Women powering the future of energy

Details

Hits: 166

UK Power Networks is powering ambition this International Women in Engineering Day (June 23), by celebrating the women shaping the future of energy.

With four employees shortlisted for the national Women in Utilities Awards next month, from frontline engineering to digital innovation, such success shines a spotlight on the vital role women play in driving the journey to a cleaner, greener UK.

Among those recognised are Golda Zipfel shortlisted for Returner of the Year whose decade at UK Power Networks includes two triumphant returns to work after having her sons, and Hannah Harris is a Rising Star already making a significant impact early in her career.

Marta Canelo Ruiz, a frontline engineer with UK Power Networks Services, has been shortlisted for Frontline Excellence, recognising her role in keeping essential defence infrastructure running safely and reliably.

Odilia Bertetti has been named a finalist for Technology Champion, reflecting her work driving innovation and digital solutions for the company’s Distribution System Operator. She said: “People assume women in engineering are the cautious ones, the risk-averse, the brake rather than the accelerator. My experience is very much the opposite. Engineering needs bold ideas and strong execution, which is exactly what women in engineering bring to this industry every day.” 

To help encourage women to enter STEM areas including the energy sector, UK Power Networks continues to invest in initiatives to support gender diversity, including career development programmes, plus mentoring and outreach work with schools, higher education bodies and local communities. On International Women in Engineering Day, it will host an inaugural conference for employees which will be a space to learn from industry experts and leaders, build confidence, and connect with a supportive network.

Basil Scarsella, chief executive at UK Power Networks, said: “Engineering plays a critical role in delivering a more sustainable, affordable and resilient energy system. It’s vital that we attract and support talented people from every background, and we are proud to see so many female colleagues recognised for their contribution to the sector.

“Days like International Women in Engineering Day are an opportunity to showcase the breadth of careers available and inspire the next generation to consider a future in engineering. This is an exciting sector to work in, and our commitment goes well beyond June 23 to make sure everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed.”

Mitsubishi Electric Europe launches browser-based production analytics app to simplify shopfloor visibility

Details

Hits: 146

Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. has launched DataNavigateApp, a browser-based production analytics solution designed to help manufacturers better understand machine performance, downtime and energy usage.

The launch comes as manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve productivity and reduce energy consumption amid rising operating costs, tighter production targets and ongoing engineering resource constraints. While many factories already collect large volumes of machine data, turning that information into practical operational insight that can be used on the shopfloor remains a significant challenge.

DataNavigateApp has been developed to help manufacturers gain greater visibility into machine performance, downtime and energy behaviour. The browser-based application is designed specifically for Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC iQ-R Series C Intelligent Function Module and can be installed via an SD memory card.

Supporting production-level visualisation, the solution provides manufacturers with a practical first step towards wider factory visualisation, Industrial IoT and digital transformation initiatives.

The platform has been built around three core principles: simple setup, monitoring from anywhere and easy data collection. Configuration is carried out through a standard web browser, eliminating the need for specialist programming expertise, ladder programming knowledge or C language development. Machine status and production trends can be viewed remotely from PCs or tablets without the need for dedicated HMI hardware.

DataNavigateApp also simplifies data collection from both Mitsubishi Electric and third-party PLC environments through standard industrial communication protocols. Where production data is already available within the CPU module, information can be visualised without extensive integration work or significant modifications to existing PLC programs. This makes the solution suitable for both mixed-vendor and brownfield manufacturing environments.

The application has been designed to support a phased approach to implementation. Manufacturers can begin by monitoring a single machine or production line before expanding the same approach across wider operations, allowing projects to demonstrate value before scaling.

Commenting on the launch, Daniel Sperlich, Strategic Product Manager Controllers EMEA at Mitsubishi Electric, said:

"Many manufacturers already have access to the data they need, but turning that data into something practical and actionable on the shopfloor remains a challenge.

"DataNavigateApp can help lower the barrier to production analytics. It gives manufacturers a practical way to improve visibility of machine performance, helping teams identify opportunities to improve output stability, reduce downtime, better understand energy behaviour and reduce operating costs, without needing large-scale software projects or specialist programming expertise. Just as importantly, manufacturers can start small, prove value quickly and then scale at their own pace."

The platform helps manufacturers address a range of common production challenges, including output instability, unplanned downtime, rising energy consumption and performance degradation. By visualising equipment operating status and operational trends, identifying factors affecting operating time, highlighting wasted power consumption and supporting predictive maintenance initiatives, the solution enables teams to prioritise improvements more effectively and respond more quickly to emerging issues.

Designed to operate alongside existing equipment using standard PLC communication functions, DataNavigateApp can be deployed across mixed-vendor and brownfield environments with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Information is presented through intuitive graphical dashboards, enabling users to compare operational data across different time periods, machines and production conditions. By helping teams identify trends, prioritise improvement opportunities and react more quickly to operational issues, the solution supports faster decision-making, clearer operational priorities and measurable improvements in machine performance.

https://europe.mitsubishielectric.com/en/

UKMHA opens new headquarters to drive skills, safety and innovation across the material handling sector

Details

Hits: 130

The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) officially opened the doors to its brand-new headquarters in Kibworth, Leicestershire, with a special Open Day to welcome guests. The event marked a significant milestone for the association, bringing together members, partners and many of those who have supported UKMHA's growth and development over the years.

Rob Fisher, CEO of UKMHA, said: "The opening of our new headquarters marks an exciting chapter for UKMHA. I am delighted to say that our Open Day was a tremendous success, made all the more special by our members. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the occasion, and to those whose hard work and commitment helped turn this vision into reality."

Guests heard about UKMHA's ambitions for the new facility during a welcome address from the association's President.

Andrew Woodward, President of UKMHA, commented: "This facility represents far more than just a new building. It is a strategic investment in the future of the material handling sector and in the people who will help shape it."

He added: "It has been designed as a centre for learning, collaboration and innovation that will help advance safety standards, support skills development and strengthen connections across our industry."

The investment reflects UKMHA's long-term commitment to raising standards, supporting workforce development and improving safety across the UK's material handling sector.

The new 8,000 sq. ft. Kibworth headquarters has been developed as a central hub for training, collaboration and technical excellence within the material handling industry. Located in the Midlands with excellent road and rail connections, the facility provides improved accessibility for members from across the UK.

The building will serve as the headquarters for both UKMHA and Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS), bringing the organisations closer together operationally whilst continuing to support members nationwide through regional events and on-site assessments.

The site features modern training suites, workshop and demonstration areas, together with dedicated spaces for technical committees, meetings and industry events. Designed by Creative Commercial Environments with members in mind, the facility offers a welcoming and professional environment for meetings, workshops and networking opportunities.  

Andrew Hobson, Managing Director of Creative Commercial Environments (CCE), said: "We were delighted to be selected for the Kibworth project. Our objective was to understand the purpose behind the brief and create a space that supports the way people learn, collaborate and engage. We wanted training environments that feel inspiring rather than clinical, whilst ensuring social spaces encourage meaningful interaction and collaboration."

The new headquarters will strengthen UKMHA's ability to support members through accredited training, technical guidance and industry-leading safety initiatives. It will also support the continued expansion of the association's in-house training provision and its investment in future skills development.

Paul Dancer, Head of Learning and Development at UKMHA, commented: "We believe that learning and skills development are just as critical to the future of the sector as the equipment itself. The opening of our new facility gives us the capability to deliver high-quality training in an environment specifically designed to support professional development."

The Open Day was designed not only to showcase the new facility, but also to provide members with updates on key UKMHA initiatives spanning safety, training, technical standards and market intelligence.

Matthew Kennedy, Technical Manager at CFTS, demonstrated the new CFTS app, developed to support Thorough Examination engineers and the businesses they serve through improved access to inspection information, record management and operational oversight.

He said: "We are always looking for ways to improve processes for our members whilst maintaining the consistency and quality standards that CFTS is known for. The app has been designed around the practical needs of Thorough Examination engineers, enabling them to access information quickly, manage records efficiently and work more effectively across multiple sites. For businesses managing teams of engineers, it also provides a clearer way to maintain oversight and keep inspection information organised."

Guests also heard from Richard Elphee, Sales Director, and Tasha Coleman, Area Sales Manager at A-SAFE, who explored the evolution of protection systems and their role in improving safety across industrial environments.

Jeremy Leonard, Managing Director of Global Industry Services at Oxford Economics, provided an exclusive overview of the UK forklift truck market, using analysis produced specifically for UKMHA. His presentation examined the latest forklift truck forecast, recession risks despite a stronger-than-expected first quarter, and the potential economic impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The session also included industry briefings covering distribution, transport services, food, beverages and tobacco, and construction, offering members valuable insight into the sectors that drive demand for material handling equipment.

The facility was immediately put into action following its opening. The next day saw the launch of the 2026 National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD) campaign, which brought together industry resources and activities aimed at improving safety awareness across the sector.

This year's campaign focused on technician safety and was underpinned by UKMHA workplace injury data, which highlighted several key safety concerns.

David Goss, Technical Director of UKMHA, said: "Our data from 2019 to 2025 shows that UK forklift suppliers lost more than 1,000 working days every year as a result of workplace injuries. What's particularly striking is that nearly 30% of those incidents occurred when people were not working directly on the equipment, demonstrating that safety risks extend well beyond forklift operation itself.”

He continued: “Our long-term objective is to reduce the number of accidents and incidents involving material handling equipment. Our new centre will play a crucial role in helping us achieve that goal by providing the space, resources and accessibility needed to train more people and reach more businesses."

In addition to NFSD, within days of the new headquarters being opened, the next phase of UKMHA’s training programme was launched, with the first in-person courses successfully delivered at the new facility.

The opening of the Kibworth headquarters represents a major investment in the future of the material handling industry, strengthening UKMHA's ability to champion safety, develop skills, support members and drive innovation for years to come.

For more information about UKMHA, please visit https://ukmha.org.uk/.

CompAir Energy Check: Turning compressed air into a strategic energy advantage

Details

Hits: 146

Rising energy costs and increasing sustainability targets are forcing manufacturers to rethink their energy strategies. Yet compressed air, one of the largest energy consumers in industrial production, often remains overlooked.

With energy accounting for up to 80 per cent of a compressed air system’s lifecycle costs, operators are recognising that efficiency is no longer just about the compressor itself, but about the performance of the entire system.

To help companies identify opportunities for energy savings, compressor manufacturer, CompAir, part of Ingersoll Rand has launched its https://www.compair.com/en/compressor-service/air-audits/">Energy Check.

Designed for all compressor technologies and brands, the Energy Check provides a data-driven analysis of the complete compressed air network, from generation and air treatment to distribution and consumption.

The goal is simple. To deliver more compressed air with less energy.

Typical Energy Checks can highlight energy savings potential of 20 to 30 per cent or higher, by identifying issues such as:

• Excess pressure
• Air leaks
• Pressure drops
• Inefficient controls
• Oversized air treatment
• Poor maintenance strategies

Even small optimisation measures can generate significant results. For example, reducing system pressure by just 1 bar can lower energy consumption by more than 10 per cent. Likewise, recovering waste heat from compressor systems can reduce heating costs and CO₂ emissions significantly.

Beyond identifying inefficiencies, the CompAir Energy Check delivers a clear action plan with practical recommendations to improve reliability, lower operational costs, and support sustainability goals.

“Compressed air should no longer be viewed as just a utility,” explains CompAir. “It is a strategic energy system that can be measured, optimised, and actively managed.”

As manufacturers continue to focus on competitiveness, resilience, and decarbonisation, compressed air optimisation is becoming an increasingly important lever for long-term industrial performance.

Learn more about CompAir Energy Checks and compressed air optimisation solutions at

https://www.compair.com/en/compressor-service/air-audits/">https://www.compair.com/en/compressor-service/air-audits/