot says Kevin MacanLind chief executive of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA). ampnbspThe event is organised by the IOAamprsquos Building Acoustics Environmental Noise Noise and Vibration Engineering and Measurement and Instrumentation Groups Acoustics 2011 and the conference theme is amplsquoA new decade a new reality rethinking acoustic practice for the austerity decade.amprsquo ampnbspHe continues ampldquoIn these times of difficult economic conditions the conference theme is so relevant to those working in acoustics in building design solutions servicesampnbsp facilities and engineering or private or public sector projects schools and hospitals or involved with environmental healthcare traffic and automotive or commercial audio and broadcast considerations. ampldquoAcoustics permeate the total building fabric ampndash and solutions. So itamprsquos essential to be flexible and adapt to changing marketplace needs and the impact of evertighter budgetary constraints. ampnbspampldquoFeaturing eminent speakers from universities and leading edge organisations a packed programme covering diverse acoustics themes workshops and a choice of tours to intriguing nearby venues offering additional acoustics perspectives high quality facilities and accommodation at Glasgowamprsquos Crowne Plaza the event promises to be a major highlight in the acoustics calendar.amprdquo Acoustics 2011 programme See full programme details at www.ioa.org.ukevents. Day One (Wednesday 14 September) Following the welcome reception (evening Tuesday 13 September) in the new Arup DDS SoundLab Day One sees subject themes ranging from the acoustic design of schools (R W B Stephens Medal Lecture) designing buildings inside out amplsquodriving a wedge through soundamprsquo to the reuse of a redundant building (Speirs Locks Studios Glasgow) as a dance and musical theatre rehearsal centre to hospital noise. Automotive related presentations include methods for characterising the contribution of airborne noise routes for vehicle sound quality the effect of structuralacoustic coupling on the active control on noise in road vehicles prediction of vehicle passby noise and automotive NVH and real world fuel economy effects of system interactions. The workshop addresses the revision of CIBSE guides on noise and vibration while other presentations will cover managed services for construction site noise and vibration MEMS microphones based measuring instruments ETSUampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbsp (significance of impact) the move from prescription to PAN 12011 recent developments in noise and health innovative concert noise monitoring (modern instrumentation to improve efficiency) amplsquowhat you can get away with for 90 of the timeamprsquo innovative techniques for sound measurement (Smart Noise Monitor DUO). Day Two (Thursday 15 September) Day Two sees a choice of tours to nearby venues all offering additional acoustics perspectives. These include the Hamilton Mausoleum which is renowned for the longestlasting echo of any building worldwide and the visit includes practical measurements of reverberation time the newlybuilt amppound74 million Riverside Museum Museum of Transport which reflects Glaswegian life through history the Linn factory which has long produced highend hifi products features listening to the newest Linn systems and hearing from the senior acoustic engineer. Following a workshop concerning the principles of RT measurement the presentations continue with Sky Harlequin 1 ampndash acoustic design of natural ventilated TV studios acoustic design of water features for the built environment EIA and significance of impact human response to vibration in residential environments reverberation enhancement for music practice rooms from Salford Docks to Media City. The programme then sees speakers discussing building technology innovations in housing to deliver costeffective low carbon solutions the revision of calculation of road traffic noise (CTRN) and the Matrix (time to reload or revolution?) and EIAampnbsp (how the Matrix approach developed).ampnbsp Acoustics 2011 information For full conference programme details and to attend email linda.cantyioa.org.uk. Or visit www.ioa.org.ukevents. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=889 2011-08-22 Hertz Kompressoren Ltd has become a full member of the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS).ampnbsp BCAS executive director Chris Dee recently visited Hertz to present the companyamprsquos BCAS plaque. The acknowledgement comes after Hertzamprsquos recent achievement of attaining the ISO90012008 ampndash Quality Management Systems Award. Graeme MiddletonDuff Hertz Kompressoren managing director commented ampldquoWe are extremely proud to have received both the ISO90012008 Award and achieving full BCAS membership which highlights our acceptance into the industry trade association.ampnbsp Achieving ISO90012008 highlights the high quality of compressors and products we are producing and quality systems we have in place to back us up.amprdquo Hertz is currently being assessed for ISO140012004 ampndash Environmental Management Systems and ISO180012007 ampndash Occupational Health ampamp Safety. MiddletonDuff explained that Hertz Kompressoren was fully committed to ampldquoenvironmental and quality issues and building solid foundations for our futureamprdquo and looked forward to achieving these awards in the vey near future. For further information please visit www.hertzkompressoren.co.uk http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=821 2011-07-08 EEFamprsquos latest report continues to bring positive news from across the manufacturing sector. ampnbspThe official statistics have now shown six consecutive quarters of expansion in manufacturing output and our latest Business Trends Survey points to another three months of growth in the third quarter.The momentum behind the sectoramprsquos recovery appears to have been maintained in the first half of 2011 and the performance of manufacturing is set to continue to outpace that of the wider economy. ampnbspOur recent surveys have begun to point to a gradual improvement in confidence with positive investment intentions maintained and recruitment plans translating into the first increase in manufacturing workforce jobs since 1998.A key driver of growth remains robust demand from overseas markets. ampnbspThe balance of responses has been considerably higher than the longterm average for over a year as companies capitalise on strong growth in world markets. ampnbspOfficial statistics show that emerging Asian markets and the Middle East have been significant sources of export growth over the past two years. However the pattern of exports to Europe reflects the twospeed recovery with demand holding up in France and Germany compared with a much less positive outlook for exports to periphery economies. ampnbspWhile the gap between export and domestic orders balances widened further over the past three months responses on UK orders are still elevated compared with longterm trends. While manufacturing and its contribution to export growth remain one of the bright spots in the UK economy challenges to growth that many companies have been navigating since the end of the recession are unlikely to recede in the coming quarters. In addition other challenges remain closer to home in particular the ability of companies to access finance at competitive rates. For the first time since the recession ended manufactures are reporting improving access to finance which provides a glimmer of hope the situation may be easing. Hopefully this will translate into better news on new lending in the coming months. But availability is only part of the story and we also need to see costs coming down. Ensuring companies have access to the finance needed to invest and grow is critical for the recovery. We need to see a sustained improvement before concludingampnbspthat the actions taken by banks and government are bearing fruit and that no further measures are required.Overall manufacturers remain optimistic about output and order books in the short term but some downside risks have increased. ampnbspFor example commodity prices are likely to be high and volatile for the time being access to credit remains difficult or costly for some small companies and the path of the global recovery could yet hit a bump in the road. ampnbspNevertheless 2011 has got off to a solid start and we should see above trend growth in the sector this year and next. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=822 2011-07-08 The latest sensor and sensing system products developments technical innovations seminars and workshops will ensure Sensing Technology 2011 is a mustvisit exhibition. Developed in response to sector demand Sensing Technology is the UKs only dedicated national sensor industry event and will take place at the NEC Birmingham on 2728 September 2011. PWE reports.ampnbsp Last yearamprsquos inaugural Sensing Technology show was hailed as a great success by both exhibitors and visitors alike. Many high quality genuinely interested visitors attended enabling the exhibitors to discuss new projects and innovations on their stands and in many cases take orders at the event. This yearamprsquos exhibition on 2728 September is shaping up to be even more successful thanks to a rise in visitor preregistrations and an increased number of signed up exhibitors meaning show space is already 75 filled. Exhibitors booked to attend include Huba Control Dewetron PCB Piezotronics Strainsense Sensor Technology and STS Sensors.ampnbsp Making the link A wide variety of products will be on show ranging from temperature sensors to monitoring solutions. Therefore a visit to Sensing Technology will enable you to make better informed purchasing decisions link you with the manufacturers and suppliers who can solve your current technical application pricing andor delivery problem and provide an insight into future innovations allowing you to effectively plan your own product and application developments. With two dedicated seminar suites you will be able to amplsquopick n mixamprsquo from a wealth of informative presentations. The Innovation Theatre will house some astounding innovations many not yet commercially available but looking for business backing and application delivery. These innovations are a welcome addition to the triedandtested products already available. A large amplsquonetworking loungeamprsquo will also be available for use by both visitors and exhibitors alike.ampnbsp Quality and quantity Mike Neal of Huba Control said ampldquoWe were extremely pleased with the two days of the inaugural show. The quality and quantity of visitors and enquiries was impressive. Weamprsquore looking forward to a bigger and better show in 2011.amprdquo ampnbsp A national UK show dedicated to sensing technology is essential as John Tyrrell managing director of Ixthus Instrumentation explained ampldquoWe are always looking for new ways to meet both new and existing customers with a chance to tell them about our products and technologies. We have long believed that the UK needed a sensor specific show focused on delivering a good level of quality prospects.amprdquo He added ampldquoAt the current time of cutbacks and belt tightening we have to try new paths that will deliver our messages to the market.amprdquo ampnbsp Peter Purdy director of sales at RDP Electronics said ampldquoItamprsquos good to have a new exhibition with a tight focus on transducers and instrumentation. Sensor technology is an important area in its own right and it is important to be able to present measurement solutions to customers without the message being diluted by other technologies.amprdquo ampnbsp A spokesperson from Optris commented ampldquoWe think the UK market offers great potential for us and we have therefore been looking more closely into it. We have visited other exhibitions before but believe that we will benefit from Sensing Technology as it is focusing on one of our core industries.amprdquo They concluded ampldquoThe aim of the fair is to attract people to the products and offer them the best service.amprdquo ampnbsp Ian Ramage of Techni Measure said of last yearamprsquos show ampldquoThe first day of the exhibition was the best first day we have had for many years at any exhibition. All of the three staff members on the stand were kept busy for most of the dayamprdquoampnbsp Tony Ingham of Sensor Technology explained ampldquoThe visitors were serious and of a good quality.amprdquo He added ampldquoI think itamprsquos very important to have a sensors show. Others have died out and itamprsquos something we have needed in the UK. This could turn into a very successful show.amprdquoampnbsp Dedicated event This year seven colocated shows are forming the largest manufacturing event of the year with over 500 exhibitors. The events include Sensing Technology 2011 Interplas 2011 MM Live UK 2011 MEMS Live UK 2011 NANO Live UK 2011 tct Live 2011 PPMA Show 2011. To find out more about Sensing Technology 2011 including information for exhibitors and visitors please contact Kathryn Ambrose on 01622 699129 email kambrosedatateam.co.uk or visit the eventamprsquos dedicated website at httpwww.sensingtechnology.co.uk http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=829 2011-07-08 ampldquoManufacturing is at the heart of the UKamprsquos economic wellbeingamprdquo commented John Cridland CBI DirectorGeneral at the recent British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) AGM in Birmingham. He added ampldquoheads now nod far more vigorously than before the financial crisisamprdquo. His speech was an opportunity for him to comment on the state of British manufacturing and engineering to key decision makers at the BFPA AGM. He commented that the Chancellor George Osborne spoke in his last Budget speech of amplsquothe march of the makersamprsquo but said we have to ask whether the reality matches it. The question that many in the conference room were waiting to hear was how was the economy doing? He said ampldquoThe fundamental question of whether its recovery remains on track wasnamprsquot really answered by the headline data for GDP growth in the first quarter. For once the economic forecasters got it spot on in predicting a 0.5 per cent rise. ampldquoThis was enough to make up for the snowaffected surprise decline of the fourth quarter but in itself wasnamprsquot strong enough to assuage all doubts that there may still be trouble ahead. ampldquoBut Iamprsquod suggest to the doubters that the pattern of growth contained within that headline 0.5 increase provides a little more encouragement.amprdquo He continued ampldquoManufacturing output grew by 0.2 in March not much below consensus expectations of 0.3. And while yearonyear growth has declined in recent months this is partly because weamprsquore no longer comparing against the trough of the recession. Rolling threemonthonthreemonth growth remained stable and elevated at 1.1 broadly in line with recent results from the CBIamprsquos own Industrial Trends Survey. ampldquoBeyond the slightly dry statistics the underlying patterns of growth show signs that a rebalancing of the economy is underway. Those activities focused on the consumer remain very sluggish while those that are exporting or selling to the business sector are doing better. ampldquoTo put this into some perspective compared with 12 months ago the economy has grown by 1.8 with manufacturing up 4.8 the service sector up 1.4 and the construction sector which has been so volatile up 3.5. Were it not for the longerterm structural decline in oil and gas production the economy would have grown by 2. So the recent past is not quite as bad as some have portrayed it.amprdquo Cridland then asked where does the economy go from here? He highlighted ampldquoFor more than two years the CBI has said the recovery would be difficult. The rapid bounceback that often follows deep recessions ampndash the socalled Vshaped recovery was not going to happen this time for two main reasons. ampldquoFirst weamprsquore in the aftermath of a financiallyinduced recession and all the evidence shows that these are deeper last longer and take more time to recover from. So the economic scars will take a long time to heal. ampldquoSecond the UK more than most of its competitors needs to alter its growth model. For years we relied on one that was driven by a combination of public and debtdriven consumer spending with the effects that became all too apparent. Now we need one based more on exports and investment. But although weamprsquore seeing that shift in our pattern of activity from one model to another this does take time and in the interim it imposes constraints on growth. So the net result of all this is that itamprsquos not going to feel much like a recovery for a while yet.amprdquo He explained that normally after a few years into an upswing weamprsquod be enjoying GDP growth rates of three per cent or more. This time around he said this is highly unlikely. Latest expectations according to the CBI predict growth of 1.7 in 2011 and 2.2 in 2012. Cridland made a few observations by stating that although these figures appear modest the CBI surveys show that business confidence is improving and confidence he exclaimed is the Xfactor that triggers investment and growth. Add to that the corporate sectoramprsquos substantial cash surplus which means reduced reliance on constrained bank lending and our forecast growth in business investment of close to nine per cent for both this year and 2012. The CBI surveys tell us that companies are expecting to invest more in capital equipment over the next year something that may be music to many ears after the pretty dramatic drops we saw during the downturn. He also highlighted that orders and particularly export orders are expected to continue to expand. So with domestic demand growth expected to be relatively restrained net trade should support overall economic growth across this year and next. He commented ampldquoThatamprsquos not to suggest all is rosy with our trading partners the Eurozone especially is looking a bit frayed at the edges. ampldquoBut overall this isnamprsquot the moment to lose heart or take too seriously the talk of a ampldquoflatliningamprdquo economy. Yes the going is difficult. There are some big uncertainties ahead. It was always going to be a choppy patchy recovery and so itamprsquos turning out to be. But the economy is on the mend.amprdquo He went on to explain that much of the value in UK manufacturing has moved beyond its traditional base and is now focused on areas like process development RampampD design and really hightech engineering rather than just production. ampldquoAnd itamprsquos performed. Since 1997 its productivity has increased by 50 roughly double that achieved in the rest of the economy. ampldquoBut there are dangers. You may have seen the recent BBC interview with Nick Reilly CEO of General Motors in Europe in which he said ampldquoour biggest issue is lack of suppliers in the UKamprdquo. He warned that if Reilly is right and if things like the UKamprsquos auto components industry is teetering then thereamprsquos the threat that more assembly activity will shift abroad leading to supply chains being hollowed out still further. Cridland emphatically stated ampldquoitamprsquos essential theyamprsquore notamprdquo. He also explained that Sterlingamprsquos depreciation in recent years has made sourcing here more attractive. And increased transport costs have made shipping components from abroad costlier ampldquoAdd to this the risks of long supply chains and you can see why assemblers and firsttier suppliers might want to source more locally.amprdquo In his speech he also emphasised his three broad ambitions for manufacturing The first is to carry on increasing productivity and aim for a five per cent a year improvement ampndash better even than the four per cent a year we achieved in the decade leading up to the recession and that was better than Japan France Germany or Italy. Second is to enhance the UKamprsquos deserved reputation for innovation in all stages in manufacturing to lead the field in the development and implementation of key technological advances but also to use new business models services and other parts of the manufacturing supply chain. And third is to double the growth rate of manufactured exports to at least match the OECD average by 2020. He concluded ampldquoLike with our whole UK as a place to invest project these are ambitious aims. But they need to be and I think they are achievable.amprdquo http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=832 2011-07-08 EEF ampndash the manufacturersamprsquo organisation monthly news comment With the May elections and referendum behind us and the coalition having spent its first year in power it is time to look at what the government should be doing to create a stronger more balanced economy. The first part of the governmentamprsquos Growth Review made a promising start on the steps necessary to make the UK a competitive location for manufacturers and backed it with some welcome measures. But these were the first steps and the focus must remain relentlessly on growth for the rest of this parliament. One area that needs particular attention is the governmentamprsquos approach to climate change. Industry accepts the need to reduce carbon emissions and that addressing climate change comes with a price tag of which it will have to bear its share of the cost. It also understands the need for targets to help achieve the required level of reductions. However the governmentamprsquos current approach is making that price tag higher than it needs to be and in doing so threatens to weaken our competitiveness and ability to grow our economy. There is one issue that stands out immediately ampndash whether pursuing the 2020 renewable target is the best way to cut carbon dioxide emissions. Currently 3 of our energy comes from renewables with the previous government signing up to an EU target to raise this to 15 by 2020. Renewables will play an increasing role in our low carbon energy mix but the big questions are whether the current target is achievable without inflicting significant costs on our economy and whether we should have such a target at all. In essence should the government intervene and decide what our future energy mix will look like? ampnbspampnbspampnbspThe previous government committed the UK to the 2020 renewable energy target without any obvious consideration of the alternatives. The CCCamprsquos report provides the Coalition with the perfect opportunity for a thorough investigation of whether this is the right way to go. It is vital that it grasps this opportunity as part of a wider review of whether its approach to climate change complements or compromises its growth strategy. With energy prices likely to remain high for some time competitive energy prices are important to a range of manufacturers not just those in energyintensive industries like steel. Failure to address this issue risks undermining much of the good work done in Marchamprsquos Budget. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=838 2011-07-08 Reducing energy consumption is one of the most important requirements today when modernizing machines and systems. Often there is great potential for saving energy ampndash which in the end means saving money. While retrofitting a transportation system Viennabased CocaCola Hellenic Austria used the Movigear mechatronic drive system from SEWEURODRIVE. This reduced energy consumption by 75 which is equivalent to an annual reduction of 41 tons of CO2.ampnbsp PWE reports. ampnbsp CocaCola Hellenic is the licensed bottler of CocaCola in Austria. When the company decided to modernise a transport line in its bottling plant in Vienna reducing power consumption and reducing CO2 emissions were the main priorities. Additional requirements included standardising the drive variants that are used in order to simplify the stocking of spare parts and facilitating a fast restart of the system after the conversion. The final goal of the retrofit was to simplify maintenance. SEWEURODRIVE and CocaCola Hellenic have long shared a close partnership which isnt just due to the fact that the companies are located near one another in Vienna. The companies have long engaged in regular business contact with one another regarding standard geared motors and frequency inverters. It was because of this that SEW Vienna were able to recognise the numerous benefits that the mechatronic drive system would have to offer the client CocaCola Hellenic. With detailed energy consumption calculations SEWEURODRIVE was able to show that the transport system could attain the highest level of energy efficiency using Movigear. SEW sector manager Tobias Nittel presented this product to the customer in Austria. He explains quotThe individual components may be a bit more expensive than the conventional solutions however these products provide the customer with clear additional advantages that quickly translate into financial benefits lower energy consumption reduced installation costs shorter startup times as well as simplified maintenance and diagnostics. Movigear offers clear advantages for the end customer. It is also easy to clean and saves on water and cleaning products. This is an obvious advantage in a bottling plant.quot In less than six months the leaders of the beverage company managed to organise the changeover of its beverage line ampndash from filing the budget and taking care of the technical planning all the way to fully utilising the narrow time window for the conversion. By the beginning of 2010 it was time the company was ready to modernise transport line 2a. This line links the bottling plant for CocaCola Fanta and Sprite to the palletising system via the packaging machine. PET bottles holding 0.5 to 2.5ampnbsplitres are handled in this area. Previously the line was driven by standard linepowered geared motors. As part of the modernisation the company replaced a total of 39 geared motors ampndash some with inverters but most without ampndash as well as the controller for the drives. Instead of using 24V switch contactor technology for linepowered motors the company opted for Profibus interfaces. This allows the operator to change the speed as required and adjust it precisely to suit the process. In addition the Profibus interface optimises the systems ability to shutdown the line in case of a jam and minimises idle times. These measures result in a noticeable reduction in power consumption. The Profibus transmits the control signals from the PLC to the drive and transmits current diagnostic and status signals from the drive to the controller. The use of Profibus also offers completely new diagnostic options. The operator now has much more than an IO display the speed and current are displayed on a keypad allowing the operator to check whether mechanical components are moving freely and should service be required the fault type is displayed. Bus operation also allows the operator to record the current for general monitoring purposes and serves as an indicator of capacity utilisation. From a service perspective Movigear in combination with Profibus offers a wide range of additional options. With the Movigear system solution power supply and communication are handled using SNI technology (Single Line Network Installation). This allows energy and communication transfer in one shielded cable thereby decreasing the number of components required while significantly reducing the installation cost. The actual mechanical conversion of the system took place over an extended weekend from Friday morning to Sunday evening. In this short period of time the old drives were disconnected and mechanically removed and the new drives were mechanically mounted electrically installed and started up. On Monday morning production started up again in the bottling plant. With the complete system solution CocaCola Hellenic Austria was able to reduce the power consumption of the transport line by a sensational 75 (in comparison with the technology previously in use). This means that the investment pays for itself in less than one year. Extrapolated from a fiveday measurement of the amount of energy consumed the new system will generate an estimated savings of 41 tons of CO2 annually. ampnbsp For further information please visit httpwww.seweurodrive.co.uk http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=883 2011-07-08 With equipment budgets growing ever tighter in the current tough financial climate more and more firms are putting greater emphasis on the business case for procurement before investing. Nigel Brown Microlease CEO explores the options available to businesses requiring test and measurement equipment.ampnbsp However your procurement cycle is organised there is no escaping the fact that buying electronic test and measurement equipment requires cash capital and commitment. Many of the instruments are specialist with complex technology so itamprsquos not just the purchase price that has to be considered there are also the lifecycle costs. I would always advise a company to begin by assessing the frequency and period of use for their test and measurement equipment. Firms are then in a better position to weigh up the benefits of purchasing an instrument versus renting or leasing before making an investment.ampnbsp Leasing Leasing offers a simple costeffective solution for companies seeking equipment for longer periods of time and in the test and measurement industry can be a viable alternative to purchasing an instrument outright. Typically contracts are fixed between three and five years and as this is shorter than the lifespan of the equipment you pay significantly much less than the equivalent cost of ownership. The primary benefits are financial as leasing can save capital improve cash flow and greatly reduce the cost of ownership. The equivalent cost of ownership is on average 25 higher than leasing. The majority of lease agreements rarely require a hefty down payment. Payments are fixed over the term of the agreement which also means that companies can manage their budgets more effectively. As the costs are an operating expense rather than capital expenditure leasing is more tax efficient as businesses can usually deduct the cost of lease rentals from taxable income rather than claiming capital allowances against a purchased asset. In addition to financial rewards the leasing option can also be beneficial in terms of keeping equipment uptodate without the financial burden of maintenance calibration obsolescence and repair costs. With a lease this burden is left to the leasing company so when the lease expires there is the flexibility to upgrade or return the equipment. Leasing options can also be tailored to suit individual business needs with the choice of a simple lease at a competitive rate or a lease with manufacturer services bundled in under one simple monthly charge.ampnbsp Alternatively for a fullyoutsourced solution it is possible to add management services.ampnbsp Buying The decision to buy should predominantly be based on the length of time instruments are needed and the demand for usage. Generally if a business needs the equipment for more than three years and it is going to be used frequently the decision is often made to purchase rather than lease. Buying is used in sectors such as the defence industry where a proportion of the budget sometimes funded by state agencies has been designated for test and measurement equipment. In some cases not using the allocated amount for equipment could have implications for future budgets. Typically firms that decide to buy tend to be those that prefer to use their capital budgets to obtain equipment and own it outright because they are not measured on capital expenditure. In some cases the reason for buying is historical as only a few years ago renting and leasing deals in the sector did not exist. Now companies have got the choice and the opportunity to enjoy greater financial flexibility. The types of equipment that are most commonly bought are the lowend instruments such as power supplies and generalpurpose test equipment. Technology for test and measurement instruments tends to change in three to five year cycles and with this type of instrument the technology would not date as much or as quickly or require constant upgrades so it could still be used for the same purpose in ten yearsamprsquo time. Finally it is also worth considering that it is still possible to benefit from highquality at a lowercost when investing in preowned equipment.ampnbsp Renting Many of the instruments used in the field of electronic test and measurement equipment are specialist and contain complex technology. When procuring this equipment it is not just the purchase price that must be considered but also the lifecycle costs. Often there is a substantial difference between the initial expense and the ongoing support costs. In fact on average a highquality piece of equipment works out at double the original purchase price because of the comprehensive maintenance upgrades capital funding and ongoing management and tracking costs. The fundamental requirement of a piece of test and measurement equipment is that it measures the required parameters to a defined degree of precision. In order to cope with the everchanging needs of the user a revision to the software and hardware may be needed. Renting removes both the cost and time of managing the equipment enabling access to the required instrumentation without the added responsibility of managing the calibration maintenance repairs and upgrades. Another major advantage of renting is that a business can afford to perform shortterm projects without large cash outlays. It also allows companies the flexibility to change or upgrade equipment and reduces the cost of maintaining equipment inhouse. Renting provides access to the most modern and advanced instruments for a small percentage of the purchase cost so companies who cannot afford to buy equipment outright can still get the latest equipment. A set rental payment also buys the companyamprsquos expertise and specialist technical knowledge of the most uptodate products. Whether businesses choose to rent lease or buy their test and measurement equipment depends largely on the type of equipment needed the expected utilisation and the financial priorities of the organisation. In todayamprsquos competitive market place it is essential that companies have access to the best equipment for the right price. Many of the financial packages available through the test and measurement companies are flexible and can be tailored to suit the customeramprsquos needs. The options of renting leasing or buying are varied but the end result is always the same businesses can lower their costs and improve efficiency.ampnbspampnbsp ampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbsp For further information please visit httpwww.microlease.com http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=884 2011-07-08 The organising team behind the inaugural Motion ampamp Control Industry Awards are delighted to announce that the amplsquoCall for Nominationsamprsquo will open in August. ampnbsp Brought to market by Touchwave Media Limited in association with DFA Media Limited the publishers of leading industry journals Drive ampamp Controls Hydraulics ampamp Pneumatics and Plant ampamp Works Engineering the awards programme will for the first time acknowledge and celebrate business and professional excellence across the entire motion and control industry. ampnbsp Covering the achievements of companies and their people in the key areas of manufacture and supply including innovation and achievement energy saving sales growth customer care and employee motivation there are nine main categories ampnbsp * Technical Innovation of the Year * EnvironmentalEnergy Efficiency * Project of the Year * System Integrator of the Year * Manufacturer of the Year * Distributor of the Year * Contribution to Training * Young Engineer of the Year * Lifetime Achievement Award ampnbsp The deadline for all entries and nominations is Friday 2nd December 2011 so if you work for or know of a company individual product or application that is worthy of recognition for outstanding achievements the MCI Awards would like to hear from you.ampnbsp The judging Panel will convene in late December to review all the entries and select the Finalists in each category. All Finalists will then be promoted within the trade press throughout January February and March and via the dedicated awards website readers will be invited to vote for which entry they believe should be the outright winner in each case. ampnbsp Nomination is easy all you have to do is visit the awards website at www.motioncontrolawards.co.uk and complete the online entry form which will be available from the 1st August.ampnbsp The entry guidelines and nomination criteria are readily available on the website or you can request this information by calling the organising team direct on 077927 20597.ampnbsp Alternatively you can send an email to the team via hannahtouchwavemedia.co.uk. ampnbsp The culmination of this sectorwide awards programme is of course the Gala Awards Ceremony which will take place on the evening of 17th April 2012 at the St Johns Hotel in Solihull. This prestigious event will correspond with the first day of the MACH Drives ampamp Controls Airtech Plant ampamp Asset Management and International Fluid Power Exhibitions being held at the NEC from 17th ampndash 19th April and so is ideally timed to provide a magnificent night of reward and recognition for this important business sector. ampnbsp Full and further information will be distributed shortly but with the entry deadline set for Friday 2nd December please give urgent consideration to your nomination and ensure that you do not miss the opportunity to shine amongst your peers. ampnbsp ampnbsp For further press information please contact Andrew Castle Touchwave Media Limited on 07785 290034 or via email at andrewtouchwavemedia.co.uk. ampnbsp ampnbsp The Motion ampamp Control Industry Awards 2012 are organised by Touchwave Media Limited in association with DFA Media Limited and is supported by Drives ampamp Controls Hydraulics ampamp Pneumatics and Plant ampamp Works Engineering. www.motioncontrolawards.co.uk http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=812 2011-06-29 The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) has introduced a new practical workshopbased course titled amplsquoThe BFPA Hose Assembly Skills Training Programmeamprsquo. Following in logical succession to the Associationamprsquos complementary amplsquoFoundation Course in Working Safely with Hydraulic Hose and Connectorsamprsquo launched in January 2010 the Skills Course takes this basic level of knowledge and trains to a fully assessed level of ability in hose assembly techniques. The Hose Assembly Skills Training Programme has been written and developed using the expertise available to the BFPA and sets out to establish a benchmark for training people involved in hose assembly. As part of the twoday course trainees are provided with their own personalised attractively bound training manual featuring detailed colour images and diagrams together with easytofollow technical guidance. The manual comprises six chapters thread awareness hose assembly contamination tightening of connectors hose assembly routing ampamp installation and hose management. During the course trainees are taught to identify parts of hose and types of fittings how to measure and cut a hose and how to assemble and install it correctly. As with the Foundation Course key safety considerations are also explained as part of the Skills Course. After completing the course to the satisfaction of an adjudicator or trainer trainees receive a certificate and are registered on the BFPAamplsquos national database. Continuing the successful format of the Foundation Course the BFPA is now in the process of franchising the Skills Training Programme to a number of experienced private training companies and institutions as well as to independent freelance trainers. Trainees will then be able to attend the course at their own site location or at the traineramprsquos own premises. Some of the larger fluid power organisations have already assimilated both the Foundation and Skills courses within their own internal staff training regimes. The BFPA is also talking to other trade associations whose members regularly use hydraulic hose and related equipment with a view to encouraging these societies and their members to adopt the course as their recognised standard in hose assembly and safety. BFPA director Ian Morris commented ampldquoWe introduced the Foundation Course at the beginning of last year in the realisation that there was a requirement for a oneday course that clearly spelt out how individuals can work more safely with hose and related equipment. This has proved to be highly successful so far attracting around 330 trainees from both major hydraulic and engineering organisations as well as from smaller companies nationwide. The new Skills Course provides the natural next stage providing more practicalbased training and setting out to establish a recognised standard in hose assembly.amprdquo ampnbsp To book your place on the Skills Course please call 01608 647900 or email enquiriesbfpa.co.uk http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=808 2011-05-24 Warwick University is bidding to become the first UK university to set up a campus in the United States. Although there have been many partnerships between UK and US universities the Higher Education Statistics Agency says there has not been a campus set up by a UK university in the US. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel and New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky announced the City received 18 responses from academic institutions seeking to develop and operate a new applied science and engineering research campus in New York City. Twentyseven institutions were involved in submitting proposals ampndash formally expressions of interest ampndash in response to an invitation issued by Mayor Bloomberg in December 2010 to join the Administrationamprsquos efforts to diversify the Cityamprsquos economy and boost the growing technology sector. After reviewing the responses the City will issue a Request for Proposals by this summer and will aim to select a proposal by the end of 2011. Leading US universities competing with Warwick include Carnegie Mellon Cornell Columbia New York University and Chicago. Bids also include universities in Finland Switzerland India South Korea and Israel. Mayor Bloomberg commented ampldquoWe were enormously optimistic that this onceinageneration opportunity would draw the interest of top caliber universities from New York City the region and the world and the number and breadth of responses is as strong an endorsement of the idea as we could have hoped for. ampldquoThe institutions that responded recognise the historic opportunity this initiative represents ampndash to grow a presence in the worldamprsquos most dynamic creative and globally connected city. For New York City itamprsquos an opportunity to increase dramatically our potential for economic growth ampndash a gamechanger for our economy. The day when a new campus opens its doors is still far down the road but the quality of the initial responses is an incredibly promising sign that it can and will become a reality.amprdquo The vicechancellor of Warwick University Professor Nigel Thrift said quotNew York wants an applied science and engineering campus and that plays well to our particular strengths. Warwick is a unique and uniquely successful institution with an acknowledged global reputation both for the quality of our research and our strong and fruitful partnerships with industry indeed a significant element of our success comes from those close partnerships with business and industry. We believe we can add value to this initiative through our experience in delivering strong successful applied science partnerships that bring together industry and academic researchers. We are delighted that Warwick is being considered alongside strong bids from leading US universities for such an exciting opportunity.quot http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=803 2011-05-04 The worlds foremost technology event Hannover Messe 2011 ended with the best outcome in 10 years according to the event organiser Deutsche Messe. quotThis years event in Hannover has given industry a real boost powering it up to drive the economic recoveryamprdquo commented Deutsche Messe managing board chairman Dr. Wolfram von Fritsch at the endofshow press conference. quotThis Hannover Messe has generated even more momentum for industry as the force behind the economic upswing.quot Over 6500 businesses from 65 countries came to Hannover to display their solutions. Positive economic indicators meant that exhibitors had arrived with high expectations. But according to Wolfram von Fritsch Hannover Messe 2011 quoteven surpassed those high expectations with the right themes over 5000 innovations on exhibit and significantly greater international participationquot. Smart Efficiency as the keynote theme for Hannover Messe 2011 was the common thread running through the majority of this years displays and was also addressed in the many debates and forums featured at the event. quotA total of over 60 forums drew greater attendance than ever before 30 up on 2009 as the most recent show of comparable scope. This further consolidates Hannover Messeamprsquos position as the worlds leading platform for technology and knowledge transfer.quot Energy and automation topics were at the very heart of visitor interest. Von Fritsch noted quotMajor emphasis was placed on the energy mix for the future as well as on energy efficiency. The message from Hannover is very clear There are promising ways of saving energy right now and we can do this faster than the time it takes to build new plants. Hannover Messe has shown that industry is already able to provide the efficient technologies needed now its a matter of putting them to work. Experts estimate the total savings potential at around 30.quot He added that each of the sectors covered by Hannover Messe had profited greatly from concerted efforts to bring the energy topic to the forefront of interest over the past several years. Looking ahead to next year von Fritsch announced plans to expand the scope of the Metropolitan Solutions show launched in 2011. quotMetropolitan Solutions has met with a tremendous response. Urbanisation is an incredibly dynamic process in the world today. The last few days have demonstrated that industry already has a wide range of very specific answers to todays pressing urbanization challenges and that Hannover Messe is the ideal home for this important topic.quot The scope of next years Hannover Messe will be more comprehensive than ever thanks to the addition of a brand new show quotIndustrialGreenTec will serve as a unique global platform for industrial environmental technology focusing on promising solutions for recycling waste disposal and clean air and water at every link of the industrial value chain. The motto will be by industry for industryquot von Fritsch explained. The organisers said Hannover Messe 2011 attracted a total of well over 230000 visitors. This represents growth of 10 to 15 over the comparable 2009 event. Some 60000 of these visitors were from abroad which is over a third more than in 2009. The next Hannover Messe will be staged from 23 to 27 April 2012. ampnbsp http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=804 2011-05-04 Retirement age has been scrapped. From 6 April employers will no longer be able to compulsorily retire employees using the default retirement age (DRA) unless the default age can be objectively justified. For employees currently under notice of retirement using the DRA these will continue through to completion. Employers who have staff nearing retirement age will need to know about the changes that have come into effect. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=805 2011-05-04 1987 Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) earned $1.5 billion in 1986 the second best performance in British manufacturing history. The company was independent from 1926 to 2008. 1988 British Steel Corporation a former stateowned company was privatised in 1988. Although reorganisation and restructuring have continued since privatisation the company implemented substantial jobs cuts while still a stateowned industry . The biggest cuts began ...British Steel Corporation the former stateowned company was privatised in 1988 under the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher. It was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index but following mergers the business is now owned by Corus a Tata Steel company. 1989 The Ford Motor Company announced its plans to buy Jaguar P.L.C. for a total of nearly $2.38 billion. Jaguaramprsquos independence seemed doomed when the British Government in keeping with its freemarket leanings declared it was willing to lift a state restriction that could be used to bar another company from owning more than 15 of Jaguar until the end of 1990. 1990 In 1979 British industry lost 30 million workdays to strikes a figure reduced to two million by 1989. Manufacturing productivity rose 3.5 during the same period and output per worker climbed each year higher than that in Japan Germany or the United States. http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=806 2011-05-04 By EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler Marchamprsquos Budget was the most anticipated for some time with all the talk being whether it would be a Budget for Growth and make Britain a measurably better place for manufacturers to invest and grow their businesses. Given the measures that the Budget announced and the direction of travel that it sketched out the answers to this has to be yes though there is still a lot of work for the Coalition to do. One of the most pleasing aspects of the Chancelloramprsquos speech and the accompanying Plan for Growth was its acknowledgement that Britain is in an international race for investment and that action was urgently needed to catch up with competing locations across the globe. This was never going to be a job for just one Budget and in any race your competitors are never standing still. ampnbspampnbspampnbsp We had cuts in corporation tax an extension of the short life assets regime a boost for apprenticeships and a range of other helpful measures. But there is still much work to do in tackling problems of access to and the cost of finance with meaningful proposals to reform the Banking system and increase competition. There will also be much for the government to do to translate its welcome words on regulation from Brussels and closer to home into meaningful reductions in the burden of regulation. But most pressing of all is the need to address the threat to competitiveness posed by the governmentamprsquos policies on climate change particularly its plan to introduce a carbon price floor above expected levels. While we need to encourage investment in new low carbon energy sources this measure will harm our competitiveness relative to the rest of Europe. And while there were improvements to climate change agreements some manufacturers face being taxed four different ways on their energy bills. ampnbspampnbsp In the coming months EEF will be campaigning to reconsider its carbon price plans and to take a fresh look at environmental taxation as a whole. We also be stepping up our campaigning to ensure Britainamprsquos manufacturers have the flexibility they need in their workplaces. There is still a lot to be done to create the right environment for UK manufacturing but we should acknowledge the good start made by Marchamprsquos Budget. ampnbsp http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=807 2011-05-04 EXCELLENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS TEST FACILITY OPEN WEEK ampndash FOAM COMPACTION Monday 7th to Saturday 12th March is the first EXCELLES test facility open week for 2011. ampldquoWe are very excited to be in a position to now have both the Lion and Tiger machines on demonstrationamprdquo commented Malcolm Fletcher Managing Director. Such an event should prove extremely informative and in a relaxed setting create a more than ideal environment to establish a best system solution to go forward for prospective customers. These event is open to prospective and existing customers alike providing a fertile platform to discuss oneonone new business opportunities with our team of engineers and sales people. During the event visitors are welcome to evaluate foam compaction technology ampnbspby conducting machine trials using their own materials and welcome to return home the results. The open week will include some real surprises new machinery technology developments and of course exclusive to the event very attractive deals ampamp discounts on new and exdemonstrator machines. Excell Environmental Solutions Limited based in Aylesford Kent are now the UK ampamp Ireland Heger representative. Heger are recognised as European specialists in foam compaction for many different types of foam waste materials. The Heger range of screw compactors are designed for the compaction of foam plastic waste streams into an easily handled extruded profile. Such materials include ampnbspEPP XPS EPS EPE and EPS Styropor (Stryofoam ampreg). A compression ratio of as much as 501 creates a waste stream which reduces its environmental impact through unnecessary transportation. Call our friendly customer support team or visit our website for Tiger Lion Compression Line www.excelles.com ampnbspTel 0870 428 2688ampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbsp infoexcelles.comampnbsp http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=802 2011-03-15 Despite the short month and adverse weather December results from the MTAamprsquos monthly survey of members show increased order intake and invoiced sales in UKamprsquos manufacturing technology sector setting a positive tone for 2011. Results of the MTAamprsquos monthly survey show order intake increased by 10 in December and invoiced sales grew nearly 60 supporting recent data published by the British Chambers of Commerce which showed that strong performance in the manufacturing sector during Q4 has helped boost the UK economy. Not surprisingly business confidence is on the increase however a dip was seen in the quantity of inquiries over December. This apparently seasonal reduction in inquiries may be attributed to the shorter working month. In regards to employment the trend remains positive with a number of MTA members looking to recruit in the months ahead. The launch of a new UK dedicated event for the maintenance sector solely concerned with maintenance management predictive maintenance and CMMSampnbsp Plant ampamp Asset Management 2012ampnbsp has been announced by PWEamprsquos publisher DFA Media organiser of the Drives and Controls AirTech IFPEX Exhibitions and Abbey Wood Marketing. The show will be an opportunity for industry professionals to source the latest maintenance innovations and strategies. Plant ampamp Asset Management 2012 forms part of the colocation of events at the NEC Birmingham between the 1719 April 2012 alongside MACH Drives and Controls AirTech and The International Fluid Power Exhibition (IFPEX). Bringing these events together provides an integrated networking and exhibition platform for engineering decision makers that will be a highly focused environment with added value for the visitor. With over 30000 visitors to the colocated shows in 2010 Plant ampamp Asset Management 2012 ensures exhibitors reach the broadest crosssection of professionals possible. Running alongside Plant ampamp Asset Management will be a comprehensive programme of technical seminars and workshops which covers a diverse range of topics that will be of interest and value to plant maintenance and asset management professionals as well as act as a networking opportunity for the exchange of ideas and experiences.ampnbsp The sessions will be presented by industry experts from suppliers trade associations or professional bodies and will include case studies from front line practitioners. Topics and sessions will include ampnbsp CMM ampamp EAM systems and applications Condition Monitoring theory and applications Contracting ampamp Outsourcing Management Education ampamp Training Electrical Maintenance Energy Management Facilities ampamp Premises Management Health ampamp Safety Maintenance ampamp Asset Management Strategies Plant Engineering Management Predictive Maintenance Thermography Attendance at the seminars will be FREE to exhibition visitors who will be encouraged to book in advance to give speakers an idea of the number and diversity of the audiences they will be addressing. Ryan Fuller exhibition sales director at DFA Media commented on the launch ampldquoThis is an exciting opportunity for the UK maintenance sector to promote and share their wide knowledge base and diverse range of systems. Combined with the colocation and specialist seminar programme Plant ampamp Asset Management 2012 will be a truly unique event not to be missed by anyone with a vested interest in maintenance.amprdquo Darrell Moffatt part of the sales team at Abbey Wood Marketing added ampldquoAs the UK comes out of the deepest recession in living memory there are encouraging signs that it is being led by a resurgent manufacturing sector.ampnbsp Only companies that have ensured that their physical assets the plant and machinery on which their businesses depend are fit for purpose will benefit from the upturn.ampnbsp The Plant ampamp Asset Management Exhibition 2012 will deliver maintenance and asset management solutions that will enable UK manufacturing industry to take advantage of the opportunities offered by both established and emerging economies throughout the world.amprdquo The show also has the support of key sector organisations including the British Compressed Air Society and the Institution of Diagnostic Engineers. ampnbsp ampnbsp ampnbsp http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=795 2011-02-02 Minister for Further Education Skills and Lifelong Learning John Hayes visited Bentley Motorsamprsquo Pyms Lane headquarters in Crewe recently to meet some of the Companyamprsquos outstanding apprentices who maintain the high luxury automotive Companyamprsquos reputation for excellence. Bentley Motors has one of the countryamprsquos most wellregarded apprenticeship schemes. It places a strong emphasis on the scheme because it believes apprentices represent the future encouraging young people into the business and developing specific skills through an adult apprenticeship programme. At any given time there are approximately 50 apprentices following a three or four year training programme across several disciplines ranging from engineering manufacturing wood and leather craftsmanship to logistics and sales and marketing. Bentley also has a longestablished graduate trainee programme with 30 people taking part in a bespoke twoyear course that equips them for future management positions.ampnbsp It also works with several UK leading universities so that current undergraduates benefit from industrial placements. The success of this commitment to apprenticeships has been recognised across the industry. In 2009 Bentley was named Apprentice Employer of the Year for the North West and finished in the top three places at a national level. Bentley actively supports the National Apprentice Service and individuals have had significant success. One apprentice reached the finals of the ampldquoWorld Skillsamprdquo vocational competition in Calgary in 2009. Furthermore another apprentice won the Total People Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award and in December 2010 received the Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices honouring the best female apprentice engineer working in the UK today. Hayes was therefore keen to see for himself how the Company is able to bring the best out of these people and to produce such iconic cars with a reputation for engineering excellence quality and craftsmanship. Speaking of his visit Hayes said ampldquoBentley is a world class brand and the companys commitment to its apprentices reflects and enhances the reputation of the apprenticeships programme for delivering world class training.ampnbsp Employers need increasingly advanced skills to stay competitive and individuals need top of the range training and investment both from government and from employers who recognise the immense benefits it brings them.ampnbsp To meet that need I am both increasing the funding available for apprenticeships and increasing the scope and quality of training on offer so that more businesses develop the advanced skills that drive excellence.amprdquo One of the most challenging and useful aspects of Bentleyamprsquos programme is the opportunity for apprentices to live and work abroad with other Volkswagen Group companies.ampnbsp In return Bentley hosts foreign apprentices from the Group who wish to gain experience of the skills unique to the luxury car sector. In addition all apprentices are encouraged to spend time on local community projects and charity fundraising activities. Doug Dickson Member of the Board for Manufacturing and a strong supporter of the Companyamprsquos apprenticeship scheme said ampldquoBentley is determined to maintain its reputation as an employer of choice. Fundamental to this is the investment we make in our staff continually seeking to improve skill levels. This is essential for us to remain a globally competitive highvalue manufacturer and indeed for the UK as a whole if it is to develop a stronger more balanced economy. ampldquoThe Government must encourage people into the industry through apprenticeships and other schemes as well as committing to increased training of those who already work in it. We take the Ministeramprsquos visit and his comments regarding the importance of both young and adult apprenticeships as a signal of his intention to prioritise this issue.amprdquo http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=796 2011-02-02 Bulk solids handling specialists Flexicon (Europe) Ltd. have announced an allnew TIPTITETM Drum Dump Feeder that seals drums against a discharge cone tips the drum and feeds bulk material into downstream equipment dustfree at controlled rates. The drum platform is raised by a single hydraulic cylinder creating a dusttight seal between the rim of a drum and the underside of the discharge cone.ampnbsp A second hydraulic cylinder tips the platformhood assembly and drum stopping at dump angles of up to 90 degrees with a motiondampening feature.ampnbsp Material flowing through the discharge cone charges the intake adapter of a cantilevered flexible screw conveyor that feeds downstream equipment volumetrically. Available in stationary and mobile configurations the Drum Dump Feeder is offered with cantilevered flexible screw conveyors in custom lengths oriented horizontally (shown) or at an incline for the purpose of elevating as well as metering the material. The gentle rolling action of the flexible screw conveyor in an enclosed tube reduces agglomerates discharged from drums improving feed rate accuracy. Preengineered prewired and ready to plug in and run the system accommodates drums from 115 to 210 litres and is offered in carbon steel with durable industrial finishes with material contact surfaces of stainless steel or in allstainless steel finished to food dairy pharmaceutical or industrial standards. ampnbsp For further information please contact Mr. Alan Walton General Sales Manager Flexicon (Europe) Ltd. 89 Lower Herne Road Herne Herne Bay Kent CT6 7PH Tel ampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbsp +44 (0) 1227 374710 ampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbsp Fax ampnbspampnbspampnbsp +44 (0) 1227 365821 www.flexicon.co.ukampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbsp Email ampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbspampnbsp salesflexicon.co.uk ampnbsp http://pwemag.co.uk/index.php?page=799 2011-02-02