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

Posted on 6 Mar 2024 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.

AMRC-led project to make 5G Open RAN accessible and affordable to manufacturers launched

A new £4.7m project developing ways to make 5G Open RAN more accessible and fit-for-purpose for the manufacturing sector has been launched by an industrial consortium of expert partners.

The Factory of the Future Open RAN (FoFoRAN) project aims to explore ways manufacturers of all sizes could benefit from open radio access networks (Open RAN), a concept of mobile network architecture that provides the use of non-proprietary subcomponents from a variety of vendors. More via The Manufacturer

Babcock to create 1,000 new jobs at Rosyth over four years

Babcock is creating more than 1,000 new jobs at its large-scale, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding facility in Rosyth to support the delivery of its world-class programmes and development of its workforce’s capabilities.

Underpinning its commitment to further develop the skills required to support customers now and in the future, over the next four years, the new job opportunities will benefit both the UK economy and local communities and include 400 apprenticeships, 350 production support operatives, skilled engineers, tradespeople, and graduates. The roles will support programmes like the Type 31 frigate design and build programme. More via Babcock International

Northern Ireland offsite manufacturer continues rental fleet expansion in UK and Ireland

A Northern Ireland modular construction group is set to invest strongly in the growth of its SmartSpace temporary building fleet following demand across the healthcare, pharma, education and commercial sectors.

Based in Lisburn, McAvoy revealed a strong performance last year within its rental division with revenues of £12m and is on track to achieve revenues in excess of £70m total group turnover by the end of 2024. More via Belfast News Letter

Historic manufacturer celebrates 125 years in business with focus on battery technology innovation

A 125-year-old precision engineering firm is celebrating their historic milestone by pioneering new production methods for busbars that are found in the next generation of battery technology.

Redditch based Samuel Taylor Limited (STL), manufactures precision stamped components and welded contact assemblies; specialising in the sophisticated bonding of bi-metals such as AlCu (bonded aluminium and copper strip) within the development of battery busbar technology. More via The Manufacturer

Sheffield Forgemasters seeks 2024 apprentices intake

Sheffield Forgemasters has launched a drive to recruit 14 apprentices for 2024, as it upskills for one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities.

The recruitment will see successful applicants join the company during a hugely exciting period to participate in an award-winning apprenticeship scheme as it drives forward its recapitalisation programme. More via Sheffield Forgemasters

UK van market delivers best February performance since 1998

UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 2.2% in February to 17,934 units, marking 14 months of consecutive growth, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While February is traditionally a lower volume month, as many operators delay procurement until March for the new numberplate, the increase represents the best February performance since 1998. More via SMMT

London manufacturing SME Get It Made makes the FT1000 list

London-based SME manufacturing specialist Get It Made has been recognised as one of the FT1000 Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024 following the publication of this year’s list. More via The Manufacturer