News & Updates Archives | Page 9 of 22 | European Springs Ireland

At European Springs Ireland, we understand that the UK manufacturing industry never stays the same, especially when we take the current COVID-19 into situation into consideration. As spring suppliers, we like to keep our finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest news and developments, which you can find below.

UK Manufacturers Helping the NHS

While the country – as well as the world – is still in the midst of a pandemic, it has been heartwarming to see how UK manufacturers have stepped up to help the NHS. From creating ventilators to crucial pieces of equipment that make healthcare workers’ lives and patients’ treatments easier, manufacturers have come together to do their part in the current climate.

For example, Jaguar Land Rover has started production of 3D-printed protective visors. While the initial order is for 1,300 visors weekly for key workers, they intend to up this limit and develop mass production.

As for European Springs, we are manufacturing springs for ventilators and syringe drivers, among other components, which you can read more about on our article “Our Small Medical Components Are Playing a Large Role in Today’s Healthcare Climate”.

Apprenticeships Must Continue

This is the belief of Make UK, and it’s easy to see why. The manufacturers’ organisation said that it’s critical that we don’t keep the ‘next generation on lockdown’. Make UK have also said that engineering and manufacturing employers shouldn’t postpone their apprentice recruitment plans – this is because thousands of young people are looking for a placement, so there is demand for this.

It’s crucial that manufacturers look at the future of their company, as apprenticeships are a great way to inject new blood – as well as ideas and innovation – into a business.

We have been taking on apprentices for a long time, so we understand the importance of investing in the younger generation. We take on several apprentices every year and believe this is crucial to also close the skills gap in the industry.

Vauxhall and Social Distancing

Some countries are already easing their lockdown measures, so it’s likely that the UK will follow suit. In order to get ready for when people return to the premises, the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port, in the Wirral, is ensuring social distancing measures for their workers.

This way, the company can continue functioning as normal as possible while keeping staff safe. Measures include signs of physical distancing throughout the plant, such as on the factory floor, rest areas and bathrooms.

Training in Aerospace Engineering

In order to motivate a generation of young people to train in aerospace engineering, manufacturing and STEM subjects – and to help bridge the skills gap – AERALIS will build innovative aircraft using a modular design. This is set to re-energise the UK aircraft sector by providing modular fighter-trainer aircraft to the Royal Air Force, as well as other air forces around the world. The aircraft will have to be able to be repaired easily, since they will be used for training.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence to Help Coral Reefs

It’s no secret that coral reefs are in dire need of help. They create a habitat for many marine species and are vital for the Earth’s ecosystem, so it’s good to see technology – more specifically, AI – used to preserve and protect them.

AI has a key role to play in the Philippines. The reefs are under threat due to overfishing, bottom trawling, rising temperatures and unsustainable coastal development.

Airbus Plans to Swap Passenger Seats for Cargo

Considering the current circumstances, Airbus have decided to swap seats for cargo in their A330 and A350 family of aircraft; this will help airlines and global trade, which are under pressure from lockdown measures across the globe.

Airbus is developing a modification that will allow the installation of freight pallets onto the cabin floor, a specification designed to keep airlines afloat and to help curtail the global shortage of cargo capacity. Airlines will find it easier to transport medical supplies and equipment as well, and the planes will also have increased fire protection and 9G load-resistant abilities. This is meant to ensure the ultimate safety and to stop items from moving while in the air.

European Springs Ireland believe it’s important to stay up to date with the latest industry news, which is we why we recap the latest month’s news in our ongoing round up series. You can read more articles on our blog page to stay on top of what’s going on at the moment.

Contact us today if you’re looking for springs, pressings or wireforms and we’ll be happy to discuss your project needs with you.

If your business is currently immobilised by the lockdown, you might be thinking that now would be the perfect time to brush up on areas of your business that are often left a little overlooked.

Continuing to use your time as productively as possible during the lockdown will give you an advantage over your competition, but if you’re thinking about getting up to speed with the manufacturing landscape at large – the confusion and difficulties currently faced by the industry might be making it difficult to discern what the future might hold.

Despite this, we’re going to be providing you with words from the experts and plenty of established resources from which you can draw your thoughts and plan ahead.

Thoughts from SAGE

Published by SAGE, this intellectual white paper comes from the co-founder of Massachusetts Institute of Technology Smart Customization Group. In the paper, various surveys have been undertaken to help manufacturers to understand what could help their company to succeed, and how the biggest names have continued to stay at the top.

To summarise the main points of the paper, manufacturing companies should be thinking about how they can improve their Sharing, Vision, Flexibility and Optimisation strategies. These values call for businesses to think about how they can benefit from being more open about their technologies, to think outside of making changes only for operational efficiency, and to train employees to question current business processes and put forward solutions and ideas for improvement.

These tips may sound familiar, but the difference with this paper is that it requests that the manufacturing industry starts to take these suggestions more seriously than previously recommended. More drastic changes need to be made for the industry to evolve, and you can better understand how to implement these new types of thinking into your business by reading the paper.

You can download the Annual Manufacturing Report of 2020 here.

Changes in UK Manufacturing

Those businesses that are currently attempting to revolutionise their shop floors are looking into cutting edge types of machinery and training. By training the factory floor to think like a designer might, they will be able to better understand the machines they work so closely with and therefore be able to identify where certain processes could be improved.

At an equipment level, one might consider how AI is changing the nature of manufacturing to be more efficient, too. More than just efficiency, however, a talented businessperson would consider the effect that installing an AI system is going to have on their staff, and how they can make the most of these changes to retrain staff and create new roles within the company.

Servitised Business Models

One of the most important concepts in manufacturing currently revolves around creating a servitised business model, and over 78% of polled UK businesses believe they have correctly adopted this idea, or are in the process of doing so (PWC).

This means adopting a plan that puts your service first. The Telegraph explained the concepts behind the model in 2018 as:

‘Changing the ways that customers buy, and vendors sell’.
‘A shift from selling products, to offering services wrapped around the products’.
Using the Internet of Things to improve products.

An example of how one industry has evolved to use the IoT would be the domestic printing manufacturing industry. It is now quite common for individuals to buy printers which come with services dependent on the IoT. For example, when the printer runs out of ink, the printer recognises this and automatically buys the owner a new set of ink cartridges – this is how services are being sold alongside products in the modern world, and this kind of thinking can be applied to various household items as has been shown by the wave of Smart technology and lighting currently in production.

Adopting this type of thinking for your product will be a complex process, but it is becoming more apparent that those businesses who fail to adjust to the growing Smart demands of their customers are likely going to get left behind.

This is a fantastic time for innovation in manufacturing, but patience and diligence will be required for your company to succeed. During these uncertain times, it is now more important than ever for you to assess how the needs of your clientele are changing, and how you can improve your company to accommodate these needs and profit from them.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the article states that the British manufacturing scene is in a good position, ahead of Europe, Australia and the US. This means that this is a good business to be working in currently.

As our everyday devices are becoming more complex and electronic, our services as spring manufacturers have never been more key. Speak to us today about how we can help your company to developed its latest product.

Whilst this years’ budget was inevitably dominated by the coronavirus efforts that the government would be putting in place, there were still some key takeaways for manufacturing firms. As expected, there weren’t wholesale changes, but there were some announcements that will have a profound effect on the manufacturing industry in years to come.

Here, we take a closer look at some of the major announcements that were made in the 2020 budget and analyse their effect on the UK manufacturing industry.

R&D Tax Credit Rise

One of the biggest announcements for manufacturing firms during this years’ budget was the rise in R&D Tax Credits from 12% to 13%. It is expected that the average claim in the next year will rise to £2,400. This move was obviously welcomed with open arms by all manufacturers, as R&D is essential for the growth and development of any manufacturing firm.

It’s also worth noting just how important R&D is to the wider UK manufacturing industry, as it plays a vital role in guaranteeing our nation isn’t left behind by other countries from around the world. With the UK leaving the European Union, it’s more essential than ever before for our manufacturers to continue blazing a trail when it comes to being at the forefront of global manufacturing, so investment in R&D really is essential in 2020 and beyond.

R&D Spend To Rise By 2027

The government also announced that R&D spend in the UK will rise from 1.7% to 2.4% GDP by 2027. This is a significant announcement for manufacturers and is a huge step forward for UK manufacturing as a whole. The budget outlined that research and development investment will increase by £22bn annually, which equates to a 15% rise in the next year.

All of this is absolutely essential for the growth of manufacturing firms in the UK, and makes our manufacturers among some of the most well-funded in the world. It’s up to our businesses to take the right steps to guarantee that we are spending the research and development budget we are allocated on the right things.

At European Springs & Pressings, we give our team plenty of time to come up with new and innovative ways of carrying out our existing processes. We firmly believe that there is always a better way to do things, and with the introduction of smart factory technologies and Industry 4.0 over the last few years, it’s essential that all manufacturers take the time to find out more about how these technologies can work for their business.

Investment in Infrastructure

Whilst this doesn’t directly affect the manufacturing industry, there is almost certainly benefits to be had for the sector. Major spending was announced on roads and infrastructure around the UK, with a further £5bn funding for gigabit broadband in 20% of the country. Along with this, more funding will be put into reliable 4G mobile signals for rural areas. All of this means that manufacturers from around the UK, both big and small, will find it significantly easier to operate on a day to day basis.

More reliable and faster broadband speeds are probably the most exciting announcement in this section of the 2020 budget, with advancements in smart factory technologies and IOT coming faster than ever, it’s essential that the infrastructure is in place to deal with the ever-increasing demands of the technologies.

Investment in Electric Vehicles

No matter what news website you are use, you’ll probably have come across electric vehicles on your preferred choice at least once in the last month. There is a real surge in the popularity of electric vehicles, and there is good reason for this. As more and more individuals and businesses become increasingly environmentally conscious, many will look to make the switch to electric vehicles.

The government announced that there will be a £900 million investment in nuclear fusion, space, electric vehicles and life sciences this year, and we expect a significant portion of this investment to go into electric vehicles.

It will be interesting to see just how quickly businesses pick up the use of electric vehicles for their main operations in the coming years, those who adopt early are likely to see the biggest benefits in the long run. There’s absolutely no doubting that electric vehicles are the future, and with increased funding going into these technologies, we can expect many manufacturers around the UK to be switching their attention to creating and distributing parts for these vehicles in the coming years.

Here at European Springs & Pressings, we are keeping a close eye on how this years’ budget affects the manufacturing landscape, so be sure to check in on our blog regularly. Our team of expert spring manufacturers have vast experience within the manufacturing industry, so we are perfectly placed to comment on all of the very latest developments within the sector.

Ensuring that the manufacturing industry is completely future-proofed is an essential and ongoing task that the government and leading companies from within the sector are constantly seeking to solve and refine. The government’s recent announcement that the Materials Science Technologist (Level 6) Degree Apprenticeship has been approved, after two years of development, has spread optimism within the industry that the UK is prepared for the future.

We take a closer look at exactly what the course entails, whilst also taking a wider look at the impact this course, and others, will have on the future of the manufacturing industry.

What Is Included in The New Apprenticeship?

The Materials Science Technologist Degree Apprenticeship provides a bachelor’s degree and extensive workplace experience, which allows all apprentices who have completed the course to easily transition into a fully-fledged job within the industry. Following the national programme’s approval by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, this course is available to all students, universities and employers in the UK.

One of the major benefits this particular apprenticeship provides to employers is that it is completely customisable and can be amended to meet the needs of any manufacturing organisation. For example, students can work with almost any materials within a manufacturing setting, from metals to rubbers and composites – this makes it perfect for almost any manufacturing business to take on students for work placements.

Industry experts have already applauded the governments decision to back this new course, with many of them stating that it is the ideal opportunity for the industry to address the ever-growing skills gap within manufacturing. Industry bosses are hopeful that the course will allow students to undertake technical on-the-job training, allowing them to be more prepared for a career within the manufacturing and engineering industry.

At present, the course is being supported by Staffordshire University, Sheffield Hallam, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Birmingham and the University of Derby. However, the number of universities offering this course is expected to rise in the coming years due to the inevitable popularity of the course.

Addressing The Skills Gap In the Manufacturing Industry

It’s no surprise that an apprenticeship such as this has been approved by the government, with cries from the sector about the lack of skilled workers exiting current university courses. There’s been no lack of coverage about the sheer lack of young skilled workers entering the manufacturing industry in the last few years; with more experienced and skilled workers coming towards retirement age recently, companies have struggled to replace those workers with young employees of a similar calibre.

The vast majority of manufacturing employers have made it clear that they were struggling to find young people coming through university with the necessary qualifications and skills that would enable them to fit into their business quickly and effectively. Whilst manufacturing bosses conceded there would be an inevitable bedding in period for any graduates coming directly from university, there was no evidence that some young workers were anywhere near ready for the fast-paced nature of the manufacturing industry.

The new course that has been introduced will give students a far more advanced look at manufacturing and the science of materials used throughout the sector. This will inevitably lead to the students going into the workplace with a far greater understanding of how materials can be best used in practice within a manufacturing setting. Beyond this, the course will place heavy emphasis on more problem solving and effective production techniques, two skills which are at the heart of any manufacturing business.

The hope is, that by best preparing young people on the course for working life within this new apprenticeship, the transferable skills they learn from within the course will help to alleviate some of the concerns manufacturing businesses have about the ever-growing skills gap within the industry. Whilst it’s fair to say that only time will tell if the new apprenticeship will have the desired effect, there is genuine optimism from those within the industry that this course could well be the start of a more effective form of apprenticeship within the industry.

At European Springs & Pressings, we understand just how important it is to consistently grow our young workforce, that’s why we have been taking on apprentices for a number of years now. Our position as one of the UK’s leading spring manufacturers allows us to take on a number of eager apprentices each year, as we look to close the skills gap within the industry by giving each of our young employees the very best education from within our business.

We will continue to refine our apprenticeship offering over the next few years, in line with new government initiatives, to continue providing the industry with capable, skilled young workers.

The nature of the manufacturing and engineering industry is extremely fast-paced and ever-changing. With that in mind, we thought it may be useful to round up some of the most interesting and important stories from the manufacturing industry, so you can keep right up to date with the very latest developments from the sector.

Read on to find out more about how Coronavirus is affecting the supply chain, among other recent news stories affecting the industry.

Coronavirus and the Supply Chain

It’s fair to say that you can’t go on any news website at the moment without seeing a news story about Coronavirus, and the deadly virus is even having an affect on supply chains from a whole host of industries. Manufacturing supply chains are facing months of disruption, as factories around the world are struggling to operate at full strength due to the outbreak.

How Does The Future of Mobility Look?

In the automotive world, there is an obvious shift in the thinking of manufacturers. With more and more emphasis being placed on the evolution of electric vehicles and phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles over the coming years. Whilst a lot has been said about the future of mobility, an article from The Engineer delves deeper into the topic, paying particular attention to the issue surrounding vehicle charging speed.

At present, the charging speed of vehicles seems to be one of the biggest reasons for consumers looking elsewhere when shopping for a vehicle. There is good reason for this, with charging ports not only being few and far between throughout Europe, but also the fact that vehicles take a significant amount of time to fully charge.

Find out more about the future of mobility by reading the article on The Engineer!

Manufacturers Will End Investment Standstill When Brexit Uncertainty is Clear

The Independent have reported that manufacturing companies will only increase investment when the UK’s ‘direction of travel’ relating to Brexit is clear. The news came about from a survey conducted with over 330 companies in UK manufacturing by Make UK. The survey suggests that one in four companies view increasing investment allowances as the main priority for the government, with over a fifth of respondents calling for a cut in corporation tax.

You can find out more about the manufacturing survey by visiting The Independent’s recent article.

Making The Most Of Big Data In Manufacturing

With advancements in all manner of technology, from augmented reality to 3D printing, there is an added pressure to ensure that technology is integrated into existing processes as efficiently as possible from manufacturing bosses. With an ever-increasing pressure from customers, it’s imperative that your business makes the most out of big data, integrating it into each and every step of the manufacturing process to create a more streamlined approach to manufacturing products.

You can find out more about big data in manufacturing by visiting the full article on Manufacturing Management’s website. The piece takes a closer look at why data is so important in manufacturing, whilst also addressing what manufacturers need to do once they have collated and interpreted data.

How To Develop A UK Manufacturing Workforce For The Future

Much has been made about the state of the manufacturing workforce in recent years, with many older and vastly skilled employees coming to the end of their careers, there is a significant shortage of younger workers entering the industry. With that in mind, you may be wondering just how your business can develop a workforce for the future, especially if you are in a situation where many of your key employees are close to retirement.

With an estimated 80% of manufacturing companies struggling to recruit the talent that they need to compete within their field, it’s pretty clear that things need to be done. This article from PES Media gives some great recommendations on how you can succeed in developing young talent within the manufacturing workplace, so it’s well worth a read if you’re in the process of training younger members of the team.

The team here at European Springs & Pressings Ireland pride themselves on being at the very forefront of spring manufacturers in the UK. We know that it’s absolutely vital that we take the time to understand everything that is going on within the engineering and manufacturing industry, so we can best serve our customers and future proof our business operations. If you would like to keep right up to date with the very latest news coming out of the industry, be sure to check in on our blog regularly for the updates from the sector.

Exhibition season will soon be in full flow and European Springs & Pressings will be flying their flag across a number of UK exhibitions this year.

Reaching audiences across a large number of sectors including agriculture, rail, electronics, mining, construction, lighting, power generation and medical technology, to name a few, European Springs & Pressings are on exhibition across the UK throughout the year.

Stuart McSheehy, Managing Director says: “We are quite unique to other UK spring makers in that we cover a whole variety of disciplines. Manufacturing tension, torsion and compression springs with diameters from 0.03mm to 65mm, pressings and multi-slides up to 130 tonnes and by having an unlimited design spectrum of wire forms, places us in a prominent position. With the stamping, coiling, multi-slide, heavy coiling, high speed stamping and assembly facilities, as well as both high and low volume production capabilities, we have a lot to be proud of, to market and shout about.

“Serving clients from across the pharmaceutical to heavy plant and equipment sector to major blue-chips to specialist niche companies, we’re active across numerous sectors and where better than to communicate our diversity than across a wide reach of exhibitions targeted at the sectors we specialise in, showcasing European Springs & Pressings as innovative, lean manufacturers with exceptional engineering expertise in the spring coiling, wire forming and pressing industries.”

European Springs & Pressings upcoming exhibitions include:

29-30 Jan, National Manufacturing & Supply Chain conference & exhibition, Dublin, Stand F04

11-13 Feb, Southern Manufacturing Show, Farnborough. Stand A135

27 Feb, Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain conference, Belfast Stand E7

12 Mar, FAST live, British Motorcycle Museum.

20-24 Apr, MACH, NEC. Stand 6-712

28-30 Apr, CV Show, NEC. Stand 4A02.

McSheehy concludes: “These exhibitions will enhance European Springs & Pressings provenance, open up new opportunities, enable us to introduce our newly expanded sales team and add value to the sector through our quality tailored service.

“Come along and meet the team, discover our product range and explore what European Springs & Pressings can do for you.”

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Category: News & Updates