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AMRC marks 25 years! October 14, 2026 AIRTO member The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has refocused its strategy, prioritising the high-growth aerospace, defence and nuclear energy sectors and setting a bold ambition to quadruple its economic impact over the next decade. As the AMRC marks its 25th anniversary, it is focusing its research and technology capabilities on accelerating technology adoption and building sovereign UK supply chains to help UK manufacturers scale and compete globally. The strategic shift is anchored by its major research programmes including the £54 million Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) facility and small modular reactor (SMR) development supporting Rolls-Royce SMR. It builds on the AMRC's 25-year track record of innovation-led impact that has already helped attract £350m inward investment and more than 2,500 manufacturing jobs into the South Yorkshire manufacturing cluster. Further recent investments include McLaren Automotive's announcement of a £40m expansion of its composites technology centre, creating 300 jobs, and a £19m investment by Rolls-Royce into its Advanced Blade Casting Facility, both located close to the AMRC. Image Credit: AMRC

Leave a reply. Avolon buys 70 A330neo engines from Rolls-Royce following recent Airbus order. October 13, 2026, 04:34 PDT British manufacturer Rolls-Royce has secured an order from Avolon for 70 Trent 7000 engines, following the lessor's recent agreement to acquire 35 A330neo aircraft from Airbus. On October 13, 2026, Rolls Royce's Chief Customer Officer, Ewen McDonald, said he welcomed Avolon's "continued trust and partnership in the Trent 7000 programme". "Avolon is an important customer and long-standing supporter of this aircraft/ engine combination, which forms a large part of its widebody fleet," McDonald added. On October 9, 2026, Avolon placed a triple-digit order with Airbus for 35 A330-900s and 75 A320neo Family jets, a total of 110 aircraft. The agreement also includes options for a further 100 aircraft. The Trent 7000 is the only engine used to power A330neo widebodies, delivering a 14% better fuel burn per seat than the previous generation aircraft. "The A330neo remains one of the most capable and efficient widebody aircraft in the market today. Powered by the Trent 7000, it offers our airline customers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, operational reliability and range," Will Pitcher, Head of Powerplant Strategy and Asset Solutions, Avolon, said. "This order strengthens our ability to support customers' fleet renewal and growth plans over the coming decade." Avolon's total order for the A330-900 has now increased to 114 aircraft, while the order book for A320 family aircraft has risen to 650. Following the recent Airbus order, Andy Cronin, Avolon CEO, said. "We continue to see strong demand for new aircraft, and this order further strengthens our long-term delivery pipeline. This positions us to support our airline customers' fleet growth and replacement requirements well into the next decade." He added: "We expect demand for both the A330neo and A320neo to remain strong given the long-term growth trajectory of the aviation sector, and we are delighted to further expand our longstanding partnership with Airbus through this agreement."

Prime Minister Andy Burnham issues message to 'the great city of Derby' It follows the £1 billion order for 29 new battery-electric trains at Alstom. News Zena Hawley Agenda editor 06:00, 13 Oct 2026Updated 06:36, 13 Oct 2026 Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told MPs in the House of Commons that Derby will be a "major beneficiary of the Government's drive to reindustrialise Britain". Article continues below His comments came after Derby South MP Baggy Shanker highlighted the £1 billion order for 29 new battery-electric trains at Alstom's Litchurch Lane site in the House of Commons. Article continues below The order is the latest major investment in Derby's industrial future. It follows the £9 billion Unity contract with Rolls-Royce Submarines, which will create 1,000 roles and safeguard 4,000 existing jobs, while the city is also preparing to become the home of Great British Railways. Article continues below Mr Shanker said: "Derby has the manufacturing talent and capabilities that will help Britain succeed on the international stage, and with a brilliant £1 billion order for 29 new battery-electric trains at Alstom in Litchurch Lane, we're on a roll in our city. "Does the Prime Minister agree that, by championing British manufacturing on the international stage, we can secure more of this work and secure the jobs that our communities desperately need?" We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info Mr Burnham replied: "Derby, the great city of Derby, will be a big beneficiary of this Government's drive to reindustrialise this country. "I was at Alstom myself with him (Mr Shanker). I saw what is being done and the apprenticeships that are there. We are proud of what is going on in the city. "I will ask my right honourable friend the Chancellor, the First Secretary of State, to do everything they can to drive the maximum value for British jobs from every pound of public procurement in this country." Article continues below Mr Shanker said the Prime Minister's response showed how Derby could benefit from a government focused on rebuilding British industry and added: "Previous governments failed to recognise the value of keeping work and skills in Britain. "When contracts go overseas, we don't just lose the immediate jobs; we lose experience and opportunities for the next generation. "The Prime Minister understands that public spending should strengthen our own economy. We will make sure that investment delivers good jobs and the positive changes local people want and deserve."