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

Posted on 20 May 2024 by James Devonshire

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.

Vaping’s dirty secret: the UK’s growing e-waste problem

The popularity of disposable vapes has risen significantly in recent years. In the UK, 31% of people who vape use single-use devices. This is a staggering increase of 106% year-on-year. This is creating worrying levels of electronic waste (commonly referred to as e-waste. James Rigg, CEO of electronic contract manufacturer, Trojan Electronics, explains. More via The Manufacturer

British device manufacturer Entaco secures £1m investment following buyout

UK-based medical device manufacturer Entaco has been acquired in a management buyout, securing a £1m investment from private equity company Traditum.

The buyout was led by Entaco’s managing director Steve Brown, who will now serve as group CEO. The investment will be used to enhance operational efficiencies and expand personnel, according to the company’s announcement on 17 May. More via Medical Device Network

Lowestoft-based Harrod UK celebrates 70 years of innovation

A long-established, family-run firm is marking another major milestone.

Internationally recognised company Harrod UK Ltd – the leading manufacturer in sports equipment and provider of premium garden products – is celebrating 70 years in business. More via Eastern Daily Press

Inflation fails to stem manufacturing skills drive – report

Skills remain a key priority for manufacturers, with a report out today revealing that training budgets have not been hit by rising inflation.

Eighty six per cent of firms questioned in the annual In-Comm Training Barometer said that their spending intentions have remained unchanged, with more than three quarters investing in new technology to boost productivity – an 8% rise on last year’s findings. More via The Manufacturer

Honda doubles investment in electric car and software

Honda is doubling its investment to support the ecological transition. In fact, the Japanese manufacturer will spend more than €60 billion over the next 10 years.

This was stated by CEO Toshihiro Mibe during a press conference in which he said that, compared to what was declared in 2022, Honda has decided to double the figure to 10 trillion yen (the more than €60 billion mentioned above) for electrification and software. More via motor1.com

Xaar celebrates fundraising achievements with charity partner Break

Industrial inkjet technology leader Xaar, has celebrated its two-year partnership with young people’s charity Break, having donated an amazing total of £71,544 over that period.

The company’s commitment to supporting care experienced young people across the East of England through Break’s initiatives has been a resounding success. This culminated in Xaar’s employees raising a staggering £35,772 to date, which was then doubled by the company’s generous matching policy. More via The Manufacturer