UK Power Networks has commissioned ABB to supply the world’s first 36kV medium-voltage double busbar AirPlus Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS).It features AirPlus gas, which acts as an insulator between the electrical contacts with almost zero global warming impact. As part of its Environmental Action Plan to pass on a sustainable planet for future generations, the…
Public transport company The Go-Ahead Group has agreed a 15-year hydrogen supply deal with Air Products, a world leading industrial gas company, to power a fleet of fuel cell buses for deployment in the Gatwick Airport, Crawley and Horley area.The single-decker GB Kite Hydroliner buses, manufactured by Wrightbus in Northern Ireland, will be delivered in…
A new strategic deal – born in the heart of the West Midlands – is set to create one of the UK’s leading laser marking authorities.Needham Group, which employs 70 people at its Whitchurch base, has selected PP Control & Automation (PP C&A) as its new manufacturing partner responsible for the assembly of its N-Lase…
The future of the UK drone industry, one of Britain’s prime opportunities for growth, and many other UK-based manufacturing exporters, will be severely threatened once the UK’s eligibility for the EU’s CE accreditation regime expires at the end of December 2022. Robert Garbett, one of the world’s leading advisors on drone technology and Founder and Chief Executive of Drone Major Group Limited, yesterday warned the UK Government of the need…
Disruption caused by the pandemic and following ‘pingdemic’ brought many UK factories to the point of closure, cost millions of pounds in lost productivity and highlighted a critical need for greater digitalisation and automation to ensure survival. At the same time, it also created new opportunities for many business to thrive, says leading manufacturing consultancy…
This month’s Smart Factory Expo provides an excellent opportunity to meet some of the UK’s most innovative businesses. Simon Edmonds previews this year’s Made Smarter Innovation Alley, previews the latest plans for Innovate UK’s regional engagement events, and outlines three funding opportunities for manufacturers.Fifty of the most innovative businesses are exhibiting at this year’s Made…
Marine robotics company Ocean Infinity has announced it has acquired Red Rock, a technology company with solutions that will enable autonomous port operations; a key enabler for future uncrewed shipping.Red Rock is spearheading the development of digital and autonomous solutions to revolutionise lifting and handling both onshore and offshore. The acquisition will combine Ocean Infinity’s…
Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric aircraft has completed its maiden flight in the skies above the UK ahead of a world record attempt later this year.The ‘Spirit of Innovation’ soared for around 15 minutes, having taken off from the MOD’s Boscombe Down airfield in Wiltshire on Wednesday. With its powerful 400kW (500+hp) electric powertrain and the most…