Croda Europe Ltd has become the latest organisation to join EEMUA as a corporate member.

Croda is a global speciality chemical company creating ingredients and technologies that bring innovation, high performance and sustainability to an array of products used by industry and consumers around the world. All the company’s UK operations fall within scope of membership, which covers manufacturing sites at Rawcliffe (East Yorkshire), Leek (Staffordshire) and Ditton (Cheshire) producing a range of chemical products.

EEMUA provides valuable information through guidance and other activities for members that assist with tackling issues within industry, whether that is in relation to new or ongoing industry-wide issues, conforming to regulatory standards or discussing incidents. As a membership organisation EEMUA aims to benefit its members continuously across all areas of concern, including the challenges of decarbonisation and sustainability.

EEMUA corporate membership is open to companies that own and/or operate industrial facilities or that are significant purchasers or users of engineering equipment and materials.

EEMUA: www.eemua.org

Croda: www.croda.com/en-gb

On 12.12.22, Join 1000 + capital project professionals LIVE by signing up to ‘Developing a Pathway to Capital Project Digitization’, a webinar exploring routes to high tech, high efficiency capital project execution which minimize disruption and employee unrest.  

Register for FREE now to join the digital debate!    

In this 1-hour LIVE event featuring: 

• Mohamed El-Mehalawi, Global improvement leader, Dow 
• Theunis Myburg, Digital Portfolio Manager, LyondellBasell 
• Jeff Ackerman, Former (CIO) - Capital Projects, Engineering, and Asset Support, Shell 
• Pablo Destefanis, CIO, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

Reuters Events will explore the industries digitization effort, as well as how to best tackle the journey lying ahead. Key themes include:  

• Foundational Data: Maximize digital potential through building a data foundation to support an informative, easy to use digital ecosystem. 
• Digital Mindsets: Ensure satisfaction across project teams with the digital pathway implemented through transparency, training, and support.  
• Untangling the Solution Web: Step away from the demands of individuals projects to take in and digest the options out there which can be applied reliably across all future projects by targeting consistent pain points.  
• Guidebook to Digital Proficiency: Understand the journey ahead from assessing current digital infrastructure to defining a vision for the future of capital project execution, optimizing the entire project lifecycle step by step.  

Register for FREE now to join the digital debate!    

Can’t attend LIVE on the day? We have you covered! Register anyway, and the recording will be sent direct to your inbox to view at your leisure- you’re welcome!  

Kind regards, 

Reuters Events

Compressed air and fluid power specialist Thorite has appointed Jim Allen as Business Development Manager to support its £10 million growth plan, bringing the nationwide team to 13.

Jim joins the Bradford-based company as Business Development Manager for the Huddersfield, Halifax and Wakefield areas of Yorkshire. He has a decade of sales and management expertise in the pneumatics and general industrial sector, most recently as regional manager for Leeds based specialist hazardous equipment manufacturer, Thermac.

His responsibilities will include setting and maintaining strategies for growth, strengthening customer relationships and developing new business.

Jim, who is based at Thorite’s Huddersfield branch, said: “I really enjoy working for companies such as Thorite, who want to not only supply products, but work in partnership with our customers to help them work in safer, efficient and more profitable ways. 

“Anyone can sell products and move boxes but only experts in their field can work in this way.”

Jim will work alongside Thorite’s branch and operational teams to identify key growth potential and ensure that existing and new customers are able to optimise efficiency and productivity through the company’s bespoke solutions and comprehensive aftermarket services.

His appointment follows the announcement of Gregg Blyth as Business Development Manager for the North East region in July.

Thorite Sales Director, Mark Yates, said: “We’re on track to achieve our goal of £10 million growth over the next five years and Jim’s appointment is the latest in a number of roles that are critical our plans.

“His appointment will greatly enhance our services and support to customers in his area.” 

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Following its recent contracts to supply security and fire shutters for airports in Saudia Arabia and Scandinavia, Hart Door Systems of Newcastle upon Tyne has won major contracts for projects in Hong Kong involving the delivery of 73 of its Typhoon shutters.

It was earlier last year (2022) that Hart launched its Typhoon shutter after considerable testing and development as two variants 3000 pascal or 4,000 pascal rated. However testing has showed the shutter was capable of sustaining pressures at 5030 pascals, equivalent to the pressures generated by a Typhoon blowing at around 165 mph. 

Though the majority of Typhoons develop in the six month period beginning in May, Typhoons are a phenomenon at any time of the year, capable of delivering considerable damage to property, often causing many deaths. 

“As a result there are procedures in place across South East Asia to protect people, businesses and property,” says Doug Hart, chairman, Hart Door Systems. “We are delighted that our quality and standards are recognised on such a large-scale and that our Typhoon shutters are part of this protection.”

The order is to supply 73 Typhoon shutters, a record for Hart in one contract, for a 1.2m sq ft data centre in the Tseung Kwan O district of Hong Kong. It follows the recent delivery of 19 Typhoons for another datacentre and two Typhoons for a shopping mall.

Doug Hart adds: “Throughout the development of our business the focus has remained on innovation and quality. After all our leading high-speed door brand, Speedor was first launched in 1983 and this has continued to be a significant part of the high-speed door sector. 

“We have just launched the latest variant, Speedor ECO which will complement Hart’s very successful Speedor Storm, Speedor Mini and sub brands such as Speedor Conveyor and Speedor Cleanroom.

Contact www.hartdoors.com  t: 0191 214 0404   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CAPTION The data centre in Hong Kong where Hart’s Typhoon resistant roller shutters are being installed to each of the 19 floors, highlighted in red,  to allow for heavy computer network equipment access.

 This article also featured in the December/Jan issue below

Marine engineers,Ecomar Propulsion, and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde, have kicked off an ambitious research and development (R&D) project aimed at bringing the manufacture of key parts used in zero-emissions electric boats to the UK. 

Funded by the Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund, the project seeks to bring production to Scotland to overcome a global supply chain shortage ofelectric outboard motors, which are currently made in Japan.

Ecomar Propulsion will tap into the knowledge of experts from NMIS and the Future Electrical Machines Manufacturing (FEMM) Hub,which is leading research in electrical machines and manufacturing to put the UK at the forefront of green energy.

Eugene Bari, CEO of Ecomar Propulsion, said: “We’re looking to establish a Scottish manufacturing base and revolutionise shipbuilding across the UK as we edge towards a decarbonised marine sector.

“The UK shipping industry has historically been seen as a polluter but there is a real potential for clean boats in Scotland.Alongside the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, and with support from Scottish Enterprise and the University of Strathclyde, we’re benefiting from a rich network of connections and tremendous expertise and academic knowledge. 

“For the next generation of outboard motor, we need to establish a new, shorter supply chain and refine product development with sustainability at the forefront from the outset.”

NMIS is part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult and provides access to industry leading expertise and resources that help de-risk innovation, turn ideas into a reality and solve real world manufacturing and engineering challenges.It has recently announced two other high-profile R&D projects aimed at revolutionising UK ship building in collaboration with industry partners including BAE Systems and Malin Marine Consultants. 

EcomarPropulsion research, develop and producehigh performance electric and hybrid hydrogen marine propulsion systems and have set an ambitious goal to reduce maritime greenhousegas emissions by 10 million tonnes within 10 years.

Gladys Benghalia Head of Electrification Manufacturing Programmes at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, said:“Our goal at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland is to transform manufacturing in Scotland and the wider UK, helping toincrease productivity, stimulate local investment, create jobs and strengthen supply chain links. 

“Using our expertise and knowledge of electrification we’ll support this project by identifying a clean and efficient supply chain for electric outboard motors. This means we will look to source the materials and produce the final product in Scotland, reducing our reliance on importing and opening up opportunities for new jobs within the sector.

“Scotland has a legacy for shipbuilding and together with manufacturers large and small, we can establish a more vibrant future for manufacturing and marine technology.”

Enterprise Minister Ivan McKee said: “Scotland has a rich shipbuilding heritage with the skills, technology and expertise to play a leading role in the decarbonisation of the marine sector going forward.

“Through investments in NMIS and the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund, which supports businesses and companies to invest in Scotland by establishing partnerships with Scottish academia on R&D projects, we are creating the conditions to support the transformation of Scottish manufacturing through de-risking innovation, attracting investment, creating jobs and supporting a cleaner, greener future.”

For more information, please visit www.nmis.scot. 

Enerpac announces the ERAK-Series Reaction Arm Kits for Enerpac S and RSL (RSQ)-Series Square Drive torque wrenches. In addition to improving torque tool fit, the kits enhance worker safety by providing a safety tested and full torque rated reaction arm.

The ERAK-Series Reaction Arm reduces the twisting reaction force produced during torque wrench bolting and, consequently, prevents operator fatigue. Significantly the ERAK-Series also eliminates the need for extended reaction arm and reaction tubes, enabling a more compact torque tool arrangement. Simplicity and ease of use are the trademark of Enerpac torque tools. The ERAK-Series replaces the need for multiple custom reaction arms. It can be configured in unique standard setups which are suitable to repetitive work. Moreover, the reaction arm can be used with the hexagon Allen-Key drives on the torque wrench. 

The ERAK-Series Reaction Arm is designed for the most common Enerpac S and RSL (RSQ)-Series Square Drive torque wrenches. Since their introduction, the S-Series and RSL-Series have set the benchmark for ease of use and productivity, providing a simple and robust solution for a wide range of bolting applications.

For more information on the ERAK-Series Reaction Arm Kits, visit www.enerpac.com.

Hollie’s roles have been product-focussed and customer-facing since joining Euchner, so she is already well-versed on the company and its portfolio of machinery safety products and training solutions. 

Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director (UK&I) David Dearden says: “Hollie’s all-encompassing role helps support our major growth plans by being a key contributor to UK sales and marketing strategies for both products and services for Euchner.

“Her role will include research and analysis of key trends in new and existing markets, collaborating with both internal and external resources on new product launches and working closely with the sales and services teams on growth strategies and the continued development of Euchner’s key accounts network.”

For further information on Euchner’s range of products and services visit www.euchner.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Safety Technology Centre on +44 (0)114 256 0123.

In England, one in six people will experience depression or anxiety in any given week. In recent years, a growing movement in favour of the destigmatisation of these issues has encouraged more open attitudes towards mental health, making it easier for people to discuss their problems.

Whilst this process has been undeniably helpful in legitimising the concerns of those suffering with mental health, there’s still a long way to go, particularly in male-dominated fields such as the construction sector. Employers’ past failures to provide adequate mental health support, coupled with a continuing culture of machismo, means that the construction sector has historically lagged behind when it comes to addressing mental health issues.

However, a growing number of construction companies are adopting mental health policies, beginning to foster a more open, conversational culture and training Mental Health First Aiders to provide additional support. One such company is commercial painting specialist Bagnalls, that has made great strides in embracing mental health support across its business. 

Key Findings

Why is mental health more important now than ever?

The construction industry is not unique in that the mental health of those working within it was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey from Mind found that those who had struggled with their mental health before the pandemic were more likely to have been negatively affected throughout 2020 and 2021. 

It is, however, experiencing its own acute crisis. ACIOB survey found that, during 2020, increased numbers of construction workers were dealing with mental health issues;87% of respondents to their survey had experienced anxiety, 70% had experienced depression and 97% had experienced stress. 

While a winter spike in COVID-19 in cases seems likely, future lockdowns do not. But there are a number of other socio-economic issues that may be having a negative effect on people’s mental health. 

Uncontrollable matters such as uncertainty regarding the war in Ukraine, the ever-rising cost of living and the UK’s imminent recession could be triggering personal mental health crises. According to the Faculty of Public Health, economic crises increase the risk factors for mental health issues, which can include low household income, debt, financial difficulties, poor housing and job insecurity.

Given that the recession and increasing costs of materials could hinder the viability of both large and small-scale construction projects, people working within the industry may have legitimate concerns about their job security. It is therefore hugely important that workers in the sector have proper access to the relevant support. 

Why are mental health matters so important in the construction industry?

Mental health issues can affect anyone, irrespective of demographics or employment. However, UK-based charity Mates in Mind found that over two-thirds of construction workers believe there is a stigma surrounding mental health that prevents them from talking about their issues. Given that construction is a largely male-dominated sector – with 82% of all UK construction workers identifying as male – it’s hugely important that communicative barriers are broken down. 

With dated masculine ideals and machoism still sadly enduring in the sector, there is little surprise that suicide rates are higher amongst men working in this industry; men working in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, with two construction workers dyingevery day from suicide. Modern companies must therefore make an effort to change this culture by providing proper outlets for mental health discussions, and fostering an environment in which employees feel empowered to speak up. 

What support should be available to people working in the construction industry? 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England exists to provide support to workplaces in a vast range of industries through adapted training and new resources. Striving to train one in 10 people in mental health awareness and skills, the organisation’s aim is to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and cultivate a culture in which speaking freely about your mental health is accepted. 

Through the Mental Health First Aider course, members of a company or organisation can learn how to better listen, reassure and respond to people dealing with a crisis. In the male-dominated construction sector, where speaking freely about mental health can be an obstacle, it is more important than ever that colleagues are attuned to their peers’ feelings. 

If an employee still finds it difficult to talk openly with the support offered above, Wellness Action Plans like these from Mind can be a helpful alternative. This can help employers understand their staff’s needs and concerns in events where traditional verbal conversation may feel impossible.

There are many ways in which companies in this sector can help foster a more open culture. Bagnalls offers an Employee Assistance Programme, which is available to access all day, every day. Bagnalls are also expanding the number of Mental Health First Aiders in the company, making it easier for members of the team to get access to the proper support.

By forging a partnership with Andy’s Man Club, who addressed the entire workforce on the importance of speaking up about mental health issues, Bagnalls has begun to make the necessary changes to increase openness in the workplace.

How can businesses in the construction sector benefit from implementing mental health support?

Stress, anxiety and depression account for one-fifth of all work-related illnesses, resulting in 70 million annual sick days across the industry. The related cost of these sick days is an estimated £70-100billion. By providing adequate mental health support, employers can help create a safe space for employees, minimising the amount of missed days. 

Not only this, but addressing mental wellbeing in the workplace could help increase productivity by as much as 12%, and help employees to feel more valued than ever. Whilst it may not always be possible to change how employees feel, it is always helpful to let them know that a support framework is in place should they feel ready to talk. 

Joanne Gualda, Marketing Director at Bagnalls, comments: “Providing proper mental health support should be a requirement for businesses in any sector, but companies working in construction have a particular responsibility. Bypartnering with Andy’s Man Club and training our staff members to become Mental Health First Aiders, we hope to raise awareness and reduce the high suicide rate amongst people working in the construction industry.”