THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Mills CNC becomes Heidenhain training partner

Mills CNC’s Training Academy has become an official Heidenhain training partner; the first
and only training organisation in the UK to achieve this accreditation. The process for
becoming a Heidenhain training partner began in earnest for the CNC Training Academy (the
training division of Mills CNC) back in October 2023. In the first instance, it involved two
members of staff – Karen Earley (manager of the CNC Training Academy) and Darren Clarke
(trainer) – undertaking an intensive, week-long training programme at Heidenhain’s
operation in Traunreut, Germany.


This activity was followed by both Earley and Clarke returning to Heidenhain’s facility two
weeks later to take three exams, culminating in both running specific and separate live
training courses for Heidenhain training personnel. Having successfully passed their exams
and the live training practice element, the official Heidenhain training partner standard was
awarded to the CNC Training Academy in March 2024.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk/training

New faces at Dugard

Machine tool supplier Dugard has once again strengthened its team with the appointment of two new area sales managers. Liam Scaramuzza will enhance the company’s sales activities in the north of England, while Renny Thomas has joined to target sales in the southeast. Sales director Colin Thomson says: “Both Liam and Renny have a proven track record in the industry with a technical understanding and the ability to solve problems for customers that will be a genuine asset to Dugard. They have spent several years working with manufacturers in their respective regions.”

For further information www.dugard.com

Sodick to buy 9.5% of Prima Additive

At the end of March, an investment agreement was signed between Sodick Co Ltd, a Japanese machine tool builder specialising in EDM machines, and the shareholders of Prima Additive. The latter is an Italian company that is part of Prima Industrie Group, controlled by Alpha Private Equity and Peninsula Capital funds. Prima Additive is active in the production of industrial systems for metal additive manufacturing and other advanced laser technologies.

Sodick will acquire a minority share of 9.5% through a reserved capital increase. The agreement will also allow the development of a business alliance between the two companies functional to the growth of the product portfolio. This alliance will relate to laser technologies for material processing, focused on industrial technologies for metal additive manufacturing.

For further information www.primaadditive.com

GE Aerospace to make €64m investment

GE Aerospace plans to invest more than €64m in its manufacturing facilities across Europe this year, a move that will help the company produce more efficient commercial and military engines. Many of the investments enable new manufacturing techniques or materials that result in stronger and lighter components, increasing the efficiency of engines and reducing emissions. Sites in Italy, the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland and the UK will benefit. Specifically, the plant in Gloucester, UK, will receive £1.6m for new machines, additional tooling and safety enhancements. 

For further information www.geaerospace.com

JLR to recruit 250 electrification jobs

JLR is recruiting 250 electrification engineers to work at its Gaydon and Whitley facilities. The roles will further propel the development of JLR’s next-generation 100% electric vehicles launching by 2030 under the company’s ‘Reimagine’ strategy. Within the 250 new roles, the car manufacturer is specifically recruiting over 40 battery engineering roles, working across disciplines that include advanced energy storage systems, battery cell design and cell stack assemblies.

The remaining roles span specialisms in propulsion, including propulsion software, calibration and controls, HV system integration, electrical system component design and more. Aspects of the roles will also focus on improving fast-charging experiences for JLR clients.

For further information www.jaguarlandrover.com