MTA hosts record-breaking TDI Challenge to inspire the next generation of engineers
The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) is delighted to announce the most successful Technology, Design, and Innovation (TDI) Challenge to date. Organised by MTA’s Technology & Skills Manager, Sami Ortiz, this year’s event has grown larger than ever, featuring over 23 finalists presenting their innovative projects to an esteemed panel of 13 judges.
This year’s TDI Challenge is proudly hosted by Yamazaki Mazak at their state-of-the-art facility in Worcester. Mazak, an inspiring leader in the manufacturing sector, provided participants with an exclusive tour of their factory, further igniting the passion of these young innovators.
The 2024 TDI Challenge is generously sponsored by the Gene Haas Foundation, Vision West Nottinghamshire College, and Imagineering, who are all pioneers in the industry. Andrew Ward, representing the Gene Haas Foundation and serving as one of the judges, emphasised the significance of such events for the future of engineering. “This type of challenge is crucial for our sector. These young talents are the future of engineering, and we must nurture their potential as they will soon be changing the world,” said Ward.
James Selka, CEO of MTA, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s growth and impact. “The TDI Challenge is not only growing, it is thriving! I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sami Ortiz and our sponsors for their unwavering support. This event exemplifies how the industry can come together to shape the future of the manufacturing sector. Despite the rapid growth of the UK industry, there is a concerning decline in the number of young engineers. They are our future, and having some of the biggest names in the industry judge their projects is an honour for both MTA and the students.”
The 2024 TDI Challenge is open to students aged 14-19, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovation. Participants were invited to submit a design for a new product or concept and a two-minute video demonstrating its application and benefits. Finalists were chosen from the video entries submitted by the end of May 2024 and from four live semi-finals held at London Design & Engineering UTC, Silverstone UTC, WMG Academy for Young Engineers and Norfolk UTC. The finalists were then invited to present their ideas in detail, where the winners were announced.
MTA’s Technology & Skills Manager remarked, “It is fantastic to see so many students and teachers from all over the UK engaged in the manufacturing and technology sector. This year’s competition is our biggest yet, showcasing projects in robotics, software, machinery, and more. It’s the perfect occasion to witness the future of our industry.”
The TDI Challenge not only celebrates student creativity but also highlights the importance of industry and education collaboration in addressing future challenges and opportunities. This year’s event also features former TDI Challenge winners from 2022 and 2023, who have returned as judges, sharing their inspiring journeys and the impact the challenge had on their careers.
Scarlett Ward, a former TDI Challenge winner from 2022, who was just 16 years old and in Year 11 at the time, has finished Sixth Form and is now deciding where to study at either Imperial College London or University College London (UCL). Her project, an underwater laser alarm designed to prevent drowning of animals and adults, has continued to evolve. She expressed her gratitude for the challenge, stating, “Being a judge is an honour. This challenge changed my life, and I hope to help change someone’s life through this event, just as it did for me.” She is still developing her project and is now on the path to market it, thanks to the support and guidance received from judges during the challenge.
Bhavy Metakar, the 2023 TDI Challenge winner, who was 18 and in Sixth Form at the time, is now in his first year studying Electronic and Electrical Engineering at UCL. He reflected on his experience, highlighting how the challenge provided a unique opportunity to present and manage the market value of his project, a crucial skill for engineers. “This challenge was a great starting point and a significant addition to my CV,” he said. He has since joined a research group to further improve his project and is currently working on a startup linked to his project, aiming to merge innovation with practical application.
The winners of the TDI Challenge 2024 are:
1ST PLACE: INDIGO WERNICK
Project: Product design to help people with dyspraxia
School/College: Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern
Prize: £400 for student – £1000 for School/College
Indigo expressed that her project required immense time and dedication. Her motivation for entering the competition was deeply personal, as she suffers from dyspraxia and believes her project can aid others with similar disabilities. She chose the TDI Challenge inspired by friends who participated last year. She was utterly astonished to learn she had won.
2ND PLACE: NITHIPHAT TANGPRASERT (BILL)
Project: Sign language translation device
School/College: Charterhouse
Prize: £300 for student – £800 for School/College
Bill attributed his victory to luck. He aims to further develop his project using the judges’ feedback and even mentioned the possibility of re-entering next year to showcase his progress.
3RD PLACE: AMAYA LUNAVAT
Project: Cooking Oil and Wastewater Separator
School/College: North London Collegiate School
Prize: £200 for student – £400 for School/College
Amaya’s favourite part of the day was exploring other students’ projects and exchanging ideas with like-minded individuals about the future of engineering. Her primary goal was to enjoy the experience, with winning being an added bonus.
GROUP CATEGORY WINNER:
Project: PI 5
School/College: WMG Coventry
Students Daniel Hill, Hadi Dhoomun, Jacob Hallworth, Bethan Davies, William Cattell
Prize: £400 for students, £400 for school/college
The TDI Challenge exists to help teachers and lecturers promote the extraordinary work completed by their Design and Technology (D&T) and Engineering students, celebrating the creativity and innovation within the curriculum.
For more information, visit www.thetdichallenge.co.uk
Kite Packaging expands gummed paper tape dispenser range
Kite Packaging, a leader in the UK packaging industry, has expanded their range of gummed tape paper dispensers. The range now includes the Curby Mini-Taper, Better Pack BP555 and Venom reinforced gummed paper tape.
Curby Mini-Taper
Designed for small and new ecommerce businesses with limited workspaces and low-volume shipping needs, the Curby Mini-Taper is a perfect fit for small workstations or desktops. Its compactness, lightweight design, and affordability allow smaller retailers to reap the benefits of water-activated tape – one of the toughest sealing options available.
Key features and benefits:
- Cutting mechanism ensures precise, uniform cuts for a professional finish every time.
- Better Pack water brushes consistently wet tape, enhancing adhesion.
- Refillable water tank holds enough water for one tape roll, minimising refills.
- No electricity needed; the dispenser is portable and versatile.
- Achieves reliable seals with just one strip of water-activated tape.
- Operating without electricity makes it an environmentally responsible choice.
- Automatically dispenses pre-moistened segments of tape.
- 14 colour-coded keys pre-programmed for common tape lengths, from 150mm to 145mm.
- Repeat function dispenses same length as previously dispensed.
- Steel frame and ABS casing provide strength, impact resistance, and temperature performance.
- Compatible with tape widths ranging from 25mmm to 76mm.
- Accommodates rolls up to 303m, reducing downtime.
- Dispenses 1.14m of tape per second.
- 89-litre reservoir evenly wets tape for optimal adhesion.
- UL listed, CE and CSA certified, and RoHS compliant, ensuring safety and energy conservation standards are met.
- 4kg shipping weight.
Tyson Foods to sell Georgia poultry complex
Tyson Foods has entered into an agreement to sell its Vienna, Georgia poultry complex to House of Raeford Farms.
Tyson Foods said the decision to sell the complex is part of its “continued efforts to optimize its plant network.” It added that the company will continue to service customer orders from other production locations.
House of Raeford Farms intends to continue poultry processing at the complex, utilizing the existing workforce and grower network.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including approval by U.S. regulators.
Investigation results in £50,000 fine for food business which faked disease certificates
A food business owner has been fined following a successful prosecution by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). An investigation by the FSA’s National Food Crime Unit, working with Heart of the South West Trading Standards, found evidence he had falsified Salmonella testing certificates.
Poultry farmer Stuart Perkins of SG Perkins Ltd received a substantial fine at Bath Magistrates Court on Wednesday 3 July after pleading guilty to various offences under The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and the Animal Health Act 1981.
The FSA, working with partners including Avon and Somerset police, Environmental Health and Trading Standards, executed a search warrant at the poultry farm and abattoir in November 2023 and found evidence of traceability concerns and that Perkins had falsified Salmonella testing certificates. This meant birds had been slaughtered for the food chain without proof they were free from disease.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency supported the investigations, monitoring the welfare of the poultry on site and collecting official Salmonella samples. The FSA acted to manage the potential food safety risk by ensuring products with traceability concerns were removed from the market.
An alert was also issued to industry by the FSA’s NFCU to ask food businesses to check the traceability of their suppliers to help ensure legitimate businesses maintain the integrity and safety of their food chains and protect their customers.
Perkins and SG Perkins Ltd was sentenced to a fine of £5,000 for each FSA offence, £3,500 for each local authority offence, costs amounting to £21,810.75, plus a victim surcharge of £2,000, which came to a total of £50,830.75.
Andrew Quinn, Head of the Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), said: “We welcome this substantial fine as it shows the serious nature of faking documents and jeopardising food safety. This should act as a deterrent to anyone considering taking dangerous short cuts and breaching food safety and hygiene law. I want to thank Heart of the South West Trading Standards for their excellent work in securing this result, as well as Avon and Somerset Police for their assistance.
“Together, we are stronger in the fight against food crime, and we continue to work with partners to ensure food is safe and help ensure that consumers are protected.”
Fakir Mohamed Osman, Head of the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, said: “We take breaches of this kind very seriously. The prevention of salmonella programme is there for a reason, to safeguard the public. Producers suspected of not carrying out the required testing will be investigated.
“The defendant’s actions presented a real risk to public health, and I am pleased that, thanks to our collaborative efforts with the Food Standards Agency, we were able to take action.”
Acomo acquires nuts and dried fruit business from Caldic
Acomo, the Euronext Amsterdam-listed diversified, plant-based food ingredients group, has reached agreement with Caldic on the acquisition of the Caldic Food Service and Retail nuts and dried fruit business in Northern Europe.
The intended acquisition by Acomo will further strengthen the group’s Spices & Nuts segment and establish a stepping stone in the European Nordic markets.
The acquisition encompasses Caldic Food Service and Retail (FSR) that operates an office, and a process and production facility in Malmö, Sweden. The company is mainly active in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Germany, and supplies a wide range of nuts, seeds, kernels, dried fruits, pulses and marzipan to wholesale and retail customers, the food industry and the Out-of-Home market.
It successfully runs its own widely renowned retail brand, Naturens Energi, and also produces high quality (almond-based) marzipan.
Allard Goldschmeding, CEO of Acomo, said: “This bolt-on acquisition allows us to establish local presence in the Nordic markets. Commercial Director Patrick Wibroe and his team will undoubtedly give a significant impulse to the projected growth of our Spices & Nuts segment.
“The combination of trading and new value-added services such as customer concept packing, roasting and producing is a proven approach to reinforcing our position in the supply chains we are active in, enabling us to provide answers to growing customer demand.”
Gustav Larsson, Managing Director, Caldic Nordics, said: “We are happy to have found a new home for the Food Service and Retail team. At Acomo, with a longstanding track record in trading and distributing food products and ingredients, our dried fruits and nuts business can flourish and our colleagues who join them will have the opportunity to advance their careers in a company where this segment is central to the strategy.
“With this agreement, our customers are assured of continuity in the supply of the products and the brands they value, but as part of Delinuts’ innovative offering. Upon completion of the agreement, we will work with Acomo to ensure an uninterrupted supply while we transfer the production, products and brands to Delinuts.”
After the closing of the transaction, Caldic Food Service and Retail (FSR) will be renamed to “Delinuts Nordics” and jointly operate with Delinuts Netherlands to further explore new markets and opportunities.
Sander van Ooij, Managing Director, Delinuts, said: “Both companies have a huge growth potential. We will be able to leverage the respective portfolios because they are complementary, not only in terms of sourcing and knowledge, but also as far as product range, sales channels and geographical distribution are concerned. This allows us to launch new and distinctive product/market combinations and service offerings.”
Patrick Wibroe, Commercial Director of Caldic Food Service & Retail (FSR), said: “We are excited to become part of the Dutch-listed Acomo Group. Acomo is a renowned player in the market and committed to further grow the nuts business. We are grateful to Caldic Nordics and Caldic Europe for the strong support over the years that has enabled us to
successfully develop our business.
“We firmly believe this is the right moment to join Acomo to further strengthen our position in the Nordics, and extend our portfolio with many new products in line with our strategy and core products, which will be of great value for our customers. We look forward to partnering with them and Delinuts Netherlands to continue providing tailored solutions to our customers that help strengthen their credentials with end consumers.”
PPMA Show: ‘Inside the Exhibition’ with Gregg Wallace
The PPMA Show organisers, Automate UK, have been busy planning the UK’s largest processing and packaging event to ensure it will be yet another spectacular show between 24-26 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Automate UK is excited to reveal that the well-known broadcaster, entrepreneur and writer, Gregg Wallace, will be spending a day at PPMA Show exploring the fascinating world of processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision systems as he goes ‘Inside the Exhibition’.
The show is renowned for being ‘the place to be’ for visitors, with plenty of opportunities for them to seek inspirational packaging solutions, discover fascinating new machinery, broaden their knowledge at expert talks, and engage in face-to-face networking. Visitors will walk away from the show armed with a wealth of information and knowledge that can be applied to their own businesses to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and boost productivity.
The annual PPMA Show attracts over 8,000 visitors across the three-days and includes over 350 world-class exhibitors, comprising over 2,500 brands. These companies will be displaying their state-of-the-art products and services, hosting product launches and live demonstrations to attract the visitors’ attention. Some of this year’s exhibitors include GEA, Bizerba, Videojet, Ulma, Ishida, Beckhoff, Schur Star Systems, Ilpra, Sidel, and JBT Proseal.
One of last year’s visitors from Unilever said: “There is a good, wide range of products on show. We came to the show looking for automation partners, which is where our company is headed. We’ve visited the show a number of times and it always delivers good networking opportunities.”
The comprehensive seminar programme is one of the show’s highlights. It provides visitors with ideal opportunities to top up their industry knowledge and stay informed about the latest trends. This year’s keynote speakers are:
- Stefan Casey, Nestlé: The digital transformation of FMCG industry: How digital technology is bringing both challenges and opportunities in packaging across the whole value chain
- Jessica Sansom, Huel: The manifestations of climate change – rising to the challenge and adapting to a new normal
Kingsmoor Packaging achieves BRCGS AA+
Leading thermoforming business, Somerset-based Kingsmoor Packaging, has recently been awarded a AA+ grade from the BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard) certification, formerly BRC (British Retail Consortium), on its first unannounced audit.
This significant achievement highlights the company’s commitment to excellence, as it not only secured the highest possible grade, but also did so with a spotless record, receiving no minor non-conformances.
The AA+ grade, under the revised Issue 6 of the BRCGS Standard for Packaging Materials, is one of the most prestigious accolades within the certification scheme. This certification not only streamlines the supplier approval process but also assists food companies in meeting BRCGS Food Standard requirements, thereby helping retailers and food manufacturers adhere to their legal obligations.
The BRCGS standard encompasses HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point), good manufacturing practices, and the hygiene, safety, and quality requirements for packaging manufacturers supplying the food and consumer products industries. Furthermore, the standard is used as an effective management tool industry-wide, guaranteeing safe, quality and legally compliant products.
James Hill, Kingsmoor Packaging’s managing director, said: “Securing the AA+ grade on our first unannounced audit is a testament to our dedication to producing high-quality thermoformed packaging products. This achievement reassures both our existing customers and potential clients of our unwavering commitment to quality. It’s a tremendous credit to the hard work and resolve of our entire team.”
Specialising in manufacturing plastic packaging solutions that are 100% recyclable, made with recycled material and plastic packaging tax (PPT) compliant, Kingsmoor Packaging is dedicated to “Forming A Better Future.”
Relying on solar power to support its manufacturing requirements, Kingsmoor can provide a nimble, flexible and cost-effective single-source service to its customers.
Visit www.kingsmoorpackaging.co.uk to find out more.
The Label Makers transform Halfpenny Green’s premium wine labels
Award-winning label manufacturer, The Label Makers, has recently worked with Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, to produce a new look sustainable label for their oak-aged Solaris wine, part of their premium range.
The design, which marks a natural evolution of the key feature of a signature coin on the label, a hallmark of all wines produced by the estate, is due to be rolled out across the other premium range bottles within the next month, with plans to extend this to the entire range.
Established over 40 years ago, Halfpenny Green Wine Estate is one of the largest vineyards in the UK, producing award-winning wines from its 30-acre vineyard in South Staffordshire. The family-run estate is known for its high-quality wines and a variety of wine-tasting experiences, drawing visitors from across the region to enjoy its picturesque setting and exceptional wines.
Crafted using uncoated white matt wood free printing paper with a felt-marked finish, the labels reflect both aesthetic excellence and environmental responsibility. The material is designed to withstand challenging conditions with its wet strength and fungicidal treatment, ensuring the labels remain pristine even in wet environments like ice buckets. Additionally, the laminate contains 70% post-consumer recycled content (PCR), reinforcing The Label Makers’ and their customers’ commitment to sustainability.
The new labels feature advanced printing techniques, including full-colour digital print, intricate lines, foils, embossing, high-build spot varnish and spot flexo on the coin detail and colours, ensuring remarkable standout appeal. The redesigned coin, now a more prominent feature, significantly enhances the label’s visual impact. Wolverhampton-based design agency, The Studio Group, created all branding and redesigns.
“As far as we are concerned, The Label Makers have been the ‘go-to’ in the industry for beverage labels since August 2017, when we started working with them,” said Julian Sollom, head of sales at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate. “They really understand drinks labels, producing consistently high-quality products, such as scuff-resistant labels that maintain their integrity in shipping and in ice buckets. Our long-standing relationship has seen them consistently produce premium labels perfectly tailored for their intended purpose.”
Dan Wilson, business development manager at The Label Makers, said: ”As always when we work with companies like Halfpenny Green, who have a strong brand ethos and sustainability stipulation throughout their business, we do our utmost to match their requirements.
“Clear communication between ourselves and the client throughout the project was key to ensuring that the brief was followed to the letter, so we could extract as much as possible from the design details. Having established a great working relationship with the estate, we are proud to have been part of this project and their ongoing success. We look forward to working with them in the future.”
The Label Makers design and manufacture premium quality self-adhesive labels for many of the UK’s leading brands. From design through to finished labels, the company provides a bespoke service aimed at delivering maximum shelf standout.
For more information visit here.
Premium vodka brand fusing Indian and British flavours looks to raise £1m
Desi Daru Vodka, the premium vodka brand known for its fusion of Indian and British flavours, is looking to raise £1,000,000 investment, aimed at expanding its presence in the UK, increasing direct-to-consumer sales, and commencing international distribution.
Mohit Singh and Aneet Kaur, the husband and wife team behind Desi Daru, are looking to use the investment raised to increase their production capacity at the distillery in Oxfordshire where they produce their award-winning liquid, as well as expanding their marketing capabilities and strengthening direct-to-consumer channels.
A significant portion of the investment would also be allocated for international distribution, allowing Desi Daru to bring their vodkas to new global markets.
Their vodkas have garnered much international acclaim, the Original and Alphonso Mango varieties scored 98 and 99 respectively in the IWSC awards, as well as the receiving World’s Best Flavoured Vodka at the World Drink Awards, 5 Master Medals at The Spirit Masters and a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition.
Mohit Singh, founder of Desi Daru, shared: “It is a pivotal time to be raising money for Desi Daru, as we strive to expand and solidify our position as one of the premier vodka brands in the UK. This funding will help fuel our ambitious growth and bring our vodkas to a wider audience, both domestically and internationally.”
Speciality & Fine Food Fair partners with IND!E and Ocado for Pitch Live 2024
Speciality & Fine Food Fair, taking place on 10-11 September at Olympia London, has announced an exciting new partnership with IND!E and Ocado, providing two innovative food & drink brands with the opportunity to secure a listing with the online supermarket.
Open to producers exhibiting at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2024, Pitch Live will see brands take part in a Dragon’s Den style live pitch on the Fair’s Talking Trends stage, before one food brand and one drinks brand are declared the winners.
The two winning brands will secure a listing on Ocado through the IND!E partnership. The IND!E shop-in shop at Ocado will be a dedicated space to showcase a curated selection of innovative products from emerging brands, offering customers a unique shopping experience and giving SMEs the chance to reach a wider audience.
Hannah McKillop, Marketing Manager at IND!E, comments: “We’ve decided to partner with Speciality & Fine Food Fair again for 2024 because it aligns perfectly with our mission to connect with and support high-quality, innovative brands and help them get into retail.
“The Fair provides a unique platform for emerging brands to showcase their products to a diverse and engaged audience, fostering brand awareness and loyalty. Additionally, our past collaborations have proven successful, and it has been fantastic to work with the winner of Pitch Live last year in bringing their products to UK consumers.”
Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, adds: “We’re delighted to be working with the IND!E team again and expanding Pitch Live for 2024 with highly desirable listing with Ocado for two talented food and drink brands.
“The Fair is passionate about offering opportunities to artisan food & drink brands to get in front of key buyers and new consumer audiences, and this is an amazing chance for the right brands to shine. The perfect pitch combines a killer product, clear USPs, a compelling story and knock-out branding, and we can’t wait to see which producers succeed in Pitch Live this year.”
Freya O’Mara, Trading Manager, Pantry and Speciality Foods at Ocado Retail, says: “We are incredibly excited to be part of Pitch Live at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2024. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the most promising and innovative food and drink brands.
“At Ocado and through our partnership with IND!E, we are passionate about bringing our customers the best and most unique products available, and Pitch Live allows us to discover and support the next generation of standout brands. We look forward to seeing the creativity and quality that this year’s participants will bring to the table.”
Speciality & Fine Food Fair takes place on Tuesday 10 September – Wednesday 11 September at Olympia London. To find out more about everything happening at this year’s event, and to secure your complimentary trade ticket, visit specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk.