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.
Majority of manufacturers grapple with underperforming cyber security providers, finds new report
Three quarters (75%) of Manufacturing organisations admitted their cyber security provider is either underperforming and they’re looking to make changes (27%) or that there’s room for improvement (48%), according to new research by Threat Detection and Response provider, e2e-assure. More via The Manufacturer
Vauxhall group tells ministers to do more to convince UK drivers to go electric
The demands by the vehicle maker, which also owns Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot and Opel, come as it holds talks with ministers over financial support to convert the plant in Bedfordshire. More via Financial Times
Babcock Australasia welcomes record number of graduates
Babcock Australasia has welcomed a record 69 graduates this year, as it continues to expand in the region and support young people to enter the nation’s critical Defence industry.
Starting this month, the new cohort will have the opportunity to work on Babcock contracts including supporting Collins Class submarines, High Frequency Communications and sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet. More via Babcock International
Manufacturing M&A activity drops in 2023 but appetite for deals remains robust
UK manufacturing M&A activity fell by more than 10% in 2023 amidst tough economic headwinds, but the sector is hopeful of a rebound in 2024 as manufacturers look to mergers and acquisitions to expedite their growth plans, according to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. More via The Manufacturer
Engineer is second most desirable job for teenagers
A survey of more than 4,000 13-16-year-olds shows engineering is the second most desirable career behind doctor for teenagers when they’re older. Being a teacher came in third.
The survey also revealed how young people would rather work for the NHS ahead of companies like Google and Disney. More via BBC Bitesize
‘Mothballing’ Oxfordshire vaccine centre a mistake, former adviser says
The “mothballing” of a government-funded vaccine manufacturing centre that was sold to a private pharmaceutical company has been described as a “mistake”.
The £200m vaccine manufacturing and innovation centre (VMIC) was set up in 2017 in Harwell, Oxfordshire, as a not-for-profit company with the aim of combining vaccine research and manufacturing in one place. More via Shropshire Star
Aston Martin confirms delay to electric car production due to lack of ‘consumer demand’
British manufacturer Aston Martin has delayed the launch of its first electric car as doubts continue to grow about the future of the EV industry.
The iconic sports car maker was expected to produce its first fully electric model in 2025 but this has been pushed back until 2026 at the earliest. More via Express
Aston University receives nearly half a million pounds to create safer and greener batteries
Aston University researchers are to explore the use of gel electrolyte materials to make lithium-ion batteries – the most commonly used for electric vehicles and electronics – safer and less environmentally damaging.
The University has received a grant of £443,058 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to develop safe, reliable, sustainable and commercially relevant gel electrolyte materials. More via The Manufacturer
Manufacturer could create 200 jobs in Cramlington if relocation plans are approved
A planning application was submitted to Northumberland County Council seeking approval for the new facility in Cramlington, which will be used by electrical and digital infrastructure company Legrand.
The international firm with 800 UK employees wants to relocate its London facility to south east Northumberland, and Nelson Park Industrial Estate is now its chosen location. More via Northumberland Gazette
