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.
Hubs launched to create a sustainable future for manufacturing
Five new hubs aim to address the challenge of commercialising early-stage research within key areas of manufacturing, such as semiconductors and medicines.
A key goal of the new hubs is also to improve environmental sustainability in manufacturing processes. More via The Manufacturer
HGV growth stabilises while zero emission market share rises – SMMT
New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations fell for the first time in two years, with a -3.9% decline in Q1 2024, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Operators still registered 11,068 new HGVs between January and March, just 449 fewer units than the same period in 2023, which was the strongest start to a year since the pandemic. More via SMMT
University of Oxford to lead new Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Research Hub
The University of Oxford is leading a major UK government investment in research to improve the sustainability of chemical and polymer production. The Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA) will bring together researchers from across the UK working with a large consortium of commercial, technology translation and civic partners.
The Hub has been funded by £11m from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and leverages a further £22m in funding from its partners. More via University of Oxford
Manufacturing businesses set to benefit as UK concludes tax agreement with Peru and ratifies deal to join major Indo-Pacific trade bloc
The UK has, earlier than expected, completed its key step required for joining CPTPP, Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands will tell fellow members of the group during a meeting in Arequipa, Peru.
Joining CPTPP – which will account for 15% of global GDP with the UK included – means over 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP members will be eligible for tariff-free trade. More via The Manufacturer
Boeing strengthens presence in Bristol with new UK defence HQ
Boeing has expanded its presence in Bristol with a new 40,000-square foot office, continuing its long-standing presence in the UK’s South West region. The new facility is home to Boeing’s UK-based defence operations. More via Boeing
Insulation giant to build £170m UK factory
Global insulation products manufacturer Knauf Insulation has announced a €200m (£170m) investment to build a new UK factory.
The new facility will be able to produce more than 100,000 tonnes of rock mineral wool each year once it opens in 2026, the firm said. More via Construction News
Greater Cambridge Partnership welcomes new partners for self-driving bus project
Two new partners have come onboard Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) self-driving vehicle project, Connector.
Following changes to the project, Alexander Dennis Ltd, the UK’s largest bus manufacturer, and Fusion Processing Ltd, a leading provider of Automated Drive Systems, were invited to join the consortium and the first self-driving vehicle is now set to start running in late summer 2024. More via The Manufacturer
