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

Posted on 23 Apr 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.

Manufacturers missing out on £10bn investment potential – Make UK/NatWest survey

The level of investment by Britain’s manufacturers could be boosted by up to £10bn if they were to take advantage of the range of public and private finance options available to them, according to a major report published today by Make UK, NatWest and Lombard.

Such a boost would raise the investment potential of the sector overall by up to a fifth and help address the UK’s long-term productivity weakness. More via The Manufacturer

Sixth Astute class submarine named Agamemnon at Barrow-in-Furness

The Royal Navy’s latest Astute Class submarine has been officially named at BAE Systems’ Submarines site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Agamemnon – named after the ancient Greek king – is the sixth of seven Astute submarines being built by the Company. She is due to be launched later this year, ahead of being commissioned into the Royal Navy. More via BAE Systems

Somerset furniture maker seals deal with Canadian company

A Somerset-headquartered international furniture brand has entered into a strategic partnership with Canadian furniture manufacturer Teknion.

The deal will support Modus’ international growth plans and expands Teknion’s portfolio of social and collaborative products. More via The Business Desk

Students gain practical insights into leading global manufacturer

Students from the Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management degree at USW recently visited Continental Teves in Ebbw Vale – one of the largest car parts manufacturers in the world – to learn more about its contribution to the economy in Wales and beyond.

The Ebbw Vale plant specialises in the production of hydraulic brake calipers and other components for the automotive industry, exporting them worldwide. The second year students visited the site as part of their Logistics and Material Management module, enjoying a tour of the facilities and a Q&A session with the Continental team. More via Wales247

Industry calls for ‘next generation’ incentive and infrastructure plan to decarbonise Britain’s truck fleet

Government should reform its dated Plug-in Truck Grant – introduced eight years ago – to reflect the progress made by the sector in developing new zero emission truck technology and help cut CO2 by 18.8 million tonnes a year, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). More via The Manufacturer

Airbus announces new North American boss

Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has announced that C. Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Americas, Inc. effective June 3, 2024, after serving as the region’s top executive since 2018. He will remain with Airbus through a transition period. Robin Hayes, former CEO of JetBlue Airways, has been selected to succeed him. More via Airbus

UK to ban wet wipes with plastic content

Wet wipes that contain plastic are set to be banned across the UK during 2026.

Defra and the three devolved administrations said the ban will take effect following an 18-month grace period if legislation is passed as expected this autumn. More via mrw

Made Smarter-backed honey maker Just Bee ‘buzzing’ after automation investment

Honey manufacturer, Just Bee Honey, says it will double growth and create five new jobs after investing in automation, with the support of Made Smarter.

With support of Made Smarter, the government-backed technology and skills adoption programme supporting SME manufacturers, Just Bee is investing £41,000 in an automated solution to replace manual processes for sealing and labelling. More via The Manufacturer