n NEWS January 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 12 A PROJECT TO PRODUCE a new set of axles for a 129year-old steam locomotive has been chosen as the project of the year in the 2025 AEMT Awards, announced recently. The accolade went to Liverpoolbased Rewinds & J Windsor & Sons, which designed and manufactured replacement axles for the Locomotive No. 5 steam engine, which hauls passengers up the Snowdon Mountain Railway in North Wales. Routine inspections had discovered surface flaws in the locomotive’s axles and further testing revealed internal issues that made repairs impossible. Forging new axles in the traditional way was ruled out because of the long lead times and high costs. So RJW manufactured entirely new axles from solid steel billets. Analysis determined the chemical composition of the original steel and the team used 3D laser scanning to produce accurate models and engineering drawings from the original components. Each of the two new axles began life as a solid, 1.7mlong four-tonne billet of steel, 580mm in diameter. Around 75% of the mass was machined away during the manufacturing process. The project involved mechanical engineering apprentices, who gained hands-on experience in applied manufacturing, problem-solving, and heritage engineering. The new axles were delivered on time and on budget, helping to ensure that the railway’s summer timetable could continue without disruption. Other winners of 2025 AEMT Awards included: Product of the year: Hidrostal, for its high-efficiency, low-maintenance SuperBetsy IPS autonomous mobile pumping system, designed for demanding applications from flood response, to sewage and construction site management. Service centre of the year: IPS Newcastle for its fullservice motor, generator, and pump repair centre with in-house coil manufacture and rewind expertise. Supplier of the year: TEC Electric Motors, which has become the UK’s largest supplier of low-voltage electric New axles for Snowdon Railway win AEMT project of the year motors, offering three-phase motors up to 630kW, including IE3 and IE4 efficiency models, supported by a 24/7, 365-day call-out service. Contribution to skills and training: Sulzer, which aligns its internal growth with industry standards and third-party certification. Through cross-functional collaboration and digital innovation, Sulzer is said to be shaping a futureready workforce and establishing a scalable model of excellence in technical skills. Rising star: Dominic Harvey of Sulzer Services (UK), who manages high-value projects and drives innovation across the business. The award cited his passion for engineering, commitment to professional development, and leadership in outreach initiatives. Diversity in engineering: Innomotics, which says that diversity, equity and inclusion have been part of its DNA from day one. Its policies, ambassador network and global initiatives bring inclusion to life through training, fair recruitment, and programmes such as the Academy of Mining Digitalisation for Women. Sustainable organisation of the year: WEG UK, which drives sustainability through innovation, circular operations, and community engagement. With 73% of its revenues coming from sustainable products and a 28% reduction in emissions since 2021, WEG is said to exemplify environmental leadership. The call for nominations for the 2026 AEMT awards will open in the spring of 2026. A project to replace a Welsh steam engine’s axles has won an AEMT award ROCKWELL AUTOMATION IS BUILDING a new manufacturing plant in the US which could become its largest manufacturing site globally, with a “significant” footprint and the flexibility to scale operations. The new greenfield site, in Southeastern Wisconsin, is the latest step in the company’s plan to invest $2bn in plants, digital infrastructure and talent, in an effort to grow its market share, build resilience, and expand margins over the coming five years. This new facility will include more than 1 million square feet (92,900m2) of manufacturing and warehouse space, and will be equipped with advanced automation, robotics, and digital systems that will showcase Rockwell’s manufacturing capabilities. “It will integrate the latest in Rockwell’s production technologies, including AI and analytics tools, to increase efficiency and precision, while providing team members with access to advanced tools and training,” explains Rockwell’s chief supply chain officer, Bob Buttermore. “Designing a new facility presents the opportunity to create the future of industrial operations, with highly orchestrated production,” adds Rockwell’s chairman and CEO, Blake Moret. “We are expanding our US manufacturing footprint with advanced production capability that supports growth and performance with the latest Rockwell technologies and solutions.” Rockwell says that the planned site reinforces its long-term commitment to American manufacturing and to its skilled workforce. The Southeastern Wisconsin location will be near the company’s global headquarters in Milwaukee. The company has not revealed what it will be manufacturing in the new plant. Construction and site planning are already underway. New Rockwell factory could be its largest in the world
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=