News from the 16th - 23rd September 2022

Cambridge-based Aveva agrees to French energy firm's buyout

A UK industrial software company has agreed to a full buyout by a French energy and automation company.

Cambridge-based Aveva will be acquired by its major shareholder, Schneider Electric, in a deal that values the firm at £9.5bn.

The deal is due to be completed in 2023, with Schneider Electric buying about 40% of the shares it does not already own.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-62981695

Colpac invests for multi-food pot manufacture to the UK

Colpac has launched a new range of FSC-certified multi-food pots which are manufactured at its UK factory.

Multi-food pots are food-to-go packaging which can cater for a wide range of dishes.

With a maximum of 7% plastic in the bases, Colpac’s new range of multi-food pots easily meets the OPRL guidelines for recyclability for 2023 and beyond.

Colpac invests for multi-food pot manufacture to the UK

Jaguar Land Rover begins converting Halewood factory to build EVs

Halewood factory in the UK into a site that can build vehicles based on its new electrified modular architecture (EMA).

Sources have revealed that the British car manufacturer has started the tendering process to upgrade the factory. Current plans call for an extended shutdown at the plant to begin in 2024 when the actual conversion will begin.

The site will be responsible for building both plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles using the EMA platform. This factory currently houses 3,700 employees and will soon benefit from an enlarged body shop. Both the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport are manufactured at the site.

Jaguar Land Rover Begins Converting Halewood Factory To Build EVs

News from the 26th August - 2nd September 2022

Teepee Electrical harnesses new opportunities with £200,000 investment in second factory

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of complex cable harnesses and wiring looms has opened a second manufacturing site in the Black Country after a surge in orders from new and existing customers.

Teepee Electrical, which has secured over £500,000 of additional contracts since the turn of the year, has invested more than £200,000 in taking on and fitting out the additional 7500 sq. ft. unit in Aldridge.

https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/teepee-harnesses-new-opportunities-with-200000-investment-in-second-factory/

University of Strathclyde graduates on track to deliver the world’s first all-electric jet engine

Scottish start-up Mako Aerospace based in Dunfermline, has teamed up with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde, to manufacture the world’s first all-electric jet engine, which could double the range of electric aircraft compared to current hybrid models.
Headed by University of Strathclyde graduates Kieran Duncan and Pia Saelen, Mako is on a mission to realise aircraft electrification using a lighter and more efficient electric jet engine, called The Forerunner, which aims to reduce fuel costs by 70% compared to a traditional turboprop engine.

https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/university-of-strathclyde-graduates-on-track-to-deliver-the-worlds-first-all-electric-jet-engine/

Bristol manufacturer to create 50 jobs in Somerset with new facility

A Bristol construction company is planning to create 50 jobs in Somerset after investing in a new plasterboard manufacturing facility in the county.

Etex said its new 57,000 m sq plant in Easton-in-Gordano would double production capacity for its Siniat brand, which already employs 506 people in the region, and would create job opportunities across a range of departments, including manufacturing, operations and production.

The business said it was also “keen” to encourage more young people to enter the sector with its operator apprenticeship scheme, which is designed to help the firm meet its future skills requirements.

https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/bristol-manufacturer-create-50-jobs-24901633