GENERAL NEWS
Energy concerns bite for UK manufacturers
High energy prices are no longer an issue for energy-intensive industries only ; the impact is being felt across manufacturers of all sectors and sizes . Britain ’ s manufacturers are warning that their energy costs have already spiralled out of control , with nearly half reporting that their electricity bills have shot up by over 100 % in the past 12 months and 53 % expect the same fate in the coming year .
“ Companies have attempted to mitigate against this with 58 % already adjusting business practices to reduce energy consumption by insulating buildings and installing better performing heat systems . And over half have already priced in the increases into their final product . Some 13 % are now reducing production for short periods or avoiding production altogether during peak energy price periods , with 7 % reducing production already for longer periods in the day . Over a third of firms are actively searching for a new energy provider and two fifths have renegotiated a fixed tariff for the next year ,” commented Make UK , the UK manufacturers ’ organisation .
Make UK has urged the UK government to take specific short- , medium- and long-term action to address this challenge and help UK manufacturers .
In late September , the UK government set an energy price cap for an initial six months for all business users .
“ It does appear likely that prices will remain high for many months to come and , if so , industry will need support for a longer period to protect jobs and remain competitive , so the
Stephen Phipson , CEO , Make UK .
further announcement of a review on future support at the three-month stage is reassuring . ..... We hope that this support can be made tangible as quickly as possible and not applied retrospectively at the end of the next quarter ,” said Stephen Phipson , CEO , Make UK . n
Meet ISMR at SteelFab
SteelFab , the Middle-Eastern trade fair for the metalworking , manufacturing and steelfabrication industry , will take place from 9-23 January 2023 in Sharjah , UAE . Meet the ISMR team on its booth at the show .
“ The UAE government is adopting policies to speed up digital transformation of the industrial sector in the country . The range of opportunities for digital transformation is tremendous and makes use of AI tools ; data lakes ; new connectivity standards ; advanced analytics and robotics , among others . SteelFab helps regional players to develop the digital capabilities that would help them gain an edge in a hyper-competitive market ,” the show organiser told ISMR .
“ With the latest technological advancements , such as IoT and automation , the metal fabrication industry is undergoing rapid changes . From product research and development , quality assurance and everything in between , technological
The ISMR team on its booth at SteelFab .
advancements are changing the manufacturing process . Smart sensors , immersive technology gadgets , sustainable materials and green energy sources are being embraced widely ,” it added .
SteelFab focuses on a wide spectrum of industrial segments through its special focus areas such as Power Tools ; Machine Tools ; Welding & Cutting and Pipes & Tubes . Its last event occupied four halls and attracted 150 exhibitors from 20 countries .
“ From this year , the UAE economy is
The SteelFab exhibition in Sharjah , UAE .
set to shift course from recovery mode to solid growth aided by a rise in oil prices and an upside in non-oil sectors . Growth in construction and oil & gas sectors , the backbone of the fabrication industry , will also pick up pace in the coming years on the back of strong government support and liberal trade policies . The GCC steel production sector , with sheet fabrication as its largest segment , manufactured 3.3 million tons of steel in 2020 , with a value of around US $ 3.1- billion ,” said the show organiser . n
. steelfabme . com
GM to invest US $ 491m at Indiana stamping plant
General Motors has announced that it will invest US $ 491 million at its Marion , Indiana ( USA ), metal stamping operations to prepare the facility to produce a variety of steel and aluminium stamped parts for future products , including electric vehicles , built at multiple GM assembly plants .
The investment will be used to purchase and install two new press lines , complete press and die upgrades , for renovations and to construct an approximately 6,000-square-foot addition . Work on the facility will begin later this year .
“ While this investment prepares the facility for our all-electric future , it ’ s really an investment in our talented Marion team and will keep the plant working for many years to come ,” said Gerald Johnson , GM executive vice president of global manufacturing and sustainability . “ This investment is another example of the company bringing everyone along and investing in the people who make manufacturing a competitive advantage for GM .” First opened in 1956 , GM ’ s Marion Metal Centre produces sheet-metal parts for multiple GM assembly plants to support production of Chevrolet , Buick , GMC and Cadillac vehicles . Marion currently employs more than 750 team members and employment is expected to remain stable with the addition of this new work in the plant . Headquartered in Detroit , Michigan ( USA ), General Motors employs over 155,000 people worldwide . n