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.
BAE Systems secures regulatory approval for Ball Aerospace acquisition
BAE Systems has now received the necessary regulatory approvals and will be executing steps in the coming days to complete the acquisition of Ball Aerospace from Ball Corporation.
The final transaction is expected to close at a purchase price of $5.5bn (approximately £4.4bn), which will be funded through existing cash and new external debt. More via The Manufacturer
Ford opens new £24m EV testing laboratory at UK headquarters
Ford’s new Propulsion Development Laboratory at its UK HQ in Essex has been opened, underpinning the Dunton Campus’ research and development role in delivering Ford’s European electric vehicle plans.
The £24m facility was inaugurated by UK transport minister Anthony Browne MP as part of a site-wide tour and hands-free, feet-free drive of the Ford Mustang Mach-E with BlueCruise. More via Ford UK
North of Tyne Good Work Pledge awarded to Leonardo in Newcastle
Leonardo’s Newcastle site has been awarded an ‘Advanced Good Work Pledge’ by the North of Tyne Good Work Pledge awarding body, due to the quality of the working practices in place at their site, which opened last year. More via Leonardo UK
Revolutionary microstructural imaging system created in Nottingham set for global use
A revolutionary microscopy technique, invented at the University of Nottingham, which can image the microscopic elasticity of engineering materials is set for global use after being adopted by US company Coherent Photon Imaging (CPI). More via The Manufacturer
JCB cyclists ‘set off’ on around the world in 80 days challenge
A team of intrepid JCB cyclists is putting pedal power into action with a massive fundraising challenge to help enhance the lives of children and young people with cancer.
The 42 JCB cyclists today began a 42,000-kilometre, 80 day sponsored cycle challenge – the equivalent of riding around the world – with their sights set on a £100,000 target. More via JCB
Bentley Continental GT wins two significant European awards
Bentley’s sector-defining Continental GT has started 2024 by attaining two significant awards, as Best Car in two major European markets. The definitive Grand Tourer has been elected by the readers in Germany and in Switzerland.
In Germany, the class-leading Bentley Continental GT has won the ‘Best Cars’ title at the Auto Motor und Sport awards for a third consecutive year. More than 92,000 readers took part in the 48th annual poll, choosing from a record 455 cars in 13 categories. Despite strong competition, Bentley’s definitive Grand Tourer was selected winner of the prestigious luxury import category. More via Bentley Motors
Vauxhall offers additional £2,000 deposit contribution on electric models during February sales event
Vauxhall is helping more of Britain make the switch to electric with an additional £2,000 deposit contribution on fully electric models during its February sales event.
During The Vauxhall Event, which runs from 14-29 February, customers purchasing a Mokka Electric Design 136PS on finance can benefit from a Vauxhall deposit contribution of £9,500. PCP payments of £349 per month can be spread over a longer period thanks to Vauxhall’s innovative five-year PCP. More via Stellantis
Manufacturer’s latest acquisition sparks sales surge
A manufacturer and supplier of copper tubes and pipes has recorded a jump in sales, following its acquisition of Wardtec, based in Redditch.
With more than 105 years of experience, Coventry-based Lawton Tubes serves sectors like healthcare, air conditioning, plumbing, and engineering.
The acquisition, completed in May 2023, integrated Wardtec into Lawton Tubes, resulting in a £5m increase in sales. More via The Business Desk
