FEBRUARY 2019 ROUND-UP
Those with Level 3 qualifications and an understanding of ? Did you know...
Engineers with digital skills are driving up
salaries across the industry, according to the
latest Reed Engineering Salary Guides. CNC machinists
also saw their salaries rise by as much as 3.5% in 2018.
robotics, artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing
will have a key role to play in developing the future of the sector.”
Mark Blay, director, Reed Engineering
Pic of the month
Construction work on the new £50 million JCB Cab Systems factory is forging ahead
as it targets a summer opening. The shell of the 350,000ft2 plant, which is located next to
JCB Heavy Products and the World Parts Centre at Uttoxeter, is on course to be completed
slightly ahead of schedule ready for high-tech production line facilities to be installed from
March onwards. The investment, one of the biggest in the company’s history, will create
the most advanced and productive cab facility in the world, with a computer-controlled
production line, fully-automated painting facility and robotic welding. The new site will
accommodate 400 employees, who will relocate from the existing cab factory in Rugeley.
“We are delighted with progress on the new site,” said David Carver, general manager
at JCB Cab Systems. “Our focus is on building a plant that supports the company’s global
growth plans and enables us to work far more efficiently. A weld automation facility
destined for the new factory is currently being trialled at Rugeley. In addition, a computercontrolled
production line, fully-automated painting process, and other high-tech features
will ensure we have the most advanced cab facility in the world. A phased programme of
moving production to the new site will be implemented from July onwards.”
BAE boss named
Made Smarter chair
The Made Smarter
initiative has appointed
BAE Systems’ Andrea
Thompson as chair of
its steering board.
Thompson is BAE’s
managing director for
Europe & International
Programmes. This
includes responsibility
for BAE’s role in the
F-35 Lightning II fighter
jet, the world’s largest
defence project.
In her role as
chair of the steering
board, Thompson will
oversee the successful
development and
operational delivery
of the Made Smarter
programme.
Commenting on
her appointment,
Thompson said: “I am
very proud to have
been appointed to
the role of chair for
the steering group,
and I am relishing the
opportunity to helping
shape and develop this
exciting project, which
has the potential to
transform the region’s
industrial economy.”
JCB
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