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Rhenus is set to continue its growth and increase its presence in Venlo, with the construction of a new 33,000 square metre building. Rhenus and asset manager abrdn signed a sustainable redevelopment agreement for a period of 20 years. The building, located in Greenport Venlo, will be redeveloped into a BREEAM Excellent and Well Silver building, as per the requirement of Rhenus.

The building will be divided into a 16,000 square metre warehouse, 12,000 square metre transshipment, 3,300 square metre mezzanine and 1,400 square metre office. Construction will start in September is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2024.

“This location next to the motorway forms an important link in our international groupage 2.0 network”, says Michael van Ooijen, Regional Manager at Rhenus Road. “From Venlo, we can easily drive to other countries or trans-shipment centres in Europe. We will have 12,000 square metres at our disposal for trans-shipment. With groupage 2.0 we want to create a pan-European, full-coverage network for our customers based on daily departures with reliable transit times. Our aim is to become one of the five largest European service providers for groupage transport.”

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Nick van Loon, Managing Director Rhenus Road adds: “Additionally, we can offer our customers transport-related storage of 16,000 square metres in Venlo. Moreover, we have all the space here to shape and give substance to the cooperation with other Rhenus divisions and to grow along with our customers. After the redevelopment, the premises will meet our specific needs and requirements.”

Abrdn was supported commercially in this transaction by JLL and M2 Real Estate. Rhenus Road was assisted in this transaction by VSR Vastgoed Advies. Savills advised abrdn in the technical process, Volantess advised Rhenus Road in the technical process, and DLA Piper Nederland assisted abrdn during the legal process.

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.6 billion. 39,000 employees work at 1,120 business sites and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

About abrdn
• Abrdn is a global investment company that helps clients and customers plan, save and invest for the future. Our purpose is to enable our clients to be better investors.
• Our strategy is to deliver client-led growth. We are structured around three businesses – Investments, Adviser and Personal – focused on their changing needs.
• The capabilities in our Investments business are built on the strength of our insight – generated from wide-ranging research, worldwide investment expertise and local market knowledge.
• Our teams collaborate across regions, asset classes and specialisms, connecting diverse perspectives and working with clients to identify investment opportunities that suit their needs.
• As at 30 June 2023, our Investments business manages EUR428.4 bn on behalf of clients - including insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, independent wealth managers, pension funds, platforms, banks and family offices.

abrdn.com

The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and investors may get back less than the amount invested.

 

As the trade association for German steel distribution, the BDS has been supporting German steel trading companies of regional and international importance for more than five decades.

Many of the Tube exhibitors, the leading international trade fair for tubes and pipes, that takes place every two years in Düsseldorf are members of the association.

"We are very pleased that we have been able to gain a very important and well-known partner in the BDS and that we want to continue to develop the Tube together," says Daniel Ryfisch, Director wire/Tube & Flow Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf.

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Already for the upcoming trade fair in 2024, the association is cooperating with Tube Düsseldorf. "Through this cooperation we interact directly with the Tube trade fair, which is important for tube distribution, as an interest group for our member companies," adds Oliver Ellermann, Board of the BDS.

In addition to the ITA (International Tube Association), the BDS is the second industry association that Tube has placed at its side in order to network even more strongly within the industry and to achieve valuable synergies for the Tube exhibitors.

Further news and trends about the industry can be found on the internet portal at: www.Tube.de and on linkedin: https://www.linkedIn.com/showcase/wire-and-tube-leading-international-trade-fairs/

Information on the BDS at: https://www.stahlhandel.com/

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, will take to the stage for two expert panel debates at this year’s UK Metals Expo. Taking place at the NEC in Birmingham (13-14 September), the event is set to welcome hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors. 

Bringing together the UK’s metal supply chain, as well as representatives from the engineering and manufacturing sectors, the UK Metals Expo is set to return bigger and better following its inaugural event in 2022. Alongside a thriving exhibition, the event will host a series of keynote speakers and panel discussions focusing around five key themes: supply chains, innovation, skills, the circular economy and resources.

On the event’s second day (14 September), Giddings will discuss why metal is a critical material to ensure sustainability within the food packaging industry. Other panellists include representatives from Tata Steel UK, Envases Europe A/S and MPMA. The panel ‘Resource not waste: how metal packaging is a model material for the circular economy’ will take place in the Made in the UK theatre at midday.

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Shortly afterwards (13.30), Giddings will again take to the stage, this time alongside speakers from ALFED, BACALL, Innovate UK KTN and Innoval Technology, to explore the topic ‘Unlocking the Economic Viability of Recycled Aluminium in Manufacturing’. The session will discuss growing consumer awareness around re-use and recycling, the impact of packaging recycling reforms like deposit return schemes and what this means for the wider supply chain.

Giddings commented: “In just a few short years, the UK Metals Expo has quickly become a significant event in the engineering, manufacturing and metal supply chain calendar. As part of two panel discussions, I’m fortunate enough to be exploring the industry’s latest developments and insights across a range of topics.

“With the ambition of accelerating the UK’s progress towards a 100% recycling rate for aluminium packaging, celebrating its circular benefits and promoting its widespread applications in front of the wide supply chain is hugely important. I’m looking forward to sparking debate around the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.”

To discover more and to claim your free ticket to the UK Metals Expo 2023, visit: https://ukmetalsexpo.com/. Or, for more information about Alupro, visit www.alupro.org.uk.

Thursday, 07 September 2023 11:39

DON’T COMPROMISE BATTERY HEALTH

 StoreDot, the pioneer of extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles is reinforcing its commitment to advanced chemistries that ensure minimal battery degradation over the lifetime of an EV.

  • StoreDot reiterates its commitment to Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) chemistry that minimizes battery degradation in EVs
  • Amid claims of fast charge times and extended ranges from competitors, StoreDot stresses the importance of transparent communication on XFC including long-term battery health concerns
  • StoreDot's unique silicon-dominant chemistry prioritizes battery lifespan and safety while delivering high charge rates
  • Even after 1300 consecutive XFC cycles on a large 30Ah format cell, StoreDot’s batteries maintain 80% of their original capacity, making them highly durable
  • Battery producers should be transparent as to the battery performance under extreme fast charging use case
  • StoreDot remains on target for mass production readiness of ‘100in5’ cells next year delivering at least 100 miles, or 160 km of range in just 5 minutes of charging
  • StoreDot continues to foster a growing network of strategic partnerships with its investors, leading OEMs and manufacturing partners around the world

The company's announcement is in response to recent industry claims touting fast charge times and extended ranges, which often overlook the potential long-term impact on battery health and the resulting degradation in vehicle’s driving range.

Without proper battery chemistry frequent fast charges can lead to reduced overall battery lifespan, due to degradation as a result of power charging which can compromise the integrity of battery cells.

Addressing this concern, StoreDot is emphasizing the importance of transparent communication from battery developers around critical factors associated with XFC such as battery health, cycle life, performance under extreme temperatures, safety parameters, and costs.

Even after 1300 consecutive XFC cycles on a large 30Ah format cell, StoreDot’s batteries maintain 80% of their original capacity, making them highly durable whilst providing Extreme Fast Charging to EVs.

After 1300 consecutive XFC cycles on a large 30Ah format cell, StoreDot’s batteries maintain 80% of original capacity, making them highly durable.After 1300 consecutive XFC cycles on a large 30Ah format cell, StoreDot’s batteries maintain 80% of original capacity, making them highly durable.

Dr Doron Myersdorf, StoreDot CEO “At StoreDot we put battery safety at the top of our agenda, ensuring that cells can accept high charge rates without compromising their lifespan. This has been our North Star over the last decade of development as we have continuously refined and improved our technology, and its importance mustn’t be underestimated.

“Even though battery deterioration and a decline in the state of health over the lifetime of the battery are inevitable, EV owners shouldn’t have to sacrifice lifespan and vehicle’s driving range for convenient daily use. A driver should be able to confidently charge at a consistently high rate, every time and regardless of how full the battery is when they arrive at the charging station.

“Additionally, OEMs are increasingly looking to extend battery warranties based on guaranteed states of health within specified mileage ranges. Thus, it's vital that manufacturers future-proof their batteries, whilst considering the increased rollout of higher-powered charging infrastructure and evolving XFC usage patterns.”

StoreDot's commitment to innovation and collaboration is being demonstrated through its rapidly growing global network of strategic partnerships with investors, leading OEMs, and manufacturing partners. Global automotive and EV manufacturers Volvo, Polestar, VinFast, and Ola Electric are already key strategic partners of the company.

Recently StoreDot reported outstanding battery performance feedback for the A-Samples testing phase of its XFC electric vehicle battery cells. The comprehensive testing programs took place earlier this year over six months by leading global automotive manufacturers from Europe, Asia, and the US, as well as several of StoreDot’s strategic ecosystem partners.

About StoreDot:

StoreDot is the pioneer and leader of extreme fast charging (XFC) electric vehicle batteries that overcome the critical barriers to mainstream EV adoption – range and charging anxiety. The company has revolutionized the conventional Li-ion battery by designing and synthesizing proprietary organic and inorganic compounds, optimized by Artificial Intelligence algorithms, making it possible to charge an EV in under 10minutes – the same experience as refuelling a conventional combustion engine car.

Lhyfe (Euronext: LHYFE), one of the world’s pioneers in green and renewable hydrogen production, and VSB Energies Nouvelles, an independent producer of electricity from renewable energy, are announcing the signing of a long-term renewable electricity supply contract or Corporate PPA.

In 2021, VSB Energies Nouvelles commissioned the Buléon wind farm, which it now operates, in the heart of the Morbihan region of Brittany, and with a total capacity of 13.2 MW. Lhyfe Bretagne, a green and renewable hydrogen production site for Brittany which Lhyfe has started building, is also located in Buléon. The facility, which will produce up to 2 tonnes of hydrogen a day (with installed capacity of 5 MW), will be operational in late 2023.

Under this 16-year electricity supply contract, 100% of the green electricity produced by the VSB Energies Nouvelles wind farm in Buléon will be for the Lhyfe Bretagne site, which will supply the local area with green hydrogen for uses related to mobility and industrial processes.

For VSB Energies Nouvelles, this Corporate PPA, which is the first in a long series to come, represents a real growth driver. It also illustrates the expertise of VSB’s teams and their ability to address the problem of intermittency in the production of electricity from renewable sources.

Buléon Wind Farm   The Buléon wind farm, located in the heart of Morbihan, has six 110-metre tall Vestas V110 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 2.2 MW. In total, the park has a total capacity of 13.2 MW, equivalent to the annual power consumption of 13,200 inhabitants. Such power capacity represents 8,435 tonnes of CO2 avoided per year. VSB Energies Nouvelles carried out the entire project independently and manages the wind farm as a private concern.   Buléon adds to the six other wind farms already installed by VSB Energies Nouvelles in the Morbihan department, in the municipalities of Mauron, Cruguel, Pleugriffet, Guegon, Lanouee, and Guehenno. An impressive 69,2 MW are in development in Morbihan, 87,2 MW have been built and 28,4 MW are currently in operation.Buléon Wind Farm The Buléon wind farm, located in the heart of Morbihan, has six 110-metre tall Vestas V110 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 2.2 MW. In total, the park has a total capacity of 13.2 MW, equivalent to the annual power consumption of 13,200 inhabitants. Such power capacity represents 8,435 tonnes of CO2 avoided per year. VSB Energies Nouvelles carried out the entire project independently and manages the wind farm as a private concern. Buléon adds to the six other wind farms already installed by VSB Energies Nouvelles in the Morbihan department, in the municipalities of Mauron, Cruguel, Pleugriffet, Guegon, Lanouee, and Guehenno. An impressive 69,2 MW are in development in Morbihan, 87,2 MW have been built and 28,4 MW are currently in operation.

Lhyfe, through this contract, continues to strengthen its network of renewable electricity supply partners, securing a local and long-term supply of green electricity for the production of its green and renewable hydrogen.

As an operator committed to energy transition, we can only welcome the signing of this agreement, said Mael Lagarde, Managing Director and Owner of VSB Energies Nouvelles. “We are really in a virtuous circle here and in win-win mode. Supplying a hydrogen production facility helps to create green energy while providing an answer to the intermittency of wind turbines and the need for storage. We are really entering a new stage of energy transition here”.

“Thanks to this agreement, we are securing in a local and long-term manner our renewable electricity supply, which is essential for the production of renewable hydrogen. More broadly, we are strengthening our network of green energy suppliers, and thus reinforcing our positioning and our production model.” Matthieu Guesné, CEO and founder of Lhyfe.  

About Lhyfe

Lhyfe is a European group devoted to energy transition, and a producer and supplier of green and renewable hydrogen. Its production sites and portfolio of projects intend to provide access to green and renewable hydrogen in industrial quantities, and enable the creation of a virtuous energy model capable of decarbonising entire sectors of industry and transport.

In 2021, Lhyfe inaugurated the first industrial-scale green hydrogen production plant in the world to be interconnected with a wind farm. In 2022, Lhyfe inaugurated the first offshore green hydrogen production pilot platform in the world.

Lhyfe is represented in 11 European countries and had 149 staff at the end of 2022. The company is listed on the Euronext market in Paris (ISIN: FR0014009YQ1 – LHYFE). Lhyfe.com

About VSB Energies Nouvelles

Based in Nîmes and part of VSB Group, VSB Energies Nouvelles has been one of the major players in the renewable energy industry in France for more than 20 years. Recognised for its expertise and the quality of its projects, VSB Energies Nouvelles covers the entire value chain, from development to the promotion and production of renewable energy, through financing, construction, operation, maintenance and administrative management.

With more than 140 employees throughout France, VSB Energies Nouvelles generated a turnover of 16 million euros in 2022 and manages more than 650 MW of wind and solar energy assets generating power equivalent to the consumption of 620,000 inhabitants.

SecurityHQ, a global leader as a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), are excited to announce its enhanced collaboration with Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies, part of the Al-Futtaim Group, one of most respected corporations in the Gulf region.

Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies is the leading provider of holistic and 360-degree engineering and technology solutions in the building industry across the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

With over 45 years of operations and a proven track record, Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies provides superior reliable products and services including Digital Transformation and Technology Infrastructure. SecurityHQ will now be providing the cybersecurity to Al-Futtaim’s Engineering and Technology customers. SecurityHQ’s multiple global security operation centres are designed to rapidly identify and limit the impact of security incidents, via 24/7/365 threat monitoring, detection, and targeted response. With the continued growth of Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies, and the demand of UAE based customers in a variety of sectors, including Telecommunications, Oil & Gas, and Financial Services, it was a natural decision for SecurityHQ to provide their cyber security capabilities and, in doing so, enhance cybersecurity for Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies customers across the UAE.

“SecurityHQ are very excited to be enhancing our partnership with an extremely respected brand like Al-Futtaim Group. We are very well aligned in terms of providing continued excellence. SecurityHQ already have multiple customers in the UAE and expanding our offerings to Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies, and enhancing the security of their customers, is a very natural progression for us.”- Aaron Hambleton, Director for Middle East and Africa, SecurityHQ.

Razi Hamada, General Manager of Digital Transformation at Al-Futtaim Technologies, stated, "At Al-Futtaim Technologies, the security of our clients is of the utmost importance. Partnering with forward-thinking companies such as SecurityHQ, renowned for their cybersecurity expertise, enables us to fortify the digital landscapes of our clients. This strengthened partnership with SecurityHQ reinforces our dedication to providing top-tier, dependable cybersecurity solutions that protect our clients and business partners' digital assets and reputation.”

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About Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies

Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies, part of Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate, offers customers quality holistic engineering and technology solutions focused around their business.

Established over 45 years ago, the Engineering arm operates in the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. The company provides a wide variety of premium products and services to its partners from MEP, Facilities Management, Air Conditioning, Scaffolding and Access Solutions, Elevators and Escalators, Control and Life Safety, Building Products, Energy Management, Digital Transformation and Technology Infrastructure in the building and construction industry.

In the UAE, the company continues to successfully represent strong international brands for building products including TOTO, Waterwalker, Airedale, KRANTZ and LG. The company is also the sole agent for well-known elevator and escalators brands like Hitachi, and BLT and in the Saudi Arabia and Qatar branches, the company works with trusted brands such as Toshiba.

The Technologies division provides complete business solutions to large, medium, and small customers that include networking solutions, IP telephony, infrastructure, contact center solutions, business applications, ELV systems, professional audio-visual solutions and managed services.

These solutions are further complemented by services that include project management, installation, testing, commissioning, and after-sales maintenance contracts. Its partners include best-in-class vendors such as Panasonic, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise and Microsoft Business Solutions amongst others and currently operates in the UAE and has branch offices across Pakistan. For more information visit: https://afet.com/

About Al-Futtaim Group

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health; employing more than 33,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, we partner with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands.

Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enable the organisation to continue to grow and expand, responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers every day. For more information, visit: www.alfuttaim.com

About SecurityHQ

SecurityHQ is a Global MSSP, that detects, and responds to threats, instantly. As your security partner, we alert and act on threats for you. Gain access to an army of analysts that work with you, as an extension of your team, 24/7, 365 days a year. Receive tailored advice and full visibility to

ensure peace of mind, with our Global Security Operation Centres, and utilize our award-winning security solutions, knowledge, people, and process capabilities, to accelerate business and reduce risk and overall security costs.

Website: www.securityhq.com

Valmet will deliver a comprehensive package of critical valves and valve automation solutions to a lithium project run by Sibanye-Stillwater’s subsidiary Keliber Oy in Kokkola, Finland.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter 2023. Valmet’s full scope delivery to the lithium project also includes the Valmet DNA automation system. The order was announced in April 2023.

The construction of the lithium refinery started in March 2023 and the production ramp-up is planned for the second half of 2025.

“The production of battery chemicals is a new and demanding industry. Our aim is to develop a sustainable operation to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide. We therefore also expect our partners to deliver both the technologically most reliable, environmentally efficient solutions and know our production requirements well. Valmet has strong experience in delivering valve solutions to demanding chemical processes, as well as a comprehensive product portfolio that matches our production. It’s also important to us that original spare parts, as well as maintenance and expert services, are easily and timely available to us in all stages of production,” says Juha Kerttula, Electrical and Automation Manager of Keliber.

“The selection of optimal valves and actuators specifically for the requirements of each process can contribute to the operational reliability of production, a reduction in water consumption, energy efficiency, and minimized emissions or impurities. With seamless integration between valves and the Valmet DNA automation system, we will be able to identify potential issues in the process very broadly and thus improve reliability in the customer’s process throughout the lifecycle. We are honored by Keliber’s trust and look forward to our collaboration in this landmark operation,” says Marko Lindeman, Director, Finland and Baltics at Valmet’s Flow Control business line.

3D photo of the lithium refinery in Kokkola, Finland (by Birgitta Hjelm-Luontola/Sweco)3D photo of the lithium refinery in Kokkola, Finland (by Birgitta Hjelm-Luontola/Sweco)

Technical information about the valve delivery

Valmet will supply the Keliber lithium refinery with mission-critical valves and valve automation solutions. The delivery includes Neles™ ball valves, segment valves, butterfly valves and globe valves for on-off and control applications as well as Flowrox™ valve solutions for demanding conditions. The control valves are equipped with Neles™ ND9000 series valve controllers, which have the capability of advanced performance follow-ups and enable predictive maintenance planning activities.

About the Sibanye-Stillwater Keliber lithium project

The Keliber lithium project is an advanced lithium project, located in Kaustinen and Kokkola, Finland. The project aims to be the first European producer of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from its own mined ore reserves, thus contributing towards the green transition by facilitating the electrification of transportation. The Keliber lithium project is being developed by Keliber Oy, a subsidiary of Sibanye-Stillwater, a multinational mining and metals processing Group, with the Finnish Minerals Group, a state-owned company developing the value chain of lithium-ion batteries in Finland, the second largest shareholder. For more information on the project, refer to www.sibanyestillwater.com/business/europe/keliber.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions, we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.    

Follow us on valmet.com

Thursday, 07 September 2023 11:05

Getting start ups started

~ Design flexibility is key to helping start ups get going ~

In early 2023, Britishvolt, a UK startup, filed for administration after struggling to raise funds for a major electric vehicle (EV) battery factory in northern England. The episode is classed as another damning blow to the UK’s hopes of building a home-grown battery industry, with the country falling further behind in the global race to build batteries. Here, Roger Brereton, Head of Sales at  steering parts manufacturer Pailton Engineering, explores the reasons why start ups often struggle to bring vehicles to market.

According to the Faraday Institution, a clean mobility research group, the UK will need to build five gigafactories by 2030 to supply around 100 GWh needed to satisfy the depend for batteries for private cars, commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses, micromobility and grid storage. By 2040, it will need ten. As of writing, only one factory is being built, and that’s by Chinese multinational Envision to serve Nissan's car plant in Sunderland.

However, we are seeing many commercial EV makers struggle financially when kickstarting cell factory projects across the country. Despite a series of business changes and internal restructurings, high profile EV start ups are either on track to go bust this year or have already significantly cut down on production, owing to dwindling cash reserves and high costs related to production ramp-ups and soaring inflation.

Stuck in neutral

A contributing factor as to why commercial EV start ups are struggling is in relation to the price of raw materials, such as lithium, which is used to store and provide the electrical energy needed to power the electric drivetrain of trucks and buses.

The Russian war on Ukraine has disrupted oil, natural gas and coal supply chains, exacerbating tightness across metal markets and heating up prices for nickel, steel, aluminum, copper and a host of other materials critical to EV manufacturing. As a result, EV makers now face problems securing metals essential to the batteries that power the cars.

In fact, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, its lithium price index had risen by 182.6 per cent year-on-year as of mid-December 2022, meaning that cleaning the world from polluting energy sources is becoming much more expensive.

Semiconductors shortage

Just one vehicle could have thousands of different semiconductors, depending on how advanced and expensive it is. Semiconductors are essential in every EV, be it for infotainment systems or the more basic parts, such as power steering and brakes. The current shortage, which started in 2020, was caused by many factors that include an already disrupted supply chain, geopolitical incidents between the US and China and the fact that major producers paused production at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Automotive manufacturers cut their orders of all parts and materials, including semiconductors, but the demand rebounded shortly after, leaving them with insufficient stocks.

Many EV companies were unable to carry on with assembly and could not come back to it when a fresh shipment arrived. In fact, well-known automakers had to halt certain production lines in their factories, including General Motors, Ford Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Subaru and Fiat Chrysler.

Lacking in design flexibility

When planning to build electric buses and trucks, many of the EV commercial vehicle manufacturers turn to off-the-shelf parts or use their own designs and software.

The issue with off-the-shelf parts is that, despite being readily available, they are mass-produced and made to be versatile and compatible with various applications, meaning that they may not always seamlessly integrate into a specific electric truck or bus design.

Let’s suppose an EV manufacturer is developing a specialised electric delivery truck that requires a unique cabin layout. It would be wise for them to partner with a custom parts manufacturer to expedite the development timeline, especially during a time in which many EV start ups are financially struggling.

From needing to bring vehicles to market more quickly, to adapting more easily to the changing market conditions, start ups can support their process of getting started by looking at design flexibility.

Pailton Engineering designs and manufactures custom steering parts for heavy vehicles, included commercial vehicles and last mile delivery vans. Discover more at pailton.com.

About Pailton Engineering: Pailton Engineering Ltd design, test and deliver world class steering systems, using state of the art CAD (Solid Works), purpose designed and built test facilities, and state of the art manufacturing capability.

Rising energy prices, the impact of life after the EU and labour shortages continue to be the main challenges facing the UK metals sector according to a new report due to be launched next week.

Nearly a quarter of firms in the UK Metals Council’s State of the Metals Industry in the UK 2023/24 survey admitted to adjusting supply chain strategies or sourcing alternatives, whilst just under a third want enhanced Government support to navigate trade barriers and custom procedures in the wake of Brexit.

22% of manufacturers are also looking for improved energy supply contracts to bring prices down to more affordable levels, with just 31% of businesses saying that they have an effective recruitment strategy in place for filling the well-documented labour gaps.

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There were positive sentiments in the report, which will be officially published during the opening address at the UK Metal Expo in Birmingham on September 13th.

Despite the widespread challenges, 70% of respondents are optimistic or very optimistic about future business prospects, underlining the resilience of the sector and its ability to innovate.

“We touch metals every day, whether that is in our homes, in the cars, planes and trains we travel in, the medical devices we rely on, as well as tools and machinery used for their production,” explained Rachel Eade MBE, Chair of the UK Metals Council.

“Importantly, it is now recognised that metals can be infinitely and readily recycled into new parts, something that cannot be said for many other materials in modern life – we need to value metals more as we move to a Net Zero economy.

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“Foundation industries will continue to play a critical role in the way we all live, and this vital sector needs a voice to ensure that the Government understands the journey we are on.”

She went on to add: “This is why we came up with the State of the Metals Industry in the UK Report, a unique opportunity for us to canvas the views of primes, metal producers and those in the downward supply chain.

“The issues they are facing span from supply chain disruption because of Brexit to availability of raw materials and how they can mitigate the cost of energy – a key issue when you consider levels of consumption in our industry.

“Skills and the ability to get new people into our sector is also a challenge that is holding many of them back as they look to support the UK’s desire to move towards Net Zero. We’ll be highlighting this to Government at the UK Metals Expo next week.”

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The UK Metals Council is made up of 12 trade associations from across the full spectrum of the metals supply chain, from primary manufacturing to recycling.

In total, it represents the interests and views of over 11,000 companies, employing directly and indirectly nearly one million people.

The first ever State of the Metals Industry in the UK Report was launched to provide a sector snapshot of the opportunities and challenges faced by the domestic metals industry and the prospects for future growth and sustainability.

It will be officially available from Wednesday September 13th and all the findings will be sent to Government to help it shape future policy and support, whilst the data will also be available for sector specialists, companies and academia to use for intelligence gathering, bids and lobbying.

Rachel concluded: “The UK Metals Expo is the perfect place to launch the report, with more than 200 exhibitors and 4000 industry professionals attending from 52 different countries.

“It aligns perfectly with the UK’s pursuit of Net Zero, depending as it does on advanced materials, manufacturing excellence and engineering innovation. A robust domestic metals supply chain is pivotal in realising our objectives, whilst driving energy-efficient production, nurturing circular economy practices, and propelling sustainable advancement.

“The findings from the report will be hotly discussed during the two days and we look forward to getting further feedback from delegates.”

For further information, please visit www.ukmetalscouncil.org.

Case studies from businesses who took part in the report:

Phil Rawnson, Managing Director of Andover-based MRT Castings, has seen energy prices treble over the last eighteen months.

His company exports over 60% of its £8.5m annual sales and the massive rise in costs makes trading overseas more difficult – especially when other countries aren’t hit with the same extortionate rises and delivery charges.

“We can’t pass all the increases on to our customers, so there is little doubt our global competitiveness has been hit.

“Whilst we have a continual focus on becoming more energy efficient as we drive towards Net Zero, we could certainly do with a more simplified support offer from Government.

“At the last count, there are 26 different support packages to help the move towards decarbonisation, but as a SME we don’t have the time or resource to uncover which corner of Whitehall they’re buried in.

“Bureaucracy is too heavy and costly, and this is definitely a barrier for firms to tap into the financial assistance that is out there.”

Brexit has also been a major issue for MRT Castings, which invested in one of the UK’s newest foundries in 2020.

Shipments to one of the company’s largest customers in Ireland used to take less than 24 hours, now thanks to an elongated and costly customs process the same journey is taking between three to five days.

Phil went on to add: “Our sector is extremely resilient, and we can achieve amazing things when we work together. Just look at what we did during the Covid-pandemic when we trebled our output – with the help of our supply chain - to support the ventilator effort that saved hundreds of lives.

“We don’t want handouts, just a level playing field.”

 

Mike Everard, Managing Director of Sheffield-based iESCO, has seen a significant surge in enquiries from the metal sector for his firm’s voltage power optimisation technology.

His company’s ‘powerPerfector’ product removes the overvoltage that UK mains electricity supply produces at source, helping businesses save money on energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and prolong the lifetime of their equipment.

“The resilience of the metals sector never ceases to amaze me and we are seeing first-hand how companies in the supply chain are being creative in order to reduce their energy costs.

“Whilst the rises we have seen are not ideal, I do think a certain amount of pain is required if we are going to achieve long-term energy security in the UK.

“It has focused our attention on what is required to help us reduce our dependence on carbon power and we now need to see the Government, hamstrung with the financial hit of Covid, channel sustained funding into creating more hydro, nuclear, solar and tidal power infrastructure.”

 

Kirsty Davies-Chinnock is quietly pleased that she has just negotiated a new fixed energy contract starting in October.

The cost to Professional Polishing Services (PPS), which offers bespoke stainless steel and non-ferrous polishing, will be an additional £100,000 per year, an 84% increase on the previous rate.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of MDs I know, and they’ve been tied into contracts that are 300-400% more than their last ones – that is unthinkable.

“Even at 84% we are going to have to pass some of the additional costs on to our customers and we’ll work with them to do this, whilst also implementing the energy efficient measures we can on our own shopfloor.”

PPS Ltd works with a client base that spans the world, with its efforts seen as far afield as Hong Kong and Australia.

One of its biggest clients used to be in Ireland, but due to the complications of Brexit annual sales in this territory have reduced from £250,000 to just £30,000 per year.

“Trading with the European Union is more difficult and some of our customers have chosen to source elsewhere. We’ve had to react and look at building sales in other existing markets and we have been successful in winning new work in the US and Saudi Arabia. That’s not as a positive result of Brexit, we were trading in these areas whilst still in the EU.”

Despite the challenges, Kirsty is optimistic about the future and has a strong pipeline of opportunities.

In fact, she has just secured a £250,000 new order to take turnover past the £2m mark in what is currently her firm’s 40th anniversary year.

“We’ll need another person to help with our growth and that’s not always easy in our sector due to the diminishing labour pool. We’re quite niche, so need to find the right person with the right culture and then we train them up in what we do.”

Thursday, 07 September 2023 10:48

COPA-DATA attends Machine Building Live

Showcasing operational efficiency with zenon software demos

Industrial automation software developer, COPA-DATA, will be attending Machine Building Live, taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on 4 October, 2023. Visitors are invited to visit COPA-DATA at booth 64, where the company will be showcasing its cutting-edge zenon software demos, offering a firsthand experience of the platform's multifunctional capabilities.

The zenon software platform is an industrial automation solution designed for machine builders and will be the centrepiece of COPA-DATA’s exhibition. It empowers end users to optimise manufacturing processes, enhance operational efficiency and ensure real-time monitoring and control across industrial machinery. zenon offers advanced HMI/SCADA capabilities, data visualisation, alarms, reporting, and integration with diverse systems, enabling businesses to streamline operations and achieve excellence in industrial processes.

Attendees will have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations that showcase zenon's diverse functions in real-world scenarios across different industries.

zenon software demo highlights

Among demonstrated features is the ability to use zenon for seamless execution of batch production using the platform’s recipe administration feature. Attendees can observe the initiation of a batch through recipe selection, testing, approval and control recipe creation. The process incorporates pH value checks and automatic product filling. COPA-DATA's experts for automation in pharmaceutical and food manufacturing will be at hand to discuss these applications.

COPA-DATA will also demonstrate a simulation of a packaging line. The demo includes dynamic process status colour changes, along with Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) key figure displays. The simulation spans startup, production and rundown phases, providing an immersive experience of the entire process.

2023 09 07 104810

Through a detailed status model derived from the Weihenstephan status model, attendees can gain insights into how zenon could report on the operational status of a filling machine. This demo illustrates recipe management, shadow variables and resource consumption reports.

In addition to these demonstrations, COPA-DATA will also present its pharmaceutical Human Machine Interface (HMI) displays, designed to elevate pharmaceutical manufacturing management. This advanced HMI platform ensures regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and data integrity in the pharmaceutical industry. It offers intuitive visualisation, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive reporting, enabling seamless production management and quality control.

"These demonstrations will offer a glimpse into the operational efficiency that our platform can deliver. Through seamless execution of batch production, dynamic process simulations and detailed operational status reports, we’re showcasing how zenon allows industries to optimise manufacturing processes." said Mohammed Ahmed, Sales Manager at COPA-DATA. "We look forward to sharing insights, discussing challenges, and exploring how our solutions can drive operational excellence."

The diverse showcase caters to the cross-industry abilities of the zenon platform, showing the adaptability and flexibility of the technology. Join booth 64 to learn how COPA-DATA's innovative software solutions can elevate your equipment’s processes.

More information on the zenon demo project can be found at  www.copa-data.com. To attend Machine Building Live, register here.

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