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22 Jun 2018

The latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey reports that UK Manufacturing output looks promising. They suggest that output has increased strongly and faster since the end of 2017. According to CBI, growth was broad-based, with output increasing in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors. Among the top performers are food, drink and tobacco and mechanical engineering.

Total order books show similar, healthy levels resembling that of December 2017. Exports remained stable, well above average and in line with the past 16 months. Output price expectations for inflation softened to the weakest in almost a year while stock levels moved below average. It hasn’t been smooth sailing as the UK Manufacturing sector faced some serious challenges.

While the CBI believes manufacturers will continue to benefit from robust external demand and the lower exchange rate, overall economic growth is expected to remain subdued. This comes as a result of weak consumer income growth and the continuous uncertainty stemming investments.

18 May 2018

Subcon Show 2018 is mere weeks away and this year may be the biggest event yet. UK’s premier subcontract manufacturing supply chain show will run alongside The Engineering Expo, a free to attend 3-day educational program.

Thursday 5 June sees the 2018 Subcon show kick off at the Birmingham NEC displaying the best of British manufacturing. Network with top industry leaders and international suppliers looking to help UK manufacturers optimise their supply chain strategies.

6 Apr 2018

Aviation and aerospace technology has been at the forefront since the Concorde but now, there’s this. A supersonic jet that could travel at 1513 km/h (940 mph) considerably shortening commercial flight times. NASA has signed a deal with Lockheed Martin to develop a supersonic “X-plane” that could break the sound barrier but with one major difference – no sonic boom.

16 Mar 2018

Flying cars have been in the news all over the world and competition is rife to produce the first commercial model. Besides finding the perfect balance between road and air capabilities, companies need to contend with legal, safety and regulatory issues. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Dutch company PAL-V certainly raised some eyebrows with their road-legal Liberty flying car.

Firmly in the driving seat of innovation, the PAL-V Liberty is set to undergo compliance demonstrations after the Geneva Motor Show. This is the final step in the certification process where we could very well see the world’s first flying car take to the skies as early as 2019.

9 Mar 2018

Transport is changing rapidly at what seems to be on a daily basis. From the Hyperloop One, autonomous ships, self-driving cars to flying taxis and now, a high-performance maglev train. We’ve come so far in the last 5 years alone, it’s hard to imagine what will be next.

Elon Musk has already provided some insights with the Hyperloop One and now it’s time for China to shine. Let’s be honest, they’ve always been known for their impressive railway systems and outrageously fast trains. Their high-speed rail certainly remains one of the most

23 Feb 2018

Naval warfare could be on the brink of a total makeover through cutting-edge technology and innovation. Making waves at the center is the Sea Hunter – a new breed of unmanned, autonomous vessels launched in 2016. It forms part of the DARPA Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) program. DARPA has already completed trials of a prototype unmanned submarine hunter and claims it could lead to a new class military vessel.

16 Feb 2018

Over the last few years the flying taxi has become somewhat crowded with the Ehang 184 being the latest addition. Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Airbus and Intel are all in the advanced stages of their respective autonomous aerial vehicles (AAV’s). Although designs vary, all flying taxis seem built for the same purpose. They transport people autonomously across city environments to overcome pollution, congestion and

2 Feb 2018

UK Manufacturing has continued its upward trend and toward the end of 2017, was named the eighth largest manufacturer by output in the world. This came less than one year after claiming ninth spot. Reports from EEF and Santander shows the nation’s annual output is worth nearly $250bn. If this current growth continues, UK Manufacturing could be in the top five as early as 2020.

26 Jan 2018

Autonomous driving technology has been the buzz word for some time now. Tesla has been in the news, good and bad, and now it’s time for Hyundai to take the reins. The Hyundai Motor Company and Aurora, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, have announced a strategic partnership. Together, they will move quickly to bring self-driving technology to market around the world aiming for 2021.

The initial focus will be on developing software and hardware for automated and autonomous driving. That includes the

21 Jul 2017

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is Marine Engineering at its best. It houses more than 4 500 crew members and weighs in at 90 000 tons. With a $13 billion price tag, it’s the most expensive and most advanced warship ever built. It certainly sets the bar extremely high.

Christened in November 2013 and scheduled to be commissioned this year, these super-carriers are expected to be in service until 2065. They are also set to replace some of the Navy’s existing Nimitz-class carriers.

Both classes have a similar-looking hull but the Ford class is miles ahead with new technical and technological innovations. Designed to improve operating efficiency and reduce operating costs, the USS Gerald R. Ford also requires fewer crew; about 600 to be more specific. It’s estimated to save $4-5 billion on operational expenditure making it extremely cost effective in comparison.

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