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.
Hitachi Rail unveils long-distance version of Europe’s first battery train
Hitachi Rail has unveiled its first long-distance hybrid battery train which will help to cut carbon emissions by 83% when it enters service later this year.
At an event in Reggio Calabria, Trenitalia presented its new hybrid intercity battery train, the first of seven due to be manufactured this year. More via The Manufacturer
March new car market sustains growth as manufacturers shore up electrified demand
The UK new car market clocked up its 20th consecutive month of growth in March, with a 10.4% rise in registrations. In what is typically the busiest month of the year due to the new numberplate, 317,786 new cars reached the road with a 24 plate – the best March performance since 2019, although still -30.6% below pre-pandemic levels. More via SMMT
Bots investment drives record growth for UK manufacturer Contracts Engineering
Fabrication specialist Contracts Engineering chose NatWest asset finance to invest in automation and achieve record sales supplying top level companies with UK factories. More via Express
Burscough-based coatings business set for continued growth with 25% turnover increase
Burscough-based IRS Surfacing Technologies Ltd, has achieved 25 per cent year-on-year growth in turnover from 2021 to 2023.
Despite a challenging period for the manufacturing sector, current projections for 2024 are estimated to outstrip those of 2023 for IRS. More via The Manufacturer
Northern Ireland family firm which doubled its pre-tax profits last year is sold to UK giant
A family-owned bakery ingredients company in Co Down which is one of the UK’s biggest sprinkles suppliers has been sold to a business in England.
Finlay’s Foods in Moira, which was founded in 1970 by James Finlay, has been snapped up for an undisclosed sum by BAKO Group. The companies have traded together for around 20 years. More via Belfast Telegraph
Taiwan Earthquake Prompts Chip Supply Concerns
Taiwan has been hit with the biggest earthquake in 25 years, prompting fears about its impact on the semiconductor supply chain.
The powerful earthquake immediately raised concerns about its impact on the semiconductor supply chain. The importance of Taiwan in the chip industry came to light during the Covid-19 pandemic, after many industries across the world suffered a prolonged chip shortage. More via Silicon
Die making and engraving group makes strategic acquisition to consolidate UK market position
Stockport based Arden Group has acquired Lasercomb Dies, cementing its position as the largest die-maker in the UK.
The Arden Group, based in Marple, Stockport, has this week completed the acquisition of Lasercomb Dies for an undisclosed sum. More via The Business Desk
Apprenticeship review enhances green technology training
In response to the growing demand for greater low-carbon skills, employers and apprentices have taken a leading role in conducting a comprehensive review of Scotland’s Plumbing Heating Apprenticeship programme.
Led by The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), BSE Skills, and Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the apprenticeship review has prioritised the needs of employers and apprentices while ensuring it aligns with the evolving sustainability demands of government and consumers. More via The Manufacturer
