News: McLaren makes a revolutionary leap in composites at Rotherham tech centre

Building on over 40 years of carbon fibre innovation, McLaren has unveiled a world-first in supercar engineering: aerospace-derived Automated Rapid Tape (ART) carbon fibre. And it has been developed in Rotherham.

The manufacturer opened the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in 2018 on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), which is in Rotherham. The £50m investment was made in developing and manufacturing the future of lightweighting technology.

The latest revolutionary leap in composites uses precision manufacturing techniques from the aerospace industry to create carbon fibre structures that are even lighter, stiffer, and stronger, while reducing waste by up to 95%. It is a world-first application of a cutting-edge and highly specialised manufacturing process in the automotive sector.

The first model to feature this advanced material is the McLaren W1 – where ART carbon integrated into the active front wing delivers a 10% boost in stiffness to help enable the car’s extraordinary aerodynamic performance.

The aerospace industry uses ultra-precise manufacturing methods to build highly tailored carbon fibre structures for the latest generation of air jetliners and fighter aircraft, particularly for large, crucial parts such as aircraft fuselage and wings. This is achieved via the robotic depositing of composite tapes to layer structures, over traditional hand layup using pre-impregnated materials. And it is a rapid pace, ‘high rate’ version of this production method that McLaren has developed and now integrated into its manufacturing capabilities at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Rotherham.

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Completely revolutionising the aerospace industry method of using robotic arms to layer composite tapes, McLaren’s Automated Rapid Tape method instead employs a specially designed machine using a fixed deposition head and a rapidly moving bed capable of rotation, which unlocks a faster manufacturing process suitable for automotive purposes and high-rate composites manufacturing.

Joe Elfort, plant director at the McLaren MCTC, said: "It means we can make the material as strong as possible where it needs to be and as light as possible where it can be. Think of it like human skin - it can be thin and flexible like your eyelids but also strong and durable like your elbows.

"With this new technology we've taken an aerospace scale manufacturing process and enhanced the rate capability so that it becomes viable for a supercar component. What's really unique is we can very accurately control the directionality of the strength the stiffness and the flexibility which allows us to optimise the design for the highly loaded and complex components like you see in the aerodynamic devices of the W1.

"Landmark supercars like W1 always usher in the next big technology trickle down. This is only the beginning of a remarkable new era in lightweight supercar engineering and performance."

The advantages Automated Rapid Tape technology can deliver in terms of manufacturing time and reduced costs creates the possibility of greater use of carbon fibre, in more areas of a vehicle. Looking beyond the carbon tub, wider use of ultra-lightweight body panels constructed of McLaren ART carbon fibre become more feasible and cost effective.

The Artura is McLaren’s first model to be built on all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) that was developed in Rotherham. The latest advancement now unlocks immense possibilities for the next generation of carbon fibre architectures. Integrating ART technology into the structure of an ultra-lightweight, ultra-strong carbon fibre tub – manufactured with minimal waste material generation - that can underpin the next-generation of McLaren supercars is already under consideration.

McLaren website

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News: German auto manufacturer to close Rotherham plant

Global automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler, has announced proposals to close its factory in Rotherham due to declining global demand for clutches.

Production will instead shift to Hungary and India.

The board of the Schaeffler Group, a German manufacturer of rolling element bearings for automotive, aerospace and industrial uses, has announced structural measures for Europe aimed at securing a long-term increase in the company’s competitiveness.

For the UK, the measures include plans to discontinue the operation at Waleswood, which is in Rotherham.

The site produces clutch systems with most of the production for passenger cars, although some is for tractors, and most of it is exported. An update from Schaeffler explained that: "declining global demand for clutches is leading to production overcapacity."

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The update reads: "The shift towards automatic transmissions in ICE [internal combustion engine] cars and the powertrain electrification trend have resulted in significantly reduced demand for passenger cars with manual transmissions. This development is also leading to considerable overcapacity in Sheffield [Rotherham]. Schaeffler therefore intends to locate its production of passenger car clutches in Szombathely, Hungary.

"In addition, the company’s production operation for tractor single and dual clutches in Sheffield will in future be sited at its plant in Hosur, India, where demand for these products is increasing. This will reduce production and transportation costs and expand Schaeffler’s production capacity in a growing market."

Subject to consultation, Schaeffler is planning to close the Waleswood plant and transfer employees in the unaffected central functions there to its existing office in Birmingham.

Matthias Zink, Schaeffler’s CEO Powertrain & Chassis, said: “These carefully considered measures will align Schaeffler’s clutch production network with market demand. Discontinuing production in Sheffield and consolidating our clutch production operations will safeguard the competitiveness of our global clutch business and deliver benefits to our customers. Having said that, we are mindful of the consequences of these measures and will now do everything we can to work with our employees in Sheffield to develop fair solutions.”

In 1987, LuK GmbH acquired Laycock Engineering Limited and started planning a purpose built factory in South Yorkshire. It opened on Waleswood Road, close to the M1, in 1989.

The Rotherham plant was saved from closure in 2018 when Schaeffler announced restructure plans for the UK influenced by uncertainties over Brexit. At the time Rotherham was the biggest of Schaeffler's UK locations in terms of revenues and employee numbers and plants in Llanelli and Plymouth were earmarked for closure.

Schaeffler website

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News: MTL's £10m investment in Rotherham is an investment in the future

MTL Advanced, a leading UK-based engineering and manufacturing company, has completed the build of a new 67,000 sq ft factory adjacent to its existing 300,000 sq ft unit in Rotherham.

This expansion represents a substantial £10m investment towards the future growth of the business, driven by the award of a long term ongoing multi-million-pound contract in partnership with a key customer. The new facility is scheduled to be completed this month, with production set to begin during December.

Coinciding with the launch of the new Brinsworth factory, MTL has also unveiled a complete rebrand, marking a new era for the company. The rebrand reflects MTL’s forward-thinking approach and renewed focus on innovation, quality, and manufacturing excellence.

As part of this strategic investment, MTL has significantly enhanced its manufacturing capabilities with the acquisition of several pieces of cutting-edge equipment for this new “factory of the future”. Among the new machinery is a large format LVD press brake, which will enable the precise bending and forming of large metal components, increasing MTL’s capacity to handle complex and heavy-duty fabrication tasks.

The company has also invested in two Doosan auto pallet horizontal machining centres, designed for high-speed, high-precision milling and drilling of complex parts. These machines are equipped with automatic pallet changers to minimize downtime, boosting productivity and operational efficiency.

Additionally, MTL has installed seven Yaskawa robot welding centres, which feature fully automated welding technology, ensuring outstanding repeatability, speed, and precision in welding operations. This advanced setup will allow MTL to maintain high production volumes while adhering to the highest quality standards. As part of this investment, MTL also installed a state-of-the-art fully automated welding line for high volume and complex high strength steel structures.

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The expansion is not only a significant step towards enhancing MTL’s production capabilities but it also has a positive impact on the local community through job creation, fostering economic growth in the region.

The company is actively recruiting, with 100 new staff expected to join the business over the next 12 months, including 24 apprentices who just started their careers at MTL early September 2024, and 30 new staff scheduled to join the business in quarter 4 to coincide with the opening of the new Advanced Manufacturing Centre.

This will take MTL’s headcount past the 400 staff mark in 2025, including over 10% of apprentices, which represents another exciting new milestone reached by the Brinsworth-based company.

Karl Stewart, General Manager of MTL Advanced, said: “This £10m investment is a major milestone for MTL Advanced, reinforcing our commitment to long-term growth and stability. Our new Advanced Manufacturing Centre and state-of-the-art equipment will not only expand our production capabilities but also strengthen our ability to meet the growing demands of our customers.

"This new business has been won on the back of excellent quality, outstanding on-time delivery performance and a collaborative approach to customer service. We are delighted that our valued customers continue to trust our ability to deliver. Securing contracts such as this, alongside our recent other successes within Defence, Rail, and Construction is an endorsement by our customers of MTL’s ability to add value to their supply chains. It’s taken years of hard work from all our team to build that trust with our customers and our main focus remains on building a strong and sustainable order book, ensuring long-term stability for MTL and the skilled workforce that supports us.

"Our complete rebrand marks an exciting new chapter for MTL Advanced, aligning our brand with our vision for the future. It represents our commitment to innovation, quality, and our role as one of the leading contract manufacturers in the UK.”

MTL Advanced website

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News: Manufacturing breakthrough for Magtec

Rotherham-based Magtec, a pioneer in electric vehicle drive systems, has successfully completed two industrial research projects, both matched-funded by the UK government and delivered through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).

The strategic programmes focused on the production scale-up of Magtec’s class-leading traction motors and controllers with the aim of transforming manufacturing processes and product designs to achieve volumes of more than 5,000 units annually and meet rapidly growing demand for electrification of commercial vehicles.

Prior to this activity, the Templeborough firm's innovative electric drivetrain technologies were firmly established within the electric truck, bus and commercial vehicle sectors, but with their complex designs and niche-volume requirements, assembly was primarily a manual process.

In 2020, the company secured match-funding of more than £5m through the APC’s Collaborative Research & Development funding stream.

Working in a consortium, which included transport OEMs Dennis Eagle and Angel Trains, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Magtec was able to embark on a three-year project to reinvent manufacturing processes and future-proof manufacturing capacity while guaranteeing high quality and traceability.

Using advanced digital manufacturing principles, Magtec established new intellectual property that made its products easier and faster to manufacture at scale. This involved the introduction of new pilot production equipment, designed to prove-out agile automation while allowing for rapid reconfiguration, meaning all motor variants can now flow through the same production line with minimal disruption. Additionally, the project helped Magtec establish a robust UK supply chain for electrification, providing better security of supply as forecast volumes ramp up.

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In 2022, Magtec went on to secure additional APC match-funding of £2m through the Automotive Transformation Fund’s Scale-up Readiness competition. With this support, Magtec was able to reapply its acquired lean and digital manufacturing expertise to support the industrialisation of its controller systems, employing automation best practices, redesigning products and further developing UK supply-chain opportunities, to build a roadmap for volume manufacture of both motors and controllers.

Andrew Gilligan, managing director of Magtec, said: “Through the support of the APC, we are now better able to service fleets and OEMs in the UK, Europe and the United States as they transition to electric vehicles. We’ve transformed our manufacturing capabilities while maintaining the exceptional durability and performance that makes our systems ideal for demanding commercial uses.”

Matt Shillito, senior project delivery lead for the APC, added: “Magtec’s high performance electric drive train technology is now excellently positioned to seize a growth market opportunity. As demand for electric vehicles increases both for first-build and re-power applications, so does the need for versatile and effective powertrain systems like those offered by Magtec.

“Making these systems efficient and affordable is essential to enable decarbonisation of the range of commercial vehicles currently in use, while still delivering customer priorities like drivability, range and efficiency. It is exciting to see a UK company and its local supply chain partners gearing up to deliver these systems to the automotive sector at scale.”

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News: Magtec secures substantial order for next-gen battery pack

Magtec has designed and developed a next-generation lithium ion battery pack for specialist automotive and industrial applications in the construction and agriculture sectors.

The innovative Rotherham company has started volume production of MAGPAC after winning an initial order for 120 units with a world-class British manufacturer and exporter.

Magtec, which is based at Templeborough, will be showcasing the product at the Innovate UK stand at Battery Cells and Systems Expo at NEC Birmingham this week.

MAGPAC is a compact battery pack with built-in battery management system and lightning-fast charging capabilities, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity.

Its control interface enables seamless integration with existing systems, simplifying installation and operation.

The high density battery can store up to 6kWh of energy, providing ample power for extended usage, and is encased in rugged housing to protect against environmental hazards, ideal for the yellow goods industry.

Its development was led by mechanical engineer Tom Rock, who joined Magtec as a graduate trainee.

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Mr Rock said: “MAGPAC can be adapted to lots of industrial and automotive applications and is equipped with state-of-the-art control, management and safety systems.

“Our automotive grade technology differentiates MAGPAC from other products which use battery cells intended for energy storage and stationary applications and are less able to withstand vibrations and sharp movement.”

Andrew Gilligan, managing director at Magtec, added: “Despite its deceptively small size, MAGPAC packs a punch for specialist applications in sectors with challenging operating conditions.

“We see a significant opportunity for MAGPAC as a reliable drop-in replacement for older generation battery packs that depend on obsolete cells.

“The fact that a prestigious British engineering group has already placed a substantial order for MAGPAC shows the market appetite for our latest innovation.

“It is another example of Magtec’s ability to transform cutting-edge research and development into successful products for the transportation sector.”

Magtec website

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News: Leading accident repair group planning Rotherham centre

Plans have been approved for a new Solus Vehicle Accident Repair Centre in Rotherham.

Solus is wholly owned by Aviva and operates a nationwide network of vehicle damage repair centres. It repairs and manages the loss of vehicles after a driving accident or incident, managing a third of Aviva’s overall motor damage claims.

The new site is set to be at the Catalyst development on the part of Sheffield Business Park which is in the Rotherham borough boundary, close to the Parkway.

With over 20 sites in the UK, the expansion is part of Aviva’s strategy to support customers by increasing the number of claims managed from start to finish.

Plans show how the 22,000 sq ft Unit 5 at Catalyst would utilise the warehouse unit as a vehicle repair centre which relies on the ability to undertake cosmetic repairs to bodywork, including re-spraying paintwork. As such prefabricated spay booths require installing inside, with new extract flues added. Outside, a new wet and dry valet enclosure is proposed, as is a new compressor room.

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The plans add that Solus are looking to employ 25 full time staff positions, but possibly up to 30 as the business develops.

Recently approved without going before Rotherham Council's planning board, some conditions have been attached, including a restriction in operating hours given the potential for noise distrubance in the proximity of the hotel on the business park.

The Catalyst development has been built on a 17.9-acre site that was previously kept in the green belt when Sheffield City Airport was in operation. Developer's Premcor Estates, together with joint venture partner Peveril Securities sold the development for an undisclosed sum last year.

Premcor and Peveril concluded the deal to forward sell the scheme to Mirastar, KKR Real Estate's industrial and logistics platform in Europe, having structured the deal in such a way that they undertook construction while Mirastar took on its own marketing and search for occupiers.

Occupiers include surfaces specialist, Cosentino, who took 33,608 sq ft, with JLA Group, a market leader in the supply and maintenance of commercial equipment, taking 109,166 sq ft.

Solus website

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News: AMRC helps drive forward blueprint for production rates of SMEs electric motors

New processes have been devised and technology de-risked by the University of Sheffield AMRC to help increase electric motor production rates for the UK’s largest supplier of electric drive systems - with an ambition of transitioning from 60 to 5,000 traction motors per year.

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) formed part of a consortium of experts tasked by Magtec, based in Rotherham, to support the business need for new ways to reduce bottlenecks within its production processes to enable an increase in the number of electric motors it could make per year.

Based at Templeborough, Magtec is a leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric commercial vehicles.

AMRC engineers with expertise in composites and integrated manufacturing supported Magtec by successfully creating factory simulations to optimise vital decisions prior to implementing changes to production and making investment decisions, helped them adopt a towpreg winding technique, reducing set-up time and increasing throughput, as well as providing ideas and advice on alternative lamination technologies it could use in the future as the business grows.

Lloyd Tinkler, senior technical fellow who led on the project for the AMRC, said: “We are thrilled to have worked with Magtec again as a follow on from a previous five-day assist programme we did with them in 2022, which looked at their factory flow and how they could save time and money.

“This extended project has enabled us to use our expertise and delve deeper into their factory workflows and processes, complementing the work other consortium members have contributed.

“We believe our work has been useful to help Magtec on its growth journey – it has been rewarding to see them move into a bigger facility, bring in new equipment and technologies off the back of our research work and recommendations, and grow from a small to a medium-sized business in just a few short years. We look forward to seeing what they do next.”

Andrew Gilligan, managing director at Magtec, said: “Global demand for EV drive systems continues to increase at rate. Magtec has been challenged by its clients to increase production significantly and this requires a fresh perspective on how we produce our EV systems, especially traction motors, in a volume environment.

“Magtec has a strong and long-standing relationship with the team at the AMRC, so we engaged them to help us on this exciting industrialisation journey. Through the evaluation of current manufacturing methods and the adoption of best in class manufacturing processes, AMRC has helped Magtec to define its industrial roadmap, as well as embed processes which have had an immediate and long lasting effect.”

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The AMRC, part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, secured £350,000 of the total £5.5m project value, £2.6m of which was funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which provides funding for the development of low emission transport solutions and automotive technologies – supporting the UK’s transition towards net zero product manufacturing and supply chain in the automotive sector.

Other members of the consortium included fellow HVM Catapult centre, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Angel Trains and Dennis Eagle Trucks.

On supporting new composite technology and processes for Magtec, Jonathan Di Lorenzo, technical lead at the AMRC, said his team's work focused on in-situ filament winding of the carbon fibre rotor sleeve which keeps the magnets in place whilst spinning at high speed.

“We firstly developed a calculator to estimate the inward pressure the sleeve could apply with different fibre tensions, which ultimately limits the maximum operating speed. We also performed experimental trials creating rotor sleeves, using microscopy to compare these results to Magtec’s existing wet-wind process.

“In addition, we investigated the influence of process parameters on throughput and provided information to help Magtec with future production adoptions. The calculators helped predict the minimum amount of material and tension required and as part of this project we were able to set up the foundations for mechanically testing composite rings to verify performance, which can be useful tools moving forward.”

As a result of working with the AMRC, Magtec is set to adopt a new technology – moving away from its former wet-winding process and now utilising a different method called towpreg winding.

“The towpreg method starts with the material having the resin already impregnated into the fibre and provides better consistency, less set-up time and processing, and can result in a more stable product at the end,” added Jonathan. “This is instead of using the wet-winding process involving dipping dry fibre into a resin bath which can be messy and time consuming.

“It’s a small, but important part of the motor build process, but by de-risking the new capability method first has helped provide confidence in the technology and justifies costs that this method can contribute to helping them achieve the build rate they are aiming for.”

Scoping lamination technologies and factory simulation also played a part in the AMRC’s work.

Alongside the updated composite processes, Lloyd said the team pushed further, providing recommendations that could take Magtec forward in the future.

He added: “We also helped Magtec with providing recommendations around lamination technologies which could support them as they increase the volume of their production. As well as the rotator, a motor also has a stator, both made up of sheets of steel, stacked and glued together – and we recommended a better way of doing that, looking at alternative cutting and glueing methods they could use.

“It’s not something Magtec is looking to adopt at the moment, but there’s potential for the future and new ways of working for them to explore.”

Cansu Kandemir, technical fellow at the AMRC worked with Magtec to create a factory simulation, and analysis of its supply chain, using Siemens’ tecnomatix plant simulation technology, which helped the business to understand what critical materials and precautions were needed to help validate and optimise their decision processes prior to production.

“We were responsible for integrating advancements to their factory floor via a virtual simulation and provided recommendations and support to enable the business to reach its ‘Blueprint 5000’ to create 5,000 motors per year," said Cansu.

“We looked to see how everything was working and if it was coherent with the rest of the production floor and to see if bottlenecks were cleared.”

The simulation was also able to plan out how many machines would be needed to enable Magtec to reach its aimed production goal. First, the team devised a baseline model that represented what went on in the facility currently and then added in new advancements, automations and new technology.

“At the beginning we didn’t have the exact process of their new operations, so we had to make some initial assumptions and came back with pessimistic and optimistic estimations,” added Cansu. “As a result of this, we created two models to reflect this and we were able to come up with the optimum number of machines and/or workers needed and gave them a profile to follow on how to achieve the blueprint 5,000 motors per year.”

As Magtec began purchasing new equipment off the back of projections coming from the simulation, the team was able to update the simulation model accordingly to ensure the projected production rate remains on track.

Alongside the updated composite processes and factory simulation creation, Lloyd said the team pushed further, providing recommendations that could take Magtec forward in the future.

Andrew Sloan, engineering director at Magtec said: “Magtec are committed to developing and manufacturing the best EV drive systems to meet the challenging demands of commercial vehicle operation.

“The team at the AMRC and Magtec will continue to work together to eliminate the limitations in our manufacturing processes, implement new and class leading technology and enable competitive industrial growth of traction motor production in the UK”.

Magtec website
AMRC website

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News: AMRC Training Centre launches new composite apprenticeship with McLaren

The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham will become the first training provider in South Yorkshire to deliver a new composites apprenticeship in a move to sustain the longevity of the capability within manufacturing by creating its workforce of the future.

Together with McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive, the AMRC Training Centre will deliver a new advanced level composites technician apprenticeship, in addition to the metallic machining apprenticeship the centre is already delivering with McLaren. 

Alongside McLaren, Wirral-based Teledyne CML Composites, who specialise in the manufacture of composites parts and assemblies on some of the world's most advanced aircraft platforms is also supporting the new apprenticeship – with the aim that more companies will come on board in the future.

With state-of-the-art facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the centre has trained over 1,700 apprentices since it opened ten years ago.

Nikki Jones, Director of the AMRC Training Centre, said it was a real pride point to launch the new apprenticeship, adding: “Working alongside McLaren and Composites UK, a need for such an apprenticeship was identified to help fill the national skills gap of people in composites due to an ageing workforce.

“Composites has always been a capability the AMRC has had a big focus on and as its new building is underway to deliver a new programme called Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS), which is likely to provide a number of jobs in the region – we are acting now to build our expertise and capacity in composites to help supply the future workforce.

“Along with employers, we’ve put a new delivery model together to meet the needs of industry and we are the only people to deliver this composite apprenticeship in the region. This is something we are very proud of and we are excited to see this course grow.”

Piers Thynne, Chief Operating Officer for the McLaren Formula 1 Team, said: “McLaren Racing has led the way in pioneering advanced composite materials in our 60-year history. From being the first team to introduce carbon fibre to the F1 car, to trialling innovative and sustainable alternatives like recycled carbon fibre on track.

“To continue to lead the way, we need the best talent at the cutting edge of composites. That's why we’re delighted to be working with our colleagues at McLaren Automotive and the AMRC Training Centre to add to our existing apprenticeship programme with this composites apprenticeship.

“We believe in creating pathways for everyone to get into motorsport, which is why our early careers pipeline is vital to delivering the continued high-performance standards we set ourselves both on and off the track.”

John Toner, Vice President and General Manager for Teledyne Aerospace and Defence Electronics UK and General Manager of Teledyne CML Composites, said: “Teledyne CML Composites are very excited to be part of the apprenticeship programme launched in partnership with the AMRC and McLaren to provide a market leading training pathway for composites manufacturing personnel.

“The composites technician apprenticeship is a key part of our young employee training strategy that will yield the next generation of highly skilled composites experts and fulfil our commitment to the development of young people and sustain Teledyne CML Composites’ continued growth ambitions.”

Trade association Composites UK, which supports companies to enable them to grow and succeed in the competitive global market, said the new composites apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre is a pivotal tool in helping to meet the current and future skills challenges currently being faced by the sector.

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Matt Bradney, Skills and Workforce Development Director for Composites UK, said: “Composite materials are critical in order for the UK to meet its net zero targets and composites is an exciting and growing industry for young people to be involved in. There are various entry points, a key one being the composite technician apprenticeship.

“For the apprentice, learning and earning on the job is a great way to get a head start. For the employer, the new apprenticeship model launched by the AMRC gives flexibility in the delivery of the learning aspect, making it easier to get involved with a more efficient way to develop the workforce of the future.”

The AMRC, one of seven centres in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, is working with other catapult centres to build industry-ready technology capabilities, alongside supporting the development of future engineers.

Steve Foxley, CEO for the AMRC, added: “The AMRC Training Centre is helping the manufacturing industry by training new composite apprentices who are vitally needed for the future, while making sure the courses tie into technology areas of growing importance, such as the ones seen in catapult centres including the AMRC. This capability is key for a growing number of businesses in South Yorkshire and beyond for their productivity growth.

“It’s fantastic to see how the AMRC Training Centre continues to build on its industry-forward approach by adding another important learning capability to its ever-widening selection of subjects.”

Students who are undertaking the 36-month apprenticeship will engage in the production of composite components or products that are used in a range of applications, some of which include automotive, motorsport, aerospace, rail and renewable industries.

The first cohort for the apprenticeship started last September, which includes an all-female group based at McLaren’s headquarters in Woking, alongside two other learners at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Rotherham. Opened in 2018 on the AMP, MCTC has established itself as a world-leader in lightweight carbon fibre construction for the automotive industry and is where the McLaren carbon lightweight architecture for the McLaren Artura high-performance hybrid supercar is constructed. Three more learners are placed with Teledyne CML at its base in Bromborough on the Wirral.

AMRC Training Centre website
McLaren website

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News: The Rotherham company powering fleets of electric bin lorries and sightseeing buses

ETRUX, the advanced manufacturer and commercial vehicle specialist, has placed a multi-million pound order with Rotherham manufacturer, Magtec for a fleet of MEV75s, the new 7.5 tonne electric truck approved for use in the UK.

Based at Templeborough, Magtec is a leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric commercial vehicles. Its technology has been deployed on vehicles in service across the UK, including 180 electric refuse collection trucks.

The MEV75 is designed for daily urban operations including last-mile logistics, waste collection and refrigerated deliveries and is ideal for low emission zones. The standard 80kWh version has a range of up to 100km, a charge time of up to four hours and a life cycle of up to 10 years.

The deal represents the largest single order to date for the vehicle, which is fully tested. This means it is eligible for a government plug-in grant, offering fleet managers a discounted purchase price and reduced monthly finance option.

Gerard Galvin, managing director of ETRUX, said: “We are hugely excited to be offering the MEV75 to fleet operators, which will help them to meet net zero targets. This groundbreaking agreement with Magtec signifies our commitment to the advancement of the market for electric commercial vehicles.”

Magtec secured GB Small Series Approval for the MEV75 earlier this year in a significant milestone for the company. The scheme is applicable for manufacturers wishing to place vehicles and components on the market in Great Britain.

Andrew Gilligan, managing director of Magtec, said: “We are thrilled to be working with ETRUX and helping to meet increasing demand for zero emissions transport. We are very proud of the MEV75, which is the ideal solution for clean urban logistics operations.”

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Magtec has also been engaged by Tootbus to repower its fleet of 15 open top double-decker buses for its iconic sightseeing services in central London.

Under the multi-million-pound agreement, Magtec will equip the 23-tonne triaxle buses with high-tech electric drive trains including its long-range 280 kWh battery system. Each vehicle will be operating hop-on, hop-off routes past world-famous landmarks and covering more than 70 miles per day in and around Westminster.

Gilligan, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Tootbus to support its drive to green services and provide an even bigger ‘wow factor’ for its customers. As a UK company, we are proud to be flying the flag for UK manufacturing and helping to improve air quality in the heart of our capital city.”

Magtec has 15 years’ experience in bus repowers and previously supplied an electric drive system for one of Tootbus’ smaller vehicles, an 18-tonne dual axle bus.

Recommended reading: Can Technology Lead the Way in Reducing Fleet Emissions?

Gavin Brooking, managing director of Tootbus UK, said: "This agreement enables us to continue to deliver on our commitment to a truly sustainable service. We are the first clean energy sightseeing bus company, and remain driven to push the boundaries of green tourism at an accelerated rate – indeed our recent Sustainable Tourism Barometer showed that operators need to make it easier for consumers to adopt greener options. Magtec’s market-leading battery technology will underpin these efforts.”

Magtec website

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News: Automotive giant, Toyoda Gosei, to dissolve UK subsidiary hit by Brexit and COVID

Japanese-owned auto parts manufacturer, Toyoda Gosei has made the decision to dissolve its subsidiary in the UK, Toyoda Gosei UK Ltd. (TGUK), as a part of its restructure of the company’s European business.

Rothbiz reported in 2021 on the company's decision to close the business in the UK with both plants at Rotherham and Swansea affected. The decision was due to changes in the global automotive sector and reduced demand in the UK and 458 jobs have been lost.

Having already moved som European manufacturing to the Czech Republic, bosses said it would now aim to grow its business in Europe centered on Toyoda Gosei Czech (TGCZ).

A statement from the company said: "As the automotive industry undergoes dramatic changes, Toyoda Gosei is restructuring its business globally as one part of efforts to grow sustainably into the future. The decision to close TGUK was made against the background of the changing business environment as automakers decrease or end production in the UK, leaving little expectation for growth in the business of TGUK.

"Manufacturing operations had been transferred to TGCZ and other companies, and production at TGUK ended in July 2023. Liquidation of TGUK is scheduled to be completed by around the end of 2024."

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd, which is based in Kiyosu, Japan and celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019, opened in the UK in 1999, manufacturing weatherstrips for a range of car makers. The Rotherham site at Templeborough was its first in Europe.

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2019 accounts for TGUK reported that: "The potential impact of Brexit, further associated customer shutdowns and the new challenges of COVID will impact sales and profitability." Production turnover in 2020 was 23% down on the previous year and this dropped another 10% for 2021.

The company reported that Brexit impacted "turnover, profitability and appropriation of lead-times of goods and services," adding that leaving the EU had increased administration, cost, and pressure on on-time deliveries which led to post-production delays at customers.

In the 2022 accounts, TGUK reported that turnover was down from £42m in 2021 to £35.4m in 2022. Losses before tax increased year on year by £26.1m from £5.2m to £31.3m. This was due to a combination of the closure costs of £24m, reduced impairment (£0.4m) and increased staff costs (£1m) along with the reduction in turnover.

The company had been kept trading by loans from the parent company - £8m came through group loans in 2022. As at 31 March 2022, the company had net current liabilities of £34m and net liabilities of £172m. At the time, Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd said that it remained committed to continue to support Toyoda Gosei UK Ltd and it would provide adequate funding to enable the company to meet its obligations as they fall due.

Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd website

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News: Positive signs of £28m battery production plant opening in Rotherham

The signs are that the Ultimate Battery Company is set to power a brighter future for Rotherham by creating hundreds of jobs in its new production plant for lightweight, eco-friendly batteries.

Rothbiz reported in March regarding the support that the Manchester firm had received from South Yorkshire bodies during its search for a factory location.

A planning application has recently been submitted for new signage for the Ultimate Battery Company at a site at New Orchard Lane, Thurcroft, Rotherham.

The company, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions through transformative new technologies and energy storage solutions, will anchor its manufacturing base in the region following a pledge of financial support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), and help from the Department of International Trade (DIT).

£5.2m from the SYMCA's "gainshare" pot has been allocated to support the Ultimate Battery Company, who have previously said that it would invest £28m setting up a UK production plant. SYMCA marked the project down as an investment in Rotherham in its budget documents last month.

The SYMCA pledged financial support to enable the firm to set up a new research and development centre and manufacturing facility in the region to develop lighter, more energy dense batteries for the automotive sector and is set to create 495 new jobs.

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In addition to the financial support, the company worked with the University of Sheffield’s engineering students and its Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) during the research phase.

The Ultimate Battery Company aims to deliver a new battery that provides Lithium-like performance at 35% of the cost, enables twice the energy to be stored in the same physical space and provides a faster charging rate. These batteries would significantly reduce weight by up to 15Kg per vehicle, driving down CO2 emissions and manufacturing costs, while increasing energy densities.

Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, welcomed the news. He said: "The Ultimate Battery Company, with their innovative green energy technology, is set to create hundreds of jobs after announcing plans for a new production plant for lightweight, eco-friendly batteries.

"Along with the nearby Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley continuing to expand and high-skilled manufacturers like United Caps bringing skilled jobs to Dinnington, the future is looking positive for bringing more opportunities to Rother Valley."

Ultimate Battery Company website

Images: AMRC

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News: "Hauliers against hunger" launches to support community food banks

A commercial vehicle distributor has launched a "Hauliers Against Hunger" campaign that will support food banks across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Crossroads Truck and Bus - which supplies and services Volvo commercial vehicles - says its depots will be twinned with food banks supported by The Trussell Trust, a nationwide charity that fights hunger across the UK.

The campaign will provide on-going assistance and donations that will be sent directly to the community food banks from Crossroads staff and customers throughout the year.

Crossroads Managing Director Gareth Legg said: "The cost of living crisis is creating unprecedented demand for food banks. We are launching Hauliers Against Hunger to support the vital work of these centres to meet this urgent need. The haulage industry played a key role in maintaining supplies during the pandemic and together we can help keep the food banks stocked."



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Research by The Trussell Trust shows that out of 5.7m people on Universal Credit in the UK, one in three (33%) are unable to afford adequate food.

Laura Chalmers, Trussell Trust Area Manager for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: "I am delighted to partner with Crossroads, who will be supporting eight food banks across the region at a time when it is needed the most. Their commitment to fundraising activity, food deliveries and volunteer time will go far in helping to support those in their local communities who will be squeezed the hardest."

The campaign will result in food banks receiving support from the following Crossroads depots: Birstall, Boroughbridge, Hull, Lincoln, Normanton, Rotherham, Scunthorpe and Stallingborough.

Crossroads Truck and Bus will donate £1 for every £1 that staff collect through fundraising events. Customers can also show their support by making a donation when they make use of two special demonstrator trucks, which are decorated in Hauliers Against Hunger campaign livery.

Crossroads Truck and Bus website

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News: AMRC Training Centre drives forward with new McLaren Racing partnership

The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham has secured pole position to become the new apprenticeship supplier for the next generation of engineers who want to steer their careers into motorsport with McLaren Racing’s Formula 1 Team.

Globally renowned for being a pioneer in the competitive world of F1, McLaren Racing has formed a partnership with the AMRC Training Centre to provide level-three apprenticeships in metallic machining, starting in September 2022.

The lucky candidates will divide their study time between the AMRC Training Centre on the Advancd Manufacturing park (AMP) in Rotherham, with on-site experience at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey.

Piers Thynne, McLaren Racing’s Executive Director of F1 Operations, said: “The AMRC not only provides the best machining apprenticeships in the country, but has the best set-up to help grow the machinists of the future. I am excited to see this partnership develop the next generation of apprentices who will join us at McLaren and I look forward to welcoming our first cohort, later this year.”

Apprentices will learn all the aspects involved with the manufacture of metallic and additive manufactured components and be able to operate various manual and computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools within the manufacturing departments at the MTC.

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Anne Griggs, head of business development and contracts at the AMRC Training Centre, says bringing more opportunities with high-profile employers to South Yorkshire is an exciting step forward.

“Securing the delivery of an apprenticeship for a major player like McLaren Racing is fantastic news and provides us with opportunities to collaborate with some of the most well-respected companies, not only within South Yorkshire, but across the UK and the world.

“We already have an existing relationship working with luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive and their McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield region, and we are excited to extend our partnership further with McLaren Racing’s Formula 1 Team - helping them to create the skilled engineers of tomorrow - and providing them with the knowledge and skills required for them to continue their ride into the world of motorsport.

“It is a privilege to become a part of the apprentices’ journey and we look forward to welcoming them to the AMRC Training Centre in September.”

The full-time position will be based at McLaren’s headquarters in Woking, with the apprenticeship training taking place at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre.

AMRC Training website

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News: McLaren's love letter from Britain

McLaren Automotive features in a new campaign that highlights Britain’s high-end brands and luxury exports, as well as telling the stories of local creative industries that have had an international impact.

A new film highlights the levels of innovation encountered in South Yorkshire which led the British supercar manufacturer to create a £50m innovation and production centre in Rotherham.

Love Letters from Britain is a new series of short documentary-style films uncovering the untold stories of UK’s most innovative luxury brands, produced for Walpole by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions and including stories supported by the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign.

McLaren is a partner in the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign, a government and private sector initiative to inspire the world and encourage people to visit, do business, invest and study in the UK. Previous work has involved McLaren highlighting the UK’s strengths in advanced engineering and the promotion of STEM careers.

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Called "Engineering a more sustainable future, from race track to road," the film around McLaren focuses on innovative approaches in the automotive sector to help protect our planet.

As reported by Rothbiz, McLaren Automotive has launched the Artura - the first car to be built on an all-new platform architecture manufactured in Rotherham that will preserve McLaren’s super-lightweight engineering philosophy when adding hybrid powertrain elements including an E-motor and battery pack.

In the film, Piers Scott, PR & Communications director at McLaren Automotive, explains: "The McLaren Artura takes everything that we have learnt to date from our elite motorsports history, through our ten years of manufacturing supercars and distils all of that into one new model.

"It is underpinned by an all new carbon fibre, lightweight architecture, which is a key enabler for us in terms of introducing battery and electric motor technology.

"The UK provides the perfect landscape and environment for running an innovative business. Taking just the example of our work with the Sheffield city region and our linkages into Sheffield University and other academic partners, we've been able to move very, very quickly in terms of experimenting, establishing and then scaling up our manufacturing processes where carbon fibre manufacturing is concerned."

Opening in 2018, the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, was backed by funding via the Local Enterprise Partnership and by research and development at the nearby University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Steve Foxley, CEO of the AMRC, said: "We are the convener. We sit in that gap where we bring problems together with solutions and we come up with innovations.

"We built a facility here for McLaren. We built a prototype and a proof of concept. We proved the new manufacturing process. And what we then did is move the technology up the road to the McLaren facility.

"We have also trained a number of degree apprentices from McLaren and also provided technology training across the whole of the McLaren team.

"Companies like McLaren are brilliant. They have got such a mix and diversity of people, always bringing fresh ideas and challenging some of the preconceptions we've got."

McLaren website
AMRC website

Images: GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign / Walpole

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News: Magtec powers hybrid military vehicles for battlefield of the future

Magtec is supporting the British Army programme to assess the benefits that hybrid military vehicles can bring to the battlefield of the future.

Founded in 1992, Magtec designs and manufactures components for a wide range of applications including trucks, buses and military vehicles. It employs 125 people at its new factory in Rotherham, including ten ex-services personnel.

Magtec has provided electrification for experimental prototypes of the Foxhound patrol vehicle, Jackal combat reconnaissance vehicle and MAN support vehicle for the British Army. The vehicles are currently undergoing evaluation at UTAC’s Millbrook Proving Ground in the Army’s Technology Demonstrator 6 (TD6) project with project partners including NP Aerospace and RBSL.

The vehicles will be on display at DSEI, the international defence industry exhibition taking place in London from September 14-17.

Marcus Jenkins, Chief Technical Officer at Magtec, said: “We are delighted with the progress to date in demonstrating the effectiveness of our drive systems for the most demanding military applications. These hybrid vehicles offer multiple technical and operational enhancements for military vehicles while reducing reliance on fossil fuel.

“We are proud to support the British Army with this important programme, which has the potential to create a significant number of highly skilled engineering jobs in the North of England and strengthen the UK’s position at the forefront of the global transport sector.”

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Battlefield advantages include increased stealth with reduced thermal and noise signature, enabling vehicles to escape detection as troops observe or attack enemy forces. Electric motors enable immediate rapid acceleration and greater freedom of movement, offering numerous tactical advantages across different terrains.

Other advantages include the ability to deliver power at the point of need for military applications in the battlefield or emergency infrastructure in a disaster zone. For instance, one hybrid MAN support vehicle is capable of producing 500kw of power, equivalent to nine diesel generators, and could help power an Army field hospital.

Colonel Simon Ridgway OBE, Assistant Head Plans, Ground Manoeuvre, Army Headquarters, said: “TD6 is a key part of the Army’s plan for electrification of the battlefield, which seeks to gain operational advantage through using novel solutions for power, performance and support while also reducing carbon emissions.

“The programme will provide evidence to support the benefits, both direct and indirect, that hybridisation of some or all of our vehicle fleet may bring to inform our roadmap towards a more capable and sustainable future.”

Magtec recently commissioned a 65,000 sq ft facility at Templeborough to scale up production and meet growing international demand for its innovative technologies.

Magtec website

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News: Magtec opens new factory for electric and hybrid vehicle drive systems in Rotherham

Magtec is opening a state-of-the-art factory for the design, manufacture and integration of its world-leading drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles in Rotherham.

The company has commissioned a 65,000 sq ft facility at Templeborough to scale up production and meet growing international demand for its innovative technologies.

Founded in 1992, Magtec designs and manufactures components for a wide range of applications including trucks, buses and military vehicles.

The privately-funded move represents a multi-million pound commitment and creates 30 highly skilled new jobs for engineers to work on projects at the cutting edge of transportation.

Magtec, founded by chief technical officer Marcus Jenkins, is delivering best-in-class electric and hybrid drive systems for buses, commercial vehicles, special vehicles and trains.

The company employs 125 people including six apprentices and has been operating from two sites in Sheffield and Rotherham.

Managing Director Andrew Gilligan said: “We are delighted to be opening our new factory in South Yorkshire and proud to be investing in the future of high-tech design and manufacturing in the UK.

“Fears over a climate emergency are driving change across the global transport industry and Magtec is absolutely at the forefront of the technology needed to make it happen.

“Our new factory gives us the space to grow, increase production volumes and fulfil our potential in this exciting sector.”

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Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “I’m excited that this new factory is opening up in Rotherham, creating highly-skilled jobs in the local community as part of the growing electric vehicle market.

“This is a perfect example of how our transition away from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles can create jobs and attract investment, all while cutting emissions so we can end our contribution to climate change.”

The new site at Magna 34 Business Park, close to the M1, is spread across two buildings.

Magtec One houses the Centre of Excellence for engineering and a cellular manufacturing facility for motors and gearboxes, test rigs for production and development work and a machine shop with the latest equipment.

Magtec Two houses the battery build section, raft build production lines for electric vehicle and hybrid drive systems for road and rail applications, a controller build section, an environmental test chamber and vehicle integration section. It will also serve the company’s growing business re-powering buses for transport groups.

Last year, Magtec was awarded £3m via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) for a project which aims to utilise the latest automation technologies and establish the company as a tier one supplier to the global transport industry.

Magtec website

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News: Automotive manufacturer proposes closure of Rotherham facility

Japanese-owned auto parts manufacturer, Toyoda Gosei UK Ltd (TGUK), is proposing to close the business in the UK - both plants at Rotherham and Swansea are affected.

The company said that its decision was due to changes in the global automotive sector and reduced demand in the UK. Some European manufacturing has already been moved to the Czech Republic.

458 jobs are at risk at the UK plants.

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd, which is based in Kiyosu, Japan and celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019, opened in the UK in 1999, manufacturing weatherstrips for a range of car makers. The Rotherham site at Templeborough was its first in Europe.

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A statement said: "TGUK will now enter a formal period of consultation with its employees regarding the proposed changes. The proposal is in response to continued changes in the global automotive sector, and a significant reduction in key UK customer demand. Due to these changes, Toyoda Gosei does not foresee growth of its business there and has decided to make this proposal."

In its most recent accounts, for the year ending March 31 2019, loses at the UK subsidiary increased by £1.5m to £8.4m. Turnover dropped by £17m to £60m due to the end of production on some platforms. The accounts said that this decrease would continue, as would consolidation and a focus on cost reduction.

The accounts added that: "The potential impact of Brexit, further associated customer shutdowns and the new challenges of COVID will impact sales and profitability."

A statement from Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd, added: "Restructuring of its global business is one part of Toyoda Gosei’s efforts to achieve sustainable growth into the future.

"The company has taken previous steps to reorganize its business in Europe, selling its shares in a production subsidiary for automotive parts in Germany in December 2019 and moving some of production to its main European manufacturing site, Toyoda Gosei Czech, s.r.o. (TGCZ). It will continue to improve productivity and strengthen its European business with TGCZ in a central role."

Toyoda Gosei website

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News: Rotherham showroom site snapped up

A car showroom in Rotherham has changed hands in a deal that will see a local firm make the short journey across town.

Rothbiz reported last year that the former Volkswagen Rotherham site in Wickersley had gone up for sale having been closed by operators, JCT600.

Now Burrows Motor Company has confirmed that it is moving from its Templeborough operation to the new site.

The building and site occupies a prominent position fronting Bawtry Road and comprises approximately 17,757 sq ft of showroom, workshop and ancillary offices.

Externally, there are used car display areas to the front of the showroom with a substantial customer, staff and Service Parking area to the rear with the total site area covering approximately 1.28 acres.

Family-owned Burrows Motor Company was established in Rotherham and now has its headquarters in Doncaster. It represents Toyota across five dealerships in Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Worksop. It also represents Kia in Barnsley and Mazda in Sheffield and York. The full operation is spread across nine sites in total including the Business and Fleet centre and they have sales, service, MOT and body-shop facilities.

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A spokesperson for Burrows Motor Company, said: "We have outgrown the building [at Templeborough], particularly our Service department. This is a real testament to the excellent levels of service we give to customers, who keep returning time and time again - who also recommend us to family and friends. As much as we would have liked to stay put and extend the building, this was not an option.

"You will probably know that our site near the New York Football Stadium has been flooded three times over the years and we don't expect this situation to get any better. Over the years this has had a huge impact on us financially, not the mention the inconvenience to our customers.

"The new site, on Bawtry Road ... is a much bigger than our current site, with a large car park to the rear, a much bigger workshop and a fabulous showroom with office space, all of which will allow me and the team to look after more customers in the true Burrows style."

Covid restrictions mean that the new site is not yet open to the public but Burrows is operating a click and collect service for buyers.

Knight Frank and Eaton Commercial have been marketing the building.

Burrows website

Images: Burrows

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News: Rotherham-made parts herald new era of McLaren

McLaren Automotive has launched the Artura - the first car to be built on an all-new platform architecture manufactured in Rotherham.

McLaren’s first-ever series-production High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar is the first model to be built on all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), uniquely optimised for HPH powertrains and built in-house at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Rotherham.

The £50m MCTC was opened on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham in 2018.

All-new from the ground up, the Artura presented McLaren engineers and designers with new opportunities to innovate, chief among these being how to preserve McLaren’s super-lightweight engineering philosophy when adding hybrid powertrain elements including an E-motor and battery pack.

A demanding programme of weight reduction, encompassing every area of the Artura from the chassis platform through the uniquely compact HPH powertrain system to the weight of cabling used in the electrical systems (where a 10% reduction was achieved), resulted in the Artura having a lightest dry weight of 1,395kg. The total weight of hybrid components is just 130kg (which includes an 88kg battery pack and 15.4kg E-motor), resulting in a DIN kerbweight of 1,498kg which is on par with comparable supercars that do not have hybrid powertrains, giving the Artura a super-lightweight advantage.

Jamie Corstorphine, Director of Product Strategy, McLaren Automotive, said: “The new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) is quite literally at the core of the super-lightweight engineering philosophy that is inherent throughout the Artura. We developed this all-new, High-Performance Hybrid supercar with all of our learnings from decades of working with advanced composite and other lightweight materials, using world-first processes and techniques to deliver weight savings that offset heavier hybrid powertrains, ensuring greater energy efficiency and maintaining the outstanding agility and dynamic performance our customers expect.”

To achieve the very specific aims of the Artura programme McLaren started right at the core of its new supercar, with a completely new carbon fibre architecture. This had to not only be true to the company’s philosophy of super-lightweight engineering for dynamic and performance reasons, but also crucially to offset the extra weight of a hybrid powertrain, as well as being tailored to accommodate the battery pack.

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The new architecture features three elements: an all-new carbon fibre monocoque occupant structure, a new chassis with aluminium crash beams and rear subframe, and a first-to-market domain-based ethernet electrical architecture.

Four years in the making, MCLA is the first architecture to be manufactured at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC). Flexible in application (but physically incredibly stiff and strong) this scalable platform architecture heralds the beginning of a new era of McLaren supercars.

The McLaren Artura marks another revolutionary leap. No McLaren monocoque, whether designed for the road or race track, has ever had to do more: the carbon fibre structure now additionally provides a safety cell for the battery pack and integrates further crash and load-bearing functionality. Yet it remains incredibly lightweight, weighing just 82kg including battery compartment, aero surfaces, B-pillars and door-hinge fixings, contributing to the low overall weight of the Artura, despite its 130kg of hybrid components.

At first glance, the MCLA monocoque may appear similar to other McLaren carbon fibre structures, but the geometry of every surface is new, and it is constructed from four new carbon materials, a new resin system and a new structural core material. These new properties accommodate both the platform requirements and new, bespoke mechanised production processes now on stream at MCTC.

The in-house approach ensures McLaren can constantly innovate monocoques to accommodate new technologies or new models, without compromising the qualities that ensure its chassis are the lightest, stiffest and strongest in their class.

Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive, said: “Every drop of McLaren’s experience and expertise has been poured into the Artura. Our all-new, High-Performance Hybrid delivers all of the performance, driver engagement and dynamic excellence for which McLaren is renowned, with the additional benefit of EV driving capability. The introduction of the Artura is a landmark moment – for McLaren, for our customers who will appreciate and enjoy this car on every emotional and rational level, and for the supercar world."

McLaren website

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News: McLaren's all-new Artura first to feature Rotherham-made platform

McLaren Automotive has announced that its next launch model, the Artura, will be powered by a hybrid engine, and it will also be the first car to be built on an all-new platform architecture manufactured in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on the supercar firm's introduction of an all-new, flexible, lightweight vehicle architecture which will underpin its next generation of electrified supercars. And that they will be made in Rotherham.

The McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) was opened on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham in 2018. The new architecture, designed specifically to accommodate new hybrid powertrains, has been entirely engineered, developed and produced in-house in the UK at the 75,000 sq ft site which has enabled the company to innovate and produce lightweight carbon fibre "tubs."

The Artura marks the beginning of a new era for the pioneering British company. The Artura is McLaren's first High-Performance Hybrid series production supercar.

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The first car to be built on an all-new, platform architecture optimised for electrification and designed and manufactured in the UK at the MCTC, the Artura furthers McLaren's commitment to super-lightweight engineering principles that have their roots in motorsport.

The additional mass of the High-Performance Hybrid system has been largely offset by the application of weight-saving technologies throughout the chassis, body and powertrain. Additionally, the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) at the heart of the Artura not only enables the car's class-leading weight advantage, it is also the base for the dynamic excellence inherent in every McLaren.

Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer at McLaren Automotive, said: "Every element of the Artura is all-new – from the platform architecture and every part of the High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, to the exterior body, interior and cutting-edge driver interface – but it draws on decades of McLaren experience in pioneering super-lightweight race and road car technologies to bring all of our expertise in electrification to the supercar class."

The new Artura marks the debut of an all-new compact twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, designed to combine with an electric motor in a new lightweight High-Performance Hybrid powertrain that retains the performance benefits of McLaren’s larger capacity V8 engines and has the additional attraction of improved torque response at low engine speeds to deliver scintillating acceleration. The Artura can also run on electric power alone for everyday emission-free urban journeys.

McLaren website

Images: McLaren

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