Daily Manufacturing News Digest – the industry stories you should be aware of today

Posted on 5 Jul 2023 by The Manufacturer

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.

New technology hub to accelerate next generation Airbus wings

Airbus is investing further in its UK innovation capabilities, with the opening of a new Wing Technology Development Centre (WTDC) at its Filton site today.

The new facility will help Airbus accelerate the design, build and testing of wings for next generation aircraft, by using the latest technology and world-leading demonstrators to further improve the performance of its wings. Read more via The Manufacturer

BAE Systems awarded £870m Typhoon contract

BAE Systems has won a £870m contract from the Ministry of Defence to deliver a new radar to enhance the RAF’s Typhoon fighter jet fleet and strengthen the aircraft’s control of the airspace whilst providing cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities.

The contract will see further development of technology and integration work on the European Common Radar System Mk2 radar by BAE Systems and Leonardo UK. The work is expected to lead to initial flight testing in 2024. Read more via Proactive Investors

Croda completes £232m South Korean beauty business buy-out

Croda’s £232 million buy-out of a South Korean beauty product ingredients business has been approved by the regulatory authorities, leading to completion of the deal.

An agreement to acquire Solus Biotech, a leading global player in the premium, biotechnology-derived sector, was reached back in February. It is a move described as giving East Yorkshire-headquartered Croda greater ability to serve luxury beauty customers in Asia and globally. It also expands Croda’s manufacturing capability on the continent. Read more via Business Live

Bentley continues its ‘Extraordinary Women’ global initiative with student visit to Crewe HQ

Bentley’s global ‘Extraordinary Women’ programme continues to expand with the next selection of extraordinary students, this time from the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, visiting Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, UK, as the final stage of its bespoke mentorship programme.

The ‘Extraordinary Women’ programme is designed to inspire the next generation of female talent from the fields of technology, engineering, design and business and encourage young females to consider careers in STEM and automotive. Read more via The Manufacturer

Babcock completes maintenance on RRS Sir David Attenborough

Babcock International has successfully completed maintenance works for the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Sir David Attenborough at its Rosyth facilities, after the vessel arrived there in early June.

Works to the ship included upgrades to the vessel’s gas detection system, helideck netting, draft sensor vent pipework as well as assistance with planned maintenance, defect rectification and general logistics support. The maintenance was supported by around 20 expert Babcock tradespeople, including apprentices. Read more via Babcock International

Volkswagen brand invests one billion euros for growth in South America

The Volkswagen brand aims to make significant gains in South America with a major product offensive. By 2027, the company plans to grow by 40 per cent in Brazil, the region’s largest market. For example, 15 new electric and flex-fuel vehicle models are being launched by 2025 alone. Read more via Volkswagen

China restricts export of Ga and Ge

China is to restrict exports of gallium and germanium and their chemical compounds from August 1st.

Exporters will need to apply for licences from China’s Ministry of Commerce providing details of the buyers. Read more via Electronics Weekly

Ricardo collaborates with Achates Power and ARPA-E on next generation engine for light duty vehicles

Ricardo has worked in collaboration with Achates Power, one of the world’s leading engine design companies to develop the next generation of opposed-piston gasoline compression ignition engines for light duty vehicles.

The multi-phased project (‘BERYL’), funded by the US Government’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (‘ARPA-E’), aims to create a fuel efficient, lightweight engine. Read more via Ricardo