• • • NEWS • • •
Third of businesses still unclear over Brexit A
new engineering services sector survey has revealed that just under 1 in 3 businesses (30 per cent) have said they are still not clear about the forthcoming business implications of Brexit. Only a further one third (28 per cent) said they are ‘fully clear’ about the implications of the Brexit transition.
Three quarters (75 per cent) of respondents expect the cost of electrical and electronic products to either stay the same or rise after the transition deadline of 31 December 2020. However, although over 40 per cent of respondents said product availability was a major factor on the horizon, fewer than 1 in 5 (17 per cent) said they expected product availability to be negatively impacted. Half (49 per cent) replied that they expect availability to broadly stay the same. Rob Driscoll, ECA director of legal and business, said: “It is perhaps no surprise that uncertainty remains a central theme as we inch closer to the Brexit deadline. However, these figures also reveal a degree of confidence in the sector – confidence in the availability of materials, and of skilled and competent individuals, once we are no longer part of the EU.” Alan Wilson, SELECT managing director, said: “These findings show that there is still ongoing concern about Brexit, with the sector also still weighing up the long-term impact of COVID-19. However, despite these twin uncertainties, it is encouraging to see the industry showing some confidence in other areas as we move into what will no doubt be an eventful 2021.” Fiona Hodgson, SNIPEF chief executive, said: “The latest survey shows our Members are optimistic about Brexit and recovery from the pandemic. However, there is still much uncertainty surrounding both which may continue to have implications for the supply chain for some time. We will continue to monitor the position and Members need to consider the effect of higher prices and longer lead times when planning work.” Two thirds (66 per cent) of businesses did not believe skills would be a significant problem after Brexit, and less than a fifth (18 per cent) they had adopted methods for dealing with skills issues linked to Brexit transition. This figure doubled for businesses with turnover above £20 million.
Danfoss’ fully-electric wheel loader system D
anfoss Editron has developed a fully-electric wheel loader system, the latest example of how the company is transforming the construction market by enabling the electrification of heavy-duty machinery. As with other construction machinery, there is a growing demand for electric and hybrid versions of wheel loaders as companies, cities and countries around the world continue to set CO2 and emissions reduction targets.
Developed at Danfoss’ Application Development Centre in Nordborg, Denmark, Danfoss Editron’s fully-electric wheel
loader system has been designed to provide high-performance levels with greater efficiency across all system states, with energy consumption kept to a minimum. The EDITRON system includes an EM-PMI375-T800 motor, which has a speed range of up to 4000RPM and uses synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology, as well as EC-C1200-AFE350 DC/AC converters and a DC-DC converter. Its configuration means that its 650V battery supplies the DC voltage, which is then inverted to AC to control the traction motor. The other subsystems can also be operated from the DC link voltage.
When fitted with Danfoss Editron’s fully-electric system, a wheel loader will offer multiple benefits compared to traditional hydraulic versions of the machine, including anticipated emissions savings of approximately 35 tonnes of CO2 annually based on average low, medium and high work cycles. It also reduces running costs, lowers noise from the engine and minimises vibrations during operation, resulting in increased comfort levels for operators. Danfoss Editron’s system engineer Hanno Hinrichsen said: “This fully-electric system showcases the complete electrification expertise and approach that only Danfoss Editron can offer. It is another example of how our product portfolio can unlock additional benefits for our customers by improving productivity, performance and efficiency. Completing this project demonstrates that we can also deliver complete systems, as well as system components.”
Elkem opens EV workshop in China
lkem has completed and opened a new production workshop in Shanghai, China, dedicated to the development and manufacturing of specialised silicones for hybrid and electric vehicles. This move further strengthens Elkem’s position as the largest silicones producer in China. China is the world’s largest single market for the production and sales of electric vehicles (EV). The global demand for EV’s is growing fast, and some analysts now expect EV’s to account for around a third of new car sales by 2030.
E Increased sales of hybrids and
EV’s represent a substantial growth opportunity for Elkem, particularly within silicones. An EV contains on average four times more silicones than a traditional car. Silicones contribute to safer, more reliable and more comfortable cars, as a key component in airbags, cables, hoses and tires, and Elkem is already a supplier to several of the world’s top EV producers. “The cars of the future will be powered by electricity and built and protected with silicones. Elkem is very proud to play a key role in making greener, safer and more sustainable cities, in line with our strategy of specialisation and growth, and Shanghai is the best place to ride the wave of transports electrification and renewable energy developments,” said Elkem’s senior vice president for Silicones, Frederic Jacquin.
The new workshop in Shanghai further increases the production capacity and will help customers grow by providing customised and high-value products for the hybrid and electric vehicle market.
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