The Big Bang Fair returns

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair will be returning to Birmingham’s NEC next year. Taking place on 21-23 June 2023, the fair is the largest celebration of STEM subjects in the UK and is free to attend. Young people will have the opportunity to take part in hands-on activities and workshops to explore what the world of STEM has to offer. Over three days, students will also get to hear first-hand from real-life scientists and engineers about the endless possibilities and exciting careers in STEM. There will be particular focus on the environment and making the world a better place.
For further information www.thebigbang.org.uk

Tata Steel UK on path to net zero

At last month’s UK Metal Expo exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC, Tata Steel committed its Port Talbot site in Wales to becoming accredited to ‘ResponsibleSteel’. The company is also set to adopt Science Based Targets with respect to its programme of emission reductions and net-zero aspirations. Tata Steel’s chief commercial officer, Anil Jhanji, announced the move during his keynote speech. He said: “These commitments to ResponsibleSteel and SBTi are a clear statement to the world and to our customers that we mean business. It will include decarbonising every aspect of our business.”
For further information www.tatasteeleurope.com

National Robotarium opens with major announcement

The National Robotarium, which opened at the end of last month, has announced a major engineering and research collaboration with multi-billion dollar company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The pioneering £22.4m centre for robotics and AI is the largest and most advanced of its kind in the UK. It will collaborate with TCS on applied engineering and joint research across multiple disciplines including soft robotics, field robotics, cobots and tele-operations. Utilising expertise from Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, the collaboration will lead to the creation of innovative solutions to global challenges.
For further information www.bit.ly/3rectDh

Manufacturer expands machining capacity

WES Engineering Solutions, based in Redruth, has invested over £420,000 in a new Matsuura top of the range CNC milling machine as a consequence of new market growth. James Gazzard, group commercial director says: “We forecast 43% growth across the group for 2022/23 and this latest investment is in direct response to customer demand. The new Matsuura CNC H-Plus 300 enables us to double our lights-out running capabilities, halve our run times, and significantly enhance our commercial and production efficiencies. We’re also looking forward to expanding with at least a further three new apprentices this year.”
For further information www.wesltd.com

Multi-million investment at Doncasters

Doncasters, a manufacturer of precision alloy components, has invested £7.2m to extend Doncasters Precision Castings – Deritend in Droitwich Spa, UK. The extension will deliver great benefits to the business, including improved parts flow and safety, reduced environmental impact and lead times, and an increased overall capacity that allows the business to invest in advanced technology and local talent.

Until now, Doncasters operated two sites in Droitwich, two miles apart, with different processes taking place at each. Now, the two teams will reunite, improving operations, energy efficiencies and working lives for staff. Over 340 employees will work in the new state-of-the-art facility, with future employment opportunities available for people in the Worcestershire region and beyond.
For further information www.doncasters.com