Each day The Manufacturer compiles the top manufacturing news stories from around the web. To make your life a little easier, we trawl through all the major trade publications, broadsheets and business magazines to find you the most important manufacturing news each morning. Don't forget to bookmark this page and check back daily.
Construction begins on HMS Birmingham at BAE Systems Govan shipyard
Construction began yesterday on HMS Birmingham, the Royal Navy’s fourth Type 26 frigate, at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow.
All of the Royal Navy vessels will be built by BAE Systems on the Clyde, sustaining around 1,700 jobs in Scotland and 4,000 jobs in total across the wider UK maritime supply chain. BAE Systems plans to recruit a further 400 trades people and 200 apprentices for the programme in 2023. Read more via The Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin and F-35 Joint Program Office sign £147m contract for F-35 Lightning II fleet support
Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) have signed the Lightning Air System National Capability Enterprise (LANCE) 23-27 contract to support the United Kingdom’s F-35 fleet. The aircraft support contract is valued at approximately £147m and will ensure and enhance the UK F-35 fleet’s availability and capability to conduct combat missions worldwide. Read more via BAE Systems
AI development is being held back by a significant engineering skills shortage – UKESF
The UKESF, who is a skills advocates on behalf of the UK’s semiconductor sector, has published a new report, Future Engineering Skills in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, compiled following extensive industry consultation. The report concludes that the UK’s role in this vital multi-billion-pound global industry is being held back by a significant skills shortage. Read more via The Manufacturer
Ford releases 2023 Integrated Sustainability and Financial Report
Ford has released its 2023 Integrated Sustainability and Financial Report, detailing the company’s progress on creating a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable transportation future.
Building on more than two decades of leadership in sustainability reporting, the report shares new data that shows Ford on track to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2050 across its global vehicles, operations and supply chain. In Europe, Ford operations, logistics and direct suppliers are targeting carbon neutrality in 2035, as well as zero tailpipe emissions for all cars and vans. Read more via Ford
Techno Classica 2023: Volkswagen celebrates 50 years of the Passat
Volkswagen will make its return to the Techno Classica this year. The world’s largest classic car fair will be an opportunity for Volkswagen Classic to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Passat using the slogan “Immer wieder neu” (“Always reinventing itself”). Read more via Volkswagen
Innovate UK appoints new Chief Product Officer to boost business opportunities
Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, has announced the appointment of Lisa Hazelden as its new Chief Product Officer (CPO).
Lisa brings years of experience in product development and management and will spearhead Innovate UK’s efforts to support UK businesses in their drive for innovation and growth. Read more via The Manufacturer
New, specially adapted forklifts enhance British Steel’s Teesside operations
A pair of brand-new forklift trucks, specially adapted to carry our huge constructional steel sections, has just been delivered to our Teesside site.
The Konecranes SMV33-1200 trucks, which are being supplied by Middlesbrough-based Advanced Material Handling Ltd, are being used to manoeuvre sections weighing up to 33 tonnes. Read more via British Steel
Virgin Orbit to continue sale process under Chapter 11 protection
Virgin Orbit has announced that it commenced a voluntary proceeding under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the District of Delaware in order to effectuate a sale of the business. With the support of Virgin Investments Limited in the form of debtor-in-possession financing, Virgin Orbit intends to use the Chapter 11 process to maximise value for its business and assets. Read more via Virgin Orbit
