Introduction It was


Charles Dickens who wrote


‘it was the best of times, it was the worst of times’


and that seems to rather aptly sum up the


situation we find ourselves in.


Contents News


Interview - 5 minutes with Tony Snowdon Features


Energy Storage: The Key to Making Green Energy Profitable


Direct Engagement with the Oil & Gas Supply Chain


An insight to condition monitoring for offshore wind


Front cover photo: REpower Systems AG THE


QUarterly journal


The National Metals Technology Centre, Swinden House, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom S60 3AR


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Tel: +44(0)1709 724990 Fax: +44(0)1709 724999 Email: info@namtec.co.uk


The National Metals Technology Centre Quarterly Journal


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The dark clouds of a Eurozone crisis continue to hang in the horizon, breeding uncertainty and volatility; neither of which are conducive to an environment for the growth politicians speak of. Yet, many companies tell us of being extraordinarily busy, with order books full through the whole of 2012, some to the point of bursting and many considering expansion in capacity.


Two things are notable. Firstly, certain markets are very strong (with apologies!) – aerospace is flying high with record orders for the likes of Airbus cascading down the supply chain, oil and gas is buoyant, automotive continues to drive forward with, for example, JLR expanding into new factories and 1000’s of new jobs, mining and construction continues to build… Secondly, a key element in success sits with exports – global products being sold into a global market. Overall, companies with a balance of product, sector and market seem to be fairing best.


A busy quarter is coming. We continue to support the community with an exclusive members only meeting with Petrobras and events looking to provide an understanding of Areva Wind, how to access to


the defence sector and a breakfast members only introduction to nuclear decommissioning; all helping to build a pipe line to success for the manufacturing community.


March will also see the 2nd European Titanium Conference providing the latest insights into technology and application of a materials seeing significant increase in usage, especially in aerospace. With some 40 presenters, this encompasses to full scope of leading organisations in the development, supply and application of this material.


Closer to home, March will also see the 2nd Sheffield Global Manufacturing Festival with an excellent speaker line including senior representatives from EDF, Rolls Royce, Smith and Nephew and Siemens.


Dr. Alan McLelland, Chief Executive


Proliferation: Mitigating the Risks to the Metals Sector


Engines and Powerplants


Bespoke Harvey Flower prize fabricated using Additive Layer Manufacturing


Titanium Remains on Top in Aerospace New members Event Reviews


Events and Training Programmes


To keep up to date with all the latest news and developments please visit the NAMTEC website at www.namtec.co.uk


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Advertising Enquiries Kirsten Bolton, Marketing Manager Tel: 01709 722462 Email: kirsten.bolton@namtec.co.uk


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