NEWS COMMENT
Welcome to the Summer issue of UK Manufacturing. On page 20 of this issue, the experts at TÜV SÜD outline the key requirements of BS EN
60204-1:2018,
the European and UK standard for the electrical safety of machinery. The article explains critical provisions for protecting against direct and indirect contact, isolating equipment, colour coding indicators, and verifying compliance.
Victoria White, Editor T W CP AUTOMATION MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
his August marks the 20th anniversary of CP Automation, a Hull-founded power-quality specialist that has grown from a modest warehouse into a global leader in automation, drives, and power-quality solutions. Founded in 2003 in Hull and relocated in 2005 to a purpose-built facility in Scunthorpe, the company transformed its early operations with tailored offices and workshops. A pivotal moment came in 2011 when John Mitchell joined as global business development manager, later becoming global sales and marketing director. This propelled CP Automation into international markets and steered its shift toward energy-efficient, value-driven services. In 2020, CP Automation expanded significantly by acquiring Magnetek’s elevator division, integrating new talent and enhancing capabilities with wireless lift installation radios. Two years later, in 2022, they launched a Crane and Power Transmission division under business development manager Andy Swann,
WRIGHT STRENGTHENS RESILIENCE WITH EXCEPTION PCB ACQUISITION right
Industries has
acquired
Exception PCB, returning the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturer to UK ownership. Exception will join Wright Industries’ other investments, as part of the Connexion Technologies group. This strategic acquisition
underscores both companies’ shared commitment to building the most advanced manufacturing capability in the UK and supporting the UK Government’s drive to secure critical industrial infrastructure. “Bringing Exception PCB back from Asian into UK ownership strengthens our national manufacturing resilience, aligns with UK Government objectives, and opens new opportunities to innovate, invest, and lead” said Craig Wright, chairman and CEO at Connexion Technologies. “The business has undergone significant recent investment in its processing technology to place it at the forefront of PCB manufacturing globally and we are proud to support its continued growth.”
“Exception PCB has a proud history rooted in British engineering,” said Kamal Berberi, general manager at Exception. “We’re excited to join forces with Connexion Technologies and continue developing strategic technologies that serve our customers.”
This acquisition comes at a time when national focus is returning to domestic capability in manufacturing, especially across sectors such as defence, aerospace, energy, and critical infrastructure. By uniting under UK ownership, Connexion Technologies and Exception will strengthen British industry, protect key supply chains, and support skilled jobs across the UK.
www.connexiontechnologies.co.uk UKManufacturing Summer 2025
further broadening their product and service reach. International growth continues with a new French office and an established presence in South Africa. Looking ahead, CP Automation remains committed to innovation with ambitions to lead in automation and power quality through technologies like AI, while staying rooted in its founding principles.
www.cpaltd.net
SARAH CHAMPION MP VISITS PRODUCTIVE MACHINES
S
arah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, visited the offices of Productive Machines to learn about the company’s
transformative impact on UK manufacturing. During her visit, Ms. Champion had the opportunity to experience firsthand the capabilities of Productive Machines’
flagship product, SenseNC, an autonomous milling optimisation software that is revolutionising the machining
industry.productive machines people The visit included a demonstration of the company’s innovative tap testing process, which is used to optimise machining operations and eliminate costly inefficiencies. Champion also engaged with the Productive Machines team to discuss how their technology is helping UK manufacturers increase productivity, reduce waste, and bring manufacturing back to the UK through reshoring initiatives. Alex Cotton from AML Sheffield, a leading aerospace manufacturer and a key customer of Productive Machines, also supported the visit. Cotton showcased one of the actual parts manufactured by AML using Productive Machines’ SenseNC technology. This demonstration highlighted the real- world impact of the software, which has enabled AML to reduce cycle times,improve quality, and make UK-based production competitive with overseas
alternatives.productive machines people
Speaking about her visit, Sarah Champion MP said: “It’s inspiring to see the incredible work being done by Productive Machines right here in Rotherham. Their cutting-edge technology is not only boosting productivity and sustainability for UK manufacturers but also making reshoring a viable option. This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to strengthen British industry and create high-value jobs locally.”
The visit highlighted Productive Machines’ commitment to supporting UK manufacturers by providing advanced solutions that enhance productivity, improve quality, and reduce environmental impact. The company’s reshoring success stories, such as its work with AML Sheffield, demonstrate how technology can make UK manufacturing competitive on a global scale.
productivemachines.co.uk 5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
