The rise of AI in construction and its effect on the skills gap - both positive and negative - will be one of the key topics of conversation at next month’s UK Construction Week London, which returns to the ExCeL from May 7th to 9th.

A groundbreaking human-centered approach to change management has played a pivotal role in accelerating digital transformation within Rolls-Royce’s manufacturing supply chain.

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has announced that it has been appointed as a liaison for the ISO/TC 96 Cranes Technical Committee. This is a significant milestone that strengthens LEEA’s ability to represent the interests of its members on a global stage, and to collaborate with key international bodies, such as the European Commission, World Customs Organisation, and International Labour Organisation.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems maintain air quality, regulate temperature, and ensure manufacturing processes run smoothly. Yet, these systems are also among the biggest energy consumers, a major source of carbon emissions, and a significant cost burden for businesses. As the UK accelerates towards net-zero targets, industries face mounting pressure to rethink their HVAC strategies. PWE reports.

Capula, a leading provider of advanced operational technology and industrial digitalisation, has announced it has introduced its Smart Digital Operations (SDO) service to support the nuclear sector's evolving safety, efficiency, and sustainability needs.

ABB has announced the introduction of ABB Ability Industrial Knowledge Vault, a generative AI-driven solution designed to solve the growing challenge of knowledge loss in industrial environments.

A record number of sponsors are backing this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival, as employers in the region look to innovative ways to address the sector’s skills gap and inspire a new generation of talent to consider careers in the industry.

Skills development in Teesside has received a £478,000 funding boost from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) amid growing demand for workers in the region.

David Strain, technical director at industrial water equipment supplier Technidrive, explains how VSDs are enhancing pump energy efficiency and performance

Schneider Electric, a global technology leader, has announced it marked the United Nations’ World Water Day on 22 March 2025 with a new white paper ready for the beginning of the UK water industry’s AMP8 regulatory period on 1 April 2025.

The transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on predictive maintenance in industrial automation is becoming increasingly evident. The integration of AI with existing maintenance systems presents both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers seeking to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime. PWE reports.

The success of the government’s plan to accelerate the UK energy transition depends on its ability to overcome wider supply chain challenges, according to energy solutions and temperature control specialist Aggreko.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems maintain air quality, regulate temperature, and ensure manufacturing processes run smoothly. Yet, these systems are also among the biggest energy consumers, a major source of carbon emissions, and a significant cost burden for businesses. As the UK accelerates towards net-zero targets, industries face mounting pressure to rethink their HVAC strategies. PWE reports.

Compressed air is a proven source of reliable and sustainable power for industrial operations. Now, with technologies such as remote monitoring and AI optimisation, it is set to enter a new era of performance and efficiency.

The industrial robotics sector continues to experience strong growth, with operational stock at approximately four million robots according to statistics from the International Federation of Robotics. Improvements in robotic grippers have helped accelerate industrial robot uptake, but is there room for further development? Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems, explains further

Joloda Hydraroll, in partnership with Coleg Menai, is offering three apprenticeship opportunities to young people in Anglesey. The programme provides valuable work experience in engineering, helping to develop local talent while supporting career growth at the company’s leading manufacturing facility, renowned for its expertise in freight solutions. PWE reports.

Resistors are indispensable in the transition to smarter, safer and more sustainable factories, but their contribution is often overlooked. Mike Torbitt, managing director of resistor manufacturer Cressall, explains how resistors ensure the reliability and efficiency of factory operations, from motor control to safely stopping equipment in the case of emergencies

This International Women’s Day, under the theme #AccelerateAction, Nationwide Platforms says it is calling on the industry to move faster toward true equality and inclusion. As a leader in the powered access sector, Nationwide Platforms is actively working to accelerate progress by welcoming more women into the industry and providing the support they need to succeed. 25 year old Jessica Taylor, a certified IPAF trainer, is one of the many women breaking new ground, proving that expertise and leadership have no gender.

The transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on predictive maintenance in industrial automation is becoming increasingly evident. The integration of AI with existing maintenance systems presents both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers seeking to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime. PWE reports.

David Strain, technical director at industrial water equipment supplier Technidrive, explains how VSDs are enhancing pump energy efficiency and performance

Anthony Smith, Managing Director of Metal Work Pneumatic UK, discusses with PWE’s Aaron Blutstein the enduring role of pneumatics amid the rise of AI and robotics. With a strong focus on people, innovation, and customer collaboration, the company’s new Milton Keynes facility expands its capacity for bespoke solutions, while leveraging AI to enhance the customer experience and strengthen its people-centric approach.

Anthony Smith, Managing Director of Metal Work Pneumatic UK, discusses with PWE’s Aaron Blutstein the enduring role of pneumatics amid the rise of AI and robotics. With a strong focus on people, innovation, and customer collaboration, the company’s new Milton Keynes facility expands its capacity for bespoke solutions, while leveraging AI to enhance the customer experience and strengthen its people-centric approach.

Lyckeby’s potato starch plant in Sweden has modernised production with high performance Sulzer pumps, optimising efficiency, handling foamy liquids, reducing energy use, and ensuring reliable, cost-effective operation for long-term sustainability. PWE reports.

Conveyor belt roller bearings are essential for maintaining industrial operations. Their failure can lead to significant disruptions, but early detection methods, such as acoustic imaging, offer a way to identify issues before they escalate. This approach helps reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and ensure the reliability of critical systems. PWE reports

Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced its patent to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to help reduce the likelihood process safety hazards.

A new partnership between UK Construction Week (UKCW) and CPI, the independently governed not-for-profit organisation, responsible for the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) has been announced, which will debut at the London show in May. The partnership is born out of a joint ambition to see culture change across the built environment sector by improving quality and moving towards a greater transparency of available product information and higher standards of marketing practices.

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has announced the return of Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2025 on Thursday 12th June 2025, with the theme “Lifting Careers, Building Futures.” This year, GLAD is dedicated to tackling the growing skills shortages across the lifting industry, promoting practical tools to attract new talent, and using the day as a launchpad to inspire the next generation to explore careers in lifting.

BEP Surface Technologies, a leading provider of surface finishing solutions, has announced it has completed a half-million-pound factory refurbishment to drive growth and innovation.

Graham Barker, Sales & Service Director at Riello Burners UK, discusses with PWE how the combustion research sector is tackling the problem of reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through innovation in burner technologies

Three membership organisations have joined together during National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-14) to promote their professions as a ‘career for all’.

Finning says it is playing its part in tackling the engineering skills shortage by kicking off its search for 2025 apprentices, aiming to grow the number of new recruits over the next two years.

ABB has announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Framework Agreement with international industrial services provider Bilfinger to collaborate on instrumentation and digital solutions boosting operational efficiencies in the energy and process industries.

PEMAC, a leading provider of cloud-based computerised maintenance management software (CMMS) has announced it has joined the Elecosoft group which specialises in software solutions for the building lifecycle.

Chris Johnson* explores how precision bearings are enhancing the performance and reliability of cobots

British Safety Council has announced it has agreed a strategic partnership with Safety Health and Wellbeing (SHW) Live for its new summer event in London, on 18 and 19 June at Olympia – a dedicated event for the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) community based in London and the surrounding area.

Leamington and Warwick based Kigass Aero Components, a fourth-generation family business, won the praise of Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western on a recent visit during which he said, ‘we need to encourage more businesses like yours’,

Rockwell Automation has announced it has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, detailing the company’s approach to sustainability and progress across its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The report outlines Rockwell’s efforts to support sustainable customers, a sustainable company, and sustainable communities.

At the Scalpel Building in London, CBRE, Turck Banner, and Fletcher Moorland have introduced condition-based monitoring (CBM) technology to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and proactively manage maintenance, transforming the building’s operations and asset management strategy. PWE reports

Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced it has been named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights and is the only company to rank first in the Global 100 twice.

The 2025 Top Employers have been announced, and ABB has again been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK. 

An Aston University student, whose start-up business is helping rid Birmingham’s canals of plastic waste, has graduated.

Easyfairs UK has announced that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has chosen Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 as the platform for the official launch of PackUK, a landmark initiative designed to transform the UK packaging sector and lead the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR).

ABB Electrification Service has teamed up with Steel Dynamics Heartland Division (SDI Heartland) to modernise aging substation equipment. PWE reports.

Atlas Copco Rental UK and Ireland, has opened a new depot in Brockworth, Gloucester to strengthen its presence in the South and South West.

Ashley Quarterman, Executive Director Designate from the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), explores how generating nitrogen as a by-product of compressed air can offer cost savings of up to 90%.

Choosing the right safety footwear is critical to ensuring the safety, comfort, and productivity of workers in industrial environments. Clair Weston* highlights five key factors to consider when selecting footwear for applications where comfort and protection are paramount

PWE looks at the use of proactive maintenance and refurbishment strategies and how plant operators can navigate this decision.

Schaeffler UK has been recognised with the Most Innovative Supplier Award 2024 by RS, a global provider of industrial products and services. The award was given in acknowledgment of Schaeffler’s Lifetime Solutions portfolio, a comprehensive range of products, services, and solutions designed to support maintenance engineers throughout the lifecycle of machinery.

At the Scalpel Building in London, CBRE, Turck Banner, and Fletcher Moorland have introduced condition-based monitoring (CBM) technology to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and proactively manage maintenance, transforming the building’s operations and asset management strategy. PWE reports

Pennine Pneumatic Services Limited (PPS), a compressed air distributor in Yorkshire, UK, has become part of Atlas Copco Group, after being acquired by Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd