News: Further expansion for X-Cel Superturn

An ambitious South Yorkshire manufacturing company that specialises in producing precision machined components for the renewables, defence and oil and gas industries, has acquired the freehold of a second site in Rotherham to accommodate growing demand from clients.

Rothbiz reported in 2019 that Newburgh Precision Engineering Ltd had been acquired having entered into administration. The assets and goodwill were purchased by a new company, Vector X-Cel Ltd, which is 51% owned by X-Cel Superturn Ltd and 49% owned by the Newburgh management team.

X-Cel Superturn is a global manufacturer of machined components. In June 2012, the firm moved its Gasket and Seal division to the prestigious Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Now a £7.15m deal facilitated by leading law firm Banner Jones, has seen X-Cel Superturn acquire the freehold of Newburgh House, now known as Vector House, the 90,000 sq ft facility previously leased by Newburgh at Templeborough.

The deal includes over an acre of development land which Vector X-Cel said it will use to expand their facilities and support new and existing clients.

Over the past two years the company has also invested more than £750k in new equipment to support the growth of the business.

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X-Cel Group Chairman, Andrew Taylor, said: "In 2019 we completed the expansion of our 70,000 sq ft facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park which is home to some of the World's biggest manufacturers, and which is an excellent base and headquarters for the X-Cel Superturn Group.

"We have also relocated our valve design and manufacturing company Colson X-Cel from West Yorkshire into this facility. We now own two of the best engineering facilities in the South Yorkshire area and we will continue to invest heavily in new plant, equipment and training. Our company is very committed to the South Yorkshire area as it provides an excellent technically skilled and loyal workforce and good transport links.

"I'd to take this opportunity to thank the team at Banner Jones who have supported us on our growth journey over the last few years, and most recently in the acquisition of our new site."

Stephen Gordon, Head of the Business Legal Services team at Banner Jones, added: "This is another exciting development for X-Cel Superturn, which has expanded at pace in recent years to accommodate new work and projects that are further adding to the credibility of the region as a centre of excellence for manufacturing and engineering across Europe.

"We wish them well with their plans for the future, and their ambitions to create further job opportunities in the area which will undoubtedly be a boost to the local economy."

X-Cel Superturn website

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News: Newburgh Precision bought out of administration

Newburgh Precision Engineering Ltd has been acquired having entered into administration this week.

With state-of-the-art premises at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components and supplies the oil & gas, power generation, defence, rail and aerospace sectors.

It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

The assets and goodwill have been purchased by a new company, Vector X-Cel Ltd, which is 51% owned by X-Cel Superturn Ltd and 49% owned by the Newburgh management team.

The new management team at Vector X-Cel will be Andrew Taylor, Chairman (and owner of the X-Cel Group); David Greenan, Managing Director; Lee Townsend, Sales Director; Chris Staves, Financial Director; and Neil Booth, Production Director.

X-Cel Superturn is a global manufacturer of machined components. In June 2012, the firm moved its Gasket and Seal division to the prestigious Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

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Andrew Taylor said: "I’m delighted to be involved with Newburgh, they have an unrivalled reputation for engineering expertise and will compliment the X-Cel group. We have exciting plans to invest heavily in the business."

David Greenan added: "Myself and the Newburgh Precision team are excited to be working in partnership with Andrew and X-Cel Superturn. We believe the wealth of skills, knowledge and experience contained in the businesses will bring huge benefits to both. We look forward to building a bright future."

X-Cel Superturn Ltd and Newburgh Precision Ltd are both manufacturers of high precision machined components and assemblies, supplying into a number of industries to include oil & gas, nuclear & defense, power generation, aerospace and construction industries.

X-Cel Superturn were advised by Paul Hardy of Hardy Transactions Ltd, and their lawyer was Matt Ainsworth of Keebles. The management team at Newburgh were advised by Chris Sellars of 7 Legal and Finance Ltd.

X-Cel Superturn website
Newburgh Precision website

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News: Lombard-backed Newburgh invest in Rotherham

Rotherham precision engineering specialists, Newburgh Precision Ltd, has secured funding packages from Lombard Asset Finance to reinvest in and refurbish its machinery assets.

With state-of-the-art premises at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components and supplies the oil & gas, power generation, defence, rail and aerospace sectors.

It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

The investment will increase the company's capabilities and ensure maximum productivity. Part of the funding has facilitated the refurbishment of an Asquith Butler Gantry Mill, used to machine various products for the defence and nuclear sectors, saving at least £500k in comparison to the cost of replacing the existing machine.

Further funding has allowed the company to renew the contracts for two other machines – a small Robodrill, employed to make large volumes of small parts, and the KAFO, which is used for the precision machining of Helipads.

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The company currently employees 75 staff with ambitions of becoming a 90-strong team by 2019. Plans for further investment in existing machinery and facilities are already underway, with another machine currently on order and installation planned for February 2019.

Chris Staves, management accountant at Newburgh Precision, said: "Our business has grown considerably over the past four years but in order to maintain this growth it is important that we invest in our existing machinery to ensure maximum efficiency.

"The funding from Lombard Asset Finance has enabled us to renew contracts and refurbish important machinery to increase our capacity as a firm. We look forward to taking delivery of a new machine in February and expanding our capabilities further."

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Veronica Wales, senior relationship manager at Lombard, said: "Newburgh Precision Limited's loyal customer base and future order book is evidence of its efficiency and strength as a business. Our funding will help the company continue to operate profitably and we look forward to supporting Chris and the team through further expansion."

Lombard, one of the UK's leading asset finance providers, can trace its roots back to the North Central Wagon and Finance Company which was founded in Rotherham in 1861.

Newburgh Precision website
Lombard website

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News: Engineering a way to keep business local

IntraSale, an online business referral platform "radically-different" to what has gone before, has been launched by Vince Middleton OBE, the managing director of award-winning Rotherham firm, Newburgh Engineering.

A decade in the planning, Middleton has devised a cost-effective, secure, members-only referral and recommendation tool with the aim of helping businesses flourish.

Working at the Templeborough precision manufacturer, Vince rarely had time to network - or make connections via the thousands of business cards he had amassed over the years. When he wanted to find a specialist for a job, he had to wade through his drawerful of cards, or call trusted contacts for recommendations.

The business development tool aims to unlock opportunities and prevent missed opportunities. It is fired by traditional business values Vince believes should not be lost - trust, honesty and having the generosity of spirit to blow the trumpet for people whose work you value.

Vince Middleton, founder of IntraSale (pictured, centre), said: "IntraSale members don't sell themselves or tout for work; via the site they put forward the best people they know to contacts who have a job they need doing.

"If a client needs a service I can't deliver, why not recommend them to the likes of Forgemasters? It gets me credibility, solves a customer’s problem and brings business to the SCR [Sheffield city region]."

Two other highly-regarded business names in the SCR have thrown their weight behind the scheme with personal endorsements. Professor Keith Ridgway, founder and executive chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham, and Alan Lyons, founder of networking group Lyons Den, have invited hundreds of their contacts to join.

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Vince anticipates referrals amounting to over £1 billion within the first five years. He believes the site has potential to go global and eventually rival both LinkedIn, which he claims is now awash with recruiters and self-promoters, and one-seat business groups whose members do business solely with each other.

Since the soft launch in April, over 230 businesses have signed up, including universities, property developers, accountants, lawyers, engineering companies, surveyors, a print shop, painter and decorator and a beauty company to name a few.

Middleton added: "My sector is engineering and manufacturing but this platform is for anyone in business. We want tradespeople and professional services, digital and creative industries to benefit too."

IntraSale has already led to work being won via recommendations from a number of members. IntraSale itself used the platform's Call Out section to find endorsements for a design company for its marketing banners and a PR team.

The platform needs to grow its database and more businesses are being sought as founder members, for a £99 one-time fee, by June 30. Afterwards the cost will be significantly more.

Enterprise Software Architecture Trends Influencing Digital Service Platforms

Vince originally wanted to create IntraSale in printed form and in 2008 approached regional authorities and business support organisations, to no avail. The idea went on the backburner until he crossed paths with software developer Sean Maloney who has since developed the complex software and interactive platform and is still involved with the running of IntraSale while also heading up his own start-up, Tower DMS.

IntraSale membership fees will be ploughed into job creation and further software development to ensure it is a worldwide success. Sheffield Hallam graduate Felix Barr is in place as business development manager and a graduate systems manager and a digital marketeer are being sought.

IntraSale website

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News: Newburgh Precision expands machining capability

Rotherham precision engineering specialists, Newburgh Precision Ltd, has invested in a new CNC machining centre to produce high-value components for the defence industry.

With state-of-the-art premises at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components and supplies the oil & gas, power generation, defence, rail and aerospace sectors.

It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer, in this case, for a defence contract awarded in the first quarter of 2017.

Newburgh has acquired a new KAFO KMC-4140 double-column CNC machining centre from sole UK agent, TDT Technology.

David Greenan, managing director at Newburgh Precision, said: "We recently secured a long-term defence contract for large stainless steel components and needed extra capacity. Initially, we began producing the parts on an existing bed mill, but this machine already had a busy workload and it was apparent we needed a new resource."

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A CNC milling machine includes a mini computer that acts as the controller unit, providing more flexibility for skilled operators. Newburgh's machine will be used on material for the stainless steel defence part that carries a value of £80,000 per workpiece.

Lee Townsend, sales director at Newburgh Precision, said: "The machine strengthens our already extensive capacity, although the machine was purchased with one contract in mind we have had the opportunity to utilise spare pockets of capacity to prove out new work which has led to orders being placed with Newburgh."

Helping to generate annual turnover of approximately £4m is a workforce of 65, around 90% of whom have served an apprenticeship, including David Greenan. He added: "Our people are a major factor in the success of Newburgh Precision, which in combination with continuous investment in technology and facilities, means we are able to retain our position as the UK's premier contract manufacturing company."

Newburgh Precision recently won its first contract direct from the MOD, the contract is for a duration of seven years for the manufacture of spares for Light Guns.

Newburgh Precision website

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News: Newburgh helping to develop new business model for manufacturing

Rotherham precision engineering specialists, Newburgh Precision Ltd, is part of a UK-wide consortium looking at how the "servitisation model" can boost UK manufacturing.

With state-of-the-art premises at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components and supplies the oil & gas, power generation, defence, rail and aerospace sectors.

It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer, making it ideal for an industry role in the research project which is backed by a grant from Innovate UK.

Traditionally, manufacturing has focused on selling product. Now companies are looking at selling product capabilities, guaranteed over a period of time, bringing about the servitisation of manufacturing. And with surveys suggesting that over the next three years more than 65% of UK manufacturers will incorporate a servitisation model into their businesses; the arguments for its exploration are compelling.

The classic example is Rolls-Royce who switched from selling aero engines to instead selling the power that the engines produce. Customers sign up for "power by the hour," paying Rolls-Royce, not just for the engine, but also for years of servicing and aftercare.

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Dr Andrew Longstaff, principal enterprise fellow, Centre for Precision Technologies at the University of Huddersfield, one of the academic partners in the project, said: "By pursuing the servitisation model, business can engage in Agile Manufacturing – buying the right machine tool package for the right machine tool application for the specific project; then switching out for the next scenario. Productivity and quality will be increased."

By flipping the current business model around; the responsibility for machine capability will reside with the servitisation provider and not the end user, leaving the latter to focus on manufacturing the product. Industry will have access to reliable advanced manufacturing equipment without the burden of maintaining it – particularly appealing to SMEs for whom this technology is often beyond their investment levels.

Industry partners Machine Tool Technologies (MTT) and Newburgh Precision have joined forces with the University of Huddersfield, Cranfield University and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing.

The AMRC model is a partnership between industry and academia, where manufacturers sign up as members to access state of the art equipment on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. It means that they can try out new ways of working without large capital costs or downtime at their own sites.

Over the next two years, the five partners will work closely together; pursuing a wide range of scenarios – the goal being to provide an innovative business model which servitises the use of CNC machinery and provides the technical and analytical tools to be able to do so.

The project supports the basic manufacturing infrastructure and therefore is applicable to all sectors (e.g. aerospace, automotive, power generation, medical) where precision machining is required.

The team will also investigate how the model can be structured so that it can later be expanded to include other, emerging manufacturing processes such as 3D printing and nano-manufacturing, helping to drive the growth of UK manufacturing in the age of Industry 4.0. A successful outcome means that manufacturers will gain access to advanced machines, better return-on-investment and increased productivity from legacy and future machine fleets.

Newburgh Precision website
AMRC website

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News: Recognition for Rotherham firms

Two top Rotherham employers have gained recognition for high quality standards.

Precision engineering specialists, Newburgh Precision Ltd is celebrating after securing AS / EN 9100 accreditation on the first attempt at its Rotherham facility.

With state-of-the-art premises at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components. It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

AS / EN AS9100 is an international quality management system standard system for the Aerospace, Defence and Space industries. Compliance with the standard is a key condition of doing business with many customers in these sectors.

Matthew Jewitt, business systems director at Newburgh Precision, said: "Gaining AS9100 certification is an important step for Newburgh and a real tribute to the hard work and dedication of the team.

"The certification demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and our drive to ensure the highest quality standards are met."

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Lee Townsend, sales director at Newburgh Precision, added: "AS9100 certification widens our approval to an internationally-recognised industry standard and will give us greater access to top tier companies and related opportunities.

"The AS9100 certification combined with or increased site security levels aligns our business to our customers' enhanced requirements and will deliver on our strategy of continued expansion in the Aerospace and Defence sectors."

At the same time, Rittal Ltd, the Rotherham-based UK headquarters of the world-leading manufacturer of industrial enclosure systems as well as racks, infrastructure and associated products for the IT market, has again successfully met and retained the Investors In People (IIP) accreditation at Silver level – joining the likes of Unilever as one of the top-ranked employers in the country.

The company, which employs 108 people at its office on Hellaby Industrial Estate, met 39 tough standards including how they train, develop and engage their workforce. To achieve silver status, a further 76 evidence requirements must also be met. Only five per cent of IIP-accredited organisations are expected to achieve the Silver Standard.

Shane Hope, managing director of Rittal Ltd, said: "We're delighted and very proud to have once again been recognised for our commitment to deliver genuine and lasting success for the company and those who work for us.

"Our Investors in People Silver Accreditation shows our determination to help employees fully develop their talents and skills, and it's no great surprise that our constant investment in our people is hugely beneficial to the business. We employ people from apprentices to graduate trainees and everyone is supported through both formal and informal training and development programmes. By releasing the potential of our employees in this way, we have improved productivity, performance, profitability and delivered sustainable business success that supports our customers.

"The IIP Silver accreditation demonstrates this commitment to be among the best businesses to work for, not just in the Rotherham area, but in the whole of the UK. We have a great team who work well together."

Rittal, which is part of the German-owned Friedhelm Loh Group, started trading in 1961. The company has had its UK sales, marketing and commercial operation, headquartered at Hellaby since 1978.

Newburgh Precision website
Rittal website

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News: Newburgh new hire to explore new markets

Rotherham-based engineering company, Newburgh Precision, is on the lookout for new customers in new sectors.

With state-of-the-art premises at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components. It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

Jonathan Cheeseman has recently joined Newburgh Precision as a technical sales engineer.

Jonathan, 26 from Rotherham (pictured), trained as an apprentice at DavyMarkham in Sheffield before gaining a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University.

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Jonathan's role will include exploring new markets and seeking out new opportunities. He will also be working with existing customers to develop long term relationships. Estimating and quoting working with production to ensure on time delivery and representing the company at trade shows and exhibitions.

Lee Townsend, sales director at Newburgh Precision, said: "We are pleased to welcome Jonathan to the team at Newburgh Precision the additional support in the sales department will increase our capability to look after our existing customer base, whilst the main focus of Jonathan’s time will be spent on generating new customers from new market sectors."

Established in the small Peak District village of Bradwell, Newburgh has grown into an internationally-renowned, award-winning business that specialises in manufacturing medium to large precision engineering components and assemblies. In its 75th year in 2014, Newburgh Engineering decided to split its two sites, Rotherham and Bradwell, into two separate businesses.

After an increased focus on the oil & gas sector in recent years, Newburgh is seeing an increase in work for the wider power generation, defence, rail and aerospace sectors. Last year, the group invested in new water jet cutting capability to ensure a continued quality service across a broader range of materials.

Newburgh Precision website

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News: Gearing up to mark Rotherham Hospice's 20th year

A production manager for the local branch of Signs Express is getting back in the saddle to undertake a mammoth bike ride to raise valuable funds for Rotherham Hospice.

Based at Templeborough, Signs Express pride themselves on their expertise and innovative solutions to help businesses come up with perfect signage solutions, tailored specifically to their requirements.

The only adult hospice in Rotherham for the people of Rotherham, Rotherham Hospice is an independent charity and must raise significant sums of money each year in order to pay for the quality care provided free of charge to patients, their families and carers. The charity needs £5m a year with £2.2m needed to be raised each year through voluntary support.

Gareth Russell, production manager at Signs Express, took on a cycling challenge in 2014 for Rotherham Hospice and raised an amazing £5,000. This September he will join a team of 50 fundraisers as part of the "Big 20" - so called as it is the Rotherham Hospice's 20th anniversary.

Partnering with specialist charity event organisers, Skyline Events, the 345 mile trip from London to Paris also includes a stop at Rotherham's twin town, Saint Quentin on day four before the cyclists arrive in Paris on day five.

Gareth said: "It's an amazing experience. The French roads are great for cycling, and all the cyclists ride into Paris together. It's a fantastic atmosphere."

Donations can be made at Gareth's Just Giving page.

Also set to take on the fundraising challenge are Christopher Duff, chief executive at Rotherham Hospice and GP, Ted Daly, a trustee at the hospice.

A number of fundraising events are taking place throughout the hospice's 20th year. The anniversary ball, recently held at Aston Hall Hotel, raised £16,000.

An official launch event recently took place for the Tree of Life - an imposing, unique sculpture in stainless steel created by Yorkshire Man of Steel designer Steve Mehdi. Inspired by the shape of a tree in the hospice garden and intended as a commemorative artwork, the three metre tall structure will support over 290 individual leaves which can be dedicated in memory of a loved one.

The unique fundraising venture has already raised some £20,000; numerous bereaved relatives whose loved ones received hospice care have paid for engraved leaves and sections of bark to be placed on the tree in their memory.

The Tree of Life was made of steel donated by Outokumpu and built with the help of Newburgh Precision Engineering. Maher Ltd provided the tubular steel frame, JF Finnegan built the foundations with help from Peter Brett Associates. Mark Smithson transported the tree to the site and TPA Portable Roadways and PP Engineering lifted the three tonne tree over the fence into the hospice garden. The tree will glow at night thanks to ASD Lighting and there was also help from the apprentices at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, We are Branding and Performance Engineered Solutions. Pryor Marketing have engraved all the leaves and the bark.

"We all could help, so we did," explained Vince Middleton, MD of Newburgh, who dedicated the company's best welder, Paul Smith, to the task of fabricating the tree from the donated stainless steel and alloys.

"Paul did a brilliant job. It took 200 hours, working under the guidance of sculptor Steve Mehdi. We all felt privileged to be involved in a project which is so creative and which will do a great deal of good for many years to come."

Former Outokumpu MD Jamie Sharp, who has also pledged to supply the steel leaves and bark for a minimum of two years, added: "The tree brings art and industry together and shows the beauty and everlasting quality of stainless steel, a material first created in South Yorkshire."

Signs Express website
Rotherham Hospice website

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News: Rotherham Hospice backed by business community

Rotherham Hospice plans to do even more over the next 20 years as leaders from the local business community are set to work as the charity strives for excellence.

The only adult hospice in Rotherham for the people of Rotherham, Rotherham Hospice is an independent charity and must raise significant sums of money each year in order to pay for the quality care provided free of charge to patients, their families and carers. The charity needs £5m a year with £2.2m needed to be raised each year through voluntary support.

Chief executive at Rotherham Hospice, Christopher Duff has raided his contacts book and pulled together a dynamic eight-strong squad. It includes Pyronix boss Julie Kenny CBE, Trevor Wragg, MD of Horbury Group, recruitment boss Nick Cragg and Vince Middleton OBE, the MD of Newburgh Engineering. They are joined by Nick Alexander, MD of Garnett Dickinson Group, Jamie Sharp, former MD of steel giant Outokumpu in Sheffield, IT boss and Sheffield Eagles chief executive John Whaling, and Darren Baker, MD of JB Doors.

Duff (pictured, far right) said: "Our primary role at the hospice is to care for the people of Rotherham when they or their families are coping with terminal illnesses, but we have to run as a business and we strive for excellence in that arena, just as other companies do.

"The hospice celebrates 20 years of excellence in care this year. These people, some of the town's most successful entrepreneurs and professionals, are pooling their experience and knowledge to help me drive it to best in class so we can do even more in the next 20 years.

"They are sharp-minded people who solve problems from a local perspective. They bring a vast amount of contacts to the table.They are incredibly busy people and I am grateful and proud that they are giving up their time and energy for the hospice."

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Nick Cragg, founder of national recruitment company Stafforce and founder and chairman of investment company Nicholas Associates Group (pictured, second left), added: "I got involved because I want to be a part of an extremely valuable organisation determined to excel on a regional and national level.

"Like many business people I find it exciting and rewarding to be associated with organisations striving to be recognised as the very best at what they do. I urge other business people to join us. Together we can pool expertise and help drive the hospice to be best in class."

The "Dream Team" has already embarked on a project to benchmark Rotherham’s hospice with three others in towns with similar demographics and economic factors. Data is being analysed to identify where improvements can be made and find a way of ensuring a greater percentage of residents can access hospice care.

Duff concludes: "Each year around 2,500 residents of the Rotherham borough die. Most would prefer to die in their home or in the hospice and we are proud to say we support over 700 in their last wish. This is a remarkably high number any hospice would be proud of and we are determined to do more. We will achieve this by building on the strong foundations we have created in the last 20 years and by forging strong links with the town's business community.

"We hope other companies will join us on the journey as we harness ideas, energy, services and money."

Rotherham Hospice website

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News: BLOODHOUND back in Rotherham for GUTS 2016

BLOODHOUND SSC, the British engineering showcase that aims to break the world land speed record by achieving the supersonic speed of 1,000mph, is being brought back to the borough as the headline attraction at this year's Get up to Speed with Engineering and Manufacturing (GUTS) event.

Moving to Rotherham last year, GUTS is the premier event in the region aimed at inspiring the next generation of manufacturers and engineers. Bringing together employers and employment opportunities together with school children, students, parents and educators, it broke all records in 2015 with over 1,850 visitors, exhibitors and attractions.

This year's event is back at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on Wednesday April 20. Attractions this year include F1 and motorcycle simulators, Virtual Reality Welding, University Formula Racing Teams, wheel change challenge, 2016 British Touring Car Championship vehicle and more to be announced.

The BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car (SSC) project also aims to inspire future generations to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by showcasing these subjects in the most exciting way possible.

A four wheeled, 7.5 tonne, 135,000 bhp jet and rocket powered car, BLOODHOUND has a few links to Rotherham - engineers at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing worked on the front suspension sub-assembly and tested a new alloy, developed for aerospace applications and contacted AMRC partner Maher, that will be used in the car's rocket pump.

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Newburgh, the Rotherham-based high-tech precision engineering sub-contractor is a project sponsor and has completed Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) gearbox casings for use in the car.

The car played an inspiring role in last year's children's festival in Rotherham and has also been showcased on the Advanced Manufacturing Park.

John Barber, chairman of the Organising Committee and co-founder of the work-wise Foundation, said: "In addition to the Bloodhound SSC and Bloodhound guest speaker other attractions include Rolls Royce Aircraft engines, a whole range of motor vehicles from alternative powered vehicles (Electric BMWi8, Tesla and ITM Power hydrogen powered vehicles), to Rally and Formula Racing cars (some built by students), a range of hands on simulators, virtual reality experiences, including welding, giant digital Scalextric track (10 X 10 metres), mind controlled vehicles and the fasted blind driver in the world.

"In addition over 60 companies and training organisations/colleges/ universities will be present with their apprentices and graduates to give a real feel to jobs and careers in the industry. Oh and of course we have a Dalek and free Our Cow Molly Ice Cream!"

Now in its sixth year, this annual event is on target to outstrip its previous highest attendance from last year. With over 1,500 bookings so far, the event is on track to attract over 2,000 people during the day.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is sponsoring the event. Peter Ingham, regional chairman, IMechE Yorkshire Region, said: "A principal objective of the IMechE is to promote engineering as an exciting and rewarding career for young people and help to alleviate the predicted shortfall in skilled engineers in the near future. Therefore, the Institution is pleased once again to support this unique Get Up To Speed event which brings engineering companies together with young people to raise awareness of the wide variety of engineering career opportunities in the region"

A business networking event will be held at 5pm.

Get up to Speed website

Images: BLOODHOUND / Stefan Marjoram

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News: Newburgh Precision hosts visit from Cutlers’ Made in Sheffield Ambassadors

Newburgh Precision Ltd, the high-tech precision engineering sub-contractor, recently welcomed pupils from local schools as part of The Cutlers' Made in Sheffield Ambassador programme which provides experience of real businesses in action.

Newburgh Precision at Templeborough has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components. It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

20, 14 to 15 year old, Year 10 pupils from Bradfield School and Westfield School had a presentation from managing director, David Greenan, on the range of work that Newburgh Precision undertake for sectors such as Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Power Generation, Defence and Aerospace. They also heard about the career options available and the experience of some of the Newburgh employees in progressing through the business. The pupils also had a tour of the shop floor to see a range of machining and fabrication and a visit round the apprentice training school.

The Cutlers' Made in Sheffield Ambassador programme is delivered by The work-wise Foundation for the engineering sector. The two and a half year programme has 147 students (aged 14-16) from Bradfield, Stocksbridge, Westfield, Outwood City, Handsworth Grange and Firth Park schools and is aimed at providing young people with the employability skills required by industry and focussed around careers in engineering and manufacturing related industries, providing them with a range of opportunities to work with sector employers.

The work-wise Foundation Charity is an employer inspired and led initiative for engineering, manufacturing and related sectors to support the development of young people so they have the knowledge, skills, aptitude and opportunities for employment within the Sheffield City Region.

Newburgh employs 148 employees (20% of which are current apprentices) over two facilities. Around 90% of Newburgh staff are apprentice-trained, including all management right up to the present managing director, David Greenan.

Vincent Middleton, chairman of Newburgh Engineering Ltd, was recognised with an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list 2015 for services to advanced manufacturing skills training. The Investiture recently took place at Buckingham Palace where he received his award in person from HRH The Prince of Wales.

As well as co-founding the innovative workwise programme, Middleton was named the first industrial chair of the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham.

Newburgh Precision website

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News: Newburgh finds success in different sectors

Rotherham-based advanced manufacturer Newburgh Precision is seeing an increase in work from other areas following a downturn in the global oil & gas market - and has secured recent orders of £1m.

Established in the small Peak District village of Bradwell, Newburgh has grown into an internationally-renowned, award-winning business that specialises in manufacturing medium to large precision engineering components and assemblies.

Newburgh survived the harsh economic climate of the 1980s and under a new management team, the company created new customer-focused "cells" with dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

In 2004, a purpose built facility was constructed at Templeborough, Rotherham, which has since expanded to 135,000 sq ft of modern manufacturing space.

In its 75th year in 2014, Newburgh Engineering decided to split its two sites, Rotherham and Bradwell, into two separate businesses.

After an increased focus on the oil & gas sector in recent years, Newburgh Precision in Rotherham is seeing an increase in work for the wider power generation, defence, rail and aerospace sectors. The group has also recently invested in new water jet cutting capability to ensure a continued quality service across a broader range of materials.

As the target markets change at the business, changes are also being made to the board of directors. After ten years as business systems director and over 45 years with Newburgh, David Crookes is retiring and will be replaced by Matthew Jewitt who has 20 years with Newburgh in various roles from industrial engineer to sales director.

Other changes at board level include Lee Townsend being promoted from sales manager to sales director to work alongside operations director, Danny Gibbons.

David Greenan, managing director at Newburgh Precision, said: "The changes to the board at Newburgh Precision demonstrate our commitment towards a solid future and the development of our client base across a broader range of sectors. Each director brings a wealth of experience and expert knowledge to their new roles."

The changes are already having an impact. The MD recently tweeted: "Excited to have won orders worth over £1m in O&G, rail and power gen in the last month. Excellent quality, service and value wins every time!"

Lee Townsend, sales director at Newburgh Precision, added: "This is a good sign that the hard work we are putting in to win new work from new markets sectors is starting to pay off after the recent Oil & Gas price crash where we as many others were heavily dependent, we are actively looking into a number of new target sectors with a view of re-positioning ourselves as the UK's premier sub contractor."

Newburgh Precision website

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News: Find out why exporting is great

Exporting is GREAT, as a number of Rotherham firms have already shown.

Taking place this week, Export Week is a dedicated week of activity by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and includes a varied series of events all over the UK, aimed at businesses to either start their export journey or increase their international business.

The week also marks the launch of "Exporting is GREAT" - a unique new five year campaign that will present real-time export opportunities businesses can apply for instantly, in a move to get 100,000 additional companies exporting by 2020.

Exporting is GREAT – part of the world-renowned GREAT campaign – is the Government's most ambitious export campaign to date. For the first time, it will present real-time export opportunities across media outlets and digital channels to businesses – of all sizes, from across sectors and every region of the UK – that they can apply for immediately. The platform has gone live with hundreds of business opportunities, which will be available at www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk. Around 1,000 more will come online each month.

UKTI and partners kicked off a roadshow of events last month in Rotherham when business leaders from Pyronix, Gala Tent and Newburgh Precision encouraged other companies to get involved in exports and explained how international trade was key to driving growth.

Further events are taking place in Barnsley, Doncaster and back in Rotherham, on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Mark Robson, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at the UKTI, said: "As the world becomes ever more globalised and digital, the potential for businesses of all sizes to reach out to new customers and lucrative new markets beyond the UK has never been greater. UKTI will continue to work with customers across the region, including through Exporting is GREAT, to realise this potential.

"While international trade may bring some new challenges and also has some new risks, the benefits always outweigh any of these and I'd encourage every business to look beyond our shores for some really incredible opportunities.

"There is a wealth of support, advice and funding available but the strongest argument for entrepreneurs to break into international trade is simply the benefits it can bring to each business in terms of profitability, competitiveness and resilience."

The free AMP event on November 26 will hear from Sheffield firms: Chimo Holdings - an historic cutlery and giftware maker; Lawson Thinking - a global leadership consultant; and The Floow - a cutting edge vehicle tracking and data company. Each will discuss how they broke into international trade and share their tips with others looking to find growth and success on foreign shores.

Those attending will also receive a free copy of a new guide to international trade called Five Steps To Export, which offers simple advice on identifying new opportunities overseas and how you can find growth on foreign shores.

Robson added: "First-time exporters are critical to the future of Yorkshire and the wider UK economy and the world is hungry for Brand Britain. There really has never been a better time to explore new markets and seek out lucrative new relationships overseas."

UKTI Yorkshire events

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News: Expert advice from Rotherham exporters

Three of Rotherham's leading exporters told businesses to do their research, focus on a key market and seek expert advice as they shared the secrets of their international success at a recent event aimed at encouraging more companies to trade overseas.

Business leaders from Pyronix, Gala Tent and Newburgh Precision encouraged other companies to get involved in exports and explained how international trade was key to driving growth.

Organised by UKTI, the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and RiDO, the business and regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, the free event was held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre.

Security systems manufacturer Pyronix has enjoyed average annual growth of between 10 to 15% thanks to international trade and the Hellaby firm's commercial director Colin Beresford said research, a focused strategy and a local feel was critical to that success.

He explained: "You have to do your homework. Make sure you understand both the rules and regulations for the country and specifically those for your product or service. There are always many layers to the onion in each country that go beyond international standards.

"While we could operate in many markets, we don't. It's far better to invest and commit resources to one strategic market. You will get much more out of that market and will get a firm foothold for further development.

"It's true that many markets will be happy to buy UK products in a UK language. With others you have to talk specifically to them. Making products feel local can be costly and time-consuming but it could be worth it. Commit the time and resources you need to succeed."

Pyronix sells abroad through distributors, alarm receiving centres and large installers with the aim of replicating the success it has had in the UK. Turnover this year is expected to be over £23m and the expanding firm sells around £11m worth of products to the UK market. Strategic export markets include Russia, Italy, Poland and South Africa.

Jason Mace, founder of Gala Tent, told guests how his business has grown from a temporary table top operation in the function room of a local working men's club to an international supplier. One the UK's largest importer and exporter of tents, marquees and pop up awnings, Gala Tent has a turnover of £10m.

The company's route to export without franchises has enabled Mace to move quickly and still keep control of the business. A set of websites with their own back office functions were created by the Gala team in Manvers and taken on by overseas distributors with their own warehouse space who could translate them and do the selling in return for exclusivity.

Eleven distributors are in place in the EU, along with one in Iceland.

Mace said: "Start simple. We began in Ireland and developed a model for exporting. Do the research and check if the country wants your product. Once you've decided on a target, stick with it and don't be tempted to try multiple destinations at once.

"Once you've established a successful system for international trade – expand! I'd say to every business that they should try exporting, it is worth it. Without exports, your business won't expand."

Advanced manufacturer Newburgh Precision discussed how it was returning to the export field following the downturn in the global oil & gas market. The business specialises in manufacturing medium to large precision engineering components and assemblies and has an impressive facility at Templeborough.

David Greenan, managing director at Newburgh Precision, told the attendees: "We've got some great skills in the business but the challenge we face is knowing which countries to target, what markets to go for and who the customers are. You need local knowledge for that and that’s where the UKTI and expert advisors come in."

After the event Tim O'Connell, business development manager at RIDO, said: "This event was a great opportunity to showcase some of the world-class businesses here and to understand how they are finding success around the world. By working together and sharing our experiences and contacts we can really show what we have to offer the world."

Pyronix website
Gala Tent website
Newburgh Precision website
UKTI Yorkshire website
RiDO website

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News: Newburgh's Middleton awarded OBE

Vincent Middleton, chairman of Newburgh Engineering Ltd, has been recognised with an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list 2015 for services to advanced manufacturing skills training.

Established by Vince's grandfather, Isaac Middleton over 75 years ago in the small Peak District village of Bradwell, Newburgh has grown into an internationally-renowned, award-winning business that specialises in manufacturing medium to large precision engineering components and assemblies.

Newburgh survived the harsh economic climate of the 1980s and under a new management team, the company created new customer-focused "cells" as the company focused on creating long-term partnerships, which developed a culture of complete transparency between the supplier and customer.

The cells include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

After expanding as much as was possible on the rural Derbyshire site, and having experienced major problems recruiting, Newburgh needed to establish a new site. In 2004, a purpose built facility was constructed at Templeborough, Rotherham, which has since expanded to 135,000 sq ft of modern manufacturing space.

As well as investing in new premises, Newburgh invested in new staff and spearheaded a drive to develop its own apprentices. Led by Vince Middleton, other engineering company leaders were invited to join and devise a solution to their shared frustrations of not being able to find people people with the skills they required. The plan was to design a new kind of apprenticeship, based on the old style four-year programme. It was modernised and with the support of the action group, rolled out using Brinsworth Academy of Engineering as the training delivery provider.

Middleton told his local paper, The Ashbourne News Telegraph: "Newburgh opened up a significant factory in Rotherham in 2004 because it hoped to find skilled people for the business. But it found there was no real provision or training and so we called out to like-minded businesses to help tackle this skills problem.

"And you can really see the difference when you think back – if we advertised for eight applicants back then, we'd maybe get about two people to come back to us and neither would be very good for the role. Now, we'd get 400 people apply for those positions and they would be of good calibre too.

"There's been a dramatic advancement in manufacturing and engineering training in South Yorkshire, which has seen the region go from bottom in the country to top in this area.

"We've done some satisfying work in South Yorkshire and it's lovely to see this has been acknowledged."

An Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

Today, the company employs 148 employees (20% of which are current apprentices) over the two facilities. Around 90% of Newburgh staff are apprentice-trained, including all management right up to the present managing director, David Greenan. Its turnover has grown to over £11m - an impressive feat during a recession.

In its 75th year in 2014, Newburgh Engineering decided to split its two sites, Rotherham and Bradwell, into two separate businesses. Newburgh Precision Ltd, the high-tech precision engineering sub-contractor with a facility in Rotherham, has expanded its apprentice training school and invested in new equipment, taking on twice as many apprentices.

As well as co-founding the innovative work-wise programme that helps young people gain the work ready skills they need in order to take up apprenticeships and jobs, Middleton was named the first industrial chair of the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham. He is pictured going "back to the floor" at the £20.5m centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Newburgh website

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News: Work-wise Innovation Challenge

Schools and companies from across the Sheffield city region are joining together to showcase how important innovation is to the manufacturing and engineering sector.

The work-wise programme was developed in partnership with a number of manufacturing and engineering companies in response to their concerns that not enough young people are attracted to the sector as well as not having the basic work ready skills to take up apprenticeships and jobs.

The work-wise Innovation Challenge, an annual event, has been running since 2010. This year's challenge has 12 companies each setting a problem for a group of students from local schools where they work on a design, research and manufacturing problem for the company.

Students from Wales High School in Rotherham will be taking on a challenge set by Newburgh Precision's apprentice training manager, Pete Kerfoot to invent, design and manufacture and marketing outline a portable health and safety kit.

Based at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components. Customers come from the UK and around the globe, in the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, petrochemical, aerospace and power generation industries.

The students will work with Newburgh Precision's team to develop the kit to be suitable, practicable and as cost efficient as possible.  Designing something that is specific to the needs of the company as the off-the-shelf products that are already in the marketplace do not fully support all the company’s requirements.

Eight Year 10 students from Brinsworth Comprehensive School in Rotherham will be taking on a challenge set by Brinsworth Training's Keith Thacker to carry out testing methods on different metal and materials strengths.

With state of the art facilities at Templeborough, specialist and bespoke engineering training is provided to leading local firms including AESSEAL, KP, Kostal and Premier Foods.

The group of future female engineers have been tasked with producing a method of testing the strengths of various metals. This design will be used by the tutoring staff of Brinsworth Training in the teaching of their current apprenticeship students.

The schools will come together at the end of three months to present their projects at a finals day at the annual Get up to Speed with Engineering and Manufacturing showcase event at Magna in Rotherham on April 22 2015.

Workwise website

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News: Official launch for The Proving Factory

Business Secretary, Vince Cable MP has performed the formal opening of The Proving Factory, an innovative partnership between Tata Steel and high-tech companies in the automotive supply chain.

The £22m manufacturing initiative will take low-carbon vehicle technologies designed by small high-tech British companies and university research departments and prove their viability in production to increase their chances of being adopted by major motor manufacturers. It is jointly located in Rotherham and in Coventry, where the assembly facility was officially opened for business last week.

Tata Steel is the key partner in establishing The Proving Factory alongside industry experts, Productiv Limited, and as part of the programme, which is backed by Government funding, a component manufacturing facility is being created at Tata Steel's site at Brinsworth. The Proving Factory is currently using 1,000 sq m of leased space at Newburgh Precision at Templeborough on an interim basis for its component manufacturing operation, while the facilities are completed nearby.

The Proving Factory initiative was launched by Dr Cable exactly two years ago, in February 2013, after receiving funding from the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI). It now has a 6,000 sq m site in Coventry where the engineering and systems assembly operations are located, and the 1,000 sq m component manufacturing facility in Rotherham, housing state-of-the-art machine tools. More than fifty people have been recruited so far, with this number set to increase to 250 over the next four years.

Technology is being developed by the likes of Bladon Jets, Flybrid, Torotrak, Drive Systems Design, Libralato and Magnomatics and the project aims to bridge the gap (or "Valley of Death") between small enterprises developing leading edge low carbon technology and large vehicle manufacturers.

"Proving volumes" of 10,000-20,000 units a year will be produced and support will be given in moving to higher volumes through the traditional first-tier supply chain. Nine technologies have now gone through the development stages, with two due to start production this quarter. The range of products being handled by The Proving Factory reflects the fact that there isn't just one solution to the challenge of developing new low-carbon powertrain technologies, rather a whole suite of options are needed to address different duty cycles and applications.

Business Secretary Vince Cable (pictured, left), said: "When I visited this site two years ago I was standing in an empty shed, talking about a great idea. Now with £13 million support from government that idea has been transformed into state-of-the-art machines, new jobs and a host of technologies that will help produce the next generation of low carbon vehicles.

"The government's industrial strategy is backing the automotive sector as it goes from strength to strength, giving business the confidence to invest over the long term and helping to develop cutting-edge technology that will create high-skilled jobs."

Richard Bruges, chief executive of Productiv (pictured, right), added: "The whole team, from our engineers to our technology developers, has worked tirelessly over the last two years to make The Proving Factory vision a reality. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and thank the Minister and the Department for Business for their support so far.

"With tight emissions regulations levied on both the UK and the EU, vehicle manufacturers are under increasing pressure to make their products cleaner and more eco efficient than ever before. But we know that there is no one solution to this challenge. We have a team of experts in place who can make an informed decision on which technologies might form a part of a greener automotive industry and the facilities and skills to turn them into products."

Henrik Adam, chief operating officer at Tata Steel, added: "The Proving Factory, as well as supporting the development of new technologies for the automotive industry, is setting a bench mark for more efficient production processes as well as leading to the design of novel materials.

"As an organisation we pride ourselves on working closely with the automotive industry and its associated supply chain, both in the UK and further afield, to provide the support and services they need to create the vehicles the consumer wants. The Proving Factory is a brilliant example of this response to market needs and we are proud to be a part of it."

Images: The Proving Factory

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New: Newburgh Precision expands apprentice training school

Newburgh Precision Ltd, the high-tech precision engineering sub-contractor with a facility in Rotherham, has expanded its apprentice training school and invested in new equipment, doubling in size, due to the new intake of apprentices.

With apprenticeships at the heart of the business, Newburgh celebrated its 75th year in 2014 and decided to split its two sites, Rotherham and Bradwell, into two separate businesses.

Newburgh Precision at Templeborough has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components. It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer. Newburgh's customers come from the UK and around the globe, in the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, petrochemical, aerospace and power generation industries.

Part of the 85,000 sq ft Rotherham facility is currently being used by The Proving Factory, the £22m manufacturing initiative that will take low-carbon vehicle technologies designed by small high-tech British companies and university research departments and prove their viability in production to increase their chances of being adopted by major motor manufacturers.

Newburgh Precision are currently training six 2nd and 3rd year students with Newburgh Engineering in Bradwell currently having three 2nd year students. In addition Newburgh Precision are collaborating with The Proving Factory's component manufacturing operation to train eight 2nd year apprentices through its own apprentice training programme.

Due to the increased intake Newburgh Precision has added more machining resources, going from from 11 to 16 with three new centre lathes and two vertical milling machines.

Currently the apprentices have undergone initial training at the AMRC Training Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham and have joined the business to continue their learning to NVQ level 3 and beyond. All the apprentices are taking a multi path apprentice framework including extra CNC and manual units in milling, boring and turning enabling them to have a greater understanding of basic engineering principles.

A further six Tata Steel / The Proving Factory apprentices we will be on the Newburgh Precision site from the AMRC Training Centre in July 2015 after completing their first year training. A possible new intake of Newburgh apprentices is in the pipeline in the summer of 2015.

David Greenan, ‎managing director at Newburgh Precision, said: "The Newburgh Apprentice Scheme has seen our apprentices win national awards and we are proud to have been chosen by The Proving Factory to train their component machining apprentices."

Today, the company employs 148 employees (20% of which are current apprentices) over the two facilities. Around 90% of Newburgh staff are apprentice-trained, including all management right up to the present managing director, David Greenan. Its turnover has grown to over £11m - an impressive feat during a recession.

Newburgh Precision website

Images: Newburgh Precision

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News: FireChill in liquidation

FireChill, an innovative green cooling and heating company that could have created hundreds of manufacturing jobs in Rotherham, has gone into liquidation.

FireChill began in 2009 when Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward sought a UK-based marketing and distribution capability to set up a "go to market" vehicle for an innovative product developed by Cooltec in the US.


The proven, patented, heat-activated cooling technology reduces operating costs by up to 20% in traditional air conditioning applications and by up to 80% when integrated into a combined heat and power (CHP) system. The unit's low cost, low carbon technology provides a competitive advantage, particularly in areas which are hot, crowded, have plenty of gas and/or where the electricity supply is unreliable or expensive.

Phase 37, a private venturing and business support services company launched by Simon Clothier in Leeds, secured the global rights to Cooltec's existing and future intellectual property (IP), together with global manufacturing licences, and established FireChill.

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After £1m was secured from a group of private investors in 2010, a joint venture called FireChill Manufacturing was created with Rotherham-based specialist engineering firm Newburgh Engineering and was responsible for the production of units. With the units set to be manufacturing at Templeborough, the investment was set to create 100 new jobs directly and many more in the supply chain.

Large contracts were secured but Clothier said in 2012 that it was "immensely challenging to secure the appropriate funding" in the UK.

Clough Corporate Solutions LLP were called in as joint liquidators in October 2014 and it was agreed that the company be wound up voluntarily.

FireChill website

Images: FireChill

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