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Belzona UK is proud to announce the official opening of its independent UK Distributorship. This investment into the UK market with state-of-the-art training, distribution, and in-house application service marks a new milestone in Belzona’s industry leading enterprise. 

The three-million-pound facility has been carefully selected and designed to provide the UK market with a new training and application area, featuring a fully equipped presentation suite and newly built practical workshop space, measuring an immense 585sq m, continuing Belzona’s focus on training raising nationwide application standards. A fully stocked and operational warehouse measuring 900 sq m, accompanies the floor space.   

The product training programs, already in operation, hosted EDF Energy on the 16th January, with a sell-out attendance. Catering for Machinery & Equipment, Buildings & Structures and bespoke courses for specific components, the Hawarden facility provides a multitude of opportunities for industry maintenance training. The 2024 training calendar will be available to view on the Belzona UK website soon. 

Philip Robinson, Applications and Training Director, commented, “Today, as we open this new Office, we are reinforcing our dedication to the UK market. Although the Belzona brand has branched out to the furthest reaches of the globe over the years, the UK remains one of the most important markets Belzona has.”  

Philip adds, “Belzona UK now has its own dedicated on demand stock, product application and training centre, all built with the UK market in mind. This provides Belzona UK with the autonomy it needs to best serve its clients for years to come.”  

The official opening ceremony took place on 31st January, just two weeks before its 72nd anniversary with a speech from Director, Philip Robinson and ribbon cutting ceremony, performed by Belzona’s President, Joel Svendsen. Also in attendance were Councillors for Flintshire and Welsh Government officials, including Cllr Gladys and Dave Healey, and Lord Barry Jones, a beloved politician who has served the Flintshire community for over 50 years and been granted the freedom of the county.  

An informal lunch provided a perfect opportunity for guests to mingle with Belzona UK staff and discuss Belzona UK’s continuing commitment to investing in the local community through schemes such as the one percent volunteering scheme and raising money for charities within the Flintshire area, moving into 2024. 

To add a touch of magic to proceedings, a magician delighted guests with slight of hand and close up magic performances, which was followed by a tour of the purpose built training facility to explore the range of repair solutions that Belzona offers to the industry. 

The opening of Belzona UK brings with it the wealth of experience from its staff and the backing of an established brand which will greatly benefit the vast number of UK industries that rely on Belzona products for repair and maintenance solutions. 

For more information, please visit: www.belzona.co.uk 

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated every year on 11th February. Lantek is contributing to the movement through internships where young people under 30 have the opportunity for scholarships in Basque companies with subsidiaries abroad provided by the Basque Government.

Lantek had already experimented with the scheme and, in 2022, having recognised how it provided an opportunity to train and develop new talent, it welcomed four young people, two in the UK and two in Germany, focussed on customer support engineering activities for Lantek’s CAD/CAM solutions.

Colleagues in the UK and German offices have played a major role in making the internships a success, helping them with language, transport, accommodation and generally making them feel at home in their new environment, while Lantek’s HR department worked with them for pastoral care, tutor meetings, and UK visas, ensuring that they felt happy and supported at all times. One of the young people decided to leave the program after 6 months, but the other three Leire Olaeta, and Leyre Barcina and Itsaso Altuna are now full time Lantek employees as of the beginning of 2024.

Shortly after joining the Lantek UK office, Leire and Leyre were selected to be part of the Lantek Bend software competence team working alongside senior engineers. Leire Olaeta says, “Since the selection process started and the first meetings with Carlos, Rodrigo, and Joerg, we felt welcome and a valuable, part of the team.” Joerg Menzel, part of the Lantek UK team mentoring the two young women says, “We have a very mature office with people being able to cover nearly every aspect of our software portfolio. Leire and Leyre saw the opportunity and ran with it – their potential was great, and I am happy to say their contributions make the entire office better.”

In Germany, Itsaso Altuna was mentored by Gwenhael Born helping her with language barriers and the journey from basic German to leading customer installations. He says, “For me, the most difficult part was to avoid micromanagement, giving enough space for her to develop but not so much that she felt left alone. At the end, it went well.” Itsaso Altuna says, “It was kind of a big moment for me when I realised, ‘Hey, I understood that’! I already felt welcomed, but I have felt much more integrated since that point. That definitively came in handy when I heard some talk about a barbeque, I made sure I was invited to that!” she continues, “When I completed my studies, I wanted a job where I could ask questions directly to the client. I started working as a teacher in 2020 because it felt like the secure option at the time. I wanted a challenge that would line up more with my interests, so I jumped in when I was offered the internship at Lantek.”

Lantek is repeating the internship program in 2024. Two young women Elene Arando and Naiara Azkarate have joined the UK office. Elene says, “I was motivated to go out to discover new places and be able to continue furthering my skills. I heard about the opportunity of working abroad and I thought it could be a good option. I came to Lantek UK and the experience has been great, everybody at the office is very nice and I am constantly learning new things.” Lantek is confident that it can repeat the previous success and it hopes to continue growing the Global Training Program in the coming years.

www.lantek.com 

At Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd, it’s extremely important to us that our customers feel confident in applying our corrosion prevention and sealing systems. Ensuring the longevity and cost-effectiveness of every application begins with helping our customers select the most suitable Denso™ products for their individual project requirements, along with offering free product application training that’s available throughout the UK and beyond.

A signature of our commitment to unrivalled customer service, our comprehensive training is available to distributors and contractors alike and can be undertaken at our dedicated training centre in London, on-site, or even virtually, to suit customer needs. Our highly knowledgeable Denso™ regional managers cover the entirety of the UK and Ireland to provide customers with training in correct and complete application methods. Recent training sessions include site visits to branches of Wolseley UK and Jewson Civils Frazer, along with Viking Johnson and Morrison Utility Services to provide training on the Denso™ P1 and P2 Systems – our CESWI 7^th Edition compliant protection for ferrous pipes, joints and fittings in the water industry.

To register your interest in our free product application training, contact your local representative for more information or fill in the contact form on our website, at www.denso.net.

Tube Tech, the leader in premium cleaning and inspection solutions for oil and gas, petrochemical and agrochemical plants, has launched its next generation Mark 7 fired heater rover system capable of remotely eradicating more than 90% of convection section fouling.

The new technology, developed as a result of an extensive research and development programme, holds two patents. It can automatically crawl over intermediate tube support plates and across tubes, requiring fewer access points and enhancing its ability to access hard-to-reach areas. This defining feature enables the system to clean more in less time.

The new automated rover uses lidar technology for distance sensing and can detect blockages or obstructions. Live HD footage provides the operator with real-time feedback from within the convection bank providing an accurate representation of its condition and any areas of concern. Images and videos can also be used for reporting and analysis.

“We have been developing the Mark 7 rover to be the safest, most effective and intelligent system on the market capable of restoring convection section efficiency to design standards,” Derek Sumsion, R&D Manager at Tube Tech explained. “Becoming part of the IGS portfolio of solutions has provided us with access to broader spectrum of advance technologies and expertise which has made the development of this system possible.”

The Mark 7 rover restores fired heater convection sections back to original design thermal efficiency regardless of the level or type of fouling, dramatically reducing CO₂ emissions. 

Scott Donson, VP - International Business Development and Technical Operations at Tube Tech, commented:

“The launch of the Mark 7 rover indicates a significant step-change in heat transfer efficiency solutions and provides facilities with a much safer, effective, smarter, and sustainable fouling removal service.”

Tube Tech invites industry professionals to a live webinar and Q&A session on March 7^th, 2024, at 1 pm GMT, providing an in-depth exploration of the new system and its capabilities. Interested participants can sign up to watch the event live or on-demand: https://my.demio.com/ref/SPXSBod0OsXrPI6I

Founded in the U.K. in 1988, Tube Tech is the global leader in research-led, high-tech fouling removal and inspection services. As a division of Integrated Global Services (IGS) it is a part of a wider range of mission-critical surface solutions available worldwide.

For more information about Tube Tech, visit: www.tubetech.com

Commenting on National Apprenticeship Week, Kelly Becker, President UK & Ireland, Schneider Electric said:

“Some of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of working with have climbed the ranks through our apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeships offer a dynamic and fulfilling route to success, fostering both technical and interpersonal skills, and the flexibility to shift roles based on business learning, allowing talent to progress quickly. Local programmes like ours allow businesses to plug regional skills gaps and future proof their workforces for years to come, while helping progress the government’s focus on green jobs up and down the country.

That’s why we’re doubling the number of opportunities for our Schneider Electric UK & Ireland apprentice scheme this year. We know that apprenticeships create skills for life, but we also appreciate that there is still a general lack of awareness in the market about their benefits. Often, people don’t know where to start, or perceive roles to be limited to manual labour. As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, it should serve as a reminder that businesses must play a vital role in changing perceptions, including by working with education providers to increase the understanding of the opportunities available.”

www.se.com

Enerpac, the leading industrial tools pump manufacturer, announces the new SC-Series cordless battery pump, a compact lightweight hydraulic pump. The new battery pump allows operators to undertake larger jobs in difficult to access and remote workspaces. With the ‘Enerpac Connect’ app, SC-Series pump operators can instantly access job-specific usage data for traceability and improved precision, as well as a knowledge base of tool information.

Weighing just 9.2 kg including oil and battery, the SC-Series pump takes cordless convenience to another level while eliminating trip hazard extension cords, noise and emission producing generators. With a max. operating pressure of 700 bar, the pump’s high-performance Enerpac 54 Volt, 4 Ah lithium-ion battery provides substantial runtime for high-cycle, high-pressure applications. 

As well as delivering the speed needed to complete applications quickly and efficiently, the high performance, brushless motor offers twice the service life of brushed motors. Moreover, the pump’s fast battery charger minimizes downtime between jobs while providing details of charge status, over-temperature and damaged battery indication.

Precision control

When precision control of tool or cylinder advance is required, the SC-Series thumbwheel speed control can be adjusted during operation for fine incremental movement. In addition, high-precision cylinder retraction is made possible through the pump’s convenient pressure release valve.

The SC-Series pump 1 litre oil capacity gives operators access to a wide range of cylinders and tools. Additionally, the pump’s bladder reservoir reduces the risk of contamination and allows pump use in any position. Accessories for the SC-Series include a shoulder strap that attaches to integrated steel rings for enhanced portability, as well as an optional pendant control.

The heavy-duty pendants operate any Enerpac SC-Series pump and are easy to connect or disconnect when not in use. They feature large buttons, an over moulded grip, lanyard loop and hanger magnet. Multiple seals within the pendant provide IP64 environmental protection.

Enerpac Connect

Underpinning the efficiency and competitiveness that the SC-Series pump brings to any project is the Enerpac Connect app. For the first time, operators have instant and complete access to product specifications, manuals, videos, job specific usage data, and wireless firmware updates. Accessible through convenient use of a smartphone or tablet, tool operators simply scan the QR code on the pump. 

“Enerpac Connect takes the productivity and skills of SC-Series pump operators to another level. It also gives pump owners a comprehensive picture of the tool and its usage, both important factors in job safety and ensuring service delivery. Cordless and compact, we expect the SC-Series to become the ‘go-to’ pump for many users as they make full use of the Enerpac Connect Mobile App for the latest essential tool information,” says Angie Wallace, Global Product Manager, Enerpac.

For more information on the Enerpac SC-Series Cordless Pump, visit www.enerpac.com.

Cascadia Capital’s Aerospace team is pleased to share with you our newest industry report focusing on Aerospace & Defense (“A&D”). To access the full report, click here: Aerospace & Defense Industry Report | Q1-2024

Packed with insightful analysis and comprehensive market trends

Key Highlights

• The products and services in the A&D markets have had a surge in demand with many key indicators that point to strong 2024 and foreseeable future:
  • Despite the rising price of airline tickets, revenue passenger miles have spiked to $97.9B in August of 2023
  • Airbus and Boeing have current combined backlogs of 14,000 planes
  • Both the U.S. and Global Defense Budgets continue to increase
• Supply chain constraints have created opportunities for suppliers that can get quality product to their customers on time
• Industry 4.0 technologies are having a substantial effect on the ecosystem
• Wars are being fought with technology and driving demand for drones and other technologies to fight offensively from remote locations 
• The Aerospace & Defense M&A Markets have been one of the most stable over the last several years and valuations have remained at relatively high levels 
• Private Equity funds have contributed the most to this, especially in consolidating many of the privately-owned companies
• Larger companies have been interested in acquiring higher technology companies that can round out their capabilities

When companies update their products, they often include new features or bug fixes. The improvements which they implement generally represent responses to user feedback about the product. This is precisely what Brady has done with their new hardware products: the fixed RFID reader FR22 Lite is a response to users of the FR22 which needed a simpler reader, and the new antenna GA25 will satisfy all users who do not require the extreme performance of Brady’s other antennas.

The Fixed RFID Reader FR22 Lite

The Brady FR22 Lite is the entry variant of the powerful Brady FR22 RFID reader. The FR22 Lite has the same RFID engine and processing platform as FR22. The need for an external computer or tablet is eliminated with this reader, as a processor is integrated. It does not have the same wireless connectivity, video capability or support for Brady external modules as the FR22, however. “But that is precisely what we wanted and what the customers said they needed”, explains Lluis Bueno, Senior Product Manager for RFID & IoT Devices and Software. “Not all use cases require the kind of capabilities which the FR22 has, with video output, wireless connectivity and 16 port multiplexer. Many customers simply need a basic RFID reader.” The FR22 Lite is exactly that. It features a new UHF RFID engine based on the very latest technology and a full set of API‘s available for controlling the reader. Read capacity is at 1.000 tags per second.

The New Antenna GA25

Brady has, historically, always impressed with very special antennas which have not been available elsewhere. “Our customers loved our readers and devices, that was clear”, remembers Lluis Bueno. “But time and time again we saw that customers needed a generic purpose antenna rather than a special one. And we could not provide such antennas.” Some time ago, work on these generic purpose antennas begun, and in 2022, Brady launched a high-performance generic antenna, the GA30, to great acclaim. The new Brady GA25 goes even further in the direction of a generic antenna: it is a robust and extremely cost-efficient antenna with circular polarization. It has a high gain and achieves a long RFID reading distance, is usable on all surfaces, including metal, and shows excellent performance in every orientation.

Application Areas

Brady FR22 Lite and Brady GA25 can be integrated in one and the same installation. Suitable application areas include asset tracking, Inventory management, people or vehicle access control and document tracking. They can also be used to great advantage in RFID gates and tunnels.

Discover more about RFID Readers and Antennas >>

Brady Corporation

www.brady.co.uk

As National Apprenticeship Week 2024 approaches (February 5^th – 11^th), a thriving Whitchurch-based business is keen to recruit its latest up and coming engineer.

Landia UK, the pump and mixer manufacturer, which is celebrating its 30^th anniversary, has offered work experience and career opportunities to local students at its Waymills site for the past 17 years. Several apprentices have gone on to develop their skills with the company, working their way up to become full-time, qualified engineers, as Landia’s Paul Davies explains:

“Managing products that deal with the wastewater from food, sewage and farm waste might not sound that glamorous at first (!),” he said, but an apprenticeship with us is ideal for somebody who enjoys the challenge of problem-solving. Every day is different here. There’s lots to learn.”

He added; “Take Josh Edge, for example. Not that long ago he was a brand-new apprentice at Landia, but here he is now, using valuable experience gained on our shopfloor to work on sales and projects, including a role just recently at the big LAMMA agricultural show to meet new and prospective customers.”

In advance of National Apprenticeship Week, Landia has already been liaising with local schools, colleges, and training organisations in the search for candidates. This follows several important new orders gained by the Whitchurch company in the final quarter of last year.

Landia 01948 661 200

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