On Tuesday, 11^th July, the British Government announced a huge increase in the UK satellite sector. This boost will see a new step forward – or upwards as the case may be – for the satellite sector here on our small islands. Especially when considering the huge competition that we face from bigger powers such as the USA’s NASA programs.

Here at European Springs we couldn’t be more excited by this boost and what it means for the future of Britain’s journeys to space.

British Satellites

Starting in 1962 until 1979, Britain was home to the Ariel programme that developed six satellites which were launched with the help of NASA, America’s space program. However, one satellite was launched by a British rocket and this was the Prospero X-3 in 1971. A long-term mission, communication only ended with Prospero in the late 1990s.

More military focused operations launched by the UK Ministry of Defence includes Skynet, which provides strategic communication to the different branches of the British military and even engaged NATO forces. The most recent of these was launched in 2012. Skynet is the most expensive space project that the UK space program currently has underway. Although, due to this recent boost this may change in the future.

Cold War satellites were also in air during this period of international political tension. The Zircon satellite intercepted communications from the then USSR and other European countries, the true nature of which was revealed following its subsequent cancellation in 1987 due to being too expensive. The resulting scandal became known as the Zircon Affair.

The Boost

The boost comprises of a £99 million injection into the Harwell science campus located close to Oxford, aiming to help extend the test facilities for satellites. With a further £4 million being spent on developing rocket motors in Buckinghamshire. This injection into the sector has come because of the fast-growing nature of the technology and the need to keep up with worldwide trends.

The government has provided funds to help the industry stay at the forefront of such technologies, as is their responsibility according to science minister Jo Johnson.

In the past, many companies have had issues with having to send their space equipment abroad for final testing due to the fact that the UK simply does not have the testing facilities for such an enterprise. This boosted budget is an attempt to allow British companies to keep their space projects in the country. Is this a stab at independence for a post-Brexit UK? Possibly, as it can be seen as a way to keep investors on the home shore rather than outsourcing to European countries due to simple necessity.

Here at European Springs, we understand the importance of engineering and how the future will look, be it in regard to space travel or robotics. Working within the spring industry, we are Europe’s leading spring manufacturers, with our products used in major industrial environments all over the world. Perhaps soon, thanks to this boost, out of this world too!

If you would like to know more on what we offer, get in touch with a member of our team today.

Here at European Springs, we like to keep on top of industry exhibitions and events, and just as you may have seen us out and about in July, we have plenty more exciting exhibitions to attend in September.

As leaders in spring design and manufacturing industries, we are always excited to be a part of these events, learn more, and spread our spring knowledge and advice! We look forward to seeing some recognisable and some fresh faces in our next three exhibitions, so please feel free to come to our stand and say hello.

FAST Show, IWM Duxford 21 September STAND 31

With face to face discussions, design engineering, production engineering and supply problem discussions, the FAST show is a superb opportunity to mingle with the experts. It will not only open thrilling debates related to rapid prototyping, plastic moulding, advanced composites and much more, but it is a chance for new and rewarding opportunities.

Co-located with the Engineering Materials Live Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum after its enormous success in the National Motorcycle Museum, entry is by pre-registration only, so we suggest jumping at this chance. As leaders in the industry, of course, we will be there! Come visit us at stand 31!

TCT Show, NEC 26-28 Sept STAND A40

The NEC, from 26-28 September will be focused on accelerating 3D technologies, and all aspects of the innovative manufacturing process; from moulding to tooling and machining. Whether you have a related product, service or even a small idea and passion, we recommend the TCT show!

Many speakers join together with education and business to give live demonstrations, product launches and plenty of technological energy. The TCT always attracts a highly motivated group of manufacturers, designers, leaders in business, investors and innovators from all around the world- including European Springs! Come see us at the wonderful NEC in Birmingham at stand A40.

Medical Technology, Ireland STAND 40

Located at Galway Racecourse, this stunning location is the setting for the crème de la crème of the medical device industry. Ireland is the home to one of the largest exporters of medical technology in the EU, and European Springs have the honour of being alongside some of the biggest names in medical technology at Medical Technology Ireland.

Offering cutting edge speeches in design, innovation and manufacturing and showcasing the latest technology in this industry, this exhibition attracts numerous major multinationals as well as local, national and international suppliers. Come along, to be a part of the content, networking and endless specialist knowledge in the industry. European Springs are at stand 40. Come say hello!

These exciting exhibitions are a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our knowledge within these industries, and share our knowledge and insights into engineering. We are excited to be a part of this, and even more excited to share it with all the visitors and exhibitors. We hope to see you there!

It’s not normally a natural environment for wire forms but when renowned sculptor Andrew Lee, asked us to work with him on a number of installations at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show at Chatsworth House, we couldn’t refuse.

The Project

Andrew had been commissioned by the RHS to produce a large installation of wind sculptures for the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show and looked to European Springs & Pressings to provide the delicate engineering needed to complete his ‘Shoal’ and ‘Flow’ sculptures.

Stuart McSheehy, Managing Director of the Beckenham office of European Springs & Pressings concludes: “RHS Chatsworth has been heralded as a show that broke gardening boundaries and blended tradition with unexpected, innovative design and that is certainly what we achieved for Andrew. Contrasting the preconceived industrial nature of manufacturing alongside the stunning lines of Andrew’s work, with the breathtaking backdrop of Chatsworth House, certainly broke with tradition and show’s there is real art in engineering.”

‘Flow 2’ sculpture installation at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show – June 2017 from Andrew Lee on Vimeo.

You can read more about Andrew Lee’s work at: www.wonderfulnature.net

The budget announced that the UK was the second-fastest growing economy in the G7 in 2016 and despite the Brexit vote, the UK economy, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), ended 2016 on a strong note. The past few months have seen a continual strengthening of manufacturing output, despite economic headwinds, and we’re delighted that this acceleration in manufacturing growth has been mirrored and excelled by our Cornwall based factory who have seen their order books surge.

End of year results saw the Redruth industrial site post a strong performance with a £7m turnover in 2016. This month’s results show an increase of 40% on this time last year.

Michael Gibbs, Managing Director says: “UK manufacturing is going through tumultuous times. On the one hand, there is a significant investment with multi-million-pound facility expansions and on the other, manufacturers are suggesting instability.

“We have seen incredible growth across our business, witnessing specifically an increase in our automotive sector with a high proportion of our suspension springs being used in the UK.

“We’ve purposefully invested over £1.3m in new machinery in Cornwall in the past year to fulfill growing demand and secure UK production and our team has expanded to 60 staff from 43 in the last 12 months.

Gibbs concludes: “Our current trajectory and long term strategies, boosted by the Government’s focus on the UK’s industrial strategy, forecast continual investment, recruitment, and expansion with 2017 set to be a record year.

The engineering industry is always requiring skilled workers to ensure the continuation of its development. Modern society requires the input of several areas of engineering to guarantee that well-functioning of all of its components, such as lifts, bridges, and building design.

This year, the UK has placed a focus on the advancement of its engineering industry to help the encouragement of students in the pursuit of careers in the industry. In addition to ensuring that young children are interested in engineering, it’s also vital to encourage girls so that the 9% of women engineers in the UK is increased quickly.

International Women in Engineering Day

Taking place on June 23^rd, International Women in Engineering Day focused on the achievements of women in both technical and engineering roles. Established by the Women’s Engineering Society, which dates to June 23^rd 1919, the annual event was celebrated worldwide for the first time this year.

Since the 1980s, there has been an increase in the gender imbalance in engineering with less than half of women computer science graduates. Today, only 18% of women follow the profession, according to Girls Who Code. The International Women in Engineering Day aims to continue to draw attention to the importance of the presence of women in engineering and to continue to celebrate their achievements.

1.8 million Skill Shortage

By 2025 the UK will require approximately 1.8 million engineers – a fact that will require the encouragement of young children to pursue engineering careers. As children start thinking about their careers from a very young age, it’s necessary to encourage and guide them in the direction of engineering.

Primary school children need to have the opportunity to explore and see in action all of the latest cutting-edge technology that is involved in an engineering workplace. Exposing them to the wide array of career possibilities will be a positive step towards closing the 1.8 million technicians and engineers gap.

Robot Games to Encourage Children for STEM

Held July 1^st, these robotic games will see children and air cadets engaging with engineering in order to promote their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). With more than 100 people expected to attend, students will have the opportunity to learn electrical skills, design and technology, radio control, wood and metal working skills, and basic electronic engineering.

Through constructing customised robots, children will not only acquire these valuable skills but also become more interested in STEM. Introducing children, particularly girls, to these fields will ensure that the skill shortage and the gender gap are reduced.

At European Springs we are always excited about the future of the engineering industry – which is why we always keep an eye out for any developments and updates. As leading experts in the design and manufacture of springs, we understand the importance of a skilled workforce. To see the products we offer, or to know more about our bespoke solutions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.

We will be visiting a number of exhibitions in the coming days, so make sure to come and say hello!

Subcon, NEC. 6-8 Jun, stand H1

Visit the Subcon website for more information.

PLANTWORX, Leicestershire. 6-8 Jun, stand PAVB H11

Visit the PLANTWORX website for more information.

Cereals Show, Lincolnshire. 14-15 Jun, stand 771

Visit the Cereals website for more information.

You can also check out a recent blog post where you can read more about each event.

We hope to see you there!

Category: News & Updates